London’s oldest garden centre with ‘top notch plants’ among the best in the UK

A trip to a garden centre is a popular activity throughout the year and while shopping for new garden bits is great, some even have cafes so you can make it a longer outing and grab a bite to eat.

Introducing the list, the newspaper said: “Who doesn’t love a trip to the garden centre?

“Whether you’re after colourful winter bedding plants for a hanging basket, a new evergreen shrub for the front garden, or simply a nice cup of tea and a scone, a trip to a horticultural haven is one of the nation’s favourite days out.

“So, from Cumbria to Cardiff, Essex to Inverness, we’ve scoured the nation’s garden centres and rated their plant selections and coffee shops to bring you the very best in the UK.”

Two London garden centres are among the UK’s best

The two garden centres to be named from London are Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale and Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.

Clifton Nurseries is notable London’s oldest garden centre, opening its doors more than 170 years ago in 1851.

Described as a “green oasis in a bustling city”, Clifton Nurseries has a rating of nine out of 10 for its plant selection.

The Mail Online writes: “Top notch plants and trees ideally suited to the smart town garden” adding “Clifton Nurseries prides itself on its houseplant offering, located in its Glasshouse.”

The garden centre also has a coffee shop, which also has a nine out of 10 rating, as The Glasshour offers “offers cakes, salads, and savouries as well as hot and cold drinks on Mondays and Tuesdays and freshly made lunch and brunch dishes the rest of the week.”

With a Google rating of 4.6/5, one guest said: “Fantastic little spot if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. Delicious coffee and a large array of plants and flowers! Highly recommend.”

Also mentioned by the Mail Online was Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, a “chic garden centre” born in 1997.

The garden centre was founded by  Gael and Francesco Boglione who moved to Richmond with their four children and took over the nursery.

Now, with their daughter Lara in charge, Petersham has “expanded and become a byword for luxury gardening” shares the Mail Online.

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It has a rating of nine out of 10 for plant selection, as the outlet writes: “In autumn expect herbaceous perennials and David Austin roses, followed by spring bulbs and cottage garden favourites.”

Petersham Nurseries also has a restaurant with a 10/10 rating: “Serving seasonal food from its own kitchen garden, the Petersham Nurseries Restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability.”

One guest said: “Beautiful store and garden with lovely homeware. Friendly and helpful staff. I didn’t eat at the restaurant but it looked cosy and inviting.”