Pinces Gardens

The first of Exeter's striking nurseries was William Lucombe's at St Thomas established on this site in 1720. The most celebrated presentation was the Lucombe Oak. The nursery moved toward becoming Lucombe, Pince and Co in the 1820's. Their list c.1870 included an outline of part of their Italian garden. The nursery, shaded by fine old Lucombe oaks, was celebrated for its 'Ponder of the West' strain of cinerarias, calceolarias, and a broad rockery.

In the nineteenth century the nursery was eminent for its tremendous glasshouses stuffed with orchids, gardenias and uncommon palms. The nursery was sold in 1890 to The Exeter Nursery Company. In 1912 Exeter City Council purchased the site and changed over it into a joy ground. The 45 yard long pergola of develop wisteria was one of the fundamental highlights of the nursery in the 1880's is as yet the most great component today.