We’d all like to be doing more gardening. But with garden centres closed, it can be difficult to know where to buy plants. The obvious answer is to buy plants online, but many mail order garden plants suppliers have struggled to keep up with demand – and trying to buy compost online can feel like a fruitless quest.
So we’ve scoured nurseries, growers and retailers to find which still have plants available for delivery. Whether you want to buy bedding plants, get some large statement plants delivered or just want to buy compost, you’ll find where to buy them here.
At the time of writing, all nurseries listed below had plants in stock. Most have plants to buy online for delivery nationwide – a few are offering local delivery only, and this is clearly indicated. You can even snap up some cheap plants, as some are offering a discount on stock that was previously allocated for flower shows that have now been cancelled. We’ve also listed places to buy compost online – some are only able to offer compost delivery on bulk orders, but this is clearly indicated. We’ve also listed some great online suppliers of gardening kit, tools and other gardening essentials, so you can get whatever you need delivered direct to your door.
Browse the latest great offers and discounts on plants, tools and accessories on GardenersWorld.com
Want to add your UK mail-order plant business to this list? If you have stocks available for delivery please drop us a line.
Browse our guide to buying plants online, as well as places that will deliver compost and other gardening kit.
Where to buy Alpine plants
The Alpine and Grass Nursery
Alpines and grasses
A family-run nursery based in Lincolnshire, growing alpines for over 30 years and ornamental grasses for over 20 years. Plants are propagated on site and put together in collections such as alpines for troughs, alpines for pollinators and cascading alpines. Deliveries available across the UK.
01775 640935
D’Arcy & Everest Alpines
Alpines and perennials
Multi award winning specialist growers of alpines and unusual perennials, with all plants propagated and raised on site. Currently offering 40% off every plant sold to clear show stock that’s no longer needed – the sale runs till at least the end of April but will be extended if necessary.
01480 497672
Hartside Nursery
Alpines, hardy plants
Hardy plants grown outdoors in the North Pennines; currently selling some fine and rarely-offered primulas originally destined for the Scottish Rock Gardening Club show this April, and erythroniums (dogstooth violets) which would have appeared at the Harrogate Spring Show. Now offering reduced postal charges for UK deliveries: orders are by email from the catalogue on the website.
01434 381372
Kevock Garden Plants
Alpines, bulbs, trees, shrubs
This award-winning nursery in the Scottish Borders specialises in woodland plants such as meconopsis and primula, as well as alpines, marginal and bog plants. At the moment the show plant stock they would have exhibited at Harrogate is on sale, with mail order deliveries running well.
0131 454 0660
Plants for Small Gardens
Alpines
A small family-run, Devonshire based nursery specialising in growing alpine, rockery and dwarf hardy plants, over 350 varieties stocked. Minimum order £20 plus p&p, across mainland UK, with every order receiving a free plant. Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands incur an extra delivery cost – please see website for details.
sales@plantsforsmallgardens.co.uk
Pottertons Nursery
Alpines, bulbs
Family-run nursery, based in Lincolnshire, that specialises in alpines, dwarf bulbs and woodland plants.
01472 851714
Rumbling Bridge Nursery
Alpines, woodland plants
A family-run nursery based in Kinross, specalising in alpine plants, woodland plants and primulas. Orders for courier delivery, minimum charge £15, or available for local collection.
01577 840160
Slack Top Nurseries
Alpines
Leading alpine specialist selling resilient, bone-hardy plants raised outdoors on this Yorkshire nursery perched high in the Pennines. Currently taking orders for collections of five, ten or 20 pre-selected alpines only, due to high demand.
01422 845348
Where to buy Bedding plants
Allwoods
Bedding, perennials
Specialist growers of garden pinks, carnations, pelargoniums and fuchsias
01273 844229
The Botanic Nursery
Biennials
This traditional family-run nursery, home to the Plant Heritage National Collection of Digitalis (foxgloves), is selling off thousands of surplus garden-ready foxgloves which would have gone into its spectacular show displays. There’s also a huge range of plug plants available.
07850 328756
Brookside Nursery
Bedding, perennials, veg crops
Staffordshire-based plant nursery, specialising in plug plants for summer bedding and hanging baskets, as well as garden ready perennials, vegetable crops and garden sundries. Delivery is free for orders over £40, or £4.95 if under, plants are delivered First Class by Royal Mail/Parcelforce.
info@brooksidenursery.co.uk
Chrysanthemums Direct
Bedding, annuals, perennials
Home-propagated chrysanthemums supplied as plug plants grown in paper containers to plant out straight away. Selling particularly well at the moment are a new range of Korean hardy chrysanthemums for late summer colour.
0800 046 7443
Fibrex
Bedding, perennials, houseplants
Family-run nursery that’s built a solid reputation as specialist growers of pelargoniums, begonias, ivies and ferns. The latest addition to the range is a collection of tropical hibiscus. Orders taken now will be delivered in May.
01789 720788
Potash Nursery
Bedding, shrubs
Fuchsias and pelargoniums raised peat-free on this Suffolk nursery; the mail order season has now been extended until the end of June to sell off stock raised for the shows. They’re also selling pelargoniums mail order for the first time.
01449 781671
Roualeyn Fuchsias
Bedding, perennials
Tender and hardy fuchsias of every kind from this specialist grower, based in the Conwy Valley in Wales. As well as flamboyant half-hardy bedding fuchsias you’ll find hardy varieties for the border and some more unusual types from giant 2m tall Fuchsia arborescens to miniature Encliandra types.
01492 640548
South Eastern Horticultural
Plug plants, bedding, perennials
A family-run nursery based in Essex, with thousands of young plants grown on site each year. Browse the massive range of annual/biannual, bedding, perennial and shrub plug plants, as well as bulbs, tubers, seeds, garden sundries & tools. Shipping costs for the UK, Europe and the wider world are published on their website.
southeasternhorticultural.co.uk
Please contact via online form
Woottens of Wenhaston
Bedding, perennials, bulbs
A plant lover’s selection of pelargoniums and auricula, plus hardy perennials and agapanthus. Increased demand and staff shortages mean a delay of two to three weeks in processing orders.
