Simply Seeds and Plants is based at Orchard Nurseries situated on nine acres of land on the edge of the Norfolk Fens, in fertile farming countryside.
We have two acres of modern glasshouses in which we grow plants from high quality seeds and cuttings using methods and
machinery that we have largely developed ourselves. Over almost three decades we have built an enviable reputation for growing strong, healthy plants which can now be found in quality garden centres and leading supermarkets.
In the nursery trade we have earned a name for our pot-grown sweet pea plants - we are one of the largest producers in the country, growing many millions of young sweet pea plants each year over a very wide range of varieties and blends. We also grow a wide range of young plants for baskets and the patio, including almost 100 varieties of Fuchsias. In the autumn our glasshouses are full of colourful high quality cyclamen plants.
Our internet business began in 2006 and has quickly become known for delivering high quality sweet pea plants and seeds and strong healthy fuchsias. Simply Seeds And Plants combines our original sites –Simply Sweet Peas and Simply Fuchsias enabling us to offer more of the plants we have and gives customers an easier to use, informative and enjoyable shopping experience.
How We Grow & Deliver Our Plants
We choose the varieties we offer very carefully. Each year we conduct trials, with as many as 400 different varieties being grown, including a number of new introductions.
We judge new varieties against old favourites (and take in requests from long standing customers!) and then decide on the different kinds we will offer and grow. Each year we aim to introduce brand new varieties.
We are very fussy about our seed and cuttings. To grow strong healthy plants it is vital to start with viable and vigorous parent material. We source from the very best breeders and growers (from up to four continents) to ensure that we receive the finest stock available. After we have received the stock it is kept under carefully controlled conditions to keep it fresh and healthy.
We have developed methods and machinery for preparing and sowing sweet pea seed to ensure that it is well placed across the surface of the pot and at the correct depth. Trays of sown pots are transferred to one of our modern greenhouses, where the atmosphere is controlled by a combination of thermostatically controlled heating, automatic venting and sun screening. This technology, combined with our long experience with growing, enables us to provide the perfect conditions for even germination and the subsequent strong development of our sweet peas. We grow with the minimum of heat to give a tough plant that is ready for planting.
Our fuchsia and plant cuttings are sourced from elite stock and are ‘stuck’ when fresh and healthy. The developing plants are tended daily to ensure they thrive.
Plants for our web mail order business are normally grown in 5cm net pots to aid the growth of strong, healthy plants with well developed roots and are the ideal size for safe shipping. Each sweet pea pot is precisely multi-sown to ensure it contains a minimum of 4 healthy plants. We hand-select plants from the growing houses and deliver only the best. When shipped, plants will be around 4-5 inches tall and under normal spring conditions can be planted out safely. Fuchsias and other plants are delivered ‘stopped and breaking’ where appropriate.
We ship using specially designed transit packaging proven to carry delicate young plants safely through the post. To ensure that plants arrive quickly we use Royal Mail first class post. meaning that you should receive plants the day after mailing. However, the packaging will safely house sweet peas for up to one week, so in the unlikely event of postal delays you can be sure that your plants will not suffer. In any event we guarantee that you will receive your plants in good condition and will replace or refund without question if you are not satisfied.
To help you get the best from your plants, orders include full cultural instructions. Our Growing Tips page contains additional info to help you achieve success. We welcome wholesale enquiries. Please contact us for details.
A business is really about people and between us we bring a vibrant blend of experience and new ideas to Simply Plants
Geoff has been a grower for most of his life and spent some years as national sales manager for a well known seed and young plant company. His knowledge and extensive contacts ensure that we have a constant stream of new and exciting varieties.
Richard comes from a family of seedsmen and has spent the past 17 years in a senior position with a well known mail order seeds and plant company. You may have seen his face in a catalogue or two!
An experienced nurseryman, our grower Neil has with us since 2007 and is already a key member of our team. He is responsible for growing our plants and prides himself on their health and quality.
Brenda has worked with mail order plants for more than 15 years. She is responsible for our packing and despatch team and will ensure that your order is sent promptly and in first class condition.
Robin has lived on the nursery for over 30 years and looks after our plants night and day, all year round! He's a born engineer and has built much of our specialised machinery himself.
