2008

January sees the start of our main dispatch period with conifer seed, stratified broadleaf seed and stored non-dormant species going out to meet our customer's planting schedules. If you haven't yet placed or finalised your order please do get in touch to avoid disappointment as some stock lines have already sold out..

Last autumn the crops were very patchy, with some species such as sweet chestnut having almost a total crop failure. Our ability to store seed means that we are able to meet customer requirements even when there is insufficient seed from the current crop year. We have developed our treatment and storage technique for oak and sweet chestnut to a point where we can store Castanea and some Quercus species for over 12 months with minimal deterioration of quality. This enables early autumn sowing and ensures seed is available even in poor crop years. Please order now for spring 2008 delivery.

Our accredited laboratory is an integral part of our quality control process. Fresh seed is tested as soon as it arrives or has been extracted, whilst each batch of stratified seed is tested several times to monitor the progress of its treatment - when the optimum germination level has been reached that batch of seed is put into storage until dispatch. Similarly all of our stored seed has recently been tested to provide results relevant to this season sowing. Having current germination figures for each batch enables you to sow at the optimum rate to produce outstanding quality plants.

Spring dispatch includes meadow seed for your spring re-seeds. Our species rich meadow seed is harvested from the hay meadows of Shropshire and is ideal for re-seeding whole fields, enriching existing swards, or making a wildlife haven at the end of your garden.

We look forward to you all having another successful year and wish you all the best for 2008.