Renowned horticulturist Rosy Hardy, who runs Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants
Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants, a renowned nursery based in Whitchurch, Hampshire, has made a name for itself in the horticultural world, earning an impressive 24 gold medals at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This nursery, nestled at Priory Lane Nursery, Freefolk Priors, is a treasure trove for garden enthusiasts seeking a touch of the traditional English cottage garden style.
A Legacy of Beauty and Sustainability
Founded in 1989, Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants has grown to specialise in over 1,200 types of herbaceous perennial plants. The nursery's ethos is rooted in sustainability and ecological consciousness. For the past ten years, Rosy Hardy, the nursery's visionary founder, has only taken on new plants by British breeders, as part of the nursery's commitment to sustainability.
The nursery's commitment to sustainability is evident in its practices. Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants is 99.5% peat-free, uses increased biological controls in the tunnels, and employs compostable pots for mail order plants. This dedication to environmental stewardship ensures that the nursery's offerings not only delight the eye but also contribute to a healthier planet.
A Garden for Every Spot
Rosy Hardy, the driving force behind Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants, has a keen eye for plant selection. She focuses on combining plants with complementary characteristics, ensuring that every plant finds its perfect home in the garden. Rosy is particularly interested in finding native species that are more showy and can suit specific areas such as shady or dry gardens.
Rosy's approach to plant selection is methodical. She has a rigorous checklist for every plant she considers, evaluating factors like color, habit, height, re-blooming, foliage, and whether it's different from related plants. This meticulous process ensures that the nursery's offerings are not only visually appealing but also well-suited to a variety of garden conditions.
A Rich History and a Bright Future
Rosy Hardy's journey in horticulture began in school, where an O level in the subject and a walled garden piqued her interest. Her career took a turn when she met her husband Rob, who was already helping his sister Anne Liverman with her landscaping business in Derbyshire. Anne later became an important member of the family nursery.
Today, Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants continues to exhibit at flower shows to sell plants and share gardening advice. Rosy often goes botanizing abroad to understand how plants behave in their natural environment, bringing back valuable insights to her nursery.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice just starting out, Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants offers a wealth of knowledge and a stunning selection of plants. To learn more or to place an order, you can contact them at 01256 896533 or visit their website hardysplants.co.uk.
[1] English Cottage Gardens: A History and Guide. (2018). Timber Press.
[2] The English Cottage Garden. (2016). Ryland Peters & Small.
[4] The English Cottage Garden: Design and Plants for a Timeless Look. (2002). Cool Springs Press.
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