Sustainability Highlights
- 95% of the historic walled garden managed without chemical treatments, with a goal of becoming fully chemical-free
- Alternatives to chemical gardening products promoted through the plant sales nursery
- Composting system that returns coffee grounds from the café and garden waste back into the soil
- Rainwater harvesting introduced to support water conservation in the gardens and nursery
- Approximately 90% of plant pots used in the nursery are now recyclable
- Non-recyclable pots set aside for reuse by visiting gardeners
- Plant nursery designed to feel like an extension of the garden rather than a conventional retail space
- Understated signage and plant displays that respect the historic character of the walled garden
- Growing programme of gardening talks, workshops and courses focused on practical horticultural skills
- Educational events helping visitors reconnect with gardening knowledge and confidence
- Ongoing commitment to reducing waste, conserving water and progressing towards fully chemical-free gardening practices within Altamont Plant Sales
Growing and Gardening Responsibly
One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the move towards chemical-free gardening within the walled garden. Today, around 95% of the garden is managed without chemical treatments, with the aim of reaching full chemical-free management over time. This same philosophy influences the products offered through the plant sales area, where alternatives to chemical treatments are increasingly promoted to visitors and customers including the Probio Mara Bonsai range and Uncle Tom’s Rose Feed.
Practical Changes in the Nursery
Within the plant sales nursery, sustainability often shows up through small but meaningful changes. The team has worked closely with suppliers to ensure that most plant pots are now fully recyclable, addressing a long-standing challenge in the horticulture sector where traditional black plastic pots could not be recycled. Today, around 90% of pots used in the nursery are recyclable, while others are set aside for reuse by gardeners and visitors.
The nursery itself is intentionally designed to feel like an extension of the garden rather than a typical retail environment. Plants are arranged in a way that reflects how they might grow in a garden setting, and signage is kept deliberately understated. This approach respects the historic character of the walled garden while encouraging visitors to explore and discover plants more naturally.
Sharing Knowledge
Education is another important part of the sustainability story at Altamont Plant Sales. In recent years, they have hosted an increasing number of talks, workshops and courses focused on practical gardening skills. These sessions often book out quickly, reflecting a growing interest in learning how to garden in ways that support biodiversity, soil health and long-term resilience. The aim is simple: to reconnect people with the knowledge and confidence to grow their own plants and care for their own gardens.
Looking Ahead
Altamont Plant Sales continues to refine its approach through practical improvements such as water conservation, waste reduction and further progress towards chemical-free gardening. By sharing knowledge, supporting responsible growing and maintaining the historic walled garden with care, Altamont Plant Sales contributes to a gardening culture that values both beauty and sustainability. Visitors leave not only with plants, but with ideas and inspiration for caring for their own gardens in ways that respect nature and place.
Managers and owners across the Carlow Garden Trail, of which Altamont Plant Sales is a member, have completed an accredited Level 6 Certificate in Sustainable Destination Practice with Munster Technological University. As part of the programme, participants completed independent assessments of their current practice and developed future-focused Sustainability Action Plans. Together, they share a commitment to progressing their sustainability journey in a practical, collaborative and accountable way. Their shared intention is to offer welcoming visitor experiences that support the long-term wellbeing of Carlow’s people, heritage and natural environment.
