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A really excellent website--full of interesting information and those fruit varieties which are so hard to source. Perhaps you could find time to list varieties which prosper in the moister west of the country? R. Ramsey. Dorset
Ronald Ramsey, Lower Wraxall. W. Dorset
The term compost block has been used in horticulture for many many years and simply refers to when the growing medium is compressed to make a block of compost; fill a plant pot up with moist compost and firm gently before tapping it out (as you would a sandcastle) and the result would be a compost block.
In years gone by, block making machines were used extensively in the industry to produce blocks that were used for sowing and transplanting into. Just like sandcastles, these would easily collapse and break - and so the blocks would be put into trays for transportation and use. As time has moved on, and manufacturing methods and materials have changed, the transport tray itself has become the modular compartment that is filled with compost to make the blocks - into which seeds can be sown or seedlings transplanted for growing on. But remove whatever you have grown in that modular tray and you are back to the good old 'compost block'!
There are of course many many sizes of modular tray with cell volumes varying from smaller than the top of your little finger to bigger than some flowerpots - we don't think terms such as cell plant or plug plant really can be used to describe all these sizes accurately and fairly. And so, mindful of our traditional heritage and the chunky size of our 'plugs plants', we think the term 'compost block grown' is accurate and deservedly used.
Here at Victoriana we produce our plants in two different sizes of compost block...
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This is our standard sized compost block which we use for most of our young plant production. It measures approximately 1½" x 1½" x 2½" deep (4cm x 4cm x 6cm deep). The plant in this picture is a Lupin and is typical of the size and quality you can expect from us. |
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This is our larger size of compost block which we use for some our larger vegetable subjects such as Artichokes, Asparagus, Cardoons and Seakale. It measures approximately 2" x 2" x 2½" deep (5cm x 5cm x 6cm deep). The plant in this picture is a Cardoon and is typical of the size and quality you can expect from us. |
Very decorative wax like flowers in all shades from pastels to rich and vibrant colours appear in early Spring. Attractive pale green flesh foliage. Tough and hardy.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Makes a very attractive hedge. Fully hardy and not usually eaten by rabbits. Can reach 10 feet (3 metres) tall. Very pretty and easy to grow.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants approximately 6 - 8" (15 - 20 cm) tall.
Thin grass like leaves terminate in a pretty blue flower that look like miniature Iris. Each flower lasts just a day. Profuse in flowering. An excellent summer ground cover.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
This hardy geranium is tough as old boots! Rosy purple pink flowers smother the bright green foliage throughout the Summer. A superb ground cover.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Truly spectacular! Deep crimson red, sunburnt yellow, tangerine, pink, white and intermediate colour shades. Drought tolerant. Ground Cover.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A papery husk hide the gorgeously sweet fruits of this lovely shrubby plant. Known by many names including the Golden Berry and Jam Fruit.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A perennial Lobelia that produces tall spikes of flowers in both rich and pastel shades. Can flower for up to three months. Makes a lovely cut flower.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Bright green leaves become overlaid with shades of cream and red. Masses of white flowers mid summer. Tolerates both very wet and very dry soils.
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Supplied as a pot grown plant.
Sometimes known as the Orchid Primrose. Each year a small clump of leaves appear, followed by a spike topped by a cone shaped red and mauve flower.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Sometimes known as Grandma's Bonnets. One of the prettiest and most striking perennial border plants there is. Stunning when planted on mass.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Contorted and twisted green stems form attractive clumps. Happy in damper conditions so perfect for pond-side planting. Evergreen in habit.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Traditional hardy border carnations. Richly perfumed. Beautiful flowers in a variety of colours and shades and even striped. Love a full sun position.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Beautiful 1" (2.5 cm) diameter flowers are produced in a profusion of colours throughout the Summer. Repeat flowering. Subtly scented. Love the sun.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A tough and wiry perennial. Beautifully perfumed flowers in shades of pink and white. Perfect for the open border of for container growing. Wonderful as a cut flower.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
The true wild Cowslip. Pretty bell like yellow flowers are produced in clusters on erect stems. A really cheerful spring flowering perennial.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Makes a lovely lush green carpet which is surmounted by tiny pink flowers in the summer. Highly aromatic when crushed under foot. Evergreen.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Often known as Larkspur. Majestic spikes of blooms up to 3 feet (90 cm) in shades of blue, lilac and white. Compact in habit so less prone to wind damage.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A fairly new hybrid variety of Foxglove that produces a multitude of flower spikes in shades of cream, lavender, rose and white. Compact in habit.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (in mixed colours only).
