I was having real trouble when thinking what to write about this week. I have been focussed so much on the day-to-day that writing barely even entered my thoughts. But a little inspiration struck whilst planting some new herbs and here I am.
When buying herbs to plant, I sometimes find myself spinning out, wondering where the best place really is to buy them from, finding something I really want to add to the garden or just plain getting my head around what actually will grow in my garden rather than what I WANT to grow in the garden. So I thought I’d share a few UK-based places I have bought from and would sing the praises of in case anybody out there is an angsty geek like me.
Herbal Haven
This is the herb shop I have purchased from most frequently and I can’t say a word to fault them. Based in Saffron Walden, this shop has a great selection of herbs throughout the year. My fave feature of the website is that you can actually search by which are currently available (saving me from adding exciting things to my basket and then realising right at the end that 90% aren’t actually in season yet). Delivery is speedy (even during lockdown 1.0) and the plants are packaged so neatly that I wish I wasn’t so impatient and at some point would have taken photos to show you (but I am and I didn’t so there we go).
Naturescape
I only bought from Perth-based store, Naturescape, this year when I was seeking out snowdrops, bluebells and wild garlic, all “in the green”. These guys didn’t disappoint at all with speedy delivery of a neat and surprisingly small package bursting with bulbs. I was also really excited that I could get a Solomon’s Seal rhizome from here as well as plants to make my sad little pond a little more cheerful than it probably has been in years. Though less herb-based, they have an incredible selection of some of my favourite wildflowers.
Victoriana Nursery
My absolute favourite thing about Kent-based Victoriana Nursery is that you have the option to pre-order some plants. This is an incredible feature from a positively heaving shop (really, their selection is insane). Like, I imagine many others out there, I have the habit of scoping out what I want to buy for spring in winter or even autumn and this makes it so much more rewarding to do so. I dare you not to be tempted to order a Carob tree when you see it.
The Kew Gardener
If we have learned little over the last year, I hope we have all learned the value of a great local, independent shop. The Kew Gardener is my local and it’s like a magical little cave, right outside Kew Gardens station. Many a time, the owner has unwittingly saved me when I’ve run out of compost or had that plant-buyers itch. I believe only a selection of what you can find there is available on the online shop but as soon as the shops are open again, I would recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
*Not to be confused with The Kew Greenhouse – a local cafe – or Kew Gardens itself.
It’s a small list for sure and I have read about many others across the country which I’ll undoubtedly order from over the years but somehow, between these four, I have so far found myself covered with almost every plant and herb my little heart has desired. If you have suggestions though, please share in the comments. You can never have too many good suppliers on your list!
Herbal She Wrote 
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