The Nursery. MacGregors Plants for Shade is a small, family run specialist nursery established in 1995 on a 'green field site' formerly used as a market garden and livestock small holding. We have a particular interest in plants for shade and we are now landscaping the site with specimen trees and shrubs to create more shelter and shade.

The nursery is run on traditional lines using modern techniques where appropriate. We aim to produce high quality hardy plants that will establish quickly and grow on well in the garden environment.

The Plants. In addition to the more usual ferns, shrubs and perennials that prefer or tolerate degrees of shade we also grow other less common hardy shrubs and perennials. These extend the range of plants available for use in different shady conditions. Most plants are propagated on site; those that are bought in for growing on are propagated by other specialist nurseries. Where possible we only grow on and sell plants that have been sourced in the British Isles.

RHS Plant Finder (our ref. SMAC.) In addition to the lists on this website our plants are also featured in the current edition of Plant Finder published by the Royal Horticultural Society. This can be viewed on-line at the (RHS) Plant Finder website. The latest edition is scheduled to go on-line on the 11th April 2005. All previous editions will then be out of date.

The Plant Finder list is only intended to act as a guide to the plants we intend to have available for sale at some point during 2005/6. Much as we would like to, we cannot guarantee yearlong availability of all plants listed. We often have small numbers of other unusual plants which we will be preparing for release later in the season. If the plant you are looking for is not on the RHS list, please check the lists on this web-site or enquire direct. We may also be able to source it for you. To make an enquiry please email us. The nursery details in the 2003-2004 and earlier editions are now out of date.

RHS Plant Selector. If you are looking for suitable plants for your garden you may wish to try the new RHS Plant Selector database. This is a very useful tool for gardeners, garden designers and nurserymen, with added facilities for RHS members.

Pest and Disease Control. We control pests and diseases by using Integrated Crop Management (ICM) techniques. Where good husbandry and introduced predators cannot achieve a reasonable level of control we use compatible pesticides to spot treat infestations. For Vine Weevil control we add suSCon Green or Intercept to our potting compost. Nematode drenches are also used in propagation and on susceptible species.

Potting Compost. Our potting compost is a mix of composted bark, loam and peat. We have reduced the peat content to 70% and intend to reduce this further as suitable substitutes become available. We find the addition of loam helps plants establish more effectively in the garden environment. We also add a medium to long term controlled release fertiliser.

We supply trade customers, including small landscapers and some independent garden centres. Please telephone to discuss wholesale arrangements.

Enquiries and Orders. If you wish to order plants please use Email Us link.

Mail Order. We are able to offer a limited mail order service. We would prefer you to collect orders direct from the nursery wherever possible; this enables you to confirm that your order is correct and in good condition. We reserve the right to refuse any request for mail order where we think it unlikely that we can arrange satisfactory delivery. More detailed information on mail order is available from our Sales and Orders page.

Sale or Return. From time to time we are asked to supply plants to the organisers of charitable events on a 'sale or return' basis, eg school, village or church fetes, garden open days. We can supply plants at wholesale prices in such circumstances. If you would like to know more, please contact us for details.

Talks. Irene Bowron is available to give talks to clubs and societies on a number of related horticultural and gardening topics. Please contact us for details.