Herbs and Fruit

The Quirky Bird says:

Herbs are what got me into gardening as a child and I still love them 40 years later. There is nothing better than growing your own to use in the kitchen, for scenting the house or for one of the many other uses they have. Even drawing your hand through scented leaves as you walk past can make you feel better.

The herb garden we built in the nursery is one of my favourite places to work and be, surrounded by the scent of plants and the humming of insects, and of course David and I got married there in 2017.

Below is our current list of herbs and fruit in stock. With nearly 100 new additions across the whole plant list hopefully you will find something for your own garden. There are other pot sizes available for some of them and some plants are not listed as we have limited numbers. If you are looking for something not on the list, please get in touch. There will be variations as plants sell out or propagation is not successful, please use this as a guide and not a definative list. It is imposible to keep it updated all the time through the year along side all the other nursery work that needs done.  

Herbs

Achillea

Achillea ageratum
“English Mace” A hardy perennial with clumps of cream flowers which flower for weeks. Bright light-green, finely divided, aromatic, upright foliage appears early in the season. The leaves historically have been used to flavour soups, stews and salads. H 60cm, S 30cm.                     2L pot          £9.00

Agastache                

Agastache foeniculum

Anise Hyssop. An aniseed-scented perennial, with downy leaves, whitish green beneath. Dense spikes of blue flowers in June to September. Plant in full sun and protect from frost. H 1.2m, S 40cm.                                 9cm pot            £3.50

Agastache rugosa ‘Liquorice Blue’

Whorls of blue flowers on long, upright spikes in summer with liquorice-scented, ornamental foliage. Attractive to butterflies and bees. Plant in full sun and a good choice for dry soil. H 60cm.                      9cm pot            £3.50

Agastache rugosa f. albiflora ‘Liquorice White’

Pure-white flowers on upright green ‘candles’ over liquorice-scented, greenish-yellow foliage from mid-summer until the first frosts. Well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of dry soil once established and adored by bumblebees. H 1.2m.                     9cm pot            £3.50

Allium

Allium cepa 'Purutile'

“Everlasting Onion” A non-flowering Evergreen Perennial onion that produces profuse clumps of bulblets which are pulled off the sides as needed for cooking, Very Hardy & stands well through the winter & for many years after. H 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Allium cepa proliferum

“Tree Onion” is a hardy perennial and typical of the Allium family with thick hollow cylindrical stems. Small green-white flowers appear in the second summer of growth, and these are followed by small bulbs which form at the top of the stem and are quite fascinating to look at followed by small white flowers.  The whole plant is edible but also looks good in flower borders The Tree Onion is also known as the Egyptian or walking onion. Grow in sun and most soils. H 1.5m, S 30cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Allium fistulosum

"Welsh onion" An edible, bulbous perennial, remaining green virtually all year round and producing impressive creamy-white flowers in mid-summer. Plant in full sun and well drained soil. H 30cm, S 30cm.                  9cm pot          £3.50

Allium schoenoprasum   

“Chives” A staple of the kitchen, chives grow well in a pot at the back door or in the herb or vegetable garden. With long flowering purple drumhead flowers, they are worth growing for the flowers alone. In my last garden I used them as a short summer hedge along the edges of one vegetable bed.

H 30cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50              

Allium tuberosum

“Garlic chives” are a clump-forming herb grown for both culinary and ornamental purposes. With chive-like, grey-green leaves up to 12" long which can be used in cooking in the same way as chives. Tiny, star-shaped, white flowers appear in loose clusters in late summer. Plants will colonize, and a small planting can expand rather quickly. All parts of the plant have an oniony smell when cut or crushed.

H50cm, S 40cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50   

Althaea

Althaea officinalis

“Marsh Mallow” A native, herbaceous perennial with softly hairy, grey-green leaves and stems. Small clusters of saucer-shaped, lilac-pink flowers appear on tall flowering stems from mid-summer to early autumn. Stems turn red in autumn as the leaves fall off.

