Independent Nurseries are the Lifeblood of British Horticulture

My first job, 35 years ago, was in an independent nursery. I then went on to run and work in several more - they were the making of me as a plantsman. These extraordinary places are owned and managed without exception by talented, passionate plant lovers eager to share their hard-won knowledge and skilfully grown plants with the public. I can say with utter confidence that the knowledge and plant gene pools held by these small companies is unprecedented anywhere else on Earth! They are central to our horticultural heritage and without them we would not carry the Worlds admiration for our horticulture. If you look at the RHS's plant finder list you'll see there are over 70,000 different plants available to buy in the UK and this is largely down to small independent nurseries. We owe it to ourselves as a nation to support these businesses, which are scattered the length and breadth of the UK, with our appreciation in the form of patronage. 

 "After 12 years as Director General of the RHS, it was  very clear to me that our British nurseries are the  bedrock of horticulture in this country. Without their  tireless work and amazing knowledge, we would  simply not have the plant diversity, skills and quality  that all of us gardeners have taken for granted for so long. So whether you're attending a show, a plant fair or just finding out where your local nursery is, I urge you to support these wonderful experts and NEO before it's too late and they've gone ... make 2026 the year you LOVE our nurseries and buy lots of beautiful plants from them - thanks!" 

I feel it is a real honour to be asked to support this organisation , our nursery men and women are in many ways the backbone of the horticultural trade, both professionally and out in the Garden Centres and popular retail. They are the custodians of the proud British tradition of Plantsmanship. They are innovators of plant breeding and the provision of many a new and exciting plant. Having met many of them on the exhibitors circuit I feel it's important to say that they are also some of the friendliest and most decent people you will come across. Most are family businesses driven by a commitment that goes way beyond the 8-hour day and they deserve our full and unequivocal support.

 "Independent growers and nurseries offer a diverse and kaleidoscopic range of plants that brings  much needed choice and variety to gardeners across the UK. The people behind these plants exude  passion and perfection in their expert knowledge and skill. Buying from these independent growers is both a pleasure and a privilege as they offer expertise on every level and provide plants that are interesting, individual and grown with love." 

 Small, independent nurseries are where, as a consumer we are able to buy the most sustainably grown plants, from the most expert growers who can tell us all about the care and conditions needed for the plants we are buying. By supporting small nurseries we are allowing that knowledge and expertise, built from a lifetime of nurturing plants, to continue to flourish. A nursery person can tell us when seeds were sown or cuttings were taken, take us through every step of that specimen's history which has usually been on that site all through its life and not travelled hundreds of miles to get to us.  They can also tell us exactly how their plants were grown so we can make informed decisions about the plants we buy, if things like organic and sustainable practices are important to us. And because of this, the huge import and haulage costs are usually not needed, so plants from small independent nurseries can cost us less than ones from large garden centres. As a gardener and champion for horticulture as an industry, I am proud to stand alongside such wonderful, knowledgeable and generous people, and advocate that every one of us give small nurseries our support wherever we can.