Garden centres in West London will likely be experiencing an incredibly busy period as the spring sunshine turned everyone’s thoughts to beautifying their outside patch whether it’s a lawned garden, a roof terrace, a patio or even a window box.
Spring is traditionally a time when green-fingered customers stock up on trays of bedding plants, given that it’s a good time of year for planting.
Here we highlight several local garden centres and some local garden designers for those looking to add to or transform their outside space and for those considering where to buy plants in London.
Garden Centres in Hammersmith
W6 Garden Centre
Those who visit Ravenscourt Park often will have likely walked past or popped into The W6 Garden Centre which has been open for a decade. Located on Ravenscourt Avenue, one of the main entrances into the park.
At the W6 Garden Centre, assistant manager Ted Elson said that the recent spell of fine weather had led to a surge in customer numbers.
“As soon as spring is here and the sun comes out it goes absolutely insane for bedding plants,” he said. “It’ll be manic from now on, with bedding plants making up the bulk of demand, but also herbaceous plants, perennials and shrubs.
“People are looking for some colour in their gardens after winter, which is why it’s been so busy lately.”
Racks of summer bulbs are in stock, plus a full range of seasonal outdoor plants, including olive trees, ornamental fruit trees and climbers.
There’s also the Green Room – the centre’s indoor houseplant ‘jungle’ in the Ravenscourt Park railway arches – which is full of plants, containers, pots of every size and description, plus essentials and accessories.
You can also enjoy a cuppa in the botanical garden W6 café under the arches, open across Easter weekend, serving slices of organic, vegan-friendly cake alongside teas and coffees.
The W6 Garden Centre is located at 17 Ravenscourt Avenue.
Garden Centres in Chiswick
Wheelers Garden Centre
Nestled alongside Turnham Green tube is Wheeler’s, one of the Chiswick area’s little gems, full of quirky statues, ornaments, shrubs, trees, and containers. They also have several flower stands along Chiswick High Road.
“We’re open right through the Bank Holidays,” said centre manager Giles Hyamski. “In fact, we only shut on Christmas Day!”
Shaped box spirals vie for space with calm-inducing statues of Buddha and unique artisan garden ornaments, from horses to startled birds, flying pigs to tealight lanterns, wise old owls to ‘Home Sweet Home’ signs, ornate watering cans to Roman emperors, birdcages to wall mirrors.
There’s also a wide selection of pots and containers, from stone to terracotta, in every shape under the sun, including square, for those angular modern patio gardens.
The herbs and bedding plants are abundant, with plenty of good deals, including multiple purchase discounts. It’s also a good place to find garden furniture.
“Because the shop is small, and most of our stock is outside, we’re very weather-dependent,” said Giles. “When the sun is blazing, we do very well.”
Bedding plants are currently the most popular purchase. “We sell so much spring bedding,” he added. “And with all our smaller stuff, the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. We’ve also got a wide selection of shrubs, other plants and trees, perennials and annuals.”
There’s no ‘typical customer’. Wheelers attracts long-standing Chiswick residents who have mature gardens that need annual renewal and additions to young couples who’ve just bought houses and want to improve their outdoor spaces; there’s something for everyone.
The centre is located at Cato’s Yard, Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1LR
Little dobbies
A newer addition to Chiswick High Road is little dobbies, which is ‘horticulturally focused’ offering a selection of plants and gardening essentials specifically for those with urban gardens and spaces. They also offer a carefully curated range of houseplants.
Ideal for those who wish to brighten their home, indoors or out, little dobbies not only sell plants but also sustainable gardening products together with a range of selected gifts and seasonal products.
Little Dobbies is at 344 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 5TA
Chiswick Flower Market
Whilst not strictly a garden centre, the award-winning Chiswick Flower Market is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a new plant or two.
There is a broad selection of retailers who have stalls, ranging from house plants to edibles, exotic and native, and the associated horticultural products and complementary goods.
The Chiswick Flower Market is held on the first Sunday of each month at Old Market Pl, Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2DR
West London Garden Design
Urban Gardens
If you’re planning a redesign, the W6 Garden Centre has its Urban Gardens team, led by Diogo Ferreira.
The team can assist with a free consultation service, plus years of experience in planting, designing and maintaining, which can prove incredibly useful.
Joanna Archer
Joanna Archer’s garden design studio is a favourite with locals who seek out her team’s expertise and distinct style; combining vibrant planting with geometric lines and natural materials.
Whether it’s your front or back garden that needs attention, Joanna can transform your outside space into an attractive yet practical setting.
Joanna’s Instagram showcases many of the beautiful projects she has worked on, worth taking a look, whether you’re looking for inspiration or seeking a professional to help with your garden.
Property in West London
Gardens, patios, terraces, and balconies have always featured highly on the priority list for most home buyers. In 2021 a survey highlighted that 64% of buyers wouldn’t buy a property without outside space, highlighting just how important immediate access to the outdoors has become.
Properties with outside space are in high demand and often sell or let quicker than those without which is why it can be prudent for those looking for a new home to register their interest swiftly.
A poorly maintained garden can be detrimental to the overall value of your property – investing in your outside space prior to marketing can boost the overall appeal and often the value of the property.
To discuss your plans to sell, let, buy or rent with a member of our team please do get in touch, without obligation.
