Welcome to Butterworths' Organic Nursery.

Dear Customer,

Our small nursery is set amongst 300 acres of broad-leaved woodland on the banks of the River Lugar, 10 miles inland from
Ayr. We are 300 feet above sea-level and somewhat frost-prone.

Our aims are as follows:

We therefore produce those varieties which are best capable of maturing a crop in a short season, and which do so without succumbing to disease. We pursue an active research programme to these ends, including research into the 40 Scottish-raised (and now largely forgotten) varieties. We welcome information about any fruit trees, especially in Scotland and N. England. Many non-commercial varieties are useful to the gardener, given good drainage, sun and shelter. Most varieties offered are also perfectly capable of producing well in more favourable parts of the UK.

Organic growing involves avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms; relying instead on carefully conserved manures and labour-intensive methods of weed control, pruning, etc. in order to promote tree health. It is applicable at every stage of the production process, from initial propagation through to harvesting, and an ever-growing number of people agree that it is in the interest of the producer, the consumer and the environment. We were the first commercial organic fruit tree nursery in the UK, all trees having been grown to official Organic Standards since 1991. At that time we were also the only specialist fruit-tree nursery in Scotland. We undergo a rigorous annual inspection to ensure compliance with the Organic Standards.

Any tree which fails to establish, and which you feel may be due to the quality of the planting material, (not always apparent at the time of dispatch) will be replaced. Please let us know.

Please note: Any of the 2,300 varieties in the National Collection can be propagated to special order, as can your special tree.

A registered member of  Scottish Organic Producers Association.
Organic Certification UK 5
License No. 625G