As part of a series of meetings with prominent local businesses, Horsham District Council’s Business Charter Group recently visited specialist horticultural nursery, Architectural Plants, at their premises in Pulborough.
Founded in 1989, the nursery is known for its extensive range of topiary, exotic and tropical specimens, screening plants, rarities, and homegrown varieties, and serves clients from across the UK.
In addition to its nursery operations, Architectural Plants provide garden design services, public creative maintenance courses and is expanding its weddings and events venue hire business. They also offer their premises as a filming and photoshoot location, working with high-profile brands.
Employing some 40 PAYE staff, plus seasonal, casual, and events staff, Architectural Plants are passionate about inspiring young people into careers in horticulture, running a unique and engaging hands-on apprenticeship scheme called ‘AP Homegrown’.
Having received a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant from the Council, Architectural Plants have now installed 86 solar panels and battery storage on their land. These now power their laboratory, as well as irrigation pumps which feed recycled water from their lake. This has contributed towards their long-term aspirations as a sustainability-focused business.
The Council’s visit to their 32-acre land included a comprehensive guided tour and a meeting to discuss a range of business challenges and opportunities.
Commenting on the visit, Cllr Jonathan Tayor, Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property at Horsham District Council said:
Architectural Plants is a standout, forward-thinking horticultural business with a clear passion for training the next generation, advancing sustainable practices, and growing its commercial offerings.
We are delighted that the REPF grant funding is helping the acceleration of their growth as a local business.
We look forward to working closely with Architectural Plants to support their ongoing success within our District.
Guy Watts, Owner and Managing Director of Architectural Plants added:
We were delighted to welcome the Council to our nursery and to share the work we’re doing to combine horticultural excellence with sustainability.
The support from the REPF grant from Horsham District Council has been invaluable in helping us move towards greener operations while continuing to grow opportunities for young people through our AP Homegrown apprenticeship scheme.
The visit to Architectural Plants is part of the Council’s engagement programme with businesses within the Horsham District that help to create, maintain, and promote a prosperous community and local economy. Keep a look out for news of future business visits.