There are several reasons why you might choose not to use Box in your design—perhaps due to a bad experience, concerns about blight, or issues with box caterpillars. If you’re seeking an alternative, here are some useful suggestions, many of which are available at Johnsons.
Alternatives generally fall into two categories: those suitable for creating a parterre (low, formal hedging) and those ideal for topiary.
A parterre is a low, formal hedge often found in kitchens or knot gardens. The box is traditionally favoured because of its ability to handle frequent trimming. However, there are dark green evergreen alternatives that work well, including Euonymus Greenspire, Lonicera nitida, Ilex crenata, Lavender and Taxus baccata.
Another excellent alternative is lavender, particularly varieties like Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula ‘Hidcote’. Lavender not only forms low, structured hedges but also offers fragrant blooms and attracts pollinators, making it a beautiful and wildlife-friendly option. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny conditions.
For topiary, many evergreen varieties can be used. If you’re looking for something with small leaves and a growth habit similar to Buxus, Ilex crenata is an excellent choice. Several varieties have been specifically cultivated to grow upright and come in different shades of green. The Maxima variety is dense and ideal for conical shapes, while Convexa has curved leaves and trims well into ball forms. Other great options include Green Hedge, Dark Green, and Stokes.
If you’re looking for a plant that shapes well but doesn’t mimic Buxus exactly, there are plenty of options.
If none of these options appeal to you, consider the more traditional choice—Taxus (Yew). It’s highly robust, thrives in well-drained conditions, and trims exceptionally well. Taxus is a fantastic all-round alternative to Box, ideal for hedging and capable of being shaped into balls, pyramids, spirals, and more.
For inspiration, visit a stately home such as Levens Hall in Kendal, where Taxus has been grown and shaped since the 1690s across ten acres of gardens.
Posted 21st Mar 11:53am
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As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, the first signs of spring begin to emerge. Early flowering plants not only provide a much-needed visual boost as the garden awakens, but they also play a crucial role in sustaining emerging insects searching for nectar.
If you look closely, many early-flowering plants bear yellow blooms. This is no coincidence, nor a matter of fashion. The reason lies in the efficiency of energy use—yellow pigments are easier for plants to produce. Additionally, in the weak sunlight of early spring, these bright yellow hues stand out, making them easier for pollinators to spot. Among the most common yellow-flowering early bloomers are Corylopsis, Genista, Edgeworthia, Kerria, and various Hamamelis species.
When incorporating these plants into your garden, consider their placement carefully to maximize their impact. For instance:
If you choose Hamamelis, plant it in a well-drained, sunny location. This shrub requires minimal pruning, making it a low-maintenance choice. Chaenomeles, another excellent option, bear flowers on bare stems and can be trained against a trellis or wall. For best results, remove old stems in the summer.
After enduring long, dark winter days, a stroll around the garden in early spring can significantly uplift your mood. Spending time outdoors helps reconnect us with nature and aligns us with seasonal rhythms. Research has shown that spending just two hours outside can have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Early flowering isn’t limited to shrubs. Spring bulbs begin to emerge, and ground-cover plants such as Pulmonaria start to bloom. Unlike the dominant yellows of many flowering shrubs, Pulmonaria displays delicate blue and pink hues. These flowers bloom early, taking advantage of sunlight before the tree and shrub canopy fills in.
Many of the plants mentioned here can be found at garden centres and nurseries, along with new and exciting varieties such as Abeliophyllum distichum, commonly known as white forsythia. This plant produces delicate pale pink and white flowers on bare stems, adding a subtle yet striking touch to early spring gardens.
One of the most spectacular flowering shrubs available is Edgeworthia chrysantha. Originating from India and introduced by Michael Edgeworth, this plant boasts bright yellow, sherbet-lemon-scented flowers. However, for a true showstopper, look no further than Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’, which dazzles with fiery orange-red blooms that appear before its leaves fully emerge. This plant thrives in dappled shade with some shelter.
Did you know that in Japan, the bark of Edgeworthia is used in the manufacture of banknotes? This is due to its incredibly pliable nature, making it an invaluable material.
By incorporating early flowering plants into your garden, you not only create a visually stunning landscape but also support pollinators and enhance your well-being. Whether you choose classic yellow bloomers, fragrant shrubs, or striking newcomers like Edgeworthia, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the arrival of spring. Happy gardening!
Posted 6th Mar 11:09am
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We were absolutely thrilled to welcome members of the Prosper plant buyers’ group to Johnsons Nurseries on February 24, 2025, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what we do best—growing top-quality plants!
Our event started with a relaxed evening at La Vecchia Scuola, where guests enjoyed delicious food and great conversation, all with the stunning York Minster as a backdrop. It was the perfect setting to catch up, share insights, and chat about the latest trends in the industry before the main event.
The next morning, our Garden Centre Sales Division greeted buyers with a warm Yorkshire welcome and a goody bag filled with local treats. We kicked things off with a productive plant buyers’ meeting at our head office in Kirk Hammerton before heading out for the main highlight—a tour of our nursery, led by our Production Director, Robert Richardson.
During the tour, we showcased our peat-free trials, innovative growing techniques, and an incredible variety of sample stock across all product ranges. We also set up a special display of standout selections to help buyers plan their future plant offerings. Seeing our plants up close in the nursery gave everyone a real sense of the quality and scale of what we do.
Martin Cowell, Director of Cowells Garden Centre, summed up the visit perfectly:
“It was fantastic to visit Johnsons once again and see the nursery in full operation. The scale of production, the quality of stock, and the innovative work they are doing—especially with peat-free growing—are truly impressive. Johnsons has been a valued supplier to Cowell’s for over 35 years, and it’s clear to see why. Their commitment to quality and service is second to none. Huge thanks to the team for their hospitality and for putting together such an insightful and well-organised event.”
Our team has seen a big transition recently with the retirement of Paul Lamb in December after an incredible 41 years with us. Paul has been such a huge part of our journey, and while we’ll miss him, we know his legacy is in safe hands with:
Reflecting on the visit, Mark Reynard shared:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Prosper group to our nursery, and we’re so pleased with how the day went. These visits are invaluable, giving buyers the chance to see first-hand the quality, scale, and innovation of what we do at Johnsons. We’ve been supplying Cowell’s Garden Centre for over 35 years, and I still remember selling plants to Martin’s father, Alan Cowell. It’s fantastic to see that relationship continue today, and we hope this visit is just the start of many more collaborations with the Prosper group.”
We love showing garden centre buyers around our nursery, and if you’d like to see our operation in action, we’d be more than happy to host you! Get in touch, and we’ll give you a proper Yorkshire welcome and a tour of everything we have to offer.
Interested? Contact us today—we’d love to hear from you!
Posted 3rd Mar 9:31am
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