This blog site exists in order to host our nursery catalogue. It will be updated from time to time by editing this post.

Plants with the note "protect from frost" are NOT suitable to plant outdoors in areas where frosts may occur, however they can be kept on a covered porch or indoors in a well lighted area and then planted out in Spring.

ALEXANDERS (Smyrnium olusatrum) The original celery, named after Alexander the Great. Also known as Black Lovage. Similar in appearance to Angelica, with attractive glossy green leaves. Can be harvested in winter when other celery not available. Leaves, roots and seeds are all edible. Add shredded leaves to soups and stews for that unique celery flavour. Makes attractive winter ground cover. Deep tap root mines nutrients. Shiny black aromatic seeds. Biennial. Frost hardy.

ALOE VERA (Aloe vera syn. Aloe barbadensis) Cleopatra's favourite face mask. Leaf gel contains aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system & relieves bites, burns & rashes. Keep a pot in the kitchen for treating burns and scalds. Slice a leaf and apply the gel directly to the skin. It forms a clear "skin" to protect the wound. One of the few indoor plants that continues to absorb carbon dioxide in the dark. Perennial. Protect from frost until plant is 5 years or older.

Glossy ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica) An attractive form of Angelica officinalis, the variety which has medicinal properties. Leaves, seeds and root are all edible. Stalks can be crystallised or added to stewed fruit to reduce the need for sugar. Chewing the stem is said to relieve car sickness. Seed makes a refreshing tea. Flowers attract bees and hoverflies to the garden. Attractive background planting in cottage gardens. Can be used as an indoor plant for short periods. Biennial. Frost hardy.

ARROWHEAD (Sagittaria sagittifolia). Attractive waterplant with arrow-shaped leaves. Great for background planting in ponds or bog gardens. Leaves have some medicinal uses but the plant is mostly grown for the sweet, crisp, edible tubers. Tubers are the size of a small walnut and have a nutty flavour, similar to water chestnuts. They are high in protein and can be dried, ground or roasted. Great for stir-frys and Asian meals. Do not eat them raw. Harvest tubers in autumn (before Mother's Day). Perennial. Frost hardy but foliage dies back in Winter.



THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. MORE ENTRIES WILL BE ADDED AS TIME PERMITS.