We are Steven and Lindsay Lister, the husband-and-wife team behind PlantWild and the owners of The Blooming Wild Plant Nursery.
We are passionate about peat free growing and sustainable gardening practises, to help support nature and a greener tomorrow.
It all began in Somerset where we both started out in Horticulture!
Steven studied at Cannington Horticultural college, gaining Advanced Certificates in Amenity Horticulture, whilst Lindsay studied at Bath University achieving a BSc Hons in Horticulture.
Steven followed a Sales and Marketing route within retail Horticulture, whereas Lindsay worked in Research and Development within the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH).
PlantWild began in 2018 when we had the opportunity to start our own small nursery in Northamptonshire to grow peat free British native wildflowers.
By 2021 we had outgrown our ¼ acre site and decided to search for a larger nursery that we could call our own. Our combined ambition has always been to own an eco-friendly nursery.
We came upon The Blooming Wild Plant Nursery in its beautiful rural setting in South Somerset, which we purchased in Spring 2022. We were then able to combine growing Native wildflowers with a carefully chosen range of peat free Herbaceous perennials and Ornamental grasses, and so we finally returned to Somerset to pursue our passion.
Why choose us
We believe in helping people to plant for nature, and their wellbeing; using sustainable plants to create sustainable living for the future.
For the Home Gardener:
Our plants aim to provide inspiration and solutions for people to help create wildlife friendly gardens, by blending Native wildflowers with pollinator friendly Herbaceous perennials, alongside Ornamental grasses.
Our sustainable plants can help to attract more pollinators into Cottage gardens; to turn Shady spots into wildlife habitats, to create mini-Garden meadows; or to create wildlife havens for the Pond edge.
For the Community:
Wildflowers are a great way to boost biodiversity, green outdoor spaces and bring communities together. We love helping communities improve local biodiversity through habitat creation.
We grow plants for community projects, both locally in Somerset and further afield in the UK. From London based groups who are working to green urban spaces, to organisations such as The Butterfly Conservation Society looking to regenerate the declining butterfly populations.
For Schools:
School visits to the nursery offer a learning opportunity to enrich children’s understanding of nature, horticulture and sustainability.
We welcome school visits which can work alongside the curriculum and provide a rewarding experience for all involved. An educational outing can inspire the class, to appreciate the environment, learn more about nature and create a memorable visit
Whether you are just starting out on your journey, or you are an experienced gardener, and whatever the size of your outdoor space, we can help you bring more wildlife to your world.
Our Ethos
Taking an eco friendly approach to running our nursery, to foster a greener tomorrow.
Peat Free
We grow all our plants in Peat free compost, as we believe in helping plants thrive whilst protecting the planet.
Water capture
We harvest rainwater from our buildings into our rainwater storage tank to use for irrigation and to reduce the use of mains water. Better for the plants and the environment too.
Integrated pest management
For pest control we find the biodiversity of our environment is the best solution. No pesticides are used, in order to be safe to the plants, the environment and the food chain. We will use biological pest control where possible or an organic, non-chemical spray for a pest outbreak.
Organic nutrients
Our peat free compost includes a balance of nutrients to give all our container grown plants a great start. If we add feed later in the season, we use a balanced organic seaweed extract, and avoid the use of chemical fertilisers. Therefore preventing harm to the local landscape and water courses.
Propagation
Much of our stock is hand propagated on site. We sow seed collected from our own stock, or UK sourced seed. We also take cuttings where possible. Bulbs, bare root stocks, or plants that we are unable to propagate, or which have plant breeder’s rights, are sourced from UK suppliers. We then continue to grow peat free.
Energy conservation
Our propagating tunnels are unheated, to eliminate the use of extra energy and to allow seeds and plants to grow within their natural cycles. This allow plants to develop with a robust root system and once established, they are moved outdoors to continue growing in the natural environment.
Recyclable Pots and packaging
We take care to pack our online orders using materials that can also be recycled at home; cardboard, hay & boxes from FSC sustainable sources. All our pots are grey or taupe and kerbside recyclable, to reduce the need for throwaway plastics.
Reuse and recycle
Avoiding unnecessary waste on the nursery, is important to our day to day processes.
Cardboard from outside deliveries is reused as mulch on our beds to help prevent weeds
Woody stems are shredded to provide natural surface mulch on our beds & borders
Green waste and leaves are added to our compost bins to compost over time.
Plant pots and seed trays are washed and reused
What Our Customers Say
“My husband and I bought a number of grasses from the nursery this Spring and I just wanted to say how pleased we are with them and the pleasure they are giving. We will be back for some more very tall grasses in the Autumn! ”
– Jude C
“I just had to let you know that I received my online order today and I am blown away with the quality, size and health of the plants and the careful packaging. I am really so delighted with these. So huge thanks for what you do”
– Abbey B