01502 478258
Where to buy Bulbs
Bloms Bulbs
Bulbs
Multiple award winning family-run nursery, now sending out lilies, begonias and cannas among other summer bulbs.
01234 709099
Bulbs.co.uk
Bulbs
A large mail order family run business from Holbeach, Lincolnshire, and subsidiary of Taylors Bulbs. They’ve been growing daffodils for over 100 years and have exhibited for the last 28 years at RHS Chelsea. In addition to daffodils, a broad range of spring- and summer-flowering bulbs are also available.
01406 426216
De Jager Bulbs
Bulbs
Long-established bulb nursery with a wide range of summer bulbs: now taking orders for mail order field-grown dahlias but get in there quick as popular varieties are selling fast.
01622 840229
Harts Nursery
Bulbs
A wide range of summer bulbs, including an award-winning selection of lilies, gladioli, nerines and eucomis. Particularly good supplies of dahlias and begonias at the moment – and regular special offers and discounts available, so check out their newsletter and blog.
07855 785540
Hoyland Plant Centre
Bulbs
Small, family-run nursery and Chelsea regular, specialising in agapanthus, clivia, nerines and tulbaghia. There’s currently a spring sale on, offering up to 50% discount on selected lines.
01226 744466
hickman.sss@btconnect.com
Peter Nyssen
Bulbs
Spring bulbs in the green, and a wide range of summer bulbs including dahlias, gladioli, lilies and begonias. Also sells hardy perennials, ferns and a small range of trees and shrubs.
0161 747 4000
Pheasant Acre Plants
Bulbs
The towering fans of gladioli on the Pheasant Acres stand have been a familiar sight to show regulars for many years, and now you can buy this year’s Chelsea show stock online. Also now taking pre-orders for garden-ready dahlia plants, delivered from mid-May.
01656 664086
Withypitts
Dahlias, bulbs
As seen on BBC GW this March, this West Sussex nursery supplies garden-ready dahlia plants mail order from May, raised in biodegradable pots.
0800 304 7124
Where to buy Exotic plants
Big Plant Nursery Ltd
Exotics
Specialist growers and stockists of hardy exotic plants, including banana and ginger plants, bamboos, ginkos, tree ferns, palms and many more varieties. The Sussex based nursery is currently closed, but continues to operate its e-commerce and delivery service.
01903 891466
Chichester Gingers
Exotics
National Collection of Hedychium sp Flowering Ginger Lilies. The collection list is available to view on the website, however please contact owner, Andrew Gaunt by email, to find out what’s available for mail order.
info@chichestergingers.co.uk
07767 357 224
Crûg Farm Plants
Exotics
Plant hunters Sue and Bleddyn Wynn-Jones travel the world in search of exotic and unusual plants to sell through their north Wales nursery. Though the nursery is now closed, mail order is continuing to operate as normal.
01248 670232
Desert to Jungle
Shrubs, trees, exotics, succulents
Hardy and half-hardy exotics from palms and giant echiums to agaves and cannas; it’s a little early for more tender specimens (mid-May is peak buying time) but ferns, grasses and bamboos are available now.
01823 443701
Edulis
Vegetables, bulbs, exotics, ferns
Don’t expect your usual veg from this plant-lover’s nursery: instead you’ll find American peanuts, udo and an edible thistle. Other specialist lines include snowdrops in the green (the 2020 catalogue has just gone online) and unusual and exotic ferns.
01635 578113
Kelnan Plants
Exotics
Small, family-run nursery based in Cornwall and specialising mainly in South African restios and proteas, though they also stock other unusual perennials.
07773 586603
Penberth Plants Ltd
Exotics
Based in a small fishing cove in Cornwall, this small, family-run nursery specialises in the propagation of plants from South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. Range includes aeoniums, succulents, protea, restios, flowering bulbs and other rare and unusual shrubs. Plant passports issued with every order.
01736 810978
Shrubland Nurseries
Hardy & exotic plants
This family-run nursery specialises in unusual herbaceous perennials, and exotics including houseplants and conservatory plants. There’s also a selection of garden-ready alliums, potted up and on the point of flower.
01473 657012
Surreal Succulents
Succulents, exotics, ferns
A small nursery based at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in West Cornwall. Winners of multiple RHS Gold Medals, specialising in succulents, palms, ferns, grasses and many other exotic rare plants from all corners of the world. A very large range of succulents from the rare and unusual to UK hardy varieties are available. Mail order available across the UK and EU.
07548 010897
info@surrealsucculents.co.uk
Where to buy plants (general)
Aigburth Hall Nurseries
General
Liverpool based garden centre taking orders by phone for local collection only from the nursery gates. Stocking a huge selection of bedding and container plants, veg crops, herbs, shrubs, trees and more, plus containers, composts and tools. Call to enquire and place an order.
0151 427 3120
All Plants North
Hardy plants, compost, tools
A small independent nursery and shop based in Cracoe, North Yorkshire, stocking a range of hardy garden plants grown to suit the local climate, plus peat-free compost, pots, tools and gardening gifts. The nursery also operates a border planning service with Ed Bailey Garden Design. A plant and stock list can be sent via email to customers with a call back service operating to make delivery arrangements. Delivery is available within a 10km radius of Cracoe, with a minimum order of £25.
01756 730940
Binny Plants
General
One of Scotland’s leading nurseries, with a wide range of new and unusual plants plus over 300 different types of peony grown in peat-free compost.
01506 858931
Blue Diamond Garden Centres
General
Blue Diamond have over 30 garden centres located throughout UK and Channel Islands, stocking bedding plants, hardy plants, trees, shrubs, plus garden furniture, sundries and more. Please search for your local centre to see whether delivery is possible – free delivery on orders over £50 within certain distance from local centre.
Fine nearest centre: contact.bluediamond.gg
Enchanted Earth
Garden-ready plants, houseplants, compost, grit
A small independent garden centre based in Lincolnshire. Specialising in UK grown garden-ready plants, including a range of organic veg and herb plants, as well as general supplies of compost, planters, grit and moss. The nursery also specialise in miniature plants and ornaments for creating fairy gardens. Free UK delivery by courier Mon-Fri for all orders over £25.
