There are so many wonderful businesses, gardening people and great horticultural experiences right on our doorstep. Here are some of our recommendations, which we are always adding to.
We’ve grouped our recommendations into 2 categories:
- Independent Nurseries in Bedfordshire
- Local businesses for all your gardening needs
Bedfordshire Independent Nurseries
Newbury Farm Plants
Ampthill Rd, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HB
Great for: unusual and rare plant varieties, friendly and expert team, great coffee
www.newburyfarmplants.co.uk
Newbury Farm Plants in Silsoe is a personal favourite of our Chair, Rob who has been visiting over the last several years. Not only are you spoilt for the setting which on a warm spring day is reason enough to spend an hour or two on site (especially now there is great coffee too) but Bruce and the team work incredibly hard to offer unusual and rare plants alongside some familiar garden favourites.
However you like to garden, from sub-tropical oasis to grass prairie borders or bright patio container displays you will leave inspired and with a boot full of perfectly grown plants. There are also a variety of bulbs and seeds, garden tools and a great range of compost and mulches.
Cottage Farm Nurseries
312 Cople Rd, Cardington, Bedford MK44 3SH
Great for: a wide selection of garden favourites and huge range of bedding plants
www.cottagefarmnurseries.co.uk
Situated in Cardington, Cottage Farm Nurseries is a family run nursery that stocks a truly diverse range of garden favourites. Make sure you explore the polytunnels for extra stock. Alongside perennials you’ll find trees and large shrubs, bedding and herbs and vegetables.
Woburn Forest Growers
Fordfield Rd, Bedford MK45 2HZ
Great for: seasonal bedding, fruit, herbs and vegetables, garden favourites
www.woburnforestgrowers.co.uk
Woburn Forest Growers is open seasonally from March to July and offers a wonderful selection of UK grown garden favourites all from their glasshouses just outside of Ampthill. Everything is reasonably priced and among the familiar you will certainly find inspiration from less usual garden plants.
Local businesses for all your gardening needs
Not Another Jungle
58b High St, Bedford MK40 1NT
Great for: huge range of houseplants, expert advice and garden inspired gifts
Instagram: @notanotherjungle
The unstoppable force that is Tony Le-Britton opened Not Another Jungle on the high street in Bedford in 2024 and has since gone on to open in Battersea. Tony himself is hugely knowledgeable about house plants, from selecting the best plant for your situation, plant care to demystifying the often endless rules of keeping your plants alive indoors.
While browsing for your next plant, you can also grab a coffee and look for gifts from a brilliantly curated selection of fragrance, candles and other garden inspired goods. Keep an eye on Instagram for details of upcoming workshops and events.
Bedford Gardening Club 