8 Brilliant Botanic Shops
The current houseplant trend has us all swooning over succulents, coveting calathea and going mad for monstera. It's proven that houseplants and gardening can make us feel happier, calmer and closer to nature, as well as purifying the air we breathe. On the recent botanical jaunts we curated with Liz Earle Beauty Co and ambassador, ethnobotanist James Wong, we discovered loads of amazing botanical shops.
“I think it’s fair to say that I am am totally obsessed with plants. I live with five hundred of them in my tiny flat, so I know where to get hold of the best ones.” - James Wong
Why not check out some of his and our favourite shops below and maybe bring home a new leafy friend or two!
1. The Garden Shop
Nestled along London’s famous Columbia Road is The Garden Shop, one of the area’s oldest outlets. Offering more traditional items, here you’ll find French garden tools, cast iron ornaments and flowers of course!
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
2. The Watered Garden
This is one of our favourites- and one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets. Starting out in their parents’ conservatory just two years ago, The Watered Garden is the new kid on the block. But don’t let its humble beginnings make you underestimate it! They offer a delightful collection from simple leafy greens to terrariums and calatheas that are sure to brighten up your home.
Find it on our walk: Parks and Plant Shops
3. Conservatory Archives
James Wong says that this stunner in Hackney “has to be one of the most innovative house plant shops in the whole country”. With a huge range of plants filling a converted warehouse space, stepping inside is like being transported to the depths of the jungle. They even have chairs surrounded by plants which are perfect photo spots to add some greenery to your Instagram feed.
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
4. In Bloom
At In Bloom you will find gardening supplies, home decor and charming antiques. This place certainly adds to the colour and vibrancy of Columbia Road’s busy weekends.
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
5. Grace & Thorn
Unlike your traditional florists, Grace & Thorn draw upon art and fashion industries in their botanics, and it really shows. Their designs are truly unique yet contemporary; you will struggle to find two things the same. It is perfect for all you artists and creative individuals!
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
6. Plant Warehouse
If you’re looking to turn your house into an urban jungle on a budget, Plant Warehouse is the place to go. In this quiet nook of Cambridge Heath you will find an impressive collection of flowers, exotic cacti and succulents. A more affordable alternative to many local competitors.
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
7. N1 Garden Centre
Winner of the 2018 Horticulture Week Business Award, the N1 Garden Centre is a great spot for both indoor and outdoor British plants. With the aim of ‘making London an urban garden, one home at a time’, we’re sure you won’t leave empty handed!
Find it on our walk: Botanic Shop Hopping in East London
8. The Worm that Turned
This Nottingham-based store will leave you with inspiration and advice to create your dream outdoor space. They offer an impressive selection of gardening equipment, art, decor and furniture, plus a plethora of items to help out the bugs, bees and birds of your garden!
Find it on our walk: Parks and Plant Shops
If you want to hear more about James’s incredible plant collection and get some top tips & tricks, have a listen to the first episode of our podcast, Nature Bantz.