London, George 17th Century

London established a new and large nursery firm in 1681 which competed with small nurserymen and those who imported plants, particularly "greens" from Holland.

He was of "humble origin," a term commonly used in England for those not of an aristocratic background. He worked at first with John Rose (1629-1677), the royal gardener. His great capacity to work with plants was soon realized and he was sent to France to study its horticultural developments. Somewhat later, after he had returned to England, he himself became superintendent of the royal gardens. He continued the nursery business at the same time with several partners including Henry Wise (1653-1738). From 1689 this nursery became very famous and was known as the London and Wise establishment and greatly influenced landscaping during their long period.

London traveled extensively, interviewed clients and proposed landscape plants. He had an excellent knowledge of Dutch and French gardening. He was a real botanist as well as an excellent horticulturist. London died in 1713.