No image
Plant Nurseries
Beth Chatto Gardens
Tendring, Essex
No phone on file View
The Essex plant nurseries on this page fall into two main groups. The bigger one is in the north-east of the county around Colchester and the Tendring villages such as Weeley and Elmstead, while the second is in the south-west near Epping Forest, around Loughton and Chigwell, with a further entry at Rochford in the south.
The Tendring and Colchester group is especially handy for anyone in north Essex. Beth Chatto Gardens is listed in Tendring, Cants is in Colchester, Hilltop Garden Centre is at Weeley, and Chigwell Nursery covers the south-west. Visiting a few different growers is often the best way to compare plant quality and range, because nurseries tend to specialise in particular plants, from roses and perennials to Christmas trees and young bedding. Calling ahead before a long drive is sensible, especially for seasonal stock that may only be available at certain times of year.
Where they are: Tendring (4), Boxted (1), Chigwell (1), Colchester (1), London (1), Loughton (1), Rochford (1), Weeley (1).
No image
Plant Nurseries
Chigwell Nursery
Chigwell, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Deans' Nursery and Garden Centre at Mill Farm
Tendring, Essex
01206 250485 View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Fillpotts Nursery and Garden Centre
Colchester, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Fred Smith Christmas Trees
Boxted, Essex
01206 272346 View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Harry Fairhead
Loughton, Essex
020 8508 1377 View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Hilltop Garden Centre
Weeley, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Hollydene
Tendring, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Hull Farm
Tendring, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Northfields Nursery and Garden Centre
London, Essex
No phone on file View
No image
Plant Nurseries
Wheatley Farm Nursery
Rochford, Essex
No phone on file View
Gardening in Essex
Essex is one of the driest counties in England, so plants that cope with low summer rainfall are worth their weight in gold. Soils vary: much of the south and west is on heavy London Clay, while parts of the north-east around Colchester and Tendring have lighter, sandier or gravelly soils that drain fast. Coastal gardens face drying, salty winds. On clay, look for plants that tolerate wet winters and dry summers; on light soil, choose drought-tolerant perennials and grasses and mulch well. Planting in autumn gives roots a chance to grow before the next dry spell.
How to choose a plant nursery in Essex
When choosing an Essex nursery, ask what is grown on site and what is bought in, as plants raised locally are used to the dry climate. Look at the root systems: a healthy plant should have white roots filling the pot without circling tightly. A good nursery will happily tell you which plants suit clay or sand, and may offer bare-root trees, hedging and roses in winter at a lower price than potted stock. Check for pests and disease on leaves before buying, and ask if they offer any guarantee on plants that fail to establish.
Plant Nurseries in Essex: your questions answered
How many plant nurseries are listed in Essex?
Garden UK lists 11 plant nurseries in Essex, spread across 8 towns and villages including Tendring, Boxted, Chigwell. Each listing shows the address and contact details on file, and owners can claim their listing to add opening hours and photos.
Which plants suit dry Essex gardens?
Drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, sedums, ornamental grasses, verbena, cistus, euphorbias and achilleas cope well. Mulching after planting and watering deeply in the first summer helps them settle in quickly.
When is the best time to buy plants from an Essex nursery?
Autumn and early spring are the best times for most shrubs, perennials and trees, as the soil is moist and roots establish before summer. Bare-root hedging and fruit trees are usually sold from late autumn to early spring.
Is London Clay hard to garden on?
It is heavy and can be tricky, but it is also fertile. Add organic matter regularly, avoid walking on wet beds, and choose plants that tolerate clay, such as roses, viburnums, hostas and many native hedging shrubs.
Looking for other plant nurseries?
Browse all UK plant nurseries or pick another region.