01673 878095
Gardeners Delight Online Plant Nursery
General
Traditional family-run nursery growing 90 per cent of the plants they sell on site. Perennials, clematis and agapanthus available mail order. The lovely evergreen clematis Kimko is selling well, and all the geums are starting to come into flower right now, too.
01271 861461
Great Dixter Nursery
Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd, the garden is now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett. Plants from the garden have been propagated here since 1954; using home-made compost (Dixter Gold) and cold frames. The small nursery is open for mail order selling both familiar and unusual plants. View the nursery catalogue to see what’s available, plus the usual range of sundries, seeds, garden tools and more from the online shop.
Ordering and delivery information
Green Box Plants
Hardy shrubs, perennials
A family plant nursery based in the South West of England supplying high-quality, hardy plants by collection type, i.e plants for containers, plants for cottage gardens, plants for drought etc. Green Box Plants is passionate about protecting the environment so use natural and recyclable materials wherever possible, plus pre-loved boxes for packaging. Delivering throughout England and Wales.
Kings Park Nursery
Container baskets, exotics, perennials
Bournemouth based Kings Park Nursery is run by the BCP council and specialises in plants that are suited to the South Coast climate. Browse ranges of annuals, perennials, container basket collections, exotics, shrubs, compost and more. Order online from 10-2pm, Monday to Friday only, delivery is available in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
kingspark.plants@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Lealans Garden Centre
Bedding, compost, sundries
Garden centre based in Wolverhampton, stocking a very large range of plants, composts, fertilisers, sundries, bird care etc. Delivery within a 10-mile radius of postcode WV6 7EZ for a £5 fee (£30 minimum spend).
01902 700209
Littlehurst Nursery & Garden Centre
Perennials, alpines, trees, shrubs
A small independent garden centre based in Coventry, supplying a range of plants, shrubs and trees including home-grown bedding and herbaceous plants. Whilst the nursery develop their website shop, you are invited to check the Littlehurst Nursery Facebook page for regular updates of available plants. Please email the nursery with your desired order or enquiry and provide a telephone number so they can get back to you.
littlehurst-gardencentre.co.uk
info@littlehurst-gardencentre.co.uk
Lockdown Gardener
Plant bundles, compost
Delivering within the M25, it delivers plant bundles direct from growers, with the selection changing weekly. Bundles can include selections of bedding, perennials and edibles. It can also deliver peat-free compost and grow bags.
hello@lockdowngardener.co.uk
07900 225560
Marwood Hill Garden
Perennials, shrubs, ferns
North Devon based Marwood Hill is a 20-acre garden created by the late Dr James Smart and includes National Collections of Astilbe. The garden and plant nursery are currently closed, however many of the plants for sale in their new online shop are propagated from the rare and unusual specimens found in the garden and include a broad range of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses and more. Click and collect is available for local customers, otherwise a courier service with a flat rate fee of £13.50 is available.
Online shop at Marwood Hill Garden
plantsales@marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
Plants Love UK
Plant bundles, compost
Set up to rescue plants destined for now closed garden centres. Supplying established 1-2L potted mixed plant bundles for borders with the option of adding compost to each order. Please note, at this time delivery area is fairly local to WR1-WR14 inclusive, plus some GL, HR, B and DY postcodes – please see website for more details. Priority delivery available for frontline workers.
ukplantlove@gmail.com
Polhill Garden Centre
General
Based in Sevenoaks, Kent, this nursery is providing free local delivery for orders over £20, wider areas will incur a delivery charge. Supplying general garden sundries, including indoor and outdoor living ranges, bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, compost, aggregates, birdcare and more. Orders can be placed via the website.
01959 534212
Smart Plant App
Plant bundles
Selling bundles of plants destined for now closed garden centres. Plants available change regularly. 10% donation from every sale to the NHS.
Windlebridge Garden Nursery
General
A Middlesborough-based nursery offering a very large range of perennials, bedding plants, David Austin roses, trees, shrubs and more, as well as garden sundries, bird care, and garden furniture. Currently offering next day delivery to TS postcodes only via their website.
windlebridgegardennursery.co.uk
01287 635642
Where to buy Herb plants
The Cottage Herbery
Herbs, perennials, seeds
A small family-run, award-winning nursery based in the Teme Valley, growing and supplying peat-free herbs, unusual edibles, aromatic and hardy perennial plants. You can order via the website for pre-arranged contactless collection from the nursery or free local delivery for orders over £25 – a list of postcodes for delivery is published on their website.
thecottageherbery@gmail.com
Edible Culture
Herbs, seeds, edible crops
An eco-friendly Kent nursery specialising in peat-free grown edible crops, native perennials and hedgerow plants, plus a range of tools and compost. Plastic use is reduced wherever possible, with compost delivered in re-usable bags. Free delivery to residents of Faversham, or small delivery charge for surrounding areas – see website for details on how to order.
01795 537662
The Edible Garden Nursery
Herbs, edible crops
Devonshire based nursery, originally established in Suffolk in 1985. Specialist growers of herbs and edible crops supplied in large 1-2L pots, which are peat- and chemical-free. A massive range is available for mail order, delivered in plastic-free packaging which can be recycled or composted.
ediblegardennursery@gmail.com
Culinary Herb Company
Herbs, salads, edible crops
East Sussex based herb specialist nursery, producing over 200 varieties of peat- and chemical-free culinary and medicinal herbs, salads, veg crops and edible flowers. Three pot minimum order for delivery, which are always dispatched on a Monday or Tuesday via Royal Mail, to avoid any delays in sorting offices over the weekend.
07929 545488
Glenholme Herbs
Herbs, pelargoniums
A small family-run nursery based in Dorset, specialising in herbs and pelargoniums, as well as wildflowers, salvias, sempervivums and chilli plants. All plants are posted out in plastic-free packaging, with the bulk of pots being carbon-pigment free, so they can be put out with household recycling. Both delivery and click and collect available.
01963 220302
Hooks Green Herbs
Herb plants and seeds
Very wide range of culinary and medicinal pot-grown herbs supplied as both plants and seeds. Business is brisk, but deliveries are running smoothly so far.
07977 883810
Jekka’s
Herb seeds
Specialist herb nursery run by GW regular Jekka McVicar. Offers about 140 different types of medicinal and culinary herbs as seeds, including a growing kit of five packs of herb seed complete with compost, labels and biodegradable pots.
