Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Plant Nursery in Ayrshire, Scotland
Corton Plants is a family-run nursery established in 2004 on South Corton Farm in Ayrshire, Scotland. Rooted in tradition and grown with passion, we specialise in cultivating high-quality plants suited to the Scottish climate. Our offerings include vibrant bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees, alongside sundries like compost and garden ornaments. With expertise spanning five generations of farming heritage, we provide expert advice and locally grown plants at fair prices.Our commitment to quality extends to our award-winning dairy farm, which supplies fresh milk for our on-site caf, The Coo Shed. We have expanded to include a gift shop and catering services, maintaining our ethos of combining rural charm with modern convenience. Our team of plant lovers ensures a welcoming experience for seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
Services
Hanging Baskets
Bedding Plants
Shrubs & Trees
Garden Sundries
Caf Catering
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 200 locally grown plant varieties suited to Scotland's climate.
- Our team provides expert gardening advice based on five generations of farming experience.
- We operate an award-winning dairy farm supplying fresh milk for our caf.
- Our gift shop features unique, cow-themed rural charm items.
- We host wreath-making classes and seasonal gardening workshops.
What people say
Amazing friendly staff
Best afternoon tea
Delicious homemade food
Lovely rural setting
Excellent wreath classes
Services
Hanging Baskets
We provide a varied range of hanging baskets planted with seasonal flowers for long-lasting colour. Available in spring, summer, and autumn, these baskets can be purchased ready-made or custom-filled using your own containers. Our selection caters to all budgets while brightening outdoor spaces with vibrant arrangements.
Bedding Plants
Our nursery offers bedding plants grown on-site to thrive in Scotland's climate. Available in multi-packs, these plants include vibrant annuals and hardy perennials suited for borders and containers. Seasonal varieties extend to vegetable transplants, sweet peas, and herbs, ensuring gardeners have climate-appropriate choices throughout the growing season.
Shrubs & Trees
We supply shrubs grown in western Scotland specifically selected for local conditions. Our range includes Italian and Dutch specimen shrubs requiring special care, alongside trees sourced from Stairway Trees. Expert staff guidance ensures customers choose appropriate plants for their garden's specific light and soil conditions.
Garden Sundries
Our sundries section features multipurpose and ericaceous composts, decorative bark, fertilisers, and gardening tools. We also offer a wide container selection including premium APTA pots, budget-friendly WholeGreen ceramics, and durable plastic options. Functional and decorative garden ornaments complete our range for outdoor space enhancement.
Caf Catering
The Coo Shed caf provides takeaway food, afternoon teas, and outside catering services. Our menu features homemade dishes using local ingredients, including seasonal specials like Sunday roasts and bespoke sandwich platters. We also offer postal traybake boxes and catering for weddings or corporate events with 48-hour advance orders.
People
Alison Kerr
Founder
Alison Kerr founded Corton Plants in 2004, transforming a single poly-tunnel into a thriving nursery with seven growing tunnels. As part of the fifth-generation farming family, she combines traditional horticultural knowledge with innovative plant cultivation techniques to serve both novice and experienced gardeners.
Joanne Kerr
Nursery Manager
Joanne Kerr leads Corton Plants' team alongside her mother Alison. With hands-on experience in both dairy farming and horticulture, she ensures the nursery maintains its reputation for quality plants and customer service while overseeing the expansion into gift retail and event catering.
Questions
What plant varieties are available at Corton Plants?
We offer bedding plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees suited to Scotland's climate. Seasonal availability includes vegetable transplants, sweet peas, and speciality shrubs with expert staff guidance for selection.
Do you sell gardening supplies and tools?
Yes, we stock composts, fertilisers, gardening tools, and containers including premium APTA pots and budget-friendly options for all gardening needs.
Are there dining options at the nursery?
The Coo Shed café serves homemade food, afternoon teas, and takeaway meals using local ingredients, with seasonal specials and outside catering available.
What gift shop items are available?
Our gift shop features quirky cow-themed items, frozen foods, gift cards, and locally sourced products reflecting rural Ayrshire charm.
Do you offer gardening workshops?
We host Christmas wreath decorating classes and seasonal gardening workshops with expert guidance for both novice and experienced gardeners.
What are your opening hours?
The nursery and café operate Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm. Vending machines for milk and snacks are available 24/7.