Postcode plants database - plant suppliers

When gardenng for the benefit of wildlife, it is important to use seeds and plants of known British (and preferably local) provenance (the term British native-origin is used to denote stock that has been produced from material originally collected from British populations). Using such material helps prevent the loss of distinct local varieties by pollution of the local gene-pool. Other advantages are that British forms tend to be more resistant to frost and damp than their European counterparts, and flower and fruit at times more appropriate to the British animals that depend on them. See Flora locale's website for more information on this very important issue.

Although it can be difficult to find guaranteed British native-origin material, the situation is improving as more growers and conservationists realize the importance of using appropriate plants. Specifically requesting such seeds and plants from your suppliers will help bring this issue to the horticultural retail industry's attention.

Flora locale maintains a list of suppliers who should be able to supply seeds and/or plants of known British (and sometimes known local) native-origin. Although not all their stock will necessarily be of British native-origin, they should be able to provide details of provenance on request.

View Flora locale's list of suppliers - follow the "Suppliers of native flora" link.

You may also wish to view the Really Wild Flowers site, which contains a wealth of information about creating habitats and cultivating native species.