01454 418878
Jemima’s Garden
Herbs, wildflowers (seed)
Herbs and wildflowers grown organically and peat-free in Norfolk. For now, mail order is seeds only, though plants will be available from May onwards.
07802 480612
Kitchen Garden Plant Centre
Herbs
Good range of culinary herbs, mainly hardy thymes, oreganos, mints and rosemary at the moment but soon to be joined by half-hardies like lemon verbena and annual basil as well as salad leaves, coming online from late May onwards.
kitchengardenplantcentre.co.uk
07492 903325
Pepperpot Nursery
Herbs
Huge range of herbs, all grown outside at this traditional Hampshire nursery. Culinary herbs range from rosemary, sage and oregano to lavender and mint; there’s also a selection of edible flowers and salad leaves.
info@pepperpotherbplants.co.uk
Where to buy Indoor plants
Andy’s Air Plants
Houseplants
Cornwall-based mail order company selling award-winning air plants and bromeliads
07837573977
Between Two Thorns
Houseplants
A Brighton based houseplant shop. Ships nationwide (free delivery for orders over £20).
01273 710853
Dibleys Nurseries
Houseplants
North Wales based nursery and specialist in indoor plants. Winners of 30 Chelsea Gold Medals for their streptocarpus, gesneriads, begonias and other houseplants. New varieties of streptocarpus, which would have been launched at this year’s flower show, available by mail order. Free UK delivery for most plant collections and sundries.
01978 790677
info@dibleys.com
Craig House Cacti
Houseplants
Award-winning cacti and succulents from respected growers Stan Griffin and Vicki Newman. They don’t send plants out mail order but a good range of seeds is available, plus feeds and a cultivation booklet.
07788 753215/07900 197461
Hampshire Carnivorous Plants
Houseplants
Matt Soper’s gold medal winning carnivorous plants will be familiar to visitors to the RHS flower shows: as well as sarracenias, Venus flytraps, nepenthes and sundews he sells specialist compost and garden sundries.
07703 258296
McBean’s Orchids
Houseplants
Superb quality orchids from a long-established specialist and multiple RHS medal winner. McBeans majors in Cymbidium and Oncidium orchids, with new varieties and more specialist orchids added to the website through the year. Many varieties have been bred by the nursery itself including Oncidium ‘McBean’s Stephanie’ with crisp white flowers with a purple tinge.
01273 400228
Simply Succulents
Houseplants
Extensive collection of every kind of succulent you can think of (and quite a few you can’t) for growing indoors as houseplants or outside (sometimes with winter protection). Among the range are several home-bred varieties including burgundy Aeonium ‘Simply Scarlet’ and purple-tipped Sempervivum ‘Simply Nightfall’.
07548 947357
Westdale Nurseries
Conservatory plants
Family-run nursery based in Wiltshire with a passion for bougainvillea, with more than 200 varieties on offer.
01225 863258
Where to buy Perennial plants
Abriachan Nurseries (The Garden on Loch Ness)
Rare perennials and shrubs
Family nursery on the shore of Loch Ness, specialising in hardy, rare and unusual perennials and shrubs. Mail order delivery available across the UK.
01463 861 232
info@lochnessgarden.com
Ashcroft’s Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Perennials, grasses
A specialist herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses nursery based in Lancashire. Offer a large range of plants for mail order in sizes up to 3L. Free shipping on all orders over £30.
07793 710 350
Ashwood Nurseries
Perennials, shrubs
Traditional plant nursery renowned for its award-winning hellebores, hepatics and auricula primulas. Also sells gardening sundries, tools and other equipment mail order.
01384 401996
Barnsdale Gardens Nursery
Perennials, roses, shrubs
Former home of Gardeners’ World, this Rutland based gardens and nursery stock perennials, roses, shrubs, potted bulbs, bamboos and grasses, as well as a wide range of penstemons. Plants arrive by courier within 24 hours of dispatch, for which there’s a flat fee of £12.50 (not including the Scottish Highlands). For those living within 15 miles of the nursery (LE15 8AH),during the Covid-19 outbreak, they’re offering free delivery. Please use the online shop as a reference tool, email your order directly to the nursery, who’ll be in touch to arrange payment and delivery.
info@barnsdalegardens.co.uk
01572 813200
Bee Happy Plants & Seeds
Perennials, herbs, wild flowers
Bee Happy Plants & Seeds based at Lakehayes Organic Nursery, is a small family-run not-for-profit company. Propagating and growing organic wild-species plants raised from seed: herbs, perennials, vegetable crops, shrubs, and trees, all in the name of supporting critical pollinators – our bees. Everything is grown in 100 per cent biodegradable, compostable pots. Seeds, plants and bee-related gifts are delivered across the UK.
Beth Chatto Gardens
Perennials, shrubs
Choice shrubs, perennials and trees grouped by the conditions they grow in best, with woodlanders like Anemone nemorosa currrently looking good. Deliveries take up to two weeks.
info@bethchatto.co.uk
Blackmore & Langdon’s
Perennials
Award-winning delphiniums and begonias, sold as both plants and seeds.
01275 332300
Bluebell Cottage Gardens & Nursery
Perennials
Cheshire-based nursery run by former BBC TV Gardener of the Year Sue Beesley, majoring on choice perennials. The nursery is closed but mail order and deliveries continue as usual: a click-and-collect service is also available to local gardeners.
01928 713718
Bowden Hostas
Perennials
Home to the National Hosta Collection and RHS Chelsea Flower Show veterans – on sale at the moment are mature display specimen hostas from last year’s show. The nursery is closed but orders are being despatched with only a slight delay.
01837 849367
Brookfield Plants
Perennials, trees
National Collection Holders of both hosta and hemerocallis (daylilies) and show regulars with more than 30 RHS gold medals.
01233 624934
Calamazag Nursery
Perennials, alpines, annuals, herbs, succulents
Every kind of pink and carnation from alpines and coastal thrifts to sweet williams, with a particularly good range at the moment as the nursery was getting ready for the flower shows. Also stocks a good range of herbs, annual flowers and succulents.
