Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants is a family-run working nursery established in 1988 by Rosy and Robert Hardy. What began in their own back yard has grown into a purpose-built nursery set above the famous River Test in the beautiful Hampshire countryside — an independent, family-led business with the same dedication to quality it has always had.

We specialise in herbaceous perennials, grown peat-free and with sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Our stock is led by the seasons and constantly changing, so there is always something new to discover throughout the year.

You are welcome to visit our on-site shop, where our knowledgeable team will help you find the right plant for the right place. We also supply plants by mail order, delivering across the UK.

Pictured — Rosy & Rob Hardy in their 22nd RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winning garden, 2017

Winners of 24 RHS Chelsea Gold Medals for exhibits of cottage garden perennials, Hardy's has been a familiar name on the show circuit for decades. Each exhibit is a reflection of what we do every day at the nursery — growing plants we believe in, beautifully.

In 2020, Hardy's was awarded RHS Master Grower status at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. To qualify, nurseries must demonstrate that they:

  • Propagate a high percentage of their plant material at their own nursery
  • Use methods that are ethical and sustainable where possible
  • Are involved with plant breeding or the development of new varieties
  • Produce a range of unusual, garden-worthy plants
  • Support the RHS Shows and RHS Gardens
  • Have achieved past awards and medals
  • Give great customer service

It is one of the RHS's highest accolades for a working nursery — and a reflection of the same values that have guided Hardy's since 1988. To mark the award, the RHS filmed Rosy at the nursery, telling the story of how Hardy's began, what drives us today, and our long relationship with the RHS Shows.