A more sustainable source of water
At The Plant Market, we’re always looking for ways to make what we do a little kinder to the planet. Sometimes, sustainability is about the big things. And sometimes, it’s about looking at the resources we use every day and finding a smarter way to use them.
One of the ways we’re doing this is with our borehole, which we’ve been using since 1997.
A more sustainable source of water
As a garden centre, water is something we use a lot of. From keeping plants healthy and happy to looking after the wider garden centre, having a reliable water supply is essential.
Our borehole allows us to access groundwater from beneath the site, reducing our reliance on treated mains water for suitable garden centre uses.
It makes sense really. We’re surrounded by plants, growing things and gardening – so using a local, sustainable water source where we can is a simple, practical step towards using resources more responsibly. We work with SEPA continuously regarding water managements and usage but especially from the bore hole.
Why does using groundwater help?
Water that comes through the mains has been treated and transported before it reaches us. By using our borehole for appropriate purposes, we can reduce our dependence on that treated supply.
It also gives us greater control over an important resource, particularly during the warmer months when plants need more watering and demand for water increases.
Of course, having a borehole doesn’t mean we can simply use as much water as we like. Sustainability is about using resources thoughtfully, not just finding another source.
That’s why responsible water use remains important to us.
Every drop counts
We’re always looking at ways to make watering as efficient as possible – using water where it’s needed, avoiding unnecessary waste – which means using targeted irrigation systems, including hand watering, to make sure our plants get the care they need without using more water than necessary.
Our borehole is just one part of that bigger picture.
We are always trying to make better sustainable choices wherever we can, whether that’s choosing peat-free compost, supporting pollinators, reusing materials, sourcing plants locally or finding ways to reduce our use of valuable resources.
Growing a little greener
We’re proud that our borehole, alongside our heat exchange unit, forms part of our approach to running The Plant Market more sustainably.
Because when your business is all about growing things, it feels right to think carefully about the resources that help us do it.
And while a borehole might not be the most glamorous part of a garden centre, it’s a pretty useful one, helping us make better use of a local natural resource.
