Hardy Exotics Penzance

[MartinNicklin]

There were a number of plants I used to grow which I had from here and which, due to space, I was sadly unable to bring with me to my “new” house. I wanted to replace them and earlier in the year saw that Hardy Exotics were suspending their mail order service but it would resume later in the year. I have just been on the site and still you cannot order from them, nor is their A-Z list viewable.

Does anybody know what’s going on with this nursery and if it likely to resume mail order?

It was Andy’s Telanthophora which prompted me to look again as I had a massive beautiful plant from Hardy Exotics which I had no room to bring when I moved house. Paul kindly sent me a replacement but it was stolen from its pot in the front garden. If Hardy Exotics is unlikely to resume mail order does anyone know of any supplier or does anyone have a cutting they are prepared to sell? I’d like to grow this in my greenhouse.

[Paul S]

I believe the nursery is on the cusp of folding, if it hasn't already. Clive is in his late 70s now, his partner is unwell and I think there are issues with staying on where he lives. I am sure one of the Cornish correspondants can fill in the blanks.

[MartinNicklin]

Oh that's a pity. I've been there several times and always came away with a decent haul. I did meet Clive but had no idea he was that age so can well understand why he has had enough and needs to start to relax. I've got a couple of plants still which I originally got from there, my favourite being Blechnum chilense. I can't understand why this fern is so rarely available outside Cornwall and why it's quite expensive for a fern. I've found it very hardy - even through 2010 - and it rampages everywhere. I've given loads of it away.

[AndyC]

If Hardy Exotics is unlikely to resume mail order does anyone know of any supplier or does anyone have a cutting they are prepared to sell?

If you are coming this way anytime soon then I have a potted plant you can have, unfortunately it is too big to post. If not, then I'll root the next side shoot that appears and let you know when it is ready.

[MartinNicklin]

That's so kind Andy. I won't be in Cornwall anytime soon but if the offer of a small rooted cutting (when you have an opportunity) continues to stand in the future, I will happily pay for the plant and postage. I don't know how viable the seeds are. My plant used to produce them by the thousands but I never saved them and I regretted that. It's certainly a plant I very much miss.

[KLaban]

I believe the nursery is on the cusp of folding, if it hasn't already. Clive is in his late 70s now, his partner is unwell and I think there are issues with staying on where he lives. I am sure one of the Cornish correspondants can fill in the blanks.

That's sad about Hardy Exotics and Clive's partner.

I remember Clive back when he was a celebrated shoemaker with a shop in Covent Garden, gosh, where did all those years go?

[Chad]

I remember Clive back when he was a celebrated shoemaker with a shop in Covent Garden, gosh, where did all those years go?

Clive and Julie in 1981, the Covent Garden days.

Paul's post sums up the current position. The Web site has been 'frozen' for some years, and Clive hasn't had editing access to it.

Chad

[MartinNicklin]

That's a great picture Chad. I met them a couple of times on the nursery within the last 10-15 years but can picture them clearly from your photo! I hope they enjoy retirement and their health improves. I wonder what will happen with the nursery and if anyone will take it on. They certainly supplied some fabulous plants.