Frequently Asked Questions

What pot size do you sell your plants in?

Our conservatory plants and succulents are normally sold in 1 litre square pots. Hardy perennials, grasses and ferns are normally sold in 1.5 Litre or 2 litre pots. Shrubs and climbers are usually sold in 2 - 3 litre pots. On occasion we may not have plants available in the stated size. In this case we will let you know what pot sizes are available and the according price and, if you are happy with the substitution, send these off to you instead. We plan to indicate the pot sizes for each plant along with their descriptions. In the meantime, if you need to know what pot size you can expect your plants in, please ask. Wherever possible we supply plants with a good rootball: firstly because they travel much better this way; secondly, this is often a significant part of the cost - we may have to trim the top growth back to fit plants in a box, but with a good rootball, they will quicky produce new, bushy, top growth.

How soon can I expect my plants?

We try to dispatch within 2 weeks of receipt of your order, and will let you know the approximate dispatch date. When we are very busy, or if the weather is either very hot or cold, there may be a delay, again we will advise. If there is a delay on one or more items in your order we will give you the option to split the delivery, but carriage will be charged on each delivery but possibly at a reduced rate.

Do I need to be in to sign for delivery?

Normally, yes. We use a 24 hour trackable carrier for most of our deliveries - past experience has told us this is the most reliable way. For small parcels we may use Royal Mail first class which don't need a signature, in which case we will advise you. Please assume that we will use the 'signature required' service, and let us know if there are any days you, or a neighbour, are not around to sign for them.

How can the weather affect delivery times?

Plants in transit can be adversely affected by very cold or hot weather. After leaving the nursery they may spend up to 24 hours in both vehicles and depots, neither of which are usually climate controlled. For this reason we do not send plants out during adverse weather conditions if we believe they may suffer any damage as a result. If there is any delay in processing your order as a result we will let you know.

How do you calculate your carriage charges?

We take into account the time and materials used to package plants - experience has shown us not to skimp on these. The whole process of handling the online order, processing payment, informing customers, choosing the plants, preparing them for transit, preparing the box and arranging delivery is time consuming. We either take parcels to the depot ourselves, or we arrange collection which means there has to be someone around at the nursery until they are collected. Even low value orders go through the same process, hence our minimum charge is £7.95. The prices we charge on our website are usually the same as those we charge at the nursery - we don't 'bump up' our internet prices to subsidise carriage and packaging charges, we try to make these costs fair and transparent.

How are plants packed?

We use new, sturdy double-walled boxes as advised by our carriers. Occasionally we use recycled boxes where these are better suited to the plants being packed. Most of the plants we pack will arrive in their pots, secured in the bottom of a closed box and with the root ball wrapped, the top growth unwrapped. This means there is less chance of the box being tipped over in transit (as the weight is concentrated in the bottom), and if it does, the plants should come to no harm. Also, when packed this way, they don't need to be unpacked quite so urgently as with other methods, as air will have been circulating around the top growth in transit. Some plants, including those we dispatch bare-rooted, may be wrapped in paper and packed on their sides. Click here to see a box in the process of being packed.

Can I visit the nursery?

Yes, we are open to the public on selected days (please see Visitor Information.)

If you are coming to the nursery for specific plants please contact us. by e-mail or telephone before visiting to check availability. Plants are living stock so if we run low on some varieties it can take time to build up stock again.

Plants can also be reserved on our website and collected at the nursery if this is more convenient and also saves you the cost of delivery. Simply proceed with the ordering process as normal then under Delivery options select "Collect from nursery."

Where is the dog?

Yes, he's still around! Charlie, our springer spaniel, featured on our previous web site, is still kept very busy helping run the nursery - greeting visitors, showing them around and asking them to play ball with him. We have got some pictures of him, and if you explore our web site you will increasingly see him appearing here and there.....but for those of you who want a sneek preview, there's a picture here!