'The English Garden' magazine, September 2007, "A Man And His Plants" "When you love plants, happiness is having the space to grow them and places to sell them. On this basis, Steven Moore has probably reached nirvana." The Daily Telegraph, 4th October 2008, after Sarah Raven visited our nursery in September. "We've rounded up the best nurseries in Britain for year round inspiration. Here Sarah Raven visits Rapkyns in East Sussex for advice on late perennials." 
Rapkyns Nursery is located in an idyllic spot overlooking the
Rother Valley in East Sussex. It is essentially a cottage
garden nursery specializing in hardy perennials, shrubs and
climbers, offering as wide a choice as possible including
many unusual and much sought after varieties.
Rapkyns Nursery is run by plant enthusiast Steven Moore with the help of nursery assistant, Morag. With their vast plant knowledge and experience, they are always very keen to ensure that the customer buys the right plant for the right spot. Steven says, "I don't like the idea of one of my plants dying because it has been put in the wrong place!" 
Steven worked at Borde Hill Gardens in West Sussex for a year after leaving school, followed by a horticultural course at Hadlow College. He then worked for some years at a local garden centre, but was always determined to have his own nursery. When the chance to bid at auction for a plot of land on the Rapkyns Estate near
Horsham came up, Steven jumped at the chance! He
was bidding against one other chap who fortunately
dropped out at the last moment, and so, Rapkyns Nursery
was born!
Steven says, "I cleared all the trees on the land by hand in my spare time, and sold the resulting logs to raise enough money to buy Rhododendron plugs to plant out. Gradually, I built up the stock to include more of the plants I feel really passionate about, such as Salvias and Penstemon." 
However, that first plot of land was not really
large enough to run as a full time nursery, and so
Steven's uncle offered him a piece of land on his
farm in East Sussex. Fifteen years on, Rapkyns'
success is not only down to Steven's enthusiasm and
passion for plants, but also about the undeniable
quality of the plants he grows.
Steven and his family, who are often called upon to help out, can be found at many of the local plant fairs, farmers markets and National Garden Scheme open gardens. By taking the plants out from the nursery, more people can experience and get to know some of the less widely available plants not on offer at garden centres. There is always a good selection of plants that are in season with attractive flowers and foliage. Steven and his team arrange the plants in a way to give lots of ideas for planting up the perfect garden, and are more than willing to offer help and advice. During the winter, Steven is happy to visit gardens and discuss and design planting plans. The best way to see the full range on offer at Rapkyns is by visiting the nursery which is open three days a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 5pm. Appointments can be arranged at other times. During the summer months, the nursery is an absolute picture with colour in every direction! Rapkyns Nursery specialises in a wide range of plants providing colour throughout the seasons. Some of Steven's favourites include Salvias of which at least 40 different varieties are grown. Also on offer are some 70 varieties of Clematis, 35 varieties of Penstemon, and 42 varieties of Hardy Geraniums! As well as many hardy perennials, some for early colour, with others reaching their peak later in the season, there is also a huge range of grasses from the smaller Stipas to the giant Miscanthus. During the winter months the evergreens come into their own with scented bloom and interesting foliage providing the colour. At Rapkyns Nursery there is something for all times of the Year, and with a bit of careful planning, an all year round garden can easily be achieved. | All Content © 2006-2008 Rapkyns Nursery and associates. Website Design & Hosting by JK Design.
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