H2m, S 1.5m.                                        2L pot          £9.00      

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

“Angelica” As well as being useful this plant is also worth growing for its architectural size and shape. Young shoots can be eaten in salads, and the stems peeled and crystallised as cake decoration. It also has various medicinal uses. Bees and other beneficial insects will be attracted by the nectar. Plant in sun and well-drained soil. H 2m, S 1m.                     9cm pot          £3.50

Armoracia

Armoracia rusticana

“Horseraddish” a vigorous rhizomatous perennial with fleshy, pungently aromatic tap-roots, large, dock-like bright green leaves and panicles of small, white flowers in early summer. Plant in sun to partial shade and most soils. The root can be ground or grated and mixed with vinegar to make horseradish sauce.

H 90cm, S 100cm.                    2L pot          £9.00

Artemisia

Artemisia abrotanum

“Southerwood, “Lad’s love”, “Aipple Ringie” that reviver of childhood memories in Granny’s garden with its slightly odd, pineapple scented leaves. It can be used sparingly in salads or cakes and in potpourri. Makes a rounded bush. H 90cm, S 90cm.                     9cm pot          £3.50

Artemisia absinthium

An upright deciduous perennial, with finely divided, highly aromatic grey-green foliage and rather insignificant yellowish flowers in late summer.

H 1m, S 50cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Artemisia dracunculus

“Tarragon” Perennial grown for its aromatic, lance-shaped, green leaves, insignificant yellowish white flowers. Flowers July to August in full sun. Use it in cooking, particularly with white meat or in soups. H 1.2m, S 30cm.                    9cm pot           £3.50

Artemisia pontica

This lovely delicate-looking Artemisia forms a forest of stiff, upright stems covered with finely-cut silver scented foliage. It makes a lovely plant in mixed borders or in a white and silver themed planting. H 45cm, S 60cm.                                       2L pot          £9.00

Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’

A dwarf evergreen shrub with finely cut silver leaves. The dull yellow flowers in late summer are insignificant and can be removed if desired. A great plant for pots, front of the border or in amongst pink, blue and white flowers. H 60cm, S 45cm.                  9cm pot           £4.00

Asperula

Asperula tinctoria

“Dyers Woodruff”. This gorgeous perennial covers itself in tiny white flowers from June onwards. Its spreads out forming a mounded plant of dark green leaves. It is happy in sun or partial shade and will grow in most soils. H 30cm, S 45cm.                    9cm pot           £3.50

Chamaemelum

Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague'

Also called Roman Chamomile, this is a lovely plant when grown as an ornamental edging or groundcover for hot, dry sunny sites. This special non-flowering selection forms a low evergreen mat of ferny leaves with a pleasant fragrant. An excellent choice for a lawn substitute, plants can be mowed or clipped if desired. Evergreen in mild winter regions. Good deer resistance. I will be testing it in the new herb garden here in the nursery to see how it copes with our growing conditions. Height 15cm, S 45cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Chenopodium

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

"Good King Henry" Used as a vegetable for centuries it was once a common sight in every garden. This reliable kitchen garden staple has fallen by the wayside in recent years and is now a rarity today, but this unique herb still has much to offer as a perennial. The succulent young leaves and flowering stems can be either eaten in salads or cooked like spinach, amongst many other uses. H 75cm, S 60cm.                      2L pot          £9.00

                  

Foeniculum

Foeniculum vulgare

“Fennel” An outstanding architectural herb with green, feathery foliage and masses of small, muted-yellow umbellifer flowers in late summer that are loved by hoverflies. Provides structure through winter in its skeletal form. Plant in dry to free-draining soil in sun. H 2m, S 60cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’

“Bronze Fennel” An outstanding plant with bronzy, aniseed-scented, feathery foliage and masses of small, muted-yellow umbellifer flowers in late summer that are loved by hoverflies. Continues to provide structure through winter in its skeletal form. Plant in dry to free-draining soil in sun.