Tall racemes of bell shaped flowers in shades of pink purple and cream. Wonderful when planted on mass. Thrive in partial shade.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A reliable hedging variety. Grows up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall with remarkable speed. Attractive variegated foliage and beautiful flowers. Bees love it!
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Supplied as compost block grown plants approximately 8" (20 cm) tall.
Also known as Irish Moss. In our opinion the best of all ground cover lawn alternatives! Utterly hardy, excellent drought resistance. Tolerant of fairly heavy foot traffic.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A traditional favourite of cottage garden and formal border alike. Tall spikes of fully double flowers in a stunning colour selection. A perfect backdrop for any border.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Waxy flowers up to 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter are sure to cheer up the dark months of winter. Happy in sun or shade. Good drought resistance.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A real Victorian favourite. Gorgeous sweetly scented white bell like flowers. Lush green semi-evergreen foliage. A lovely ground cover and perfect for semi-shade.
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Supplied as freshly lifted 'pips' / growing plants depending on time of year.
Tall spires of flower in virtually every colour of the rainbow. Hardy and very reliable. Happy in full sun or even part shade. Group plant for a stunning display.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Sometimes known as the Firecracker Plant. Masses of bright orange-red flowers with ashen tips throughout the summer. Vigorous in habit and profuse in flowering.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A real sun lover! Large daisy like flowers in a stunningly vivid range of colours. Rich green foliage. Perfect for tubs and containers or 'blanket' planting.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A lovely mixture of pollinator friendly plants. Plant out in drifts to give a pretty show of colour all through the Summer until first frosts.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (each block containing approximately 8 different plants).
Truly miniature roses. Double, semi double and single flowers in shades of white pinks and cream. Delicately scented. Repeat flowering.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A lovely selection of different flowers that will give a gorgeous display all summer long. Plant in tubs and planters or mass plant for a stunning show.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (each block containing approximately 8 plants).
A real dash of colour for the herbaceous border or pond side. Bright scarlet, yellow, orange or cream coloured flowers have a contrasting splotch of colour.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A lovely soil hugging ground cover that exudes a powerful scent of peppermint when crushed. Pretty lavender-blue flowers through the summer months. The smallest leaved of all the mints.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Beautiful pea flowers in shades of deep rose pink, white and purple. Can climb to 8 feet (2.4 metres) with suitable support. Perennial in habit.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Huge bright orange flowers with a black centre in late Spring and early Summer. Compact and strong growing and very reliable. Will put on a fantastic display every year!
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Often called the Spanish Poppy. This wonderful plant produces masses of gorgeous frilly orange flowers. Perennial in habit.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Delicate cream flowers have a pretty golden centre. Flowering can begin soon after Christmas. More compact in habit than the wild primrose from which it is derived.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Sometimes known as the Torch Lily. Tall spikes of red flower buds open to orange before fading to yellow. Plant on mass to give a real shock of colour to the garden.
Available from approximately August 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Also known as the Sun Rose or Rush Rose. Dainty little flowers in a wide range of colours from pastels to vivids appear in late spring atop wiry foliage. Utterly drought tolerant.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Distinctive highly scented foliage when squeezed between finger and thumb. Lovely for making pot pourri. Drought tolerant once established.
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Supplied as a plant grown in a 7cm pot (supplied in mixed colours and scents only).
Pale green flowers edged purple are borne from January to April. Very highly scented (in a nice way, not as the name suggests!) Excellent in shade. Evergreen.
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Tough and hardy plants that produce one of the first flowers of the season, they like a shady or sunny spot in the garden and are well worth growing, they cheer up the garden just when you need it!
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Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A beautiful plant that can flower through the snow to brighten up your garden in Winter and Spring. Lovely yellow flowers which are edible - you can even make primrose wine with them!
