Under Tuscan Skies

Early February in Italy isn’t all blue skies and sunhats — and this trip was no exception. The weather did its best to keep things moody. But even with grey clouds over Tuscany, Pistoia still felt like the plant centre of the world.

If you’ve never been, Pistoia is one of those places that quietly powers gardens across Europe. Row after row of specialist nurseries, growers who know their craft inside out, and plants that make you stop mid-walk and think: Right. We need that.

Last week, I travelled over to source new stock for Caragh Nurseries & Earlswood  — and I came home with a list that’s making us all a bit giddy.

Why we go (and what we look for)

Buying in Italy isn’t just “shopping for plants”. It’s about visiting our partners and friends and seeing quality with your own eyes, and picking pieces that will thrive in Irish gardens — and look spectacular doing it. Hand picking things that really stand out and bagging a good few bargains too.

We’re always hunting for:

Strong structure plants that instantly elevate a space, think screening standard trees and wonderful pleached trees

Mediterranean character (without being fussy)

Specimen shapes you can’t replicate overnight, half standards with the most impactive head sizes

Evergreen bones for year-round privacy and polish, photinias are always in demand but I love a characterful pine

A few proper statement pieces that stop people in their tracks

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The Science behind Pistoia 

Pistoia, is in the heart of Tuscany and due west of Florence the foremost producer in Europe, with some gigantic enterprises producing and trading the widest possible assortment, from subshrubs to big trees.  Tree and shrub production in the area encompasses more than 5,000 ha with 1,200 enterprises and approximately 5,500 working units. The first nurseries were founded in the 19th century in an ideal location in terms of climatic conditions that enable growing both hardy and Mediterranean plants, protection from the strongest winds, fertile soil and abundant availability of water. The major transformation at the end of the 20th century was the increased use of container cultivation which enables the sale of plants all year-long.

The quality standards in Pistoia are very high and clients are happy to find excellent products in quantities they need, including large landscaping projects. Another feature is the ample availability of topiary plants, not only in traditional shapes (balls, trees, espaliers, etc.) but also the most unusual: all kind of animals, from elephants to dinosaurs, dolphins to horses, cars to bicycles to motorcycles, with endless possibilities.

What we now have is some of the most prestigious nurseries in the world and we have been with our partner nursery, creating a relationship that is built in trust and respect for over 20 years, they haven’t let us down yet.

The mood: Mediterranean… with a practical Irish head on

Even if the weather wasn’t playing ball, the feeling of the trip was pure Mediterranean — olives, architectural evergreens, sculptural forms, and that calm, sun-warmed style that makes a garden feel like a destination.

And yes, we still managed to squeeze in a couple of genuinely lovely Tuscan meals and a glass (or two) of wine — because if you’re going to talk plants all day, you may as well do it properly. We also enjoyed the freshest of Sicilian oranges, the like you really don’t get in England or Ireland.

Arriving this Friday: a few highlights

This delivery is landing with us this Friday, and if you love that Mediterranean look (or you’re building a garden with structure and privacy), you’ll want to keep an eye on these.

Olive trees (Olea europaea)

Classic, timeless, and instantly transporting. We’ve selected Tuscan-style forms and beautifully trained shapes.

Bay (Laurus nobilis)

One of the most useful “Mediterranean” plants you can grow — evergreen, aromatic, and brilliant clipped into cones or left more natural.

Italian evergreen jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

For scent, softness, and that holiday-garden feel. Perfect for walls, pergolas and sunny corners.

Cordylines

Architectural, bold, and surprisingly versatile — great in contemporary planting and coastal gardens.

Bamboo (Phyllostachys varieties)

For height, movement and screening. A brilliant way to create privacy quickly (with the right variety in the right place).

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ (with some of the lovely new compact form and pink varieties too )

Evergreen structure with that fresh red growth — ideal for hedging, screening and instant impact.

Plus: a few “collector” favourites

Including Japanese maples, wisterias, camellias, and some gorgeous specimen shapes we can’t wait to unload.

Want first dibs?

This is exactly the kind of stock that tends to get reserved quickly — especially the best shapes and larger sizes.

If you’re working on a project and want to pre-reserve, drop us an email or call the team.

We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes as the lorries arrive, and we’ll show you the best pieces as soon as they’re unloaded.

Bring on the Tuscan feeling — even if we have to create it ourselves.