H 2m, S 60cm.                     9cm pot          £3.50

Galium

Galium odorata

“Sweet Woodruff”. This plant makes great ground cover in shade under trees and shrubs. Whorls of bright green leaves appear in spring and are topped with tiny, white scented, star-shaped flowers in April and May. Wildlife friendly and rabbit resistant. H 30cm, S 60cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

                    

Hyssopus

Hyssopus officinalis

"Hyssop" A semi woody plant from the mediteranean which prefers a warm sunny spot in the garden. Lovely vivid blue flowers appear in summer and are excellent for bees and insects. Hyssop grows to 60 cm and doesn't mind being trimmed, and is better for a hair cut every so often. Use the leaves sparingly in salads or in meat dishes and bean soups.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Isatis

Isatis tinctoria

An upright herb with basal rosettes of leaves, stems with arrow-shaped leaves, and heads of yellow flowers in early summer, followed by brown seedheads in late summer. The flowers are good for bees, and the famous blue dye is obtained from the leaves. H 1.2m, S 75cm.                       9cm pot          £3.50

Lavandula

Lavandula angustifolia

A compact, bushy Lavander, more wide than tall, with narrow, aromatic, grey-green leaves. In mid- and late summer it produces long stalks carrying short, dense spikes of fragrant, pale to deep purple flowers. H1m, S 45cm.                9cm pot          £4.00

Lavandula x intermedia ‘Pale Pretender’

Long spikes of pale-mauve flowers above comparatively broad, grey-green leaves. H 80cm, S 39cm.                9cm pot          £4.00

Levisticum

Ligusticum scoticum

"Scots Lovage" (Luffage, Shemis – Scots native) A compact, clump-forming upright perennial with glossy green leaves and umbels of tiny white flowers from June to August. In early autumn golden seed heads form. It is a native plant in northern Europe and here in Scotland. H 60cm, S 60cm.                       9cm pot          £3.50

Melissa

Melissa officinalis

“Lemon Balm” is a bushy perennial with broadly ovate with scalloped edges. Spikes of creamy-white or pale purple flowers appear in summer over the very lemony scented foliage. The plant has been cultivated at least since the 16th century and is attractive to bees. H 60cm, S 45cm.                    2L pot          £9.00

Melissa officinalis 'All Gold'

“Golden Lemon Balm” is a yellow leaved cultivar with very pale almost cream young leaves fading to dark golden through summer. Spikes of creamy-white flowers appear in summer over lemon scented foliage. H 60cm, S 45cm.                        9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha

Mentha arvensis 'Banana'

A low-growing, spreading mint. Small, bright-green leaves are ovate and slightly downy, emitting an unusual banana scent when crushed. Clusters of small, lilac flowers are borne in summer. H45cm, S1m.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha citrata

“Lemon Mint” A small mint with lemon scented leaves. Light green foliage and small flowers. Ideal for a pot near a seating area or at the back door.

H 30cm. S 45cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha longifolia Silver leaved

The silvery-green downy leaves of this mint are very decorative in amongst the green leaves of other mints. It is more of an ornamental than culinary plant, but the leaves still have that distinctive menthol flavour. H45cm, S 60cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha pulegium

“Pennyroyal” A great wee plant for ground cover with its semi-evergreen, pale green leaves. If you want it to be as prostrate as possible, cut the flowers off. If left the flowers are pale lavender and appear over the summer months. The leaves are peppermint scented. Grow in sun. Good for wet soil.

H 25cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot           £3.50

Mentha spicata

“Spearmint” The traditional garden mint and one of the best for cooking with. It has light purple flowers through summer over mid-green, lance-shaped leaves. Has a fantastic spearmint scent and should be contained as it will run, and run, and run. H 90cm, S 1.5m.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha suaveolens

“Apple Mint” This is the one I use for cooking, it sits in a big bucket at the back door where I can easily snip off a few sprigs. It goes particularly well with strawberries and in homemade lemonade or a jug of water. With its woolly-green foliage and large spikes of dark pink flowers in summer it is also an attractive plant for the border (contained roots) or in a pot. H 90cm, S 1m.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’

“Variegated Apple Mint” or “Pineapple Mint” This attractive mint has a lax habit but will still take over the garden if not contained. The leaves have creamy-white margins. Small clusters of purple flowers appear in summer. H 40cm, S 90cm.                     9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha x gracilis ‘Variegata’

“Variegated Ginger Mint” This is a lovely shorter mint with golden flecked leaves and a lovely scent.  Be warned, it may short, but it will spread, so as with most mints, keep its roots contained. Small pale purple flowers appear in July, again a lovely mint to grow in a pot next to a garden bench or pathway.

