I’m really lucky in that I get to see the most amazing trade nurseries when buying & selecting trees in particular for my clients. My absolute favourite is Solitair in Belgium… here are a few photos I took when visiting with Tom, my contractor. As you can see we can buy incredible Alice in Wonderland style topiary.

I do however also love a posh garden centre that’s open to all. I fortuitously live very near 3 really splendid ones where I go for inspiration sometimes but never leave empty handed. My favourite is Daylesford which started as a farm shop. I’ve been visiting since it opened many years ago & it never disappoints. It is – still is – the poshest one ever – & has expanded to include several cafes & restaurants, interior & clothes boutiques, a spa, exclusive jewellery designs & now plants & trees in such a stylish setting.

it’s about 25 minutes from my house on the edge of the Cotswolds & is close to Stow & Moreton. If you haven’t been – go!

Then we’re just 10 minutes away from Burford Garden Centre where I’ve been going since I was a kid; My Mum used to take us to look at & buy chickens & bantams as they used to sell livestock. It no longer sells such things but it has expanded to become a seriously fabulous garden centre & lifestyle store. Their displays are always super & their buyers have excellent taste. I spend a great deal every time I visit – even if I meant to just buy a dozen of their gorgeous multicoloured Cacklebean eggs (try them – delicious with seriously orange yolks). It’s probably not ideal for my bank balance being so close & I tend not to take my husband as he’d side with the bank manager, but I do often meet my sister or friends there for lunch & a shop.

they have a super selection of mature stock for an “instant” garden

The last of my little list is Nicholson’s near Banbury. This is a new discovery for me as my sister has moved to a lovely Cotswold village nearby & this garden centre is on the way. I was with my husband & Bruno our dog recently driving home after staying with her. I suggested we dive in & take a look & I’m so glad we did. Dogs are welcome – even Bruno who is huge, so we sat at their little outdoor cafe for coffee & delicious home made cake amongst the plants & lovely buildings. They also have a yurt restaurant I intend to try – it’s best to book I’m told as it is very popular.

I don’t have any photos of Nicholsons as our visit was brief but I will certainly be going regularly in the future. They also have a lovely lifestyle store which was pretty good value.

None of this is sponsored by the way if you were wondering, I just thought I’d share a few great places to go if you like similar things to me.

All for now