Growing Excellence: The Story of the Plantsplus Onsite Nursery

At Plantsplus Garden Centre, gardening has always been at the heart of what we do. Long before the garden centre we know today existed, Plantsplus began life in the 1960s as a small nursery growing tomatoes, fruit, and cut flowers for the local community.

Over the decades, the business has evolved while staying true to its roots. A significant chapter in our history came in 2016 when Plantsplus joined the Crabbies Family of Garden Centres. This marked the beginning of an exciting transformation, expanding into the multi-department garden centre and restaurant that customers enjoy today.

Alongside this growth, our onsite nursery has flourished. What started as a small-scale operation has developed into a thriving production nursery that grows thousands of plants every year. From seasonal bedding packs and basket plants to hardy perennials, our nursery team works tirelessly to ensure customers have access to high-quality, locally grown plants throughout the seasons.

One of the highlights of a visit to Plantsplus is our impressive bedding plant area. What many customers may not realise is that every plant within this space has been grown right here on site. With decades of combined horticultural knowledge, our experienced nursery team takes great pride in producing healthy, vibrant plants. Under the leadership of Production Supervisor Mark, the team maintains the highest standards of quality while ensuring excellent value for our customers.

The work begins long before the plants reach the sales benches. Our nursery team grows plants from seedlings, carefully nurturing them through every stage of development. While we have invested in state-of-the-art machinery to improve efficiency and support production, many tasks still require a skilled human touch. From potting and spacing to watering and quality checks, a great deal of the work is carried out by hand, reflecting the dedication and expertise behind every plant we sell.

Summer is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular times of year in the nursery. The space comes alive with colour as our famous hanging baskets fill much of the growing area. Overflowing with vibrant blooms, they are a stunning sight and a true showcase of our team's hard work and attention to detail. For many visitors, seeing thousands of flourishing plants growing onsite is an experience in itself.

However, nursery life does not slow down when summer ends. Growing is a year-round commitment. As the seasons change, the team turns its attention to autumn and winter bedding plants, ensuring gardens continue to thrive throughout the colder months. During the festive season, creativity takes centre stage as our nursery team handcrafts beautiful Christmas wreaths, each made with the same care and attention that goes into every plant we grow.

Our onsite nursery is more than just a production area. It is a living part of Plantsplus' heritage, connecting our history as a family-run nursery business with the vibrant garden centre we are today. Every seedling, basket, perennial, and wreath reflects generations of horticultural knowledge and a passion for growing.

So, the next time you visit Plantsplus, take a moment to appreciate the plants around you. Chances are they have been lovingly grown just a few metres away by a team dedicated to bringing the very best plants to your garden.