London Life Places Shops

clifton nurseries

September 10, 2012

I’ve been a fan of clifton nurseries garden centre ever since i first stumbled across it in the late 80’s.

Back then i only dreamt of having a space i could grow some plants or herbs in and was simply in awe of this amazing place in the middle of residential maida vale. Over the years i would visit from time to time and every time i’d come away thinking why i even bothered going anywhere else. They have recently celebrated 160 years in business and their history makes for a fascinating read!

Last week i visited again and once more i left feeling satisfied both with the products and the wonderful service i received. I don’t know what makes it this special but special it is. I encourage you to go and see for yourselves. As we’re having a little bit of an indian summer (well, we did this weekend, it all seemed to have changed today), it’s a beautiful little outing into an oasis in the middle of london. For those not in london or in the uk, here are some photos.

As autumn is approaching, one has to re-think ones garden or terrace. Herbs are always a good addition and for someone that cooks daily, they are a must! Unfortunately my herbs didn’t survive the winter! This time I’ve gone for evergreens. Although late in the year, i’m hoping i will still get a lot of pleasure and culinary delight from them. Fingers crossed. I also want you to know that i haven’t been blessed with green fingers but still persevere in the hope that one day i will be able to proudly show off herbs and plants.

Have you heard of a curry herb? I hadn’t before. It’s nice and gives a salad a bit of a kick. I also like its very light green colour against the more darker herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint or sage. I’m looking forward to exploring more with it.

Oh, i wanted to take him home with me and quite fancied the chair too.

Take a look around.

I love walking around the place trying to find some gems. The best part is the service. When you find the right person, everything seems easier and less scary.  Here’s what i walked away with.

I let you into a secret, but promise not to tell anyone. When you go there, ask for vicky. She’s been great, full of good ideas, great listening skills and an enthusiastic and passionate mannerism. Thank you vicky!

We’ve seen the end of the olympics/paralympics and a summer of london2012 sport here in london and i must admit that i woke up knowing that summer is officially over. Saddened and a little heavy hearted i’m reminded that we did good and in lord sebastian’s coe’s words; london 2012 made in britain! Let’s look forward to rio2016.

Happy monday. See you thursday.

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21 Comments

  • Reply Catherine Bedson September 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Like you I get so much joy from visiting nurseries like this. Have you been to Petersham Nursery? I’ve heard good things about them from over here. The tub with herbs in it is fantastic, love it..is that going on your terrace? Enjoy easing into hibernation and yes GB did not good but an exceptional job of the Olympics and Paralympics you can all breath now…it’s over and you did good.

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 9:58 pm

      Hi. Yes, of course, many times. I love it but since the wonderful Skye Gyngell quit as chef I haven’t been back.
      It’s always a treat to go there and then have a walk by the river. I get pissed off with their products being really expensive BUT it’s exquisite and beautiful. I would highly recommend it as the Nursery to go and see…

      Yep, herbs all happy on terrace. Pray for a mild winter! It’s funny how you guys are going into spring while we hibernate:)

      Gosh, we are all recovering from the Olympics and Paralympics….

  • Reply caroline @trend-daily September 10, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Ah-they are a blast form the past for me too-styling in the’olden days’ as my two like to say!! 2012 has been a joy-today smelt like the first day of Autumn here-maybe just the shock after such a glorious weekend. Hope Saturday with the girls was wonderful xx

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 9:59 pm

      It’s definitely autumn and I’m trying to get used to it!!!
      Yes, styling in the old days:) now you’re re-inventing yourself…

      Saturday was really good x

  • Reply Anya Adores September 10, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    Gorgeous this post Tina, I used to live in Maida Vale not far from here, and frequented it often, buying pots and plants. Lovely place, lovely area – happy day to you,
    Axx

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:00 pm

      Gosh, imagine, maybe we were there at the same time but didn’t know each other?
      It would be lovely to have coffee with you there one day:)

      Yes, the area is great. I do love it there xx

  • Reply Nicola September 11, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Wonderful to see Clifton again – haven’t been there for ages! And I love your drum/pot and the luscious herbs. I have been inspired xx

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:03 pm

      You do not need to go to Clifton. Just walk out into your amazing wild garden….
      Thanks love. You and your garden inspired me… one has to start small right? xx

  • Reply Chi@106 September 11, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    I’m not green-fingered either, Tina, but the abundance of scrummy herbs and vibrant blooms (you’ve captured so beautifully) are fuelling my recent desire to at least grow my own herbs and perhaps, vegetables – if the herbs survive!

