Environmental policy

our environmental policy

We believe gardening brings colour and joy into your life. We strive for beauty that enriches the natural world. We are passionately committed to making the right decisions for the environment.


Everything we do is with an aim to reduce, recycle and repurpose, where possible. From our plant nursery, which generates its own bio-thermal power, to Perch Hill where we grow 100% peat-free. We are conscious of our actions, considerate of the choices we make and proud of the standard we set.


Our mission is to empower our community to make informed choices. To create innovative gardens and growing schemes that are a sanctuary for wildlife. To feel confident that as a brand we cultivate with the upmost care. 

of our plant nursery heat is generated via four Biothermal mass boilers, fuelled by straw from local fields and local waste wood

litres of water saved from harvesting rainwater which is collected in the reservoir at our nursery

of our parcels are delivered plastic free in recyclable paper and cardboard. We are currently looking at viable alternatives for the remaining 2%

of our plants are supplied from UK growers and we are committed to supporting UK businesses and suppliers wherever possible 

litres of water saved from harvesting rainwater which is collected in the reservoir at our nursery

of our plant nursery heat is generated via four Biothermal mass boilers, fuelled by straw from local fields and local waste wood

of our parcels are delivered plastic free in recyclable paper and cardboard. We are currently looking at viable alternatives for the remaining 2%

of our plants are supplied from UK growers and we are committed to supporting UK businesses and suppliers wherever possible 

packaging

  • We are conscious that our packaging choices reflect our brand values in respect to the environment
  • 98% of our parcels are delivered plastic free in recyclable paper and cardboard.
  • We only use plastic for extremely fragile items and are looking at viable alternatives
  • Our cardboard is made from 80% recycled material, FSC cert and 100% recyclable
  • We review our packaging sources frequently and aim to reduce packaging wherever possible



peat free

  • Our nursery is working hard on phasing out peat as a growing medium, with plans to be 100% peat free by 2024
  • Where practical and possible we switch to responsibly sourced growing mediums
  • Perch Hill, where many of our growing trials take place, is already 100% peat free


sustainable energy

  • We have saved an estimated 6 million litres of water from harvesting rainwater in the reservoir at our nursery
  • 100% of our nursery heat source comes from four Biomass boilers
  • Our Biomass boilers are fuelled by straw from local fields, as well as local waste wood and cardboard
  • We use a 30 KW solar array on our pack house roof which provides the majority of the power used by the pack house
  • We are continually looking for new and innovative ways to reduce our energy consumption

quality & longevity

  • We aim to source the highest quality items from reputable suppliers
  • Tools that are robust and repairable, offering years of value and dependable service
  • We use durable FSC certified timber, which is responsibly sourced. FSC certifies forests all over the world to ensure they meet the highest environmental and social standards


bees & neonicotinoid policy

  • We are committed to seeking methods of production that do not negatively affect all wildlife populations, including pollinators and bees
  • The main products associated with harm to the environment and particularly to bees are a group called neonicotinoids
  • Most neonicotinoids are now banned across Europe and the use of any that remain is strictly controlled to avoid harm to non-target species
  • We have built close relationships with all our trusted suppliers over the years. This collaboration enables us to ensure the quality and sustainability of our supply


biological pest management

  • Our nursery does not carry out a routine spray programme and instead uses an integrated approach to pest management. Careful monitoring, good hygiene and biological controls are used as much as possible
  • Some of the most commonly used products are based on organic ingredients such as maltodextrin (potato starch), potassium bicarbonate (baking powder) and Beauveria bassiana, a naturally occurring fungi

Xylella

  • The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa causes disease in a wide range of plants. It has not been detected in the UK but there have been outbreaks in mainland Europe
  • There are concerns about the risk of introduction of Xylella via infected host plants imported into the UK. As we predominantly offer UK-grown plants or seeds, these pose a very low risk of Xylella
  • The plant and seed collections we import from outside the UK are subject to strict phytosanitary legislation including the use of plant passports
  • Importation requires a combination of inspection, notification and correct documentation which reduces the risk of infected plants entering the UK

planet mark

We are proud to announce that we are now working with Planet Mark to measure and reduce our carbon footprint.


This is part of our commitment to implement sustainable initiatives, which will have a positive impact on our planet