A couple of weeks ago on a very cold Saturday afternoon, I was cruising around in my car. I had an hour to kill so decided to get a bit lost. I love those precious moments when I have no care in the world and just get to enjoy being in the moment. Lucky for me I stumbled across the Growing Concern Garden Centre. I’d never been to that part of Wick Lane in the East End.
Quaint, charming and full of character I was instantly smitten. LOVE the green paint!
There’s a little cute shop which was full of delightful Christmas decorations. (some examples shown at the end of the post)
Was I glad to stand beside the fire. As I was in the car I didn’t dress warmly enough and was absolutely freezing.
They had their Christmas Trees early and I’ve never seen so many in one spot.
Nice netting machine.
All wrapped and ready to go to good homes.
Loved the way they marked the various heights of the trees.
Charming or what?
They had yellow and red buckets. I wanted all of them to brighten up my terrace. What a nice way to display plants and small trees.
In case you needed to know where to put these!
The light was turning so it must have been just after 4pm. It was so nice to see some colour, despite the time of year.
I wanted something for my roof terrace that doesn’t need much looking after in the winter months. As I recently bought a bird bath I thought this nutritious plant, called Solanum Thorino, would please the birds when they visit for a drink. I pride myself on being a good hostess!
Now, I really liked this chap. I’m naming him Rupert! He’s a metal lawn ornament but I worried if it’s very windy, Rupert would fly off the terrace into the Abyss so he didn’t make it home with me. Isn’t he gorgeous?
Here are some of the Christmas decorations. Great colour combination!
Loved these kitsch, oriental looking bird cages!
What about this regal looking peacock?
The garden centre is right by the Hertford Union canal. As they have an entrance gate opposite the Hertford Union Middle Lock, people wander in. On weekends they have a lovely coffee van where you can get coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Growing Concerns is committed to improving public spaces in and around housing estates in East London.
It’s one of the few small, locally run garden centres in London’s East End. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Apparently I have to return in the Spring/Summer when I’ll be bowled over by how the place looks. Well, it’s a bit off the beaten track but I cannot wait to return!
Growing Concerns Garden Centre
2 Wick Lane
London E3 2NA