The end of an era at Stam’s Bamboo Nursery as Peter Stam retires

Established in 1988, Stam’s Bamboo Nursery is Ireland’s only bamboo specialist, based in Co. Waterford

Peter Stam reflects on the story of Stam's Bamboo Nursery as he announces his retirement and the sale of the business

Horticulture

Read More: Nursery Peter Stam Stam's Bamboo Nursery

29 July 2026

I moved to Ireland in 1988, already married to an Irish woman, and very familiar with the lifestyle here. Having trained in horticulture in the Netherlands and worked there for 10 years as a garden designer and grower of rare and interesting plants, my plan was to set up a specialist bamboo nursery and continue designing gardens.

It took time to establish myself but within a few years I was exporting to garden centres in the UK. This market was very successful for me for over 25 years. While in Ireland I supplied the market here through landscape architects/designers, landscapers, and to Irish garden centres through the wholesale nursery Schram Plants. I have also supplied plants for many OPW and National Trust gardens.

We created our own website and our own unique artwork and point of sale material. As the years went by our nursery continued to grow and develop. In 2010 we decided to sell our plants online. This was a game changer, especially after Brexit and during covid. We now could reach more customers, people who gardened for pleasure and serious plant lovers. It meant we could engage more personally with people and exchange ideas.

I have enjoyed a very varied and fulfilling career in horticulture over the years, travelling to various countries and continents in search of knowledge, new ideas and new plants. Taking part in trade shows both here in Ireland and in the UK were very special times, catching up with colleagues and friends in the business.

After 40+ years in the business it is now time for me to retire and seek new adventures, the freedom to travel more and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace. However, I will continue as a garden designer, being a founder member of the GLDA, keeping up to date with new plants and trends.

I have been very lucky in my business and career, meeting interesting, wonderful people along the way. To all my loyal customers and suppliers I say a sincere thank you for your support over the years. It has been a privilege and a pleasure for me.

Our nursery will be offered for sale in the coming weeks.

For further details contact Margaret Harty at Harty auctioneers in Dungarvan at 058 41377 or margaret@hartyauctioneers.com.

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Read More: Nursery Peter Stam Stam's Bamboo Nursery