We have had our own plant nursery since 2008 where we cultivate and grow a variety of aquatic marginal plants. All our plants are locally sourced from the River Itchen and Test Catchments and grown in a chalk stream in the Test Valley Borough of Hampshire. As well as supplying tens of thousands of plants for our own projects, we sell plants directly to interested clients.
All plants are allowed time to reach a mature state in this nurturing environment so that they can make an immediate impact upon planting. Plants are supplied in 3L pots, having already developed large root masses. Experience has demonstrated that these plants are robust, establish quickly and ensure that newly created habitats are protected from erosion.
As specialists in understanding plant physiology we are well qualified to identify the requirements for a sustainable matrix of marginal plants to ensure the success of all planting projects. Planting schemes are designed to mimic natural systems and provide diversity, refuge, food as well as being visually attractive. Our vast knowledge of marginal plants allows us to design detailed planting schemes encompassing each tier of bank above water level with the most appropriate species.
Our stock species list will generally include a variety of grasses, sedges, reeds and broadleaved species, such as:
- Lesser Pond Sedge – Carex acutiformis
- Greater Pond Sedge – Carex riparia
- Great Tussock Sedge – Carex paniculata
- Reed Sweet-Grass – Glyceria maxima
- Flag Iris – Iris pseudacorus
- Hard Rush – Juncus inflexus
- Water Mint – Mentha aquatica
- Water Forget-me-not – Myosotis scorpioides
- Reed Canary Grass – Phalaris arundinacea
- Brooklime – Veronica beccabunga
