Through the course of this year, Greenwood Plants has introduced many new pioneering sustainable practices, which will contribute to its long-term goal of reaching Net Zero and play a part in positively impacting climate change. This includes using resources efficiently, reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and aiming to become carbon neutral.
One of Greenwood’s greatest commitments is to transition to 100% peat-free growing media by the end of 2023, ahead of anticipated industry regulation to prohibit the use of peat for commercial growers. Greenwood has been carrying out extensive trials since early 2022 and is making excellent headway toward its goal, as one in four plants at Greenwood is now potted in peat-free growing media across its nurseries. Greenwood’s trials involve exploring new types of growing media to support its annual production of more than six million plants. The trials allow the production team to tweak the composition to get the pH and nutrient levels and structure right, as well as alter the irrigation programs.
Leadership
“Achieving sustainability leadership is a major focus for us,” says Managing Director Glenn Devenish. “To help us achieve this vision, we are committed to growing in the greenest way possible by stopping the use of peat, becoming fully carbon neutral, and being an active stakeholder in local communities and environments.”
The increase in peat-free growing media covers all areas of the business, such as its new contract growing program “Watch It Grow,” which is now offered fully peat-free, and its new trade sales center, Greenwood Choice, that has its own dedicated peat-free area to display the high-quality offering to clients who visit. This area will be expanding in the new year.
For more information:
British Association of Landscape Industries
www.bali.org.uk