Launch of organisation that represents specialist independent nurseries

On 17 February 2026, the Nursery Exhibition Organisation, or NEO, launched, representing the specialist independent nurseries in the UK.

In 2006 there were over 800 specialist nurseries listed in the RHS Plant Finder. 20 years later there is less than half this number.

“Specialist nurseries are essential for advancing the horticultural industry through plant conservation, growing expertise and the cultivation of a diverse range of high-quality plant material.”

The Nursery Exhibitors Organisation (NEO) has been formed by a small group of nurseries to promote and support all specialist growers in the UK.

The aims of NEO are

• To promote the importance of specialist nurseries and their diverse range of plants; both to the public and within the horticultural industry.
• To actively promote homegrown and British grown plants.
• To assist nursery exhibitors in showcasing their areas of expertise through judged floral displays at Flower shows and to share their specialist horticultural knowledge with the public.
• To actively pursue opportunities to have plant marquees, plant fairs or ‘plant villages’ at new and existing events.
• To encourage and support new nurseries through mentoring.
• To encourage people of all ages to pursue a career within the specialist nursery sector.
• To invite all specialist nurseries in the UK to join NEO, support one another in our efforts and collaborate together as a community.

Members of NEO are British nurseries of all shapes and sizes growing an enormously diverse range of plants. Recruitment of members is ongoing with the number joined so far standing at over 70. Members are now working together to implement ideas across the UK for their future, particularly the need for more public events.

The newly constructed website lists nursery members with a search facility by location and plant type. A full list of events where plants can be purchased directly from the grower nurseries is also included.

Source: Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants