Anyone Buying New Seed for 2023

The Aconitum seeds that I collected from Regents Park are germinating. Very high success rate too so I'm glad that I only stole a single seedhead.

I found a Cobaea Scandens still in bloom in Notting Hill last week!

 

I'm not sure about P.alpestris but I have a couple of plants of Puya berteroniana growing and they need minimal care. Most winters they're outdoors in a reasonably sheltered spot, minus four or five is not an issue anyway, and during the summer they need a bit of water tossing their way if it is ever dry for any length of time (such as 2018) but that is it. They do respond to an annual potting on. They should form side shoots to replace the one that has flowered.

 

The one you sent me was doing well, so I planted it out and the snow last February killed it, it just rotted when the snow thawed.
Probably should have given it protection.

 

As you guys know my personal circumstances changed so my only gardening and greenhouse is a couple of times a week at my parents. Although I am clearly very happy now I miss that side of my life, so don't act in haste is my advice.

Downer! I lost my P.mirabilis in exactly the same way. It had survived far colder without the snow though
Double downer - if I'd known you could have had my third plant. I gave it away last summer.

 

I was looking at a rack of seed packets for more delphinium seeds but there were none there. I wanted some because so far, the batch I have sown have not germinated. Not one.

So instead I got tempted and bought a packet of lavatera. Easy annual rather than stubborn perrennial..

 

Just got these today!

 

Fab selection there Lori.

 

5 packs of simple seeds for a Pound in Lidl seems good. ie Basil.

 

Newmarket-based seed firm Mr Fothergill’s Seeds snapped up in £100m buyout as joint Managing Director steps down
By Kaia Nicholl
-
[email protected]

Published: 12:14, 23 February 2022

| Updated: 13:48, 23 February 2022

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Suffolk family business has been bought up in a £100m deal.

Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, based in Newmarket, will continue to be led by managing director Dave Carey with support from new non-executive chair Matt Atkinson and backing from Harwood Private Capital and OakNorth Bank.

The deal will see the exit of founding shareholders including former joint managing director, John Fothergill.


John Fothergill has stepped down as joint managing director. Picture by Mark Westley
Mr Fothergill's was founded in 1978 and had grown into a £50 million turnover business.

The company has offices in Australia and New Zealand and employs more than 250 people, supplying products to more than 3,000 retailers worldwide.

Dave Carey, managing director at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, said: “The business my father Brian founded with Jeff Fothergill 40 years ago that myself, Aaron Whitehouse and John Fothergill have led for the last decade, has remained true to its family values while becoming one of the world’s leading seed brands.


Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, Newmarket. Pictured - John Fothergill, who has stepped down as joint MD. Picture by Mark Westley
"Those values, and our commitment to supporting our customers with the best possible product and service, will continue to be at the core of our offer as we enter into an exciting new era with Harwood Private Capital.
"I’m looking forward to working with the team as we target further growth across our international client base and the direct-to-consumer market.”

Dave Howes, Corporate Finance Partner in our Norwich office, said: “We’ve had the privilege of supporting the team at Mr Fothergill’s for the past two years and, in that time, have come to see first-hand the business’ growth potential.

"Homeware and gardening have seen a huge increase in sales since the start of the pandemic, and their continued strength makes businesses in the sector an ideal platform for investors looking to back established but ambitious brands.

"We wish all involved the best for the future as the firm continues to fly the flag for high-quality British brands on the domestic and international stage.”


Business Newmarket Suffolk Homepage Kaia Nicholl

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Where did you buy your climbing french beans from?

 

When will you start sowing @shiney please? Going to try runners for the first time this year as we have the space in our new garden. Starting the bed from new (Suffolk clay soil) so a lot of prep work to be done first :rollyeyes: