Plants with Purpose is a specialist nursery b ased in Perthsire, Scotland, for unusual and overlooked herbs and useful plants. I'm Margaret Lear and I started the nursery in April 2001 on the back of a garden design and consultancy service aimed at making gardens and horticulture more sustainable. Since when the range of weird plants held in the nursery has increased dramatically, as have the weeds in the garden and the reproductive exertions of the slugs in the undergrowth. But while the slugs aren't allowed to have things all their own way, what is a weed? I continue to discover bizarre and thought-provoking uses (ancient and modern) for ALL my plants, while more and more people are finding their way to us and demanding more edible plants, more wildlife gardening information and, sometimes, recipes for weed stew....
PLANTS WITH PURPOSE SPECIALIST NURSERY
"Unusual Herbs and Useful Plants organically grown in a Cold Climate"
The nursery grew because I am driven to propagate plants. When they start to take over, you have to start selling them. I shun plants that just sit there looking colourful but provide neither food for the table, remedies for ailments nor nectar for butterflies. I mean, what is the POINT of Begonia semperflorens? (oh go on, do inform me). Being also an (occasional) beekeeper with an eye on pollination, plants which attract bees and other insects I consider to have a special purpose. Insects are part of the wider ecology, so you will find plenty of help for wildlife in the catalogue. No artificial chemicals are used either in pest control or fertiliser, and we use organic methods exclusively to produce plants. Everything we sell is produced on the nursery; we never buy in "instant" plants from distant hothouses where they have been forced into early growth, and as Perthshire can be a very cold place, you can be sure that if we say it's hardy, it's hardy and acclimatised to cold! This does mean, however, that our plants are NOT available by return of post! We grow small batches, and don't send them till they are ready, so please be patient when ordering. We'll always let you know if there is a problem with your order or a likely long delay.
WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTANCY
Having been unable to subtract myself from education from pre-school to degree level (and there really isn't much difference!) for over 30 years, our workshops and talks have become an integral part of the business - one that looks set to become more and more important.
Keep an eye on our courses and workshops page for up to date information.
We are able to advise in a consultancy capacity on wildlife planting and sustainable production of herbs, fruit and vegetables, fruit tree selection, pruning and management, and can organise bespoke workshops or training events in these areas. Garden design frankly bores me to racking sobs (spent too long performing it in a previous incarnation); I will help with layout ideas and plant selection, but if you are into mirrors, plastic plants and acres of decking, forget it. I'm not the one you need.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER AND GET SPECIAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS!
Send an E-mail to
mail@plantswithpurpose.co.uk with ENEWS in the subject line and you will receive regular news from the nursery - and be able to take advantage of special offers not available in the on-line store. |
