Since 1947
A working nursery, a retail destination and a place with its own character.
Shallowmead Nurseries blends over 75 years of horticultural heritage with the contemporary elegance expected by today’s discerning garden lover. Set in the New Forest on the outskirts of Lymington, Shallowmead combines a retail plant area, wholesale nursery, garden retail, independent shops, food, drink and outdoor spaces in one relaxed rural setting.
Much of what we sell is grown or cared for on site, giving our plants the advantage of proper nursery handling and local knowledge. The result is a place that feels rooted, useful and individual: horticultural at heart, but with far more to discover than plants alone.
Horticulture first
Plants are still the reason Shallowmead exists.
Our background is in growing, propagation and practical nursery production. That gives Shallowmead a different feel from a purely retail garden centre. Plants are selected, handled and presented with an understanding of local gardens, seasonal conditions and long-term performance.
We take pride in friendly, knowledgeable service. Our team is on hand to help with plant choices, garden advice and inspiration for home and outdoor spaces, whether customers are experienced gardeners or just beginning to shape a garden of their own.
Our planted displays change with the seasons, offering practical ideas and combinations that help customers visualise how plants, containers, furniture and garden features can work together.
What guides us
Quality, locality and a more considered way to shop.
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Nursery knowledge
Shallowmead’s plant offer is built around practical experience: healthy stock, seasonal choice, useful advice and a clear understanding of how plants are grown, maintained and used in real gardens.
Local quality
We aim to promote good local products, responsible suppliers and businesses with strong craft, food, horticultural or environmental credentials wherever the offer genuinely fits the Shallowmead setting.
Lower impact choices
Our direction includes peat-free composts, pollinator-friendly planting, careful sourcing and a preference for products and partners that support gardens, wildlife and long-term value rather than disposable trends.
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More than a nursery
A complete garden and lifestyle destination.
While horticulture remains at our core, Shallowmead has grown into a broader garden and lifestyle destination. Visitors will find a retail area featuring garden tools, composts, sundries, decorative items, homewares, kitchenware, outdoor living products and seasonal inspiration.
Our outdoor living offer includes garden furniture, BBQs and products selected to help customers make better use of their gardens, patios and entertaining spaces. The aim is to offer useful, attractive and well-considered ranges rather than simply filling shelves.
Alongside the main retail space, our artisan and independent shopping areas provide a base for businesses with local, sustainable or craft-led credentials, giving customers a reason to browse, talk to makers and discover something different on each visit.
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Eat, shop, learn
Food, local produce, workshops and reasons to stay longer.
Mabel’s, our on-site café, is one of the places that gives Shallowmead its atmosphere. Overlooking gardens and outdoor spaces, it is designed as somewhere to pause properly: for coffee, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or a more relaxed visit with friends and family.
The adjacent farm shop brings together local produce, national favourites and special treats, adding another layer to the visit and supporting the site’s wider food and lifestyle offer.
We also have space for craft workshops, events and community-focused sessions, designed to help artisans, makers and visitors connect in a setting that feels natural, creative and distinctly Shallowmead.
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1947
Nursery heritage
SO41
Near Lymington
Plants
Still at the heart
Local
Food, makers & suppliers
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Visit us
Come for the plants, stay for the setting.
Shallowmead continues to grow as a place for gardeners, food lovers, local makers and visitors who prefer independent destinations with genuine character.