H 40cm, S 90cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha x piperita

“Peppermint” The pure black variety with strong scent and flavour. Contains antiseptic properties, excellent fresh or dried as a refreshing morning tea and for indigestion. It is a natural cross between spearmint and water mint. H 60cm, S 90cm.                     1L pot          £5.50

Mentha x piperata f citrata

“Eau de Cologne Mint” With its rounded green and bronze-purple foliage and purple flowers in late summer this mint is attractive in a pot or by a path or doorway. Keep it contained as with all mints, it will run! Its sweet exotic scent and dark foliage are a great addition in vases of flowers or to be enjoyed as you walk past in the garden. H 70cm, S 1m.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha x piperita f.citrata 'Chocolate'

A vigorous, spreading mint (aren’t they all) with minty-chocolate scented, dark-green leaves, tinged reddish-purple in sun or copper-red in shade. Dense terminal spikes of tiny pinkish-purple flowers, in late summer. H 50cm, S 70cm.                     9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha x smithiana

Tight clusters of small mauve flowers in summer. Oval pointed, mid green leaves that have a purple red hue especially at the tips. The stem is red. Culinary; good mint flavour, ideal for use in sauces and preserves. H60cm.                  9cm pot          £3.50

Mentha × villosa var. alopecuroides

Small pale mauve flowers in terminal cylindrical spikes. Large, round, hairy, soft green leaves,which have a unique flavour, a mixture of peppermint and spearmint. The leaves make an excellent mint sauce. H 90cm.

Origanum

Origanum majorana

“Marjoram” is an aromatic which originated in Egypt and Arabia. Today, it is commonly found in the Mediterranean region or grown in gardens around the world. In its varied forms it has many uses. As a culinary additive, it is commonly used to flavor soups, sauces, salads, and meat dishes. Cosmetically in skin cream, body lotion, shaving gel, and bath soaps. H 45cm, S 30cm.                    1L pot          £6.00

Origanum onites

“Pot marjoram” A lovely low-growing, semi evergreen herb which has a wonderful fragrance. Used in Italian cooking, oregano is the fragrant addition to Pizza which gives it that aromatic authentic taste. It thrives in dry, well-drained soil and is hardier in a sheltered position. With hairy stems and bright green pointed leaves it has white flowers in late summer which are very attractive to bees.

H 45cm, S 30cm.                    1L pot          £6.00

Origanum ‘Rosenkuppel’ AGM  

Terrific dark-pink flowers with purple-red bracts from summer well into autumn on an upright plant. Profuse in flower and adored by bees, hoverflies and all manner of Lepidoptera. For full sun and free-draining soil. H 30cm, S 30cm.                    1L pot          £6.00

Origano vulgare

“Oregano” This small white- or purple-flowered perennial has mid green, small ovate leaves. It is a widely used herb in Greek and Italian cuisine and is often used in tomato dishes, salads and with grilled meats, it is one of the main flavouring ingredients of Italian food.

H 30cm, S 30cm.                               1L pot          £6.00

Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum

“Golden oregano” A robust creeper with tiny, rounded leaves. Small, pink or lavender to purple flowers stand out above the foliage in early to late summer.

H 45cm, S 45cm.                     1L pot          £6.00

Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum Crispum’

This crinkle-leaved marjoram has great golden foliage colour, topped with mid pink flowers in summer it adds a bright spot to a border, pot or herb garden Because of its size these plants are also great on windowsills and in pots where you can snip off leaves to use in stews, casseroles and soup.

