Shire Plants

Shire Plants, a nursery for rare and unusual plants in Buckinghamshire

Shire Plants is a traditional family-run nursery located in the rural heart of Buckinghamshire, established in 2018. Its stated aim is to offer plants that are not usually found in conventional garden centres, along with traditional varieties and native plants. Most of what it sells is grown by the nursery itself, using traditional methods that nurseries have employed for generations, although it also incorporates a modern online ordering and home delivery system.

The online shop brings together hundreds of varieties and places emphasis on rare, unusual and heritage plants. According to the company, its collections of violets, old-fashioned pinks (Dianthus) and hardy chrysanthemums are among the largest available in the UK.

Plant catalogue and categories

The catalogue is organised into categories that respond both to the type of plant and to its growing conditions or ornamental interest. These include alpines, plants for bees and butterflies, drought-tolerant plants, Erysimum, ground cover plants, hardy chrysanthemums, hardy geraniums, herbs, in-the-green bulbs, potted bulbs, penstemons, primulas, plants for dry shade, shade-loving plants, plants for containers, plants for cut flowers, plants for the border, plants that love wet or boggy soil, wild and native flowers, violets, Victorian violas and plants with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The nursery also maintains a changing selection under the name "Caught Our Eye", featuring specimens that stand out for their interest and which, in its opinion, deserve to be planted more widely. Most of the plants are lime-tolerant, fully hardy (they survive UK winters) and perennial, unless the description states otherwise.

Sales format and cultivation

The plants are sold already established in 9 x 10 cm pots, unless otherwise specified, ready to plant in the garden. The nursery points out that it does not sell plug plants or tiny seedlings because they require continuous care on receipt. The plants can be planted as soon as they are received or kept in their pot for several weeks until the time comes to plant them.

The company warns that some varieties may not be available until the next batch grows. Although it does not technically define itself as organic, it states that it does not use pesticides or chemicals and that, being located in the countryside, it strives to protect the natural environment around it.

Online sales and rare plant fairs

All the plants can be bought online with fast courier delivery throughout the UK. Throughout the year, the nursery takes part in rare plant fairs where it offers a selection of specimens for sale and provides the option of bringing orders for collection at those events.

Among its customers, the company cites the Royal Horticultural Society, English Heritage, the National Trust, The Eden Project, botanic gardens, several large private estates and even a celebrity chef.

Publications and newsletter

The nursery maintains a blog with articles on cultivation and specific plants. Among the recorded entries are pieces on fig trees for home growing, the hardy chrysanthemum 'Dixter Orange', the ideal planting time, hardy plumbago for autumn colour and a large foxglove. It also offers a monthly email newsletter with nursery news, plant information and special offers.

Visiting conditions

The nursery is not open to visitors. Telephone assistance is available Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00.

Location and contact

Buckingham Road, Gawcott MK18 1TN · Telephone: 01280 817800 · Email: enquiries@shireplants.co.uk · Hours: Telephone assistance: Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00. Not open to visitors.