Shop: Clifton Nurseries

Yep I know, an oldie, but such a goodie. This little gem is hidden behind houses in Little Venice, Maida Vale and houses a garden centre, cafe, shop and flower shop. Its not massive but always full of new and unusual plants and they do lectures and courses. They also sell great water features such as the Medusa fountain I had in the garden of my last flat. Amazingly, they are currently selling old wooden crates for £19.99 which is unheard of. Many a time I've just popped in for something and spent a fortune on plants for my window boxes. They aren't cheap here but they do seem to last for ages.

Its a bit of a bugger to park nearby, so don't - far better to walk along the canal which is so gorgeous near there. Whilst in the area you can also visit the pretty tea dress shop Suzannah, just round the corner.

Clifton Nurseries

5a Clifton Villas

London W9 2PH

Tel: +44 207 289 6851

Shop / cafe: Petersham Nurseries

Yes I know its much blogged about. I'm not even sure these photos are much cop but its always on my regulars list and it never fails to disappoint. This time, it was a visit with my sister and her 8 month old daughter, who gurgled in her chair as we sat in the courtyard eating courgette pasta and drinking rose-flavoured Fentimans lemonade. After that a lust around the shop and a drool over the plants that I can no longer buy, followed by a quick lap round the Thames walkway outside.