Choosing horticulture as a profession I receive many invites to lunch in springtime. It is a little like being a GP. ‘Oh you’re a gardener! I have this problem area maybe you could help me with…’ You are never off duty. Partly to address this issue and because I want to promote the right plant for the right place, we are offering a free advice service on our website. I also film seasonal updates to help with planting ideas. All the staff have specialist areas in their plant knowledge. I have a chalk downland wildflower grower and a perennial expert. We go that extra mile making sure customers go away with a plant that will grow; if nurtured correctly. We also sell trees, shrubs, herbs, edibles and bedding. Composts and pots are available to buy but we purposely stay away from the garden centre model.

Stanmer Nursery is a hidden gem, nestled west of Stanmer House below the great wood. The nursery has produced plants since 1947 and before that, a walled kitchen garden for the Pelham Estate. It is unusual for a council to still grow plants in the city for the city but we are lucky here in Brighton & Hove, resulting in creative displays that wow the tourists and residents alike. Take a walk to the Old Steine this summer and the space is transformed into a jungle of planting with enormous exotic banana plants. All the work is done here at Stanmer from designing to growing.

We are also responsible for the new permanent planting schemes throughout Brighton & Hove. We have prided ourselves on promoting contemporary design in amenity planting; showing how soft landscaping can transform public spaces: Dyke Road Park yew squares, The Boulevard on the North Victoria Gardens and the revamp of St Ann’s Well. This summer we are planning a wildflower extravaganza replacing traditional bedding in Preston Park. Having worked on the planting proposal for The Level bid, I am excited that City Parks have been successful in securing this funding and hope to be involved in the soft landscaping works.

If you have any gardening questions you can contact Stanmer Nursery at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/stanmernursery. Check out our stock list, watch our film or go to our online enquiry form. Pop in and pay us a visit, see our reader’s offer below of 10% discount.*

Sarah Carlisle