Buying plants locally

[pilsbury]

Hi all

We have just invested in a pocket planting system to grow a vertical living wall, but now need to buy something like 300 small plants to fill it! I am therefore looking for recommendations of local outlets selling plants at a good price. Or online if you think that'd be better.

Obviously I'd like to get them cheap so am thinking places like Lidl and B&Q, but I also don't want to make a bad decision and end up with a load of plants that die within a few weeks. We have a car so could drive out to somewhere like Bromley if there's better deals to be had outside London...

Any tips greatly received.

[intexasatthe moment]

Do you know what varieties you want to buy ? Are you after plants that will give a good show in the summer ?

You could probably grow bedding plants - trailing geranium,lobellia etc but for year round interest you're moving into a more limited and specialised area.

What's the pocket system like ? Has it got a built in watering system .

I'm v interested !

[Nigello]

Trailing ivy would be good, as would be campanula and spider plants as they grow pretty fast. Lavenders would work well especially if the wall gets sun.

[Angelina]

You can buy a huge variety of plug plants online - they come in different sizes (ie very small and needing to be grown on - or ready for planting out - depends on time of year etc) - I expect many nurseries would give advice on which type of plants would suit you.

B&Q are pretty limited really - although great value.

your wall sounds lovely - have you explored what other people grow, for ideas?

[pilsbury]

Hi all

Thanks for getting back to me! In terms of which plants to buy I?ve done some research today so think I am okay for ideas on those (tumbling strawberries and toms, geraniums, petunias, verbena, fuschia and more) my question is more about where is the best value place to buy them from. Angelina, do you recommend a particular online store?

ITATM - this is what we?ve bought - 36 Pockets Planting Bags Wall Hanging Gardening Planter Outdoor Indoor Vertical Greening Grow Bags (Black) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MTLIFZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cWlWCbFVZA57D

[tomskip]

The difference in price between cheap plants and really cheap plants is so negligible that it's hardly worth the petrol money or delivery charge. Especially when you are only buying 36 at a time.

I would try any of these lovely local garden centres: Shannons in Forest Hill, Croxted Road Garden Centre, The Secret Garden Crystal Palace, Alleyn Park Garden Centre.

[Penguin68]

The stall at the end of Lordship (opposite - almost - the old Harvester before the lights with the South Circular) has a limited stock, but always in good condition and at a good price - especially often on Wednesdays. I saw a great planted wall in the Alicante region which used Hot Lips Lobelia (actually a salvia) to great effect.

[mancity68]

For bulk plants like this I use online either https://www.yougarden.com/ or https://www.jparkers.co.uk/. Plants are in great condition and arrive safely packed. Some amazing spdeals on bulk purchases and greater selection than most garden centres.

[intexasatthe moment]

Morrisons in Peckham often have cheap good plants .You need to be going there frequently because the plants are great when they first arrive but often deterioate after a few days .

I think you will need to choose plants carefully as you will be putting them into a very specialised environment - there wont be a lot of room for their roots and the pockets can dry out very easily .You might want to add a little of those water retaining crystals .

[tonnyken]

a very detailed and meticulous lesson, it really has a lot of values, I will learn a lot thanks http://slitherio-o.com

[PeckhamRose]

The title of this thread is "buying plants locally" and yet the subject is now which online company to buy more cheaply from.

I would second Paul at the plant and flower shop just down the hill a bit from Lordship Lane vets and nearly opp the old Harvester (what IS to become of that site!) at the junction of the South Peculiar/Circular Road. He has been there years and I always buy from him. Buying LOCALLY. That's what yer gots to do!

[mancity68]

Indeed. But the OP did also say 'or online if you think that's better'. For 300 plants, my personal view was that would be better so I gave the sites I used. It's not a criticism of local suppliers - I use them all the time too. But as a public transport user, I'd never get a bulk order home so online has its place.

[PeckhamRose]

OK then fair dos.

[Gardenman]

I have a fantastic trade nursery I use for my customers south of Bromley near Swanley. Their plants are top quality, please don?t buy cheap. You get what you pay for. Their plant knowledge is excellent & the choice is huge.

I have to visit there next week for my current customer & you can meet up there or come along in my van. As said, it is trade only, so prices are good & they have s few samples of living walls to give you ideas.

Nigel

07759862191

[Sazzle30]

Nunhead gardener?

[RBtheCatman]

There's a lady on this forum who sells really good quality plants. Proper mature plants at really cheap prices. Last time I bought some evergreens from her including Golden Lysymachias and Mind Your Own Business, ideal I would have thought for what you want as they are spreading and stay in leaf all year round. Watch out for her in the for sale section. Her plants go fast though so you need to get in there quickly.

[AP Garden Services]

The obvious best bet for you is "new Covent Garden flower market"

You will be able to get a large quantity of high quality plants for much less than at a shop

[intexasatthe moment]

Gosh Nigel what a kind offer !

[gumshoe]

Would also recommend the Allyns Garden Center - really lovely staff and a good selection of small plants for small spaces. Would also recommend Pearspring for more interesting and exotic plants!

[bodsier]

I agree ITATM I'd grab that with both hands, well one, and a gift in the other. So nice!