Local plants for thriving gardens

This year greener Huntly is finally getting serious about growing plants for a community nursery. "This has been something on the horizon since we started. Now we want to make a big push to make it really happen." Katrina explain. To get started, the small social enterprise will be offering the chance to become part of their growers team. And this is how it works: individuals or community organisations can choose to grow plants of a list that greener Huntly provides. Greener Huntly will provide the plant materials, guides, ongoing support, as well as space to grow of this is needed. End of autumn, greener Huntly will look at what plants are ready for sales, and purchase the plants of the grower at cost price, or for an agreed donation. Then we will use these plants in our landscaping projects and sell them in an online nursery.

"The horticultural industry is still relying on pot grown plants, often imported from abroad..."

"Sustainability is always woven through everything that we do. The horticultural industry is still relying on pot grown plants, often imported from abroad where growing conditions mean plants come on more quickly." These plants struggle once they are planted out in Aberdeenshire, because the climate here is somewhat different. A local nursery makes plants a lot more likely to thrive in your garden. Growers will be guided on propagating field grown plants. No pots means no plastic waste, less watering, and less fertilisation. It can reduce carbon up to 75% according to research. It does mean that plants can only be sold when dormant, similar to bare root trees and shrubs. "But since these plants will go into local gardens, that is no problem at all, and reduced transport weight significantly." Katrina reassures.

The collection of plants that will be grown will be somewhat different too. A list curated to thrive locally, but also benefit regenerative landscapes, means that all plants are great for the environment as well as for people. This includes edibles, especially those suitable for agroecology, and native wildflowers.

"Growing plants for us could be a fantastic fundraiser for schools and nurseries.."

"Having a list of growers means that money goes directly to the community rather than to an enterprise." Katrina goes on. "It is a conscious choice that we made. Growing plants for us could be a fantastic fundraiser for schools and nurseries for example. And it highlights the fact that everyone can grow plants that are good for our future." If you are interested in becoming a grower for greener Huntly, get in touch!