Claire Austin Hardy Plants
Perennials
Superb range of hardy herbaceous perennials with a particular flair for peonies and irises. Browse the website and you’ll also find Claire’s suggestions for themed ‘plant collections’ for (among others) shady borders, butterfly gardens, cut flower gardens and dry areas.
claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk
01686 670342
Daisy Roots
Perennials
Hardy, drought-tolerant perennials and grasses, raised outdoors on plantswoman Annie Godfrey’s Hertfordshire nursery.
07958 563355
Enchanted Gardens
Perennials
Enchanted Gardens is a pollinator-friendly plant nursery based in Whitstable, Kent. The organic nursery is passionate about environmental protection and bio-diversity, specialising entirely in bee, butterfly, moth and bat-friendly plants. A large range of perennials ranging from 9cm to 3L pots are available, as well as a small selection of seeds, climbers and bulbs. Local customers can collect their orders from the nursery, those further afield can email their orders and a cost for delivery by courier will be established.
donna@enchantedgardenskent.co.uk
Floyds Climbers & Clematis
Climbers, clematis
A Wiltshire-based nursery specialising in the growing of climbers and clematis – with over 200 varieties stocked. Ship to anywhere in the UK, for a flat free of £10 (up to 10 plants). Customers outside the UK or those wishing to make a larger order should use the contact form to enquire about shipping.
01249 823200
Hardys Cottage Garden Plants
Perennials
Award-winning nursery offering a wide range of over 1000 choice perennials, most raised on site. Offering 50% off postal charges for all orders over £60 placed before 30th April.
info@hardysplants.co.uk
Hare Spring Cottage Plants
Perennials
Specialist grower and National Collection Holder of Camassia and Sidalcea, and other hardy perennials, grown on site in North Yorkshire. Though the nursery is closed, the online plant shop is still open for business.
harespringccottageplants.co.uk
07792 376805
Heucheraholics
Heuchera
New Forest based specialist growers of heuchera, herucherella and tiarella. The nursery is closed but 1L potted plants can be ordered online and delivered across the UK.
01590 670581 /07973 291062
Highwood Nurseries
Perennials, alpines, bedding
A small Isle of Wight based plant nursery, specialising in growing perennials. Also supply alpines, basket and container plants, summer Bedding, veg crops, a small selection of fruit trees and bushes, herbs, trees and shrubs. Please note, delivery is available to the Isle of Wight only, with free delivery for all orders over £30.
0198 3721011
Hillview Hardy Plants
Perennials
A wide range of cottage garden perennials are available mail order from this Shropshire nursery, with auricula primulas looking particularly good right now (the nursery is home to two Plant Heritage National Collections of auricula). Particular favourites include green-edged Primula auricula ‘Eschman Starflower’ and ‘Mrs L Hearn’, its slatey purple petals surrounding a perfect pale yellow centre.
01746 716454
John Cullen Gardens
Perennials, shrubs, trees
Lovely range of bee-friendly perennials and scented plants, with an especially good selection of 70 different varieites of Achillea from the Plant Heritage National Collection held at the nursery. Soft yellow ‘Moondust’ was going to be a big feature in their Chelsea Flower Show display this year; another favourite is ‘Pomegranate’ with beetroot-red flowers which hold their colour really well.
01205 460567
Knoll Gardens
Grasses
Owner Neil Lucas is one of the country’s leading authorities on all kinds of ornamental grasses and his nursery is a regular medal-winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. There’s a slight delay on despatch of two or three weeks at the moment due to reduced staffing levels.
Mandy Plants
Tender perennials
You’ll find some real beauties for greenhouses and conservatories at this North Norfolk nursery, not least a fine collection of tender and exotic-looking climber Mandevilla. For sunny patios, Senetti are looking good right now, with nemesia and abutilons arriving over the next couple of weeks.
07432 112245
Marchants Hardy Plants
Herbaceous perennials
East Sussex based garden and nursery, specialising in the growing of herbaceous perennials. Offering a local delivery service in the Sussex area. Available plants are listed and updated regularly on the website, with 25 per cent savings on some plants. Order form available to download online and send by email, alternatively please call.
graham@marchantsplants.plus.com
01323 811737
Meadowgate Nursery
Grasses
Fine range of ornamental grasses from this family-run specialist nursery near Chichester in West Sussex. Spring is a good time to plant any grass, but the early-flowering varieties like quaking grass (Briza media) and foliage grasses like variegated Carex ‘Silver Sceptre’ are coming into their own right now.
01243 641997
Mickfield Hostas
Perennials
Mickfield is home to an enormous Plant Heritage National Plant Collection of Hosta, built up over the last 40 years, and they offer over half the varieties for sale online, adding to their extensive online catalogue. Orders are taken via email or phone.
01449 711576
mickfieldhostas@btconnect.com
Middleton Nurseries
Perennials
Staffordshire-based salvia specialists, with dozens of different varieties on offer, as well as other herbaceous perennials. Currently taking orders for delivery in May and June.
0121 308 4077
Paddock Plants
Perennials, shrubs, grasses
A family-run nursery based near Southampton in Hampshire and specialist growers of abutilon and echinacea. Offering an interesting range of perennials, grasses, ferns and shrubs, plus a selection of indoor plants. Plants are grown peat-free and without chemicals and are delivered – in 99 per cent plastic-free packaging – by 24-hour courier throughout mainland UK.
02380 739 912
Penlan Perennials
Perennials, bog plants, grasses
A small, family-run nursery based in West Wales, offering perennials to purchase for mail order. Specialises in peat-free grown bog plants, shade-loving plants, cottage garden plants and more. Charges apply for delivery across the UK and the EU, details of which can be found on the website.
01570 480097
Plantagogo
Perennials
All kinds of heuchera, including home-bred varieties like ‘Thomas’, plus heucherella and tiarella as well as many other hardy perennials from an award-winning nursery. Discounts on postage available throughout April.
01270 820335
info@plantagogo.com
The Plantsman’s Preference
Perennials
Choice plants for herbaceous borders, with good supplies currently of wood anemones, snow rush (Luzula nivea) and the lovely cow-parsley like Cenolophium denudatum, a favourite at Chelsea and much loved by bees.
