Our clients often want comprehensive planting plans to enhance their beautiful new hard landscaping. Choosing the plants to highlight our work is often one of our favourite parts of the job.

In the past we have used a variety of suppliers both locally and further afield if needed. When it comes to garden centres we have lost many a Sunday afternoon to our fabulous local ones. Kelways in Langport has excellent customer service (and an amazing lunch), a great range of roses and has been open for over 160 years. We are also big fans of the variety of fruit trees (and let’s face it, the Christmas section, and yes also the lunches) at Brimsmore in Yeovil.

Plants galore

Recently, a new garden centre opened up near Martock some of the team headed off to take a look for themselves. They grow and sell millions of plants direct to the public and this is their fifth store. We were very impressed with the range and with the prices.

If you prefer a smaller approach there is a small local nursery Sweet Acre Nursery on the outskirts of Glastonbury with a good range and they offer services like tool sharpening too.

Supermarkets

Although contentious for taking away custom from traditional garden centres, supermarkets have long been in the running as a place to buy plants. They tend to have a small range of house plants, some shrubs and a range of annuals that can be a cheap and convenient alternative. Although the quality can be mixed, they are great for providing plants for hanging baskets and planters without breaking the bank.

When we visit local gardens such as Lytes Cary in Charlton Mackrell, or Montecute near Yeovil, it’s very hard not to  be inspired by their planting plans and we often come home with plants grown by their excellent volunteers. There is a Hot lips Salvia running wild in our own garden purchased from Lytes Cary which gives such a riot of colour every summer that was worth every penny.

Clients usually have clear ideas of themes e.g. Mediterranean, wildlife promoting or plants indigenous to the local area. We are always happy to advise and accommodate clients wishes, whilst taking into account factors like soil, location of planting, maintenance and growth heights and widths.

We are very fortunate to have a good range of options locally that source competitively priced, quality plants and our Project manager loves nothing more than finding the perfect plants for yours and her own garden.

Words: Jennie Eastick, Amateur gardener and Office Manager