Altamont Plants is an integral part of the visitor experience at Altamont Gardens, offering plants, advice and inspiration to gardeners who wish to bring a little of the garden home with them. Sustainability is expressed through everyday gardening practice, guided by the principle of working with nature and avoiding unnecessary chemicals or waste.
Around 95% of the historic walled garden is now managed without chemical treatments, with a goal of becoming fully chemical free. Composting plays a key role, with coffee grounds and garden waste reused to enrich the soil. Rainwater harvesting supports water conservation, while most plant pots used in the nursery are now recyclable or reused.
Altamont Plants also hosts popular gardening talks and workshops, helping visitors reconnect with practical skills and the confidence to care for their own gardens in ways that support biodiversity, soil health and long-term resilience.
Sustainability action plan
-
- 95% of the historic walled garden managed without chemical treatments, with a goal of becoming fully chemical-free
- Alternatives to chemical gardening products promoted through the plant sales nursery
- Composting system that returns coffee grounds from the café and garden waste back into the soil
- Rainwater harvesting introduced to support water conservation in the gardens and nursery
- Approximately 90% of plant pots used in the nursery are now recyclable
- Non-recyclable pots set aside for reuse by visiting gardeners
-
- Plant nursery designed to feel like an extension of the garden rather than a conventional retail space
- Understated signage and plant displays that respect the historic character of the walled garden
- Growing programme of gardening talks, workshops and courses focused on practical horticultural skills
- Educational events helping visitors reconnect with gardening knowledge and confidence
- Ongoing commitment to reducing waste, conserving water and progressing towards fully chemical-free gardening practices within Altamont Plants