How many home-grown British plants and flower varieties do you have growing in your garden?

The UK is best known for producing beautiful, fresh and high-quality plants. As gardeners, we have the choice of bedding plants, including Geraniums, Marigolds and Dahlias. Perennials such as Agapanthus, Foxgloves, and Lupins. Not forgetting fruit trees, climbers like Wisteria and Clematis, and ornamental shrubs such as Hydrangeas and Rhododendrons.

We have an abundance of UK grown species in a variety of colours, scents and textures that can make our gardens come to life. However, this might all change in a few years, unless we make a conscious effort to support UK flower producers.

Over the last few years, the British horticultural industry has faced some tough times. From the pandemic and leaving the EU to fluctuating environmental conditions, labour shortages and price increases, these challenges have left growers really struggling.

To keep enjoying UK grown plants, it’s crucial that we continue to buy British.

What can you do to help?

Next time you’re visiting your local garden centre, look at the plant label, sticker or passport on each plant to see where it has been produced.

Be sure to buy British flowers. The UK is bursting with flowers, with each season bringing something new. By buying seasonal plants you’ll get your blooms at their freshest, at the best quality and value, plus you’ll get to enjoy them for longer.

With huge access to varieties from abroad, it can be easy to choose imported plants particularly during winter months, when the UK doesn’t have such abundance.

By buying UK grown blooms, you know you have contributed to:

• Boosting your local economy.
• Supporting producers, businesses and creating local jobs.
• Encouraging biodiversity and preserving the environment.
• Reducing your carbon footprint.
• Increasing the range of fresh British varieties grown in the right climate

Keep buying and enjoying British flowers and let’s help our producers and growers expand and flourish.

If you need help choosing your homegrown plants our expert team is always on hand with advice. Come in and speak to us so we can help your garden bloom with British plants this summer.

Happy gardening!

Hartwell Nurseries