10 Years Strong: Why Leading Hedge Supplier, Mathias Nurseries, is the Partner of Choice for Managed Acres
We recently caught up with our long-standing customer, Ben Chick, owner of Managed Acres, to find out how a decade-long partnership with Mathias Nurseries has become a cornerstone of his quality-focused landscaping business.
About Managed Acres
Managed Acres a landscaping and horticultural business specialising in soft landscaping, hedge planting, and garden maintenance for premium domestic clients. Their work focuses on larger properties where quality and reliability matter, building long-term relationships with clients who value expertise and results. Founded by Ben Chick, who took over from his father's garden maintenance business, Managed Acres has built a strong reputation for quality workmanship in the premium residential market.
You can find out more about Managed Acres via their website https://www.managedacres.com/ or you can get in touch with Ben on 01420 489686.
The Challenge: Finding Reliable, Quality Plant Suppliers
When Ben Chick took over the family landscaping business in 2015, he inherited a trusted relationship with Mathias Nurseries that his father had built over 20 years of garden maintenance work.
"My dad used to be a herdsman, then moved into garden maintenance when the dairy farm went bust," explains Ben. "He introduced me to Mathias Nurseries because he knew and trusted Bob, and that's where he used to buy his plants from. I used to tag along when I was younger."
For Managed Acres' discerning customers, plant selection can make or break a project's success, making reliable suppliers essential.
The Solution: A Partnership Built on Quality and Trust
What started as a family connection has evolved into a vital business partnership. After a decade of working with Mathias Nurseries, Ben has never felt the need to look elsewhere.
"I've never really thought about going elsewhere because I've had clients that have ordered hedges themselves from a cheap online supplier, thinking they can save money," Ben explains. "What actually turns up is rubbish—poor quality plants, sparse, some broken or dead.”
The contrast with Mathias Nurseries couldn't be starker:
"I don't have to go and look at the plants. I know what will turn up will be good quality, and I know if it's not, there won't be any questions asked about supplying a replacement."
The Quality Difference That Clients Notice
For Managed Acres, plant quality isn't just about immediate appearance—it's about protecting their reputation.
"If I'm planting it and my name's going on it, then I want a good quality plant," says Ben. "If one dies, the first person they point the finger at is me."
The sizing consistency alone sets Mathias Nurseries apart from competitors.
"If you order something that's four to five foot, chances are they're all going to be five foot," Ben notes. "Whereas with competition online, they might barely make four foot and it'll be one tiny shoot that just reaches four foot."
This reliability has become so dependable that Ben operates on complete trust:
"Some nurseries, if you're doing a big order, you'd want to go and look at the plants first. But you don't need to do that with Mathias Nurseries. There's no doubt in my mind that what will turn up will be even better than I imagined."
Beyond Supply: A True Business Partnership
What truly sets Mathias Nurseries apart is their understanding of the landscaping business. They don't just supply plants—they actively support their contractors through referrals.
"I'm fortunate that Mathias Nurseries tend to give my number out to a lot of customers as a good person to plant their hedges," Ben explains. "One of the biggest referrals was for planting Thujas. That job has snowballed into fencing, security barriers, road relaying, tree work—probably two months’ worth of work."
Will Mathias explains their approach:
"We recognise the type of client that Ben is very good at handling. We get different types of clients—some who are tight on budget and just want the cheapest thing, and others who value quality and expertise. We match the right contractor to the right client."
The Financial Impact: When Quality Pays
This partnership approach has transformed how Managed Acres operates with referred customers.
"90% of the time I'll get the job and there won't be any haggling because it's come from a trusted recommendation," says Ben. "The price is almost a second thought. As long as it's reasonable, they don't tend to worry because they haven't come to me because of price—they've come because of quality and recommendation."
The relationship has even evolved to the point where pricing discussions happen after plant selection.
"I went to the nursery recently and Will said, 'what do you want to pay for them?' I said, 'you give me a price and I know it's going to be good.' The price was the least important aspect—it was about checking the plants would do the job and that my client would be happy."
The Results: A Decade of Successful Partnership
Ten years after Ben started purchasing from Mathias Nurseries under his own business name, the partnership continues to deliver value. The combination of quality hedging plants, reliable service, and business referrals has helped Managed Acres maintain their reputation for excellence.
"Word of mouth is always the best way to go in landscaping," Ben reflects. "When you put a sign out front after planting a quality hedge from Mathias, that always works. You get friends of customers and people who see the work and want the same quality."
Why Managed Acres Recommend Mathias Nurseries
"I would always recommend Mathias to landscapers, designers, or anyone in the industry that wants to buy good quality plants—no questions asked," Ben concludes. "When you recommend somebody, if they're no good, it comes back on you. You need 100% confidence that who you recommend is going to be right for the job. I've never questioned Mathias Nurseries."
Partner with Mathias Nurseries Today
Ready to experience the Mathias Nurseries difference? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your business with premium quality hedging plants and a professional service that your clients will notice.