Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Local Garden Centre for High-Quality Plants
The Plant Man began in 2008 with a vision to revive traditional garden centre values, prioritizing plants over commercial extras. Starting with a single polytunnel, the business has grown into a respected nursery with over 70 years of combined horticultural expertise. Our team focuses on offering high-quality, locally grown plants at competitive prices, supported by exceptional customer service. We specialise in seasonal plants, perennials, roses, and trees, all cultivated without artificial forcing.Despite our expansion, we remain committed to maintaining a personal touch, avoiding corporate add-ons like cafes or gift shops. Our working hours vary seasonally, and we provide local delivery services within a 20-mile radius. Customer feedback consistently highlights our knowledgeable staff, excellent value for money, and dedication to helping gardening enthusiasts succeed.
Services
Plants
Perennials
Roses
Trees
Bulbs
Compost
Pots
Delivery
Garden tools
Fertilisers
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Our team offers 70+ years of combined horticultural expertise and local knowledge.
- We guarantee competitive pricing on a wide range of high-quality, locally grown plants.
- Free delivery within 20 miles with same-day handling of oversized items.
- No corporate distractions: we focus solely on plants and expert gardening advice.
- Seasonal opening hours tailored to gardeners' needs throughout the year.
What people say
Fantastic service
Amazing prices
Knowledgeable staff
Great value
Healthy plants
Services
Basket Plants
Our basket plants collection features over 100,000 strong, unforced summer plants cultivated without artificial heat. Each specimen develops naturally, ensuring robust growth ready for immediate garden integration. Customers consistently report healthier results compared to mass-market alternatives, with plants bred specifically for resilience in local conditions.
Perennials
We cultivate increasingly diverse perennials that thrive through seasonal challenges without artificial intervention. Our selection focuses on locally adapted varieties that have proven survival rates, with new growth cycles starting annually from surviving root systems. This sustainable approach maintains plant strength while meeting growing customer demand for reliable garden staples.
Garden Trees
Our tree selection combines on-site grown budget options starting at 45 with premium imports from UK growers. The locally cultivated trees develop stronger root systems through natural acclimatisation, while imported stock provides access to specialist varieties. Customers benefit from competitive pricing that reflects our reduced transportation costs.
Seasonal Bulbs
We grow thousands of seasonal bulbs annually for spring planting, focusing on varieties that thrive without chemical enhancement. Our stock includes specialist cultivars not commonly found in retail outlets, all hardened through natural winter conditions. This approach ensures better adaptation to local soil conditions when planted in autumn.
Local Delivery
Our delivery service covers a 20-mile radius with fixed rates starting at 10, regardless of quantity. Staff personally handle loading and transport to ensure plant protection. For locations beyond this range, we charge 1 per additional mile. Customers particularly appreciate our careful handling of oversized items requiring two-person assistance.
People
Ian Colledge
Owner & Founder
Ian established The Plant Man in 2008 after completing a government horticultural apprenticeship as a teenager. With decades of hands-on experience and exceptional plant knowledge, he remains passionate about traditional gardening practices while embracing modern cultivation techniques.
Gary Colledge
Co-Owner
Joining his twin brother Ian in 2018, Gary brought valuable horticultural expertise to expand The Plant Man's operations. Known for exceptional customer service and plant knowledge, he manages delivery logistics while maintaining the company's commitment to no-nonsense gardening solutions.
Questions
What makes The Plant Man different from other garden centres?
We specialise in quality plants without commercial distractions, offering expert advice, competitive pricing, and a no-frills approach focused entirely on gardening needs.
Do you offer delivery services for large items?
Yes, we provide delivery for oversized plants and supplies within a 20-mile radius starting at £10, with additional mileage charged at £1 per mile beyond that range.
What gardening expertise do your staff provide?
Our team offers 70+ years combined horticultural experience, providing practical advice on plant selection, pest control, and seasonal gardening requirements.
Are your plants grown locally without artificial methods?
Yes, our plants are grown outdoors without artificial heating or forcing, ensuring natural adaptation to UK growing conditions and exceptional garden performance.
What seasonal opening hours do you follow?
We operate from 9am-5:30pm during main season (BST) and 9am-4pm in winter (GMT), closing annually from December 23rd to January 2nd for nursery improvements.
Do you sell gardening tools and supplies?
Yes, we stock a comprehensive range including secateurs, trowels, composts, fertilisers, and garden ornaments alongside our extensive plant selection.
Reviews (3)
Sam Woolman
Jun 11, 2018
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Went today for the first time and what a lovely place great plants and prices. And as for the garden ornaments they are absolutely fantastic the only other place I have seen similar is at Malvern show. Will definitely be going again.
Angela Porter
Apr 08, 2018
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Just started using the plantman as did not realise we has somewhere so local. It's a fantastic place. Good prices, friendly staff, very well presented and a good array of flowers etc. I've now joined the loyalty club.
Marie Norman-Bingham
Dec 08, 2017
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Christmas Trees is this Harborough best kept secret, lovely selection, friendly staff and very reasonable. To top it all local. Go pay them a visit fantastic find.
