Challenging conditions have been met head on by the team at Mr Fothergill’s with the show of colour and vigour from plants in the Trials Ground nothing short of a miracle.

At Kentford, West Suffolk, the seed company’s 2000 plus lines are put to the test to ensure what is pictured on the front of the packet, is actually what grows in customers’ gardens. In addition are new introductions to give the team first-hand experience in growth habits etc.

New this year is the impressive Sweetcorn ‘Summer Celebration’, so sweet and juicy it can be eaten straight off the plant without cooking. Warm temperatures have ensured cobs have ripened early this year, and Rachel Cole also recommends ‘Picnic’ with smaller cobs but perfect for the bbq. 

First year flowering perennials were strong performers with Gaura (now Oenothora) Emmeline White and Monarda Panorama Mixed loving the warm weather. So too was Achillea ‘Summer Berries’, a mix of strong and pastel shades. Three gomphrena were also impressive with little to choose from Atomic Purple, Lavender Lady and Strawberry Fields. Not a plant seen that often in borders or containers, but one which might demand a place if warmer and brighter summers become the norm.

The Garden Room, next to the Trials Ground, is the company’s new event space for use by Mr Fothergill’s but it is also opening it for the wider industry and community groups to meet and hold workshops. 

There are 11 new introductions for 2027 in the Mr Fothergill’s range including Tomato ‘Sahel’, Antirrhinum ‘Night & Day’, and Sweetcorn ‘Summer Celebration’, plus a futher eight under the Johnsons brand. Zinnia Forecast is made of an eye-catching mix of colours while Carrot RubypakF1 adds a red-rooted variety to the choice.

See picture gallery below...