H 20cm, S 25cm.                     1L pot          £6.00

Origano vulgare 'Country Cream'

Bushy perennial oregano with attractive cream and green leaves and pale pink flowers in summer. Sprigs of leaves can be used for garnishing or finely chopped in salads and sauces. Good fresh or dried in Italian dishes. H 30cm, S 45cm.                    1L pot          £6.00

Rosmarinus

Rosmarinus officinalis – "Rosemary". A stalwart of the kitchen herb shelf this woody Mediterranean perennial herb can be border line in our colder more exposed gardens here. Covered in needle like aromatic leaves and lovely blue flowers in summer it is deal for a sunny area where it can bask in the sunshine. Leaves are great in stews, savoury dishes or in Rosemary loaf cake which is a favourite of mine. H 100cm, S 100cm.                    9cm pot          £4.00

Rosmarinus officinalis (Prostratus Group) 'Rampant Boule'

This rosemary has a prostrate habit meaning it will spread and stay low. To prevent the plant getting too woody always cut back by one third in the Autumn. If grown in a pot the prostrate stems will grow down the side of the pot. H 30cm, S 30cm.                   9cm pot          £4.00

Ruta

Ruta graveolens

“Common Rue” A great foliage plant with its deeply divided aromatic foliage. Bright yellow flowers appear in upright clusters through summer. Evergreen in sheltered areas or semi-evergreen if exposed to cold winds. Plant in sun and well-drained soil. CAUTION: some people have a severe skin reaction to this plant so always use gloves when handling. H 1m, S 50cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Salvia

Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’ AGM

“Purple Sage” An excellent plant with matt purple leaves that come to life when touched by early morning dew. Spikes of pale-blue flowers enliven the foliage in mid to late summer. Trim back in early spring to encourage new basal growth. For full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Very effective with Miscanthus.

H 60cm, S 90cm.                  9cm pot          £3.50

Santolina

Santolina chamaecyparissus

A compact rounded shrub with woolly young shoots and (when crushed) aromatic, grey-white, foliage. In mid to late summer small, yellow button-like flowers hover above on wiry stems. Perfect for a sheltered, sunny, well-drained border or gravel garden. H 50cm, S 1m.                    1L pot          £6.00

Santolina rosmarinifolia

A Santolina that forms a compact, regular cushion which, over the years with careful pruning, can look like a bonsai with a thick, knotty trunk. The foliage is aromatic and glaucous green. Creamy yellow flowers 1 cm in diameter appear in June-July. Plant in sun in a dry rockery, troughs, or in a gravel garden.

H 30 cm, S 30cm.                    1L pot          £6.00

Satura

Satura montana

“Winter Savoury” a white flowered perennial herb with strong flavoured leaves and can be used fresh or dried. Let it flower for the small, attractive white blooms that appear through summer. H 30cm, S 20cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Symphytum

Symphytum officinale

A robust, rather invasive perennial forming a clump of erect stems bearing large rough leaves and terminal clusters of nodding, tubular bell-shaped, purple, pink or cream flowers 2cm in length in late spring and summer. Great for bees and pollinators and for making fertiliser.

H 1.5m, S 1.5m.                   3L pot          £10.00

Tanacetum

Tanacetum balsamita ssp balsamita

“Costmary” or “Alecost” Mint-balsam scented leaves and yellow-white daisy flowers all summer. Use the leaves for flavouring salads and adding spice to ale.

H 90cn, S 45cm.                    2L pot          £9.00

Tanacetum parthenium

"Feverfew" A pretty plant with strongly smelling foliage which has a huge range of uses from relieving pain and migraines to easing sleeplessness and hay fever. The white daisy flowers appear from July. Plant in sun and well-drained soil. Cut back finished flowers to get another flush later in the summer. H 60cm, S 45cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Tanacetum vulgare

"Common Tansy". An erect perennial with pretty ferny, aromatic green leaves. Stems of button-shaped bright yellow flowers in summer from June to August.  Plant in full sun. H 10o cm, S 100cm.                    2L pot          £9.00

Thymus

Thymus 'Bressingham'

A creeping that forms a low evergreen carpet of grey-green leaves, studded with dusty-pink flowers in early summer. It does best in hot, sunny sites with good drainage. It can be used in between stepping stones and will tolerate light traffic. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.

H 5cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus citriodorus    

“Lemon Thyme” Similar in growth habit to Thymus vulgaris but the foliage has a pleasant lemon scent. Lavender-pink flowers appear in summer. Great for using in cooking where you need some lemon flavouring.

