Established in 1997, Marchants Hardy Plants, has announced that they are closing the nursery this autumn. The founders, Graham Gough and Lucy Goffin explained the closing is due to personal reasons, wishing to sell the land, soon be advertised for sale.
The closing of another (independent) nursery is unfortunately becoming an increasingly familiar story. Just as garden centres, growers and retailers across the country, nurseries are under pressure, facing mounting economic challenges due to substantial cost trade, labour, energy and shipping costs. Losing our independent nurseries is not just lamentable for their staff, its patrons and local communities but also has wide ramifications in terms of loss of expert knowledge and plant diversity in the UK.
The renowned independent nursery with atmospheric 2 acre garden and plant nursery with striking backdrop of the South Downs, featured on Carol Klein’s Great British Gardens TV series, propagated and grew all their plants on-site, using peat-free compost. Known for their philosophy of artisanal appreciation, Marchants worked to the principles of ‘slow horticulture’ where all plants were propagated by hand, “one plant at a time”. The adjacent gardens, designed by Gough, are sensitively planted with a rich tapestry of hardy perennials, grasses and shrubs.
“We want to say a huge thank you all of you, our wonderful customers – thank you for your support, your enthusiasm and your passion for plants”, said the Marchants team.
Over the years Marchants, with its skilled team built a solid horticultural reputation sharing their skills and plant knowledge with patrons and local community. A regular fixture at the Great Dixter plant fairs featuring some of the best independent nurseries, they have confirmed that they will still be attending the coming Great Dixter Autumn Plant Fair.
Responding to the closure announcement on social media, horticulturist and writer Barbara Segall said: “So sorry to hear this news but wish you all well for the future. Please all keep in touch and let us know how it all moves forward. Marchants has been part of my garden life for so long despite living in Suffolk. Thank you for all the wonderful plants that thrive and for so much knowledge over the years.”
For those keen to visit, the nursery has announced that until the 26th of October, they will still be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with added dates, on Wednesdays in October – 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd.