Prized Perennials

Prized Perennials is a family run nursery in Derbyshire propagating hardy perennials, patio plants and hebes from stock plants which have been tried and tested in their own garden. Plants are selected for garden performance, beauty and the attributes they bring to the design of a garden. The nursery was founded by Stuart Kitchen whose passion for plants led him to gain a Higher National Diploma in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College. Since this time, Stuart has worked in Local Authority Parks Departments, designing and managing numerous planting schemes and overseeing many successful Britain in Bloom entries. The highlight of his career was coordinating Nottingham’s Gold Medal winning entry in the European ‘Entente Florale’ equivalent of Britain in Bloom. He also exhibited Fuchsias for several years achieving Best in Show at National level. Stuart’s partner, Jenny Southwell, is now managing the nursery. Jenny’s background is in Countryside Management but became interested in garden plants whilst studying for an MSc in Landscape Ecology, Design and Management at Wye College in Kent.

The hardy perennials offered include Bearded Iris, Astrantias, Phlox, Penstemons, Asters, Crocosmias, Monardas and Erysimums.; Patio plants are also grown including Pelargoniums, Argyranthemums and Fuchsias. Stuart developed an interest in Hebes at Askham Bryan College, and has grown and propagated them for over 35 years. Older varieties of all plants tend to be grown, which are less frequently offered for sale. Jenny and Stuart are approachable and love talking about plants to the enthusiast and beginner alike.