H 20cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus  'Fragrantissimus' Fragrant Orange

A wonderful variety with grey-green leaves are extremely fragrant with a delicious scent of balsam and oranges. Dried sprigs may be added to pot-pourri. Pink flowers through summer. H 20cm, S 30cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus herba barona

“Caraway Thyme” This thyme has wiry stems of tiny dark green leaves heavily scented of caraway seed. The stems form a mat of foliage topped with pink and mauve flowers in summer. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. H 10cm, S 20cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’

A mat forming, very flat thyme with lighter green, rounded leaves and white flowers. A pretty addition to path edging or for growing between paving slabs.

H 7cm, S 45cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus vulgaris      

"Common Thyme" An ancient herb that loves sun and well-drained soil. With its tiny leaves and froth of pink flowers in summer, it is also ideal for pots on the patio or herb planters. Trim back after flowering to keep the plant compact and it will produce new shoots for cooking. Ideal in savoury dishes.

H 30cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus vulgaris 'English Winter'

The hardiest of culinary thymes, this onehas dark green leaves with a semi-creeping habit that spreads rapidly. An intense aroma and flavour makes it great for flavouring poultry, soups and just about anything else that needs that little touch extra. H30cm, S 35cm.                   9cm pot          £3.50

Thymus vulgaris 'Thyme de Provence'

Related to the ordinary thyme, this variety is preferred by the French, seen as a most flavoursome thyme you can grow with a stronger and sweeter taste. With narrow and delicate greyish-green leaves and pink flowers, it produces an abundance of foliage over a long season.

H 45cm, S 30cm.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Fruit

Rootstock - Fruit trees are grown on a range of root stocks to control the rate of growth.

Apples MM106 = Semi- vigorous, height to 3.5m. General purpose for most types of cordon and half standard. Staking only required on sites which are exposed.  

M25= Very vigorous – height to 4m. Ideal for half and full standard

Damsons & Plums St Julien A = Semi- vigorous, height to 3.5m.

Pears & Quince Quince A = Semi dwarf, the ideal rootstock for bush trees

Flowering/Pollination Group

All fruits are divided into 5 flowering periods from early (group 1) to late (group 5). This drives pollination. Each period overlaps with the one before and the one after. For example, a variety in flowering/pollination group 3 will cross pollinate with groups 2, 3 and 4. Crab Apples are excellent pollinators for any of the Apple trees.

Pruning

By cutting a Maiden tree to a measured point above the ground level, several training techniques can be employed. These include Fan trained, Espalier, Cordon and Stepover. To form a simple Bush or Half Standard, prune off all lower branches (feathers) and leave the main leader of the tree undisturbed to ‘run on’. When the tree has reached approx. 2m, a further cleaning up of the stem to 1.5m can take place. The tree will form a natural head over time – Alternatively, simply plant in the ground and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Malus

The fruit trees we sell are on semi-vigorous rootstock MM106, which will grow into a ‘proper’ apple tree, initially slower to come into fruit but then cropping well for many years to come. These should be planted 5m apart and will attain a height of 4-5m. To set fruit, trees need to cross pollinate, so it’s necessary to have two different varieties for a decent crop. S

Apple

All apples are in 10 litre pots and are £48.00

Malus domestica ‘Braeburn’

A well known variety with lovely bright red and yellow colouring and a sweet and sharp flavour with a lovely crisp, juicy bite. Harvest in late October and stored to ripen in a cool, dry place until March. Despite being a low maintenance, heavy cropping tree, Braeburns are not widely grown in Britain despite being common in supermarket. Plant in sheltered sites with full sun. MM106.

Malus domestica ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ AGM

Surely the best known culinary variety for with late autumn picking and storing through until the end of February. Greenish yellow fruits and creamy white flesh that is simply superb for cooking with firm acidic greenish white flesh that remains intact during the cooking process. The tree is big and robust.

Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin’

A desert cultivar in pollination group 3. It needs favourable soil and weather conditions to crop well. Fruit is medium-size with an orange/red flush and red stripes over greenish-yellow, with a rich flavour. Season of use is from October to January. MM106

Malus domestica 'Cox's Self Fertile'

This variety reliably producing a generous crop of orange flushed fruit (particularly when teamed with a pollination partner) and is often said to be one of the best British eating apples. With their rich and aromatic flavour, they are certainly long-standing favourites! Group 3.