01379 710810
Primrose Hall Peonies
Peonies
RHS Chelsea Gold Medal award-winning growers of peonies. Based in Bedfordshire, they grow and supply one of the widest selections of rare and unusual peony varieties in the UK, and are holders of the National Plant Collection for Intersectional ‘Itoh’ peonies. Still taking order online for delivery across the UK and internationally.
01525 878924
PriorsWood Clematis
Clematis, climbers
Specialist growers of clematis and other climbing plants, based in Hertfordshire. Offer a year round mail order service, suppling plants in 2-3L pots. Orders can be made by phone or email.
01920 461543
sales@priorswoodclematis.co.uk
Special Plants Nursery
Perennials
Derry Watkin’s much admired nursery near Bath is full of hand-picked perennials and tender exotics for conservatories and sunny patios. Normally she only sells seed, but that range has now been expanded to include young plants, seedlings and unrooted cuttings, offered for a limited selection of about 20 varieties, but changed every few weeks – so check back regularly.
01225 891686
Swinesmeadow Farm
Perennials, shrubs, trees
Unusual and rare evergreen and herbaceous perennials, grasses, ferns and conifers. The nursery has now closed but all plants are available mail order except bamboos, which are too large.
07432 627766
Taylors Clematis
Climbers
This award-winning clematis specialist has been a much-decorated regular at the shows for almost 30 years. This year they’re turning to mail order to sell off hundreds of plants raised to show standard at a discount (while stocks last).
01302 700716
Thorncroft Clematis
Climbers
Superb range of mature, garden-ready clematis from an award-winning nursery and Chelsea regular, as well as useful companion climbers to grow alongside. Delivery is running smoothly but with minor delays to despatch.
01953 850407
Tinnisburn Plants
Perennials, climbers, shrubs, trees
A small, family run nursery situated 600ft above sea level in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Delivering across the UK, browse collections of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ferns, hostas, alpines, bulbs and more.
013873 71453
Viv Marsh Postal Plants
Alstromeria, iris
Family-run nursery, based in Shropshire and established over 30 years ago. Holders of the National Collection of Garden Alstromeria, and specialist growers of tall bearded iris. Alstroemeria are despatched in 1.5L potted plants, tall bearded iris are despatched as large divisions, ready to plant straight outside.
01939 291 475
Westcountry Nurseries
Lupins, perennials, clematis, trees, shrubs
Holders of the National Collection of Lupins and four-time RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winning exhibitor, this Devonshire based plant nursery stocks a large plant range including its award-winning lupins.
01237 431111
Where to buy Rose plants
Apuldram Roses
Roses
A small West Sussex specialist rose nursery, stocking a huge range of hybrid tea, shrub, climbing, rambling, patio and ground cover potted roses. Bare-root available Nov-Mar. Delivering across the UK by courier 24-48 hour service – charges listed on website.
01243 785769
Style Roses
Roses
A modern family nursery, all roses are grown in the Lincolnshire based nursery and surrounding fields. Potted roses now available to order online.
01406 424089
Where to buy Shrubs and trees
Garden Beauty
Hebes, shrubs
Hampshire based nursery selling a large selection of plants, including a wide range of hebes, shrubs, grasses and perennials, for immediate delivery across the UK.
01489 550 830 (for urgent queries)
sales@gardenbeauty.co.uk
Hedges Online
Hedges, trees, shrubs
C.G.J.Mathias & Son (Nurseries) are a third generation family nursery based in Tilford nr Farnham, Surrey and have been growing hedge plants for over 50 years. They specialise in the production of all varieties and sizes of hedging plants, with a particular focus on the larger sizes of hedging, but also grow and supply a range of trees, shrubs, topiary and pleached hedging. Shipping available across the UK.
01252 714552
Hippopottering Nursery
Trees
Very fine range of Japanese maples grown outdoors on this award-winning Yorkshire nursery and supplied in one or two litre pots as well as larger ‘instant impact’ trees.
07979 764677
The Norfolk Olive Tree Company
Trees, palms,
An award-winning supplier of olive trees and Medditerranean plants, stocking a large range, of young, mature and ancient olive trees. The company works closely with DEFRA to to import thre trees, following stringent guidelines with regular APHA inspections. Orders can be placed via the website or telephone, with plants delivered by courier.
thenorfolkolivetreecompany.co.uk
07766 730893
Paramount Plants & Gardens
Trees, shrubs, perennials
A North-London based plant centre and online plant nursery specialising in mature specimen trees and shrubs, with advice available for suitable trees for your garden. Fully mature hardy plants including trees, large shrubs, bamboos, topiary, acers, ferns, palms, climbers, grasses perennials and evergreen screening trees available. Deliveries available across the UK, please see website for details.
020 83678809
Todds Botanics
Shrubs, trees
Award-winning nursery supplying certified disease-free olive trees, plus a wide range of shrubs, bamboos, tree ferns, herbaceous perennials and summer bulbs.
01376 561212
Where to buy Fruit and veg plants
Blackmoor Nurseries
Fruit
Wide range of fruit trees, plus asparagus crowns, grapes and ornamental trees. Deliveries are continuing, but with a 14-day wait time.
01420 477978
Brighter Blooms
Vegetables, perennials, bulbs, seeds
This Lancashire nursery is now selling off rhizomes of the 15 varieties of award-winning zantedeschia which would have been shown off at Chelsea. Also available mail order are a good range of seed potatoes, usually sold at Harrogate Spring Flower Show and at potato days, as well as vegetable seeds and growing kits.
07884 430732
Cross Common Nursery
Fruit, climbers, exotics
Based on the southernmost tip of Cornwall, supplying all kinds of citrus trees as well as passion flowers, unusual and exotic plants. Deliveries are running smoothly but there’s a delay of about a week.
01326 290722
info@crosscommonnursery.co.uk
Delfland Nurseries
Vegetable plug plants
Good range of pre-grown organic vegetable plug plants, but the company has received an unprecedented number of orders this spring so some varieties are no longer available – check the website for details. There is still a good choice, however, and you can pre-order for May.
