Garden Nurseries in and around East London

Garden Nurseries have always offered city dwellers a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Whether you have green fingers or, like me, cannot grow weeds, these little patches of serenity are magical kingdoms to escape to, when the world outside starts closing in.

For gardeners, it is a place of inspiration, passion and endless possibilities.  They can visualise the skinny stick with a few leaves evolving into a grand majestic tree, supplying shade for 100s of years to come.  They get excited at the prospect of turning their mundane small garden into a lush tropical oasis.  The lovers of spring and summer wait eagerly for the seasons to change so they can sprinkle their gardens with a wide variety of exquisitely formed flowers in a rainbow of natural colours.  And for the culinary crowd, the herbs help them dream up appetising, fragrant and full-flavoured dishes.

Nurseries however, are not only for those who have green fingers.  For non-gardeners like me they are a magical world, filled with vibrant colours, warm sunlight, sweet fragrances, the sounds of excited insects and birds… and above all… peace.  They are natures therapy in an otherwise rather jaded world.

In East London, we are lucky enough to have a great choice of garden nurseries to choose from, so grab the family and head to one of these little magic kingdoms for a glorious day of sun, sights and smells.

Floradale Nursery

Situated on Old Main Gonubie Road, Floradale Nursery is an institution in East London and one of my favourite places to visit to get away from it all.  The nursery boasts everything you could need to create that perfect garden and the centre offers a range of other attractions including a craft brewery, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a craft shop.

Michelle’s Garden Nursery @ Lavender Blue

Further down Old Main Gonubie Road you will find Michelle’s Garden Nursery, situated in the grounds of the charming Lavender Blue Market, on the banks of a small dam.  This small nursery is a hidden delight, tucked in the corner and packed to the gills with every conceivable colour and type of plant.  Afterwards, you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat while you watch the koi swim in the dam, or enjoy some retail therapy at the market.

The Gift Garden Boutique Garden Centre

The creativity on display at The Gift Garden Boutique Garden Centre shows that gardening does not need to be taken too seriously.  The witty and unique plant displays encourages gardeners to have fun in their own spaces.  There are no stuffy straight lines or rows in this nursery.  Here you must play a game of hide and seek to find that perfect plant.  After all that fun, you can head to Ginger&Co for a coffee & something sinful, buy some healthy natural products from Thyme Fusion, or just indulge in some retail therapy at the boutique and wool shop.

Amalinda Garden Nursery

If you are looking for garden decor and accessories, a visit to the Amalinda Garden Nursery is a must.  Here you will not only find lovely plants for your garden, you will also find a huge shed filled to the brim with every kind of garden accessory available.  After shopping, you can let the kids visit the animals at the mini-zoo while you grab a hot cuppa at the Amalinda Tea Garden.

Village Centre Nursery @ Crossways Village

Situated in the bustling little Crossways Village on Schafli Road, The Village Centre Nursery offers gardeners a nice selection of plants and flowers for their gardens.  After visiting the nursery, you have a choice of venues where you and the family can grab a bite to eat while watching the ducks swim wade peacefully on the picturesque dam.

Jedediah Indigenous Tree Nursery

If you are looking for indigenous trees and plants for your garden, head to Jedediah Indigenous Tree Nursery.  Here you will find indigenous trees and Revolutas/Cycas for sale at wholesale pricing to the public.

We hope that these wonderful garden nurseries have planted some seeds in your imagination and encouraged you to spring into action and get some dirt under those fingernails.

Article:  Sandy Loppnow