A state-of-the-art potting robot at The Arium is preparing two million spring and summer plants to brighten streets and public spaces across Leeds.
The Arium, run by Leeds City Council, is the largest local authority garden centre and plant nursery in the UK. Most of the plants sold and displayed across the city are grown in its vast 19,000-square-metre glasshouses. Since 2017, the nursery has relied on its advanced potting robot to handle the massive task of preparing plants for the city. Operating wirelessly, the robot lifts young plants from their seed trays and pots them into their final containers in a single, seamless motion — helping ensure Leeds is bursting with colour every spring and summer.
Soon, parks, roundabouts, and flowerbeds across Leeds will burst into bloom, thanks to the millions of plants being prepared at The Arium. Each year, several hundred thousand of these plants are also sold directly to the public at the nursery, which offers more than just greenery — visitors can relax at the on-site café overlooking the vast growing space or bring children to the large play area, a local favourite featuring a striking castle with twin towers, a bridge, and multiple levels for adventure.
Leeds City Council has been operating a plant nursery since 1956, originally based at Red Hall Nursery in Whinmoor. As its national reputation grew, helping Leeds earn recognition as one of the UK’s most floral cities, the nursery eventually outgrew its capacity. In October 2017, it relocated to a new, larger site on the outskirts of Thorner and rebranded as The Arium. Today, the nursery not only keeps up with local demand but also supplies plants to other councils, universities, and hospitals across the region.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space said:
“Leeds is quite unique in having the local authority run a brilliant plant nursery and garden centre, and we are very proud of it. The glasshouses are an impressive sight to behold and I’d recommend booking in for a tour if you get a chance. The Arium is a way for people to invest back in their city when they shop for their homes and gardens and that is very special.”
While the glasshouse growing areas at The Arium are usually closed to the public, special guided tours are offered during the last two weeks of April, the first week of May, and again for two weeks in September. The site also runs hands-on workshops throughout the year, where visitors can learn practical skills like designing hanging baskets or crafting their own Christmas wreaths.
To learn more about The Arium, please visit www.theariumleeds.co.uk To book a guided glasshouse tour, you can email the team at arium@leeds.gov.uk
