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Beth chatto nursery

gjautosgjautos Posts: 429
Has anyone any experience of ordering from here? I have my eye on a few ornamental grasses, price seems good but reviews are mixed. 
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  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    yes. I think it’s one of the best. 
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Agreed - really good 
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    I've visited, and was impressed.  
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @gjautos I would just make a comparison with Knoll Gardens if you are just looking for grasses. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    The trouble is with reviews, the reviewers sometimes don't know what they're on about! E.g. perennials cut back for dormancy etc. The average punter might think they've been fobbed off. I would trust Beth Chatto, also Plantsmans Pref, Plants for Shade, Ballyrobert, Knoll, Claire Austin, Hardys etc etc, all of them have good reputations. But check out your local independent growers as well. You can often find better value.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited October 2022
    The GC's near here do seem to have more Grasses than normal for sale this year. I am guessing it is the dry weather, some of them are very expensive for a decent size pot full. As wonderful as it is I wouldn't spend £30 plus on Calamagrostis Karl Foerster

    The big issue on line is lots of grasses are sold in 9cm pots which I think is a bit small. I know it is to do with postage but small ornamental grasses can struggle.   
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I have had good plants from Beth Chatto, but would definitely recommend looking at Knoll Gardens for grasses.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited October 2022
    I've bought many grasses from Knoll and have always been pleased with the quality of the plants and service, including paper packaging and a friendly handwritten note!  They have a wide range of stock and choice of pot sizes.  Try to buy at least 2 litre pots if you want to make an impact sooner and budget permits!  Normal advice is to plant grasses in March or April but the warm October we are having will ensure they get time to establish before winter sets in.  I've just looked at the Beth Chatto website, prices are similar to Knoll, but check the pot sizes when you compare! 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Yes I think you do need to get going now and plant as soon as you can. Grasses just 'sit' during the winter months. Lifting and splitting shouldn't be done whilst dormant.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • gjautosgjautos Posts: 429
    Loxley said:
    The trouble is with reviews, the reviewers sometimes don't know what they're on about! E.g. perennials cut back for dormancy etc. The average punter might think they've been fobbed off. I would trust Beth Chatto, also Plantsmans Pref, Plants for Shade, Ballyrobert, Knoll, Claire Austin, Hardys etc etc, all of them have good reputations. But check out your local independent growers as well. You can often find better value.
    Agreed about reviews. That's why i asked here, forum folk seem a bit more level headed (generally!) Thanks for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it
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