01354 740553
Otter Farm
Vegetables, seeds
Otter Farm has become known for growing really unusual fruit and vegetables that push the boundaries of hardiness and introduce us to new flavours. Among the more commonly grown vegetable seeds they offer mail order there are some really interesting edibles to try at home, from cucamelons and agretti to mashua and wasabi.
Plants4Presents
Fruit, shrubs, herbs
Fruit trees are the main focus for this East Sussex nursery, with a wide range on offer from apples and pears to blueberries, gooseberries and cherries. You can also buy citrus, grapevines and herbs as well as flowering shrubs for the garden.
01825 721162
Real Seeds
Vegetable seeds
Very high demand and staffing problems have led to temporary restrictions on ordering times (a new system is promised in a few weeks’ time) and limits on the number of packs you can buy. But this popular open-pollinated seed merchant is still open.
01239 821107
Robinsons & Sons
Vegetable seeds
One of Britain’s longest-established family-run vegetable and fruit seed nurseries, now on its fifth generation of Robinsons, and masters of the giant vegetable display at summer and autumn shows. There’s a huge range of vegetable seeds available on the website including some fun varieties to try like luffa and amaranth.
01524 791210
Rocket Gardens
Vegetable plug plants
Extensive range of vegetable plug plants, despatched from mid to late May onwards. You can buy collections, or an entire veg garden’s worth of plants at once.
queries@rocketgardens.co.uk
Victoriana Nursery
Vegetables and fruit (seeds and plants)
Fruit, vegetables and herbs as seed and young plants. High demand means a three-week wait for plants (less for seeds).
01233 740529
Where to buy Compost
B&Q
Peat-reduced and peat-free compost
Own-brand Verve potting composts as well as garden sundries available to order online and for contactless click and collect.
Carbon Gold
Peat-free compost
Peat free composts enriched with biochar, available in several different blends including seed compost. Slow-release fertiliser also available.
0117 244 0032
Compost Direct
Soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Potting composts are currently unavailable but you can buy soil improver, topsoil and bark mulch in bulk bags only (delivery is free).
sales@compostdirect.com
Country Supplies
Potting compost, soil improver
The full range of Sylvagrow peat free composts including multipurpose and ericaceous, plus farmyard manure supplied in 50 ltr bags (prices start at £5.99). No minimum order, and deliveries are currently within two working days.
01494 562406
CPA Horticulture
Potting compost, topsoil, soil improver, mulch
Based in Carmarthenshire, Wales, but with depots across the UK, supplying a good range of potting composts plus soil improver, mushroom compost and bark mulch. Most products are available in either bulk bags or small bags, with the exception of manure and multipurpose compost which is only currently available in bulk bags. Lead times for delivery are currently approximately 5-10 days.
01994 231121
Dalefoot
Peat-free compost
Peat free composts based on wool and bracken. Available in multipurpose, seed and vegetable blends.
01931 713281
Dandy’s Landscaping Supplies
Potting compost, soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Good stock levels with potting compost available in small bags (minimum order 10 bags) and bulk bags, as well as mushroom compost, mulches and bespoke blends of topsoil. Allow about 12 working days for delivery at the moment.
sales@dandys.com
Earth Cycle
Soil improvers, topsoil, mulch
Based in Chichester, West Sussex, but delivering peat-free soil improvers, topsoils and mulches nationwide (no potting composts available). Delivery is in bulk bags, with some delays expected at the moment.
Fertile Fibre
Potting composts, soil improver, mulch
Peat-free, biodynamic and vegan compost available by the bag or as bulk bags, also vegan and biodynamic composts. Prices start at £24 for a 60l bag of multipurpose compost (less for bulk loads), and delivery is currently taking at least three working days.
01432 853111
Field Compost
Potting composts, soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Family-run compost and garden supplies company based in Cambridgeshire but delivering nationwide. Good range of bagged potting composts, including grow bags (minimum order 5 x 40l sacks, with prices decreasing the more you order). There is some delay in deliveries with current orders will be delivered after 18th May.
sales@fieldcompost.co.uk
The Garden Superstore
Potting composts, mulch
Good stocks of potting and specialist composts as well as bark mulches. Minimum order of £50 and delivery takes 6-8 working days.
orders@thegardensuperstore.co.uk
Garden Topsoil Direct
Soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Northamptonshire-based online supplier, delivering nationwide. No potting composts, but an extensive range of topsoils, soil conditioners and bark mulches, all supplied in bulk bags or smaller 50l sacks (minimum orders apply). Delivery is currently 2-3 working days.
enquiries@gardentopsoildirect.co.uk
Hickman Brothers’ Landscapes
Potting compost, soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Oxfordshire based landscaping supplier with an online shop selling garden supplies, including potting compost, soil improvers, topsoil and mulches. Prices start at £5.26 for a 70 litre bag of multipurpose compost.
01993 822226
London Lawn Turf Company Ltd
Soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Sister company to the London Topsoil Company, but offering potting compost in 60l bags (prices start at £5.70) as well as bulk bag deliveries of soil improvers, topsoil and bark mulches. Delivery to London and the South East only, within 5-7 working days.
01959 897603
Mole Valley
Potting compost, soil improver, mulch
Agricultural supply shops are still open through lockdown, and Mole Valley Farmers has several branches across the UK where you can pick up bags of multipurpose compost, soil improvers and bark mulches (they are not included in deliveries at present). Prices start at £5.99 for a 60l bag of multipurpose compost.
01769 576419
Mr Muck’s Garden Supplies
Soil improver, mulch
Small family-run company with depots in Yorkshire, the Midlands and Lancashire with plenty of stock of soil improvers – mainly mushroom compost and stable manure, delivered in conveniently sized 40-70 litre sacks. Minimum order 20 sacks.
01302 358158
Natural Grower
Organic, chemical-free liquid fertiliser and soil conditioner.
0333 800 5450
Online Soil
Soil improver, topsoil
Lancashire-based online compost delivery company, providing screened topsoil and soil improver in bulk bags as well as turf, though their potting compost is currently unavailable. Deliveries are currently running smoothly at 1-2 working days.
01695 422144
Quality Garden Supplies
Potting composts, soil improver, mulch
Range of potting composts from Bord na Mona with topsoil, soil improvers and bark mulches too. Minimum order 5 x 50 litre bags, with prices starting at £15.75 for a 50l bag though ordering 20 bags reduces that to £5.90 a bag. Delivery is currently running at about 7 working days.