Malus domestica 'Discovery'

A dessert apple that has a fairly compact habit. It can grow to 2.5-8m in height and width, depending on the rootstock so perfect for a smaller garden. Fruits are bright scarlet flush over a pale greenish yellow skin speckled with small russet dots with creamy white flesh often stained pink under the skin. Crisp and juicy with a distinctive, slightly sharp flavour. Can be used from August to September. Keeps very well.

Malus domestica ‘Greensleeves’

Bearing medium sized, round fruit with pale green skin ripening to bright yellow. The flesh is creamy white, crisp, juicy flesh with a pleasant refreshing flavour. Sweet but with some balancing acidity. Should be eaten fairly soon after picking as it tends to go soft and lose its flavour in storage. A small compact tree ideal for smaller gardens. It is partially self-fertile and early bearing. Crops very heavily without significant loss of fruit size. Trees look very attractive in the early autumn with their heavy crop of golden yellow fruit.

Malus domestica ‘James Grieve’ AGM

The best known Scottish apple variety originated on the site of Thomas Blaikie’s nursery - now Edinburgh Zoo. ‘James Grieve’ is a self-fertile, multi-purpose variety that crops reliably in the east. Crisp and juicy, the pale green fruit is flushed and speckled with red stripes and has an excellent flavour. Picking from September and best eaten straight from the tree! (Scotland – Edinburgh 1893) MM106, Group 3.

Malus domestica ‘Katja’ syn. ‘Katy’

An early eating variety with a lot going for it. Flowers abundantly making it a good pollinator, has high yields and good disease resistance.  The fruit are bright red, sweet, juicy and with a hint of strawberry. Highly suited to growing in Scotland, it will ripen well even in a poor summer.  Good for juicing and makes a palatable cider. MM106, Group 3.  (Sweden 1947)

Malus domestica ‘Laxton Superb’

A heavy-cropping, late-season, dessert apple with a sweet flavour and firm flesh. It is partially self-fertile, in pollination group 4, vigorous but with a tendency to biennial bearing. The fruit is greenish-yellow with red flushing and striping.

Malus domestica ‘Worcester Pearmain’

A dessert cultivar in pollination group 3, and a tip bearer. The fruit has an intense strawberry flavour when well-ripened and scarlet. Heavy, regular crops are produced and can be used from late September to October.

Crab Apples

As well as being highly decorative with an extremely long season of interest (flower, foliage & fruit) these are ideal pollinators for Apple trees – plant one to ensure you have good and reliable crops in your orchard. Well known for making Apple Jelly, they contain high levels of both vitamin C and pectin.

Malus ‘Evereste’ AGM

A conical tree with dark green, lobed leaves and large, soft pink to white flowers in spring with small red and yellow fruits that hold well into winter and an excellent pollinator for apples.  H 3m.                15L       £59.00

Malus 'Golden Hornet'

A small deciduous tree bearing white flowers in late spring followed by a profuse crop of bright, deep yellow fruits 2.5cm in length, which persist well into winter. Excellent all year interest and good for the birds. H 8-12m.                15L       £59.00

Malus ‘John Downie’

A vigorous small deciduous tree with profuse white flowers opening from pink buds. Fruits abundant, bright red and orange-yellow in autumn.

H 10m, S 5m.                15L       £59.00

Malus ‘Red Sentinel’

This is a medium-sized deciduous tree with single white flowers 3cm in width, followed by clusters of cherry-like, glossy, deep red fruits 2.5cm wide which persist well into winter. H 7m.                15L       £59.00

Malus crab apple 'Royalty'

A spreading deciduous tree with ovate deep purple leaves reddening in autumn, and clusters of purplish-red flowers in spring, followed by small, deep purple fruits in autumn. H 6m. S 5m.                15L       £59.00

Blackcurrant

Blackcurrant 'Ben Hope'

Bred by the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Ben Hope is a vigorous and upright-growing bush variety producing consistently high yields of medium sized currants. The currants are high in quality and hang on long strigs. Ben Hope has a high level of resistance to gall mite and good resistance to both mildew, leaf spot and big bud. Particularly suitable for growing organically and in exposed gardens, it does very well here in the nursery.