    There’s nothing like brilliant customer service, is there? Sadly, it tends to be the exception rather than the rule these days which is why it’s always such a unique joy to receive.

    Another superb post – see you Thursday! 😀 x

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:05 pm

      I’m so with you there…. if only these herbs will survive. I would have so much more confidence in growing other stuff but I’ve always managed to kill anything green:)

      Vicki was utterly brilliant and she kept telling me that I can do it, I can look after the herbs.
      Thanks Chi xx

  • Reply Christine September 11, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    what a treat, Tina! I’ve never heard of the curry herb either. wish i had my own space to create a garden. i find it very soothing and satisfying. lovely pictures as always.

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:07 pm

      Thanks Christine. How are you doing?
      One day you’ll have your special day. I find my fountain and water trickling really soothing too:))

  • Reply Holly September 11, 2012 at 10:38 pm

    This really looks like a special, magical place. I am so appreciative of these visits you share with us via your wonderful images and words 🙂 I love what you walked away with! Did you get to keep the container too?

    Curry herb sounds very intriguing! Will have to test it out.

    Off to read Clifton Nurseries history now…

    Thanks for another great post Tina! Xx.

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:09 pm

      My pleasure!! I bought the container… I’ve not tried the curry plant yet but will let everyone know:)
      Thanks my love xx

  • Reply Theresa September 12, 2012 at 1:31 am

    This nursery looks so charming. Happy to read you received excellent, helpful service…Almost certainly a must when shopping for plants. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at gardening. I just imagine it to be very therapeutic. However, like you, I have no green thumb (brown, perhaps). I would hate to spend money on something I will eventually kill. With some encouragement from my husband, I did recently pull the trigger on a fiddle leaf fig tree, and so far so good [knock on wood]. Perhaps, I’m ready to try my hand at some herb plants. You’ve inspired me. 😉

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:14 pm

      Oh T, I have spent money and killed herbs and plants before but I’m not throwing the towel in… I will struggle through!!

      I’m so happy your husband is supportive and you got a fiddle leaf fig tree. I so wish you success with it. I wish the same for me.
      Let me know how it’s progressing> Good Luck to both of us!

  • Reply geraldine September 12, 2012 at 6:36 am

    Clifton Nurseries is one of my favourite too. We used to live in Maida Vale so was our local garden centre. I fully agree about the great service and I love the way they used to pot the plants so beautifully for us. Love your herb pot – are you putting it next to your fountain? 🙂

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:22 pm

      It’s such a beautiful area of London, right. Nice that Clifton was your local garden centre:).

      In fact it was Vicki who suggested planting the herbs for me and that was the best thing I did. I’m just not good at it and I believe that if you plant herbs properly you stand a better chance of succeeding. It’s hard sometimes withe potted plants on a terrace. She potted the herbs herself and they look beautiful. I was also surprised how reasonable it was. It would have cost me the same amount in materials.

      Ha. Yes, it’s looking much more lived in on my terrace x

  • Reply Kelly September 13, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    What a fabulous place. I love gardening and can spend hours wandering around a good garden centre deliberating the best plant to buy.

    Love that herb garden, the drum is such a great idea and will bring a bit of colour.

    My garden is looking a little sad after two months of neglect, you have inspired me into action!

    Can’t wait to see your terrace with your new fountain and herb garden. How are you getting on with the mosaic? x

    • Reply tina September 13, 2012 at 10:26 pm

      I LOVE that tin drum. They had a bigger size but I felt it was too big for the herbs. Truth be told I detest most planters so always looking for something quirky, fun and well designed. It cheers me up every time I look at it!

      The good thing about gardens is that you can leave it for a while and although you get weed, you don’t necessarily kill of herbs or plants. On a terrace it’s different..

      OOps, thank you for asking. I still haven’t made a re-start on the mosaic. I’m hoping that the shorter and colder days will inspire me to cocoon and work on it. Maybe you can come over and help??? xx

  • Reply my roof terrace - colourliving colourliving August 3, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    […] garden in an oil tin from Clifton Nurseries. Trees from a stall at Islington Farmers Market. Bird Bath and Buddha from Hayes Farm shop. Tables […]

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