0871 9710988
Valley Contractors
Soil improver, topsoil, mulch
Based in Birmingham, but delivers topsoil, soil improvers and mulch across the country with next-day delivery available for orders before 10.30am. All sales are in bulk bags.
0121 474 3506
Wilko
Potting compost
Stores are open with strict social distancing protocols in action, or you can use the click and collect service. Deliveries are also available. Good range of potting composts available including peat-free and ericaceous composts.
Yorkshire Trading
Potting compost, soil improver, topsoil
Good range of potting composts, soil improvers and topsoil sold in 40 ltr bags with prices starting at £4.99 a bag. Deliveries are currently taking 5-10 days.
Where to buy Gardening kit and sundries
Green Gardener
Pots, wormeries, irrigation, pest control
Eco-friendly gardening supplies from biodegradable pots to biological pest controls including nematodes for use outside and under cover. Also supplies irrigation equipment, wormeries and raised bed kits.
01493 750061
The Greenhouse People
Greenhouses, barbecues, sundries
Aluminium and wooden greenhouses, plus summerhouses, barbecues, outdoor ovens and all accessories available for home delivery.
01782 385400
Harrod Horticultural
General gardening equipment
Everything you could possibly need for the garden, from large structures like fruit cages, arches and obelisks to raised bed kits, planters, tools, pots and labels.
0333 400 6400
Labels N Things
Labels, plant supports
Every possible type of plant label in wood, copper and aluminium as well as plastic. Also sells a range of plant supports and protective disposable latex gloves for use in the garden.
01527 557990
Laminvale
Pots, planters, garden furniture and garden structures.
customerservice@laminvale.co.uk
Marshalls Garden
Seeds, compost, general gardening equipment
Seed merchants Marshalls have now expanded their range massively and sell a wide range of gardening sundries as well, ranging from bird food to tools, greenhouse accessories and hanging baskets, and – occasionally – compost. Fresh stock is arriving daily. There’s currently a three-week delay on despatch times.
0844 557 6700
Two Wests & Elliot
Pots, greenhouse supplies, general gardening equipment
Best known for its encyclopaedic range of greenhouse and polytunnel accessories, but also supplying pots, labels, planters, netting and all the equipment you need for day-to-day gardening. Despatch is currently slower than normal due to staff shortages, with a delay of approximately four weeks.
01246 451077
Want to add your UK mail order plant business to this list? If you have stocks available for delivery please drop us a line.
Similarly, if you find that any information in this feature is out of date please let us know.
Offers from GardenersWorld.com
If you’re not able get out to the garden centre or local nursery you can still buy plants online, plus everything else you need for your garden. Here’s a list of the online plant retailers and specialist nurseries who we work with to bring you great offers and discounts (and Subscriber Club members can save 10 per cent with our partners here).
Bloom & Wild – A fresh flower letterbox delivery company, plus hand-tied bouquets. Subscriber Club 10 per cent discount code currently suspended with this supplier.
Blooming Direct – Lincolnshire-based nursery. General suppliers of bulbs, garden-ready plants, trees, including large fruit tree range, gardening supplies and more.
Crocus – Surrey-based nursery launched in 2000. Offering the biggest selection of plants in the UK, offering over 4,000 varieties, from bulbs to trees. Subscriber Club 10 per cent discount code currently suspended with this supplier.
Dobies – In addition to seeds, they offer a large range of young annual plants plus bulbs, fruit and garden equipment.
Farmer Gracy – Suppliers of high-quality flower bulbs, including unique varieties, as well as the usual favourites.
GardenBird – One of the UK’s largest specialist suppliers of wild bird-related products, by mail order.
Happy Beaks – A supplier of bird seed mixes, feed bundles, feeders and accessories.
Harrod Horticultural – A specialist in the design and manufacture of structures for kitchen and ornamental gardens, plus a veg crop range, as well as garden equipment and an outdoor living range.
Hayloft – Supplier of annuals, perennials and shrubs, with a focus on rare and unusual varieties.
J. Parkers – Suppliers of a broad range of plants, bulbs and shrubs, including fruit and veg crops.
Love Garden Birds – Based in West Yorkshire, this company supplies bird seed mixes, seeds, suets, feeders and wildlife gardening accessories.
Marshalls – ‘For Kitchen Gardens: The Fruit & Vegetable Company’ The company has a new website, now the new home of Marshalls Seeds, Unwins and Birds & Bees.
Mr Fothergill’s – A provider of flower and vegetable seed as well as young plants, potatoes, onions, garlic, shallots, vegetable plants, soft fruit and fruit trees.
National Bee Supplies – A specialist provider of handmade beehives and beekeeping supplies.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue – Dedicated to promoting organic growing for more than 50 years. The online shop stocks a broad range of seeds, plants, fertilisers, composts, pest controls, weed controls, tools and other gardening supplies.
Pomona Fruits – Garden fruit specialists
Rolawn – A turf grower and supplier, providing a range of topsoil and compost products.
Sarah Raven – Provides a comprehensive range of seeds, seedlings, plants, and gardening and floristry kit.
Suttons – With over 200 years of gardening experience supplying, seeds, young plants, fruit bushes, vegetables and much more to novice gardeners and seasoned professionals alike.
Thompson & Morgan – One of the UK’s largest mail order seed and plant suppliers. Its product range includes a seed collection, young plants, fruit and veg crops, bulbs, seeds as well as an extensive range of gardening supplies.
Unwins – Now part of the new Marshalls website.
Van Meuwen – First established as a producer of tulip and daffodil bulbs in 1973. Today, it’s a horticultural mail order specialist.
Waltons – Designers and manufacturers of garden sheds, log cabins, summerhouses and playhouses. The brand was established in 1878.
Wiggly Wigglers – An award-winning natural gardening supplies company. Range includes British-grown birdseed and feed, composting supplies, live and dried worms, wildflower plants and more.
Woolmans – Chrysanthemum specialists, supplier of top-quality chrysanthemum plants for cut flower, garden or show. Also offering a wide range of dahlias and carnations as well as young plants for bedding, borders and containers.
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