FAQs
We have compiled a list below of questions that we are often asked about the day to day running of Genus Plant Sourcing. We appreciate how much time and effort goes into realising your landscape and planting designs and understand how important it is to have every detail covered – from usual timescales to questions on biosecurity and industry regulations – we’ve addressed your questions below.
If you want to chat through any other details or want to discuss any of the below please get in touch.
Click on the questions below for more information.
1. What range of plants do you supply?
We source and supply the full range of hardy nursery stock. We do the leg work so you don’t have to.
2. Where do the plants come from?
We source from over 50 specialist growers both home and abroad. We love plants, sourcing is what we do day in, day out. We know where to look, that’s our worry, not yours.
3. Can you supply any plant?
We’ll always do our very best to find what you want from the smallest wildflower plug to the most spectacular mature specimen tree. There’s no need to go anywhere else.
4. What is your customer base and are you wholesale?
Yes, we are wholesale and we supply to designers, landscapers, landscape architects and local authorities across the UK.
5. What is the company background?
Your plant enquiries are handled by Matt and Pip. Matt founded the company in 2002 following 12 years working in the nursery and landscape industry. The business was born out of frustration trying to complete planting projects as the designers had specified. Pip joined Genus 18 years ago and has always worked in the horticultural industry after completing her training at Pershore.
6. Do you have a nursery so I can come and choose my own plants?
It’s been an exciting time for us at Genus HQ… We now have a new Cash & Carry! We offer a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials and seasonal stock. The perfect solution for any maintenance jobs you have, or just to stock up on the plants you love to use.
7. What guarantees do you offer?
We provide advice on the aftercare of the plants that we supply and ensure that healthy plants are sourced and delivered to you. However, if you notice any problems with the plants we have supplied you have up to 7 days from the point of delivery to notify us in writing and to provide us with photographic evidence. Our Guide to Successful Planting can be found here.
8. Do you grow any of your own plants?
We grow an ever-increasing amount of our own stock. We also contract grow for many of our customers. If this is something of your interest, please contact us to find out more.
9. Do you have an availability list?
Yes.
Please email enquiries@genusplantsourcing.co.uk to receive our availability list.
10. What if I only want a few plants?
We’re happy to take an order or enquiry of any size.
11. How does it work?
Once we’ve received your enquiry we will provide you with a no obligation quote. We aim to get your quote to you within 3-5 working days (but please bear with us during busy times!). When your order is confirmed we will start the ordering process and bring all the plants together to our own nursery. We have lorries in from Holland weekly and Italy twice monthly alongside deliveries from numerous UK growers. Over these days we also collect from assorted specialist growers of roses, climbers, aquatics, fruit, topiary etc. We aim to deliver within 3-4 weeks of your order being placed.
12. Why do I have to pay up front?
As soon as the order is placed we kick start the order process and get in touch with our suppliers to organise combination deliveries. Please remember that we are not a traditional nursery that can take plants back into stock. Paying upfront guarantees your order and in turn guarantees the orders that we place with our suppliers.
13. How do I request a quote?
Simply send us your plant list by email.
We offer a 5% discount to anyone that uses our availability list and puts together their own quote.
14. Are you expensive?
No. It’s a common misconception but we are sure that you will find us very competitive.
15. Do you deliver and if so how much does it cost?
Yes, we have our own transport. For larger jobs we use a haulier. Delivery cost is included in the quote and starts from £40. If your delivery address is not included at the quote stage, we will include an estimate but this is subject to change.
16. How are the plants delivered?
Principally on Danish trolleys on one of our 3.5t Luton vans (like a Supermarket delivery van!). For large plants/ orders we will advise you of how many people or what equipment will be required to unload your end.
17. Do you have a plant passport and do you comply with EU regulations?
Yes. We are vigilant on plant health issues and understand this is an ever increasing threat. We are inspected regularly by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the nurseries that we use are also regulated. Good husbandry and plant protection feature as a big part of good plantsmanship with biosecurity more important than ever.
18. What other services do you provide?
With our own extensive experience combined with the expertise of our specialist growers to call on, we will always endeavour to help with any queries or concerns. We are also able to arrange escorted trips to nurseries abroad.
19. What is your policy on sustainability?
We try as much as possible to source to your specifications whether that be peat free, recyclable pots or local provenance. Bear in mind that currently this does limit your choice. We are hoping that in the future more suppliers will go down this route.
20. How will you be affected by Brexit?
A lot of paperwork to say the least!
With goal posts that keep moving, there’s documents, education, legislation, organisation of inspections – it’s an ever-changing minefield. Currently any deliveries coming into us could be chosen for a spot inspection within a four-hour time frame.
It really is a 24hour, 7 days a week process!