Botanic Garden | A British Design Icon

Launched in 1972, Botanic Garden was a revolutionary concept. While most dinner sets at the time featured a single, repeating pattern, Susan Williams-Ellis envisioned a "mix-and-match" garden where every plate, bowl, and cup could feature a different botanical specimen.

The Origin: A Mother’s Day Spark

The idea was born from the floral transfers Susan created for a 1971 Mother's Day plate. She was so struck by the vibrancy of the botanical art that she began scouring antique shops and libraries for 18th and 19th-century illustrations of plants, butterflies, and insects.

• The Pioneer Motif: The African Daisy (Gazania Rigens) was the very first flower to be adapted for the range.

• The "Drum" Shape: To provide a modern canvas for these historic illustrations, Susan used the Drum shape, a refined version of her earlier Meridian design. Its flat, upright sides were perfect for showcasing the verticality of the plant stems.

The Iconic Green Leaf Border

Perhaps the most recognised element of the design is the green laurel leaf border.

• The Trademark: This border was so successful at "framing" the diverse floral motifs that it eventually became the official company logo for Portmeirion.

• Unity in Diversity: The border provides the visual "glue" that allows a table set with dozens of different flowers to look cohesive and organised.

A Record-Breaking Success

Botanic Garden isn't just a design; it's an economic powerhouse. For decades, it has accounted for approximately half of Portmeirion’s total turnover. Its appeal spans generations and continents, particularly in North America and Korea, where it is often passed down as a family heirloom.

Collector’s Insight: The "Retired" Hunt

Because the range has been in production since 1972, there is a vast world of variations for collectors to explore:

• Retired Motifs: Over the years, dozens of flowers have been "retired" from production (such as the Easter Lily or Slender-Leaved Mustard), making these specific pieces highly collectable.

• The "Backstamp" Timeline: Early 1970's pieces can be identified by their specific backstamps and the slightly different "weight" of the transfer prints.

• Accessories: Beyond plates, the range expanded into everything from clocks and cutlery to textiles and furniture, making it one of the most comprehensive "lifestyle" brands in history.

At Purely Portmeirion, we specialise in sourcing these hard-to-find Portmeirion replacements and rare discontinued flower motifs—from the original African Daisy (the very first motif) to the sought-after Passion Flower and Easter Lily. Whether you are looking to replace a broken piece from a 1970's set or searching for rare Paul Cardew for Portmeirion collaborations, our authenticated collection ensures you find genuine vintage quality.

Expert Tip for Collectors: How to Identify Vintage Botanic Garden patterns and backstamps by using our own handy Botanic Garden Motif and Backstamp Guide.