Kirton Farm Nurseries produces a wide range of perennials and herbs grown in a sustainable manner. Plants are all grown in a peat-free growing medium, in coir fibre pots, and marketed in returnable wooden display boxes with bespoke non-plastic 'Hairy Pot Plant Company' pot labels.
The site has three small wind turbines to generate some of its energy needs and is developing a water collection, treatment and reuse system. The business has been awarded locally as ‘green business awards’. The visit will also take in the micro-propagation laboratory on site.
Longstock Park Water Garden was created by the Beddington family in the 1930's and further developed by John Spedan Lewis in the 1940’s as a place to reflect and relax. The garden is a true spectacle, hosting an array of plants from around the world. Owned and managed by Waitrose, the Garden covers seven acres and includes a section of the River Test. The site is also home to an impressive 80 metre herbaceous border, two national plant collections – buddleja and clematis, a nursery, farm shop and cafe.