BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair 2023

For the third year running we will be partnering with BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair. Located in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu, Hampshire, from 28th April – 30th April 2023.

We are delighted to unveil our specially designed garden for 2023 that provides inspiration for your own outdoor space. Inspired by The Secret Garden, the experience features a colourful herbaceous display, a low-maintenance contemporary space and a stunning wildflower surround, all of which enable visitors to get up close and personal with the plants displayed. We look forward to welcoming visitors to this incredible garden exhibit and offering top tips on how to replicate it at home.

We are very grateful to our supporters of our garden:

12-13

14-15 Spring Wildlife

18-19 Outdoor Living

20-21 Repotting Your Houseplants

22-23 Growing Your Own Food, Can It Save You Money?

24-25

26-27 Hillier Seasonal Recipes

New Plants for 2023 at Hillier

For over 155 years, Hillier Nurseries has prided itself on the creation, innovation, and introduction of new plants. A fantastic majority of these can still be found in gardens today. This year, we are excited to announce the introduction of four new additions to our nurseries and garden centres, some of which are exclusive to Hillier customers.

Erysimum ‘Colour Vibe’ collection

Charles Carr heads up the production of plants at Hillier Nurseries and he chose these bright Erysimum varieties from a hybridisation program. ‘Colour Vibe’ Red and Orange, the first two colours are exclusively launched at Hillier this year, and the plants really live up to their names. With strong single-coloured varieties and large flowers borne on strong, upright stems, the varieties were selected for their non-fading, vibrant colours. These hardy varieties provide a real statement piece for all different types of gardens. Plant in a patio container or border for a vivid display of blooms that work well with Tulips for a contrast of form.

Flowering time: March – early summer

Sun requirements: Full sun/light shade

Soil: Free-draining

Size: 0.5m x 0.5m

Lavandula x intermedia

‘Exceptional’ (hillav)

Developed at Hillier Nurseries, and exclusively launched this spring, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Exceptional’ (hillav) is the ideal, easy-to-grow, drought tolerant plant for the garden. ‘Exceptional’ has wonderful, pure white flowers on long stems that are brilliant for cutting with a rich aroma that attracts bees and butterflies alike. It makes an ideal addition to your garden as a low hedge, mixed border, or patio container, with its prolific flowering and strong upright stems bearing pure white flowers, working well with Echinacea and Alliums that complement with colour and height. This unique hybrid is particularly hardy and holds its bright silver foliage making it attractive all winter.

Flowering time: May – October

Sun requirements: Full sun

Soil: Free-draining/thriving in poor soils

Size: 0.8m x 0.8m

Cordyline ‘Magic Star’

This unusual and striking Cordyline is first launched in the UK this year and is simple to grow, drought tolerant and reasonably hardy. With its unique form and impressive colouration, it brings an exotic feel to any garden. Due to its dramatic appearance, it is an excellent feature plant but will also bring an architectural aspect to a mixed patio container. When planted amongst Dahlias and Crocosmia, it can create a bold and fiery display.

Sun requirements: Full sun

Soil: Free-draining soil

Size: 2m x 0.8m (after 10 years)

Dicentra

‘Amore Titanium’

Launched this spring, this beautiful Dicentra variety is easy to grow and integrates well in all types of gardens. With attractive blue-silver foliage, it is the ideal complement to other plantings. ‘Amore Titanium’ is brilliant for bees and butterflies with its unique summer-long, repeat flowering period, which sets it apart from other Dicentra, and delicate flowers in pure white. Combine Dicentra ‘Amore Titanium’ with Hosta and Ferns to create a colourful and eye-catching display.

60 years

Flowering time: May - October

Sun requirements: Partial shade

Soil: Free draining

Size: 0.45m x 0.45m

Alan Postill, thank you for 60 years at Hillier Nurseries

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Did you know, we grow peat free?

At Hillier, we are proud to announce that we do not use any peat on our nurseries, and all of our plants are potted in peat-free growing media.

Our very own Alan Postill celebrated his 60-year anniversary with Hillier Nurseries last year. Alan, Master Propagator and Plant Breeder, has been responsible for a stunning array of new plants that we have introduced at Hillier Garden Centres, including Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ and Choisya x Aztec Gold. Having started his Hillier career on the Chandlers Ford nursery at the tender age of 15, Alan is rightfully recognised as one of the world’s number one experts in his field and after a fantastic 60 years has chosen to retire. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for all his hard work during his time at Hillier and wish him the happiest of retirements.