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Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A pretty perennial which will slowly spread to form a delicate looking ground cover. Clusters of blue star like flowers with white centres are produced all summer long.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
An old and reliable variety that produces large flowers in a mixture of blue, purple and carmine red. Performs well in full sun and poorer soils. Evergreen. Ground Cover.
Available from approximately July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Quite Sensational! A perennial variety of Lobelia that produces striking spikes of vibrant red blooms. Lovely as a cut flower. Thrives in boggy soils.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A special seed grown strain of dwarf chamomile. The rich green foliage is beautifully scented when crushed under foot. Evergreen. Ground Cover.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Elegant daisy like flowers have rosy pink petals with an orange centre that rises like a cone. Very hardy and drought tolerant.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A beautiful evergreen that forms a mound of puckered green leaves. Early Summer delicate small bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink rise on wiry stems. Ground Cover.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A beautiful evergreen that forms a mound of puckered purple leaves topped with small bell-shaped pinky white flowers in late Spring to early Summer. Ground Cover.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Erect stems are topped by masses of tiny flowers formed into a ball - giving the appearance of a drumstick. Colours range from white through to pinks and lavenders.
Available from approximately late September 2013.
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Also known as Ozark Sundrops. Bright golden yellow flowers open late in the afternoon. A beautiful ground cover with excellent drought tolerance.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Sometimes known as Avens. A truly reliable perennial. Large bright red flowers are borne over a long period. Love the sun. Extremely tough and hardy.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A mixture of varieties and cultivars that will produce flowers or varying colour and form. Provide much needed colour and interest over the Winter and Spring.
SORRY - NOW SOLD OUT UNTIL 2014
Supplied as compost block grown plants supplied in mixed colours and varieties only).
Rich green foliage hugs tightly to the ground and is smothered in small bright red flowers from late spring into autumn. A fairly quick spreading evergreen ground cover.
Available from approximately August 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
So popular in Victorian England, Lavender really does make a wonderful low boundary hedge with the most amazing smell!
Available from July 2013.
Supplied as compost block grown plants approximately 3 - 5" tall.
Large papery flowers in shades of pink and purple have a darker centre. A very pretty subject for the garden that looks beautiful when planted in drifts. Hardy Annual.
SORRY - NOW SOLD OUT UNTIL 2014
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A late flowering perennial. Beautiful spikes of Antirrhinum like flowers in a lovely colour range from deep purple to pinks and whites. Can flower to the first frosts.
Available from approximately late July 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
Pretty flowers in a profusion of colours very early in the spring. Flowers can be up to 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter and are delicately scented. Perfect for low maintenance spring flower borders.
Available from approximately late September 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
This almost black, fully double Poppy is absolutely stunning. Grow on mass or as a small clump planting to make a truly dazzling display. Hardy annual.
SORRY - NOW SOLD OUT UNTIL 2014
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Sometimes known as the Caucasian Scarlet Poppy. Crimson red flowers have a distinctive black blotch at the base of each making them look just like their namesake the ladybird. Hardy annual.
SORRY - NOW SOLD OUT UNTIL 2014
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Named after the drink with a similar name! Large single flowers are coloured in a delicate shade of purple with a darker centre. Hardy annual.
SORRY - NOW SOLD OUT UNTIL 2014
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Another pretty Primrose descended from the wild primrose. Deep blue flowers are accented by a white edge and centred with gold.
Available from approximately late September 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
Also known as the Rosebud Primula. Really cheerful and beautiful flowers in a multitude of colours. Most flowers are fully double and often delicately scented.
Available from approximately late September 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A tried and trusted strain of Primrose. Beautiful dainty flowers in a range of colours from blues to purples to red to yellows. Bronzed foliage.
Available from approximately late September 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).
A beautiful little flower with the most amazing scent. Is an excellent ground cover and likes the shade (although will grow in a sunny position too).
Available from approximately August 2013
Supplied as compost block grown plants.
A delightful perennial favourite that grows to about 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall with amazing soft lilac, cream or lavender flowers. Makes a great screening plant.
Available from approximately mid July 2013.
Supplied as compost block grown plants (supplied in mixed colours only).