H150cm, S 150cm.                     2L pot          £13.95

Blueberry

Blueberry 'Belle Blue'

My favourite fruit and a great all year interest plant with lovely coloured spring foliage, white bell-shaped flowers in spring, berries in late summer and fantastic autumn colour. Worthy of a space in the garden, plant a few, the fruits never make it to the kitchen in my garden as they make a welcome snack as I pass by. Blueberries need well-drained, moisture-retentive, acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) in sun or part shade. H 1.8m.                     2L pot          £15.95

Cherry

Cherry ‘Morello’

A dark red, acid cherry that is excellent for preserves, tarts, etc. Regular, good crops and very attractive in blossom. Also self-fertile which is useful for smaller gardens where you only have room for one tree. Crops from late July to early August, including on a north-facing site.               15L       £59.00

Cherry ‘Stella’

A black cherry with large, rich, high quality fruits. Heavy, regular crops and self-fertile, so ideal where you only have room for one tree. The fruit is prone to splitting in wet weather. Cropping season: late July. Pollination group 4.               15L       £59.00

Damson

Prunus insititia 'Merryweather Damson'

A vigorous, spreading tree with relatively large, blue-black fruits that can be used fresh when fully ripe in late summer, though are normally used for cooking. It is self-fertile and in pollination group 3. H4m, S 3m.              15L       £59.00

Fig

Ficus ‘Brown Turkey’

Deciduous and worth growing for the large leaves even if you don’t get any fruit. I grow mine in a large terracotta pot which goes in the unheated greenhouse for winter due to our hillside aspect.  The flowers are insignificant, but if planted on a sunny warm wall or grown in a greenhouse you will hopefully get lovely fresh figs. H 3m.                    2L pot          £15.95

Fragaria

Fragaria vesca

“Wild or alpine Strawberry” Often seen growing under hedgerows or in woodland, these native plants produce tiny, tart strawberries that are full of flavour. The smaller leaves also provide good ground cover. Runners are easily removed if they become too many. It makes an ideal candidate for a pot or trough or under hedging. H 10cm, S 1m.                    9cm pot          £3.50

Pear

Pyrus communis 'Doyenne de Comice'

A dessert pear with a very rich flavour; very juicy, buttery, perfumed. Excellent quality, but moderate crops, although older trees crop more reliably; season of use from November to December. A vigorous tree in pollination group 4             15L       £59.00

Pyrus communis ‘Williams Bon Crichton’

A dessert pear with white flowers and yellow-green fruit with a good flavour. Pollination group 3.

Season of use: mid- to late September             15L       £59.00

Plums

Prunus domestica ‘Czar’

'Czar' is a compact, reliably fruiting, self-fertile culinary plum to 2.5-4m in height depending upon the rootstock. White flower in spring, fruits very deep blue in early August. Ideal for the smaller garden.            15L       £59.00

Prunus domestica ‘Victoria’ AGM

Perhaps the most popular plum to this day and deservedly so, they are Sweet & juicy with bright, pinkish red, oval fruit in late August -September. Can be enjoyed straight from the tree or used for dessert, jams or stewed with a dollop of crème fraiche. (England – Sussex 19th Century)

St Julien A, Group 3.             15L       £59.00

Redcurrant

Ribes rubrum ‘Jonkheer van Tets’ AGM    

An early variety, cropping heavily at the beginning of July.  Well known for its juicy, red, jewel-like fruit and intense flavour. Fantastic with your haunch of venison. (Netherlands 1931)

H 2m.                    2L pot          £13.95

Ribes rubrum 'Red Lake'

This is an excellent cariety which bears an abundance of large, well flavoured berries on long trusses between July and August. Plant is sun or partial shade.H 2m.                  2L pot          £13.95

Rhubarb

Rhubarb ‘Victoria’

A popular old variety with late, cardinal red stalks with flecking at the top. The red flesh is tinged green in very thick stalks.

H 75cm.                  2L pot          £12.95

Whitecurrent

Whitecurrent 'White Versailles'

One of the few varieties of white currant available. The fruit is large, light yellow and sweet, ready for harvesting early July. It makes a strong, vigorous, upright bush, cropping heavily. H 1.5m.                    2L pot          £13.95