Drove Orchards, Thornham, Norfolk PE36 6LS
Grasses, as part of the garden family, add a touch of charm to any landscape. Not only are they incredibly easy to grow, but their graceful foliage dancing in the breeze introduces a dynamic element to your garden’s design.
While these beauties typically bloom in summer, their true magic often emerges in winter, when the dead flower heads are coated in hoar frost and they can really ‘shine’, delivering interest in the bleakest of weather.
Much like grasses, bamboos are nature’s way of bringing life and melody to your garden. As the wind gently rustles through their lush foliage, they create a mesmerizing dance and soothing sounds, adding a dynamic rhythm to your outdoor space. Unlike grasses, bamboos offer robust structure, particularly valuable during the winter months, ensuring your garden maintains its architectural beauty throughout the year.
Alpines are natives of rocky, mountainous areas, thriving in cold and dry environments. They excel in soil that drains freely, safeguarding their roots from potential rot.
In the UK, they’re often showcased in specialized Rock Gardens or within Alpine Trough plantings.
Heathers, while versatile in mixed borders or alpine settings, truly shine when planted together in a dedicated border. Their full splendour emerges when they’re allowed to flourish en masse in a dedicated south-facing area.
Herbaceous perennials are plants which have no persistent stems above ground, and come in various forms. Some, like Delphiniums, Monk’s Hood, and Geraniums, are deciduous, gracefully returning each year. Others, such as many grasses, maintain their greenery throughout the year as evergreens.
In a planted border, while shrubs form the foundational structure, perennials play a crucial role in filling and fleshing out the landscape. Carefully selected, they not only add substance but also bring year-round interest, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the garden.
The House Leeks or Sempervivum group of plants complements the Alpine range and thrive in soil that drains freely. Among them, some sport a fuzzy texture while others seem adorned with delicate spider-web-like coverings. These plants effortlessly expand by generating offsets along their edges, creating a lush carpet of closely knit greenery.
Succulents, characterised by their water-storing leaves, are simple to cultivate. They revel in full summer sun but will require protection from the frost during winter to thrive optimally.
We stock one of the most extensive ranges of plants for Courtyard Gardens in north Norfolk. Our range brings a touch of the tropics to any garden while remaining hardy and well-suited for this region. While most plants thrive here, a few might benefit from a bit of protection against the harsh east winds to truly showcase their best.
Among our collection, you’ll find an array of delights: palms, bananas, tree ferns, vibrant cannas, cordylines, resilient agave, citrus fruits, loquats, and the timeless beauty of olives. These selections promise to transform your courtyard into a paradise of greenery and exotic allure (dependent upon availability).
We stock a variety of culinary herbs in the nursery. Whether you are envisioning a formal herb garden, seeking to enhance an existing border, or simply aiming to have some fresh herbs conveniently near your kitchen in pots, we offer a wide range to suit your needs. From fragrant basil to robust rosemary, there’s a herb for every culinary adventure.
Take a quick tour to and see what’s been in the nursery recently. If there’s something in particular that you’re looking for please let us know, and one of our team will be happy to help if they can.
Within our shaded section, you’ll discover an extensive array of ferns and other plants perfectly suited to thrive in shady garden environments. These plants not only tolerate but truly flourish in these conditions, offering a beautiful touch of greenery to your shaded spaces. Whether you’re seeking elegant ferns or other shade-loving plants, we have just the selection to bring life to those less sun-kissed areas of your garden.
These types of plants will adhere to walls and structures using their own individual methods of attachment. Some have tendrils, others suckers and some use aerial roots to climb up your structure of choice. Some examples of these would be Clematis, Honeysuckle, Ivy and climbing Hydrangeas.
We stock a small range of spring and summer garden bulbs in season and we also have planted bowls and pots of your favourite spring bulbs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden with these seasonal blooms or add a touch of springtime joy to your home with pre-planted arrangements, our selection is sure to bring colour and cheer to your space.
Please call to ask what is in stock.
Thank you for coming to visit us at Hortico. There’s always something happening at the nursery, preparing for the new season, seeing how things are developing in this one, or sharing some new found knowledge or techniques. It’s why we love to coming to work each day, and you can see our latest activity here…
Open every day, 10am-5pm (4pm Sundays)
Winter hours (October to March): 10am-4pm, closed Mondays
