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UK Cactus Nurseries?


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Having recently got back into CPs after several years, I was delighted to see the recent Lithops photos posted on here which reminded me of my pre-CP days growing cacti and succulents.

My girlfriend loves cacti, and I keep promising to take her to a nursery - but in the 20 years since I last visited a cactus nursery, many seem to have disappeared! The British Cactus and Succulent Society lists a handful of UK nurseries on their website, but many of the ones that I remember visiting have obviously long since gone.

Brookside Nursery was one of my favourites (and they used to sell Lithops), but he's moved to Italy!

I'm based in Hampshire - Does anyone know of any cactus/succulent nurseries in the South of England?

Thanks.

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I've also renewed an old interest in cacti and succulent plants and recently joined the BCSS. They have monthly branch meetings and there are occasional Cacti & Succulent markets around the country. They have a Southampton branch which might be convenient for you. At the Sheffield (my local branch) meetings there are usually plants on sale (Southampton's might do also) and there are often people selling or giving stuff away on their forum but I think you have to be a BCSS member to access the Sales/Wants page. I think the list of nurseries on their web site is a little bit out of date. The branches arrange trips out and Sheffield members went to Southfields last weekend.

The Southampton & District branch have a display and sales on 30-31 July at New Forest & Hampshire County Show, New Park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH and another on September 7 at Broadlands Park, Romsey, SO51 9ZD.

We went to both the Spalding and Manchester Cacti & Succulent markets earlier this year and got a good selection of plants at both. The Sheffield Show was on 1-2 June and we stocked up again....it's addictive, like buying CP's :yes:

Most of the nurseries are selling online these days and not necessarily open for visitors or just have occasonal open days. We have AbbeyBrook Nursery in Derbyshire but, like Southfields, it's a bit off the beaten track for you. Tony Irons sells on ebay and TwoBees have a site for succulents. Other than that you're mainly looking at European (German mainly) sites such as Kakteen-Haag, Uhlig-Kakteen, Specks etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Edited by Gaz
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I thoroughly recommend a visit up to southfield nurseries (Cactusland) - a very impressive cactus nursery indeed, and he grows all his own plants, nothing is imported.

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Thanks for the replies! Gaz, the info about the Southampton and District BCSS branch and the Romsey show are very useful indeed. We'll definitely be going to the Romsey show!

I visited countless cactus nurseries back in the day, Abbey Brook was a favourite, and back then they sold CPs. In fact, I bought some CPs there which eventually converted me!

It's a pity that so many nurseries have gone, but then it's all down to what's popular and money, I guess.

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Yes it must be difficult in the nursery business these days, especially for those specialising like CP's and cacti. Have a look at the BCSS events page to check the schedule for your area.

Edited by Gaz
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