A Botanical Treasure Trove

Squire’s Homegrown Collection of Exceptional Plants
Squire’s Garden Centres is delighted to announce the launch of its monthly ‘Plant Discoveries’ – a homegrown collection of exceptional plants, arriving in its garden centres this month (February). The range offers a curated selection of outstanding plants celebrating the very best of varieties and especially chosen to inspire and elevate any garden.
Arriving in 15 Squire’s centres*, the creation of the collection has been made possible by the expert horticulturalists at Squire’s own nursery, based in Liss, Hampshire. The carefully chosen ranges celebrate the botanical excellence of the chosen plant genus, with many varieties being recipients of the RHS Award of Garden Merrit and others selected because they are such interesting varieties. The collections feature exceptional plants that combine beauty with purpose, offering structure, seasonal interest and enduring charm to complement any garden. While keen gardeners may recognise many of the plants in the range – chosen because they are really good performers – it is the addition of some special varieties which adds an extra touch of magic to the range.
Many of these plants are true treasures and timeless favourites that may have become increasingly hard to find but are ‘must haves’ for gardeners who appreciate their true horticultural value.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, shares her enthusiasm, commenting: “We are thrilled to bring these fantastic collections to our customers. Working alongside the talented growers at our own nursery, Barnsfold Liss, has allowed us to select a really interesting range of plants for expert gardeners and new gardeners alike.
“These specimens exemplify the very best of horticulture – plants that will enrich and enhance and perfectly complement any garden. Our plant experts in our centres are eager to share these stunning collections, and it is certainly worth a visit to see what is in the collection each month as it evolves through the seasons. This collection is just the beginning, with many more exceptional varieties to come throughout this year and beyond .”
The first collection of ‘Plant Discoveries’ arrives in centres in February, with new plants arriving monthly going forward. The inaugural line-up offers a glimpse into the variety and sophistication gardeners can expect and, among others, will include:
- Sweet Box (Sarcococca) – exceptional varieties will include ‘Confusa’ and ‘Ruscifolia Dragons Gate’
Known for its understated elegance, this evergreen plant produces delicately sweet-scented white flowers in late winter and early spring, thriving in partial shade and fertile soils. Sarcococca is a sophisticated choice for winter gardens. Available in centres during February. - Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles) – celebrated varieties will include ‘Madame Butterfly’ and ‘Scarlet Storm’ and loved by bees.
A gardener’s favourite for its vibrant floral display from March through May, Chaenomeles is versatile and resilient, thriving in both sunny and shady conditions and suited to a variety of fertile soils. Available in centres during February. - Rock Rose (Cistus) – with outstanding varieties including ‘Creticus’ and ‘Snowfire’
Beloved for its evergreen foliage and summer abundance of delicate flowers, the Cistus thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it a show-stopping addition to sun-drenched borders. Available in centres during March.
With a rolling programme of plants grown in limited quantities for the year, Squire’s ‘Plant Discoveries’ range promises to be a source of inspiration and delight for gardening enthusiasts. The collection reflects Squire’s commitment to supporting British horticulture and sourcing locally and sustainably, highlighting the craftsmanship and care of its own growers. For those seeking to enrich their gardens with plants of distinction and character, the ‘Plant Discoveries’ collection offers an unparalleled opportunity to curate a landscape of beauty and elegance.
Above: Plants of distinction arriving in Squire’s Garden Centres: Sweet Box (Sarcococca), left, and Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles), centre, both available during February and Rock Rose (Cistus), right, – in centres during March. Some of the first arrivals in Squire’s ‘Plant Discoveries’ collections.
‘Plant Discoveries’ collections arriving in centres later in the year to delight gardeners include:
- April: Viburnum – Opulus Roses, Plicatum Lanarth, Plicatum Great White Star among others
- May: Knoll Grasses – Eragrostis Totness Burgundy, Pennisetum Red Buttons
- June: Potentilla – Double Punch Pastel, Creamissimal, Pink Paradise
- July: Fastia (Glossy Leaf Paper Plant) – Japonica Camouflarge, Japonica Spiders web and Fastshedera (Tree Ivy) – Lizei, Annemieke
- August: Abelia – Chinensis Autum Festival, Grandiflora
- September: Mahonia – Charity, Bealei, Lionel Fortesque and Cornus (Dogwood) – Alba Baton Rouge, Alba Siberian Pearl, Alba Siberica
- October/November: Nandina (Sacred Bamboo) – Firepower, Obsessed, Richmond
- and Aucuba – Japonica Gold Strike, Pepper Spot, Rozzane