Recently I visited Fulham Palace Garden Centre, an oasis of greenness and tranquillity in southwest London, catering specifically for the urban gardener.
A lot of thought has gone into sourcing plants and products suitable for green-fingered people in London….from tasteful, light, plastic pots for balconies and roof gardens, to climbers, dwarf plants and automated irrigation systems. They also stock patio furniture, barbecues, bird care products and horticultural products.
Today’s post features some photos of the plants currently in bloom there.
Their top sellers are clematis from Raymond Evison, David Austin roses, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) and lavender. Funnily enough, white and blue flowering plants always prove to be the most popular.
In the shop, as well as a wide range of gifts, they also sell hydrangeas and orchids.
The garden centre holds regular events, including a Planting Summer Containers demonstration this Thursday, 28th April at 11.00am and 2.30pm.
They’ll give you guidance on great colour combinations for window boxes, pots and hanging baskets, plus tips on plant after-care and maintenance. And what’s great is that it’s free…and you don’t need to book, just turn up!
Whilst there, I met up with Chris Webb, their Business Manager, who told me about the background of the garden centre.
It was set up in 1985 and all profits are donated to Fairbridge (which has recently merged with The Prince’s Trust), a national charity supporting young people from disadvantaged areas.
So if you’re in the Fulham area do pop in. It’s a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, plus an opportunity to buy some plants for your town garden.
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(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)
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