Where to source your plants – beware of garden centres

Although the public will not be able to buy peat-based compost from 2024 commercial growers are still allowed to use it.  There is only a voluntary target for commercial growers for the end of 2024.  Defra is indicating that this will become an absolute date.  The question is where to get your plants now

Peat is not the only issue.  Many producers spray their plants with insecticides.  These insecticides are drawn up into the plants and are in the nectar and the pollen. Unfortunately, this means if you buy a plant that has been sprayed it could well end up killing the very insects you are trying to protect.  

RHS pollinator labels, these fool lots of us and the issue relates to the chemicals mentioned above.  Labels indicate that this species of plant is recognised as a good pollinator plant, usually for bees.  The label does not represent anything else and the producer is not endorsed by the RHS for the quality of the plant.

Exedra Nursery at Rococo Gardens

Exedra is the new nursery at the Rococo Gardens.  All plants are peat-free and the quality and range is lovely.  We are delighted to have been offered a stand dedicated to our Urban Corridor plants and look forward to collaborating on other projects.

Peat-free and neonicotinoids at B&Q

Whilst checking out what compost is available this year we met the woman in charge of the garden section at B&Q.  We were delighted to find that not only is all their compost peat free but also their plants.  We learned about the processes in place for recycling too.  Any damaged plants go in a skip (only the plant and soil) and these go to be recycled.  Their plastic pots are now made so they can be recycled at the kerbside, although preferably reused.  In 2017 they banned the use of neonicotinoids on any of their flower plants.

Urban Corridor Plants

Wild Stroud and a group of volunteers have set out to grow their own plants for the Urban Corridor project.  We also have people giving us their unwanted babies and thinnings.  Sign up for our newsletter to hear about our plant sales or keep checking our website.