[From
The Floricultural Magazine, 1838, p. 73-76:] "Various Remarks on the Sporting of Roses, &c." by Wm. Willison, New Garden Nursery, near Whitby....August 11th, 1838. [see Article under the listing of 'White Moss']
[From
The Florist and Garden Miscellany, October 1850, p. 255:] Early one morning in July .... I paid a visit to Mr. Willison's Rose-Nursery, which is situated about a mile to the eastward of Whitby, and known by the name of "New Gardens".....The garden was cultivated almost exclusively for vegetables and horticultural produce until the year 1812, when a part of the ground was appropriated and converted into a Botanic Garden, Mr. Alexander Willison, the present lessee, being appointed the curator. The collection of botanical plants was never considerable, but included several very rare specimens. About the year 1828, the botanical department was discontinued for lack of support. Shortly afterwards, Mr.
William Willison, the son of the lessee, began to cultivate Roses, and paid considerable attention to the raising of seedlings. At this time it was the only Rose-nursery in the north; in fact, I believe this was the only nursery in England where Roses were cultivated for sale to any extent, unless it was Mr. Rivers, who began some time about the same period.
[From
Reed's Illustrated Guide to Whitby, by Silvester Reed, 8th ed. 1864, p. 77:] Those who are partial to floral pursuits we would direct to THE NEW GARDENS, which are situate about half a mile to the eastward of Whitby. From 1812 to 1828, part of These gardens were devoted to botanical purposes. The grounds are now converted into a rose and tulip nursery, conducted by Mr. William Willison. All the best known roses are cultivated, with miscellaneous collection of shrubs, fruit trees, &c.
[From
Whitby Authors and their Publications, by Rev. Gideon Smales, 1867, p. 70:] A Catalogue of Hardy Ornamental Flowering Shrubs, Forest and Fruit Trees, &c., Sold by Alexander Willison, Nurseryman and Florist, New Gardens, Whitby. 12mo., pp. 26. Whitby: R. Rodgers. 1834. This work was compiled by the Rev. G. Young, assisted by Mr. Willison, who was a well-trained, plodding, industrious, persevering, and much-respected Scotch gardener, and who has left a numerous and worthy race of successors in his immediate descendants, who are likely to meet the floral and arboricultural wants of the town and neighbourhood.
[From
The Gardeners' Chronicle, November 27, 1875, p. 674:] In consequence of the decease of Wm. Willison, of Newgardens Whitby, this large and valuable Collection, comprising 1300 varieties [of tulips] is now offered to the public....Alexander Willison, Esk Place, Whitby.
