The Norfolk Olive Tree Company celebrates 10 years of specialising in award-winning olive trees and Mediterranean plants. Antonia Smith shares the story of how it has very much become a family business over the past decade
Who are you and what do you do?
We are Paul, Antonia, and Luca Smith, the family behind The Norfolk Olive Tree Company. We specialise in olive trees and hardy Mediterranean plants, helping people bring a touch of the Med to their gardens across the UK.
What led you and Paul to start The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, and what were you doing before?
Paul was a tree surgeon, and I was living and working in France, doing voiceovers for films and adverts. Our first business was a small garden centre and café in Norwich, which we loved. But when our lease ended, we saw it as the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.
We wanted to specialise in a carefully curated selection of plants, and we’ve always been drawn to olive trees and palms. Their beauty, resilience, and timeless appeal made them the perfect focus for our new venture.
What do you love about olive trees – and the Mediterranean in general?
Olive trees are simply magical. Their evergreen beauty, sculptural shape, and toughness make them perfect for the UK climate. There’s something special about their history too – each tree has its own story to tell.
We also love travelling to our suppliers in the Mediterranean. The light is different, the colours more vibrant, and of course, the food and wine – that we love (maybe a little too much!).
Where do you source your olive trees from?
We work closely with trusted suppliers in Valencia and Tuscany.
• Our Spanish olive trees are retired from working life, so they have incredible gnarled trunks and characterful branches, full of history.
• Our Italian olive trees are younger and carefully pruned, often into multi-stem and cloud shapes, creating a unique architectural presence in any garden.
Can even the smallest garden benefit from an olive tree? Are they easier to grow than people think?
Absolutely! Olive trees are much tougher than people realise. Their small, leathery leaves enabled them to cope against strong winds, and they thrive in the UK climate with just a little care.
Even in a compact garden, an olive tree can be a beautiful focal point, adding year-round interest and a Mediterranean feel. They’re also great in pots, making them ideal for patios and courtyards.
What other plants do you specialise in?
We love the Mediterranean palette and have carefully selected plants that are tough, evergreen, and full of character. Our collection includes:
• Palm trees (for that exotic touch)
• Dasylirion (a striking, drought-tolerant beauty)
• Magnolia (timeless and elegant)
• Grapevines ans fig trees (not evergreen, but perfect for ‘grow your own’ enthusiasts!)
How are you celebrating 10 years in business this year?
We’re marking the occasion with two exciting giveaways – one for our Instagram followers and one for our Facebook friends. We love sharing our passion for olive trees, and what better way to celebrate than by giving something back? And, of course, we’ll be toasting to the next decade with a bottle of bubbly!
How can people find you and learn more about your company?
• Website: thenorfolkolivetreecompany.co.uk (Our online shop is always open!)
• Social media: We post regularly on Facebook and Instagram @norfolkoliveco
• Visit us: We love welcoming visitors! We’re open by appointment only – and four-legged friends are always welcome too.
• Email: hello@thenorfolkolivetreecompany.co.uk
Are you looking forward to another 10 years in business?
Definitely! A big part of that excitement comes from seeing our son, Luca, grow into the business. He’s joined us full-time over the last couple of years, and it’s been amazing watching his confidence grow.
He’s qualified in Arboriculture, like his father, and has probably pruned more trees than he’s had hot dinners! We’re excited to see where the next decade takes us.
The Norfolk Olive Tree Company is located at Bixley Farm, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8RX. Visit The Norfolk Olive Tree Company and follow on Instagram and Facebook.
Featured image of Paul, Antonia, and Luca Smith by Simon Buck Photography
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