Customers George and Rose Clowes loved their bulb supplier so much that they decided to buy it.

When the couple heard that Thelma de Jager wanted to retire and sell the 140-year old business, they could not resist making an offer.

Mrs de Jager accepted and now they are the proud owners of bulb specialist P de Jager & Sons, based in East Sutton, near Maidstone.

De Jager has been supplying 1,100 varieties of top quality bulbs since 1868.

It was founded by the family of Mrs de Jager’s late husband Dick and has gained an enviable reputation down the years for introducing stunning new varieties. The business has won several gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Mrs de Jager has served the business for more than 50 years and decided to sell up when there was no one in the family to keep the business going.

Mr Clowes, a businessman with a track record of investing in and growing companies, and his wife, who owns a property advisory service, believe the company can look forward to a successful future.

"Thelma is taking a well earned retirement but has kindly agreed to remain connected with the company in the richly deserved position of Life President," said Mr Clowes.

"We have exciting plans to develop P. de Jager & Sons, including a new retail website that will go live later this month offering an introductory 10 per cent discount. The new Autumn 2008 catalogue will also be out very soon."

The company will continue to be based in the Old Forge, East Sutton, with the same team under the leadership of Bob Willard. Jo Heale, who has been with the company for 37 years, remains in charge of the warehouse.

"As former customers, we knew it was important to retain the team that we all know so well and whose experience and knowledge all customers value," Mr Clowes added.