nurseryman

[stanmapstone]

Googling. "David sharp nurseryman Newark". Produces this extract
David sharpe of Newark seed collector. v  Thomas j cap...n  nurseryman,   Mr Smith appeared for the plaintif......
From newspaper archives, maybe someone with access can help
Mike

Nottinghamshire Guardian - Friday 09 April 1869
David Sharpe of Newark, seed collector, v. Thomas J. Caparn, nurseryman. - Mr. Smith appeared for plaintiff; defendant attended personally. - The claim was for a quantity of cedar trees sold to defendant in December last............

Stan

[LizzieL]

Going back to 1861, David is son of Edward Sharpe seed collector. There is a newspaper extract from 1835 which mentions Edward. In same extract an enormous radish is also mentioned, but not sure how they are connected.

There is variety of potato called Sharpe's Express. early type

Added
Looks like Sharpe's Express was bred in Lincolnshire not Notts

http://www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk/Potatoes-1/Potato-Sharpes-Express-First-Early-Seed-Potato.html#.WLbTKPnyjIU

[Gwen in gozo]

so maybe my relative claimed title to the sharpe express potato?

[LizzieL]

I've since found it was introduced by a Charles Sharpe from Sleaford. In the 1851 census, David's father Edward was a tree seed collector.

[Maiden Stone]

You may be able to find more about the family in horticulture /garden history records. There is an organisation which promotes "Heirloom" fruit & vegetables. The Sharpe potato may be considered one.
Your ancestors may have placed adverts in newspapers and garden magazines.
RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) archives?
Business may have been listed in local directories.
If you live in Britain, ask if your library has a sub to a newspapers archive. If so, sign-up so you can search newspapers online from home.

[Gwen in gozo]

thanks everyone for you replys
Gwen