Why we are propagating more of our own plants
Photograph coming soon
Suggested lead photograph: why we are propagating more of our own plants
We have started propagating many more of our own plants on the nursery. Growing from cuttings, division and seed in peat-free media puts us in control of how our plants are raised, strengthens our peat-free commitment and lets us build richer, more distinctive ranges.
Part of our peat-free commitment
Form has never used peat in its own growing, and we will not buy in any plant containing new peat, whoever grew it. Propagating more plants ourselves takes that one step further, because when a plant starts life on our nursery, we know exactly what it has been grown in from the very first root. Read more about why we are peat-free.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: traditional techniques, done well
Traditional techniques, done well
Much of our propagation relies on time-honoured methods that skilled nurserymen and women have used for generations. Through spring and summer we take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings from healthy stock plants, and in the dormant season we turn to hardwood cuttings, which suit many shrubs and hedging plants. Perennials and grasses are increased by division, lifting and splitting clumps to make vigorous new plants. Where it suits the plant, including British natives, we sow seed fresh.
These methods are patient and hands-on, but they produce strong, well-rooted plants that are used to our conditions from the start.
Bolstering our ranges
Propagating ourselves means we are less reliant on what is available elsewhere. We can grow on varieties we love, keep favourite forms going year after year, and add plants that are hard to find. Over time, this will make our ranges of perennials, grasses, shrubs and hedging plants broader and more distinctive.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: better for plants, better for the planet
Better for plants, better for the planet
Every plant we propagate is grown in peat-free media, so it is peat-free from the first root. Plants raised on our nursery do not need to travel to reach us, which means fewer miles. And because they are grown in our conditions, they are healthy, acclimatised plants that are ready for British gardens.
Growing skills for the future
Propagation is one of the most rewarding parts of horticulture, and bringing more of it in-house is helping our team develop and share traditional growing skills, which keeps that knowledge alive on the nursery for years to come.
Come and see
Our propagation happens behind the scenes at our growing nursery, Burrow Hill. To see the finished plants and talk to our team, visit our Row Town Showroom.