Celebrating 125 Years with ‘Legacy’

Frank P Matthews Trees is marking an extraordinary milestone this year -125 years of growing excellence and as part of our celebrations we are launching a very special new apple tree. Named ‘Legacy’, this commemorative variety not only celebrates the nursery’s rich heritage but also supports a meaningful cause close to the gardening community.

A Tree Rooted in History

As a fourth-generation, family-run nursery based in Worcestershire, Frank P Matthews Trees has built a reputation for quality, care, and innovation over more than a century. The introduction of ‘Legacy’ is a fitting tribute to that journey — a symbol of both tradition and forward thinking.

The name itself was chosen through a public competition held in March, which attracted over 300 entries. ‘Legacy’ perfectly reflects the story behind the tree: a celebration of the past, with an eye firmly on the future.

Supporting a Worthy Cause
In keeping with this spirit, ‘Legacy’ has been launched in partnership with the National Garden Scheme (NGS), an organisation that will celebrate its own centenary in 2027. For every tree sold, a donation will be made to support the NGS and its vital work funding nursing and health charities. This collaboration brings together two long-standing institutions in British horticulture, united by a shared commitment to community and wellbeing.

Steph Dunn James of Frank P Matthews Trees commented; “‘Legacy’ perfectly captures what our anniversary year is all about – celebrating our heritage while looking to the future. Partnering with the National Garden Scheme and recognising Andrew Wright’s contribution makes this a truly special tree, and we’re delighted to offer gardeners an apple that combines outstanding flavour, resilience and winter interest.”

A Tribute to Craftsmanship
Adding further depth to the story, the first ‘Legacy’ trees were grafted by Andrew Wright, a valued member of the Frank P Matthews team who recently retired after 40 years of service. His craftsmanship and dedication have helped shape the nursery’s success, making this tree a living tribute to both the people and the passion behind the business.

Steph Dunn James of Frank P Matthews Trees commented; “‘Legacy’ perfectly captures what our anniversary year is all about – celebrating our heritage while looking to the future. Partnering with the National Garden Scheme and recognising Andrew Wright’s contribution makes this a truly special tree, and we’re delighted to offer gardeners an apple that combines outstanding flavour, resilience and winter interest.”

Looking for an easy-to-grow apple tree in the UK?
‘Legacy’ is a fantastic choice — even if you’re new to gardening. This variety has been developed to be both reliable and rewarding, producing delicious fruit with minimal fuss.

Is this an eating apple?
The apples are crunchy, sweet, and full of flavour, so making them perfect for eating fresh straight from the tree. What makes this tree truly special is its ability to hold its fruit until mid-January. This means you can enjoy homegrown apples throughout the winter, right from your garden. Any fruit left on the tree can also support wildlife, providing a valuable food source for birds during the colder months.

Is this tree easy to care for?
Thanks to its strong natural disease resistance, ‘Legacy’ is also easier to care for than many traditional apple trees — ideal for beginners or busy gardeners.

When is this tree available to buy?
‘Legacy’ will be available for the 2026/27 planting season with deliveries from August 2026 through Frank P Matthews Trees website and selected retail partners.