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[CLKD]

.......  is a contradiction in terms!

In one article in the Telegraph over the weekend it was suggested by Jekka (herbs) that many nurseries have been 'lost' in the UK in recent years.  That we should be buying plants grown in the UK.

So we then get Alan Titchmarsh spouting similar in the same paper.  However.

For years trees, shrubs, plants have been important from abroad purely to take part in the CFShow [even if they haven't wanted to be there  ].  So firstly there's a huge chance of important disease/critters and b) it is taking trade away from UK Nurseries  . 

Apart from roses from David Austin, I have bought specific plants from specialist Nurseries across England in the last 20 years, paying quite a bit 'over the odds' - none of them have lasted more than 9 months ....... whereas those purchased from garden centres, i.e. 'wyevale', have after 2/3 years, settled well and grow to this day. 

Many of our bedding has for years been imported from Belgium and Holland.  Our garden centre has 2 lorry deliveries weekly. Wonder who does all the ****ing out and potting on  . 

CFShow is false. Enjoyable but false, plus one can't buy anything unlike other Shows where plants are on sale throughout the week. 

I also think that Gardeners' World Live should stop their plant swaps because that's another way of transferring pests and diseases.  I love and couldn't be without my garden and ponds .........

[Spangles]

Totally contrived!
However, being a fully trained and qualified, practicing horticulturalist and garden designer,  I absolutely love everything about it.
I regularly visit the show, what stands out for me is the skill of the growers. To be able to manipulate the plants to flower when out of season is just pure magic and the science behind it is incredible.
It ‘‘floats my boat'.
xXx

[CLKD]

Floats mine too but what about importing plants etc. ........ at the risk of putting our growers out of business 

Have you got tickets this year?

[Spangles]

Yes, tomorrow.
As far as where our plants come from, it's all down to people's choice and demand. British growing is better now than it has been for last 20 years. Being a true plants woman, I propagate and grow a lot of my own stuff but if there's something I want for my garden I'll have it regardless of where it's come from, as long as it is ethical. I'm totally organic too, so I have to say those pests have a good time in my garden, however I do companion plant as this attracts the good pests who eat the bad pests.......I could go on and on and on and on😂

[littleminnie]

Got a few David Austin roses in the garden.  They do really well.

[CLKD]

In general the public get little choice in garden centres.  In the Fens we have to travel 15 miles to 'the best' or go to B&Q 7 miles away.  In Northants the 'gardeners' tend to hide themselves away and are rarely open to the public, appearing at 'shows' ......... 1 still grow their own trees/shrubs/hedging and buy in from Belgium with a 'UK grown' choices.  Otherwise it's from Belgium.  The 1 that we bought our fruit trees from in the 1980s is now homogenous with outlets across the site, one has to walk 'miles' to reach the plants and there aren't many.  Years ago we choose our fruit trees in the ground, a label with our name was tied to them, they were dug up and delivered.

I'm looking for pink and white campion at the moment but the wild flower people are open on a Wed. morning only and then 1 has to ring to make an appt. 

[Two hoots]

Gardeners world show hasn't done the plant swap for years 

I do like visiting gardening shows and buying plants. All the plant stall holders I can think of are British, they are always really helpful if you need advice about a plant you are buying, or a problem with a plant you already have in the garden.

[CLKD]

Glorified shopping arcades many of them - charging to go in, well I wouldn't shop in the supermarkets if they charged me!

Mum's garden is WILD 

[Shadyglade]

Gardeners world show hasn't done the plant swap for years 

I do like visiting gardening shows and buying plants. All the plant stall holders I can think of are British, they are always really helpful if you need advice about a plant you are buying, or a problem with a plant you already have in the garden.

We don't buy many plants at shows and those plant trollies are damned annoying. 

We do but seeds though.

[Two hoots]

Oh yes those terrible trolleys  in Malvern a few weeks ago I was walking behind someone with a walking stick in one hand and dragging a trolley with the other. If you can't carry your shopping they have people who will help you, or use the plant crèche 

You are luckier than me if you have garden centres or nurseries near you, I don't, it's B and Q or nothing for 15 miles around here. I like buying from the people who actually grow the plants, they are knowledgeable and always give tips if you ask, I don't think  B and Q do this 

[CLKD]

Our garden centres aren't expensive, they all buy in from Belgium ........ apart from a couple who grow their own, now they are 'nurseries' and are pricey! but they have a guarantee ;-)

[Shadyglade]

Instead of going to garden centre for new herbs I bought herb pots from the supermarket.  Parsley, basil and coriander much cheaper.

[Joaniepat]

My local garden centre is really nice. It is owned and run by a charity which provides training, work experience and other support for people with mental health problems. They can either work on the horticultural side or the café. It is quite a small place so the choice of plants is limited, but prices are competitive and quality is good, with many plants being British grown. The café is popular in its own right, and dogs are welcome as it is opposite a country park where folk take their dogs for walks. For those with very muddy paws or undercarriage, there is a lovely covered-in outside area. There's a gift shop as well. I like going there, it has a good atmosphere, and is much nicer than the big places.

JP x

[jillydoll]

Hello 👋🏼 Joanipat....
Hope your ok...xx

[Joaniepat]

Hi jillydoll, yeah I'm good thanks! Hope you're OK too.

JP xx