One of my favourite city escapes is Petersham Nurseries just outside Richmond. With all the makings of a perfect day-trip to suit even the less inclined gardener, this beautiful old-fashioned English country garden centre artfully presents its wares inside an intricate maze of exquisitely presented glass houses.

The Nurseries’ natural back-drop of lush colours and gorgeous scents provides the perfect setting for the lovely selection of unique home-wares, rustic antiques and stylish garden accessories (largely British made). I can very easily spend a morning happily pottering amongst the plants, finishing with a trip to the delightful café or tea house. It’s easy to see that provenance is paramount to Petersham with each ingredient sourced as locally as possible. Fresh salad leaves, edible flowers and herbs are plucked daily from Kitchen Garden and each of the mismatched tables proudly display flowers from their Cutting Garden.

Though there are extensive car parking facilities within easy pottering distance, why not re-ignite your relationship with your two-wheeled companion? Catch the ferry from Marble Hill Park or enjoy a wander along the river? I promise you, it’s most definitely worth the effort.

Image courtesy of geishaboy500 on Flickr