I need to organise a birthday day with a difference - garden centre crawl :) south London/Essex - anyone got any info?

[MyNeighbourJohnToturro]

That’s it really

my friends 40th- she’s recently bought a house, had a garden and is obsessed with planting, plants, homegrown but she gets lots of stuff online because she doesn’t drive

i want to make a full day of it - anyone know any garden centres with amazing cafes? Produce ? I’m looking at south east London but happy to drive to Essex for a few great ones

thanks in advance

Ruxley Manor garden center - MASSIVE

south east London - about 15 minutes drive from me in Greenwich

It's officially The Bum Metals Birthday Garden Centre Crawl.

If you do hit Dobbies Wallington, cross the road to the little nurseries on the other side. They have lovely plants at better prices and more personal service than Dobbies these days. One is Wallington Nurseries and the other is Flittons. You sound fab OP. Morden Hall park is great too. Seconded.

I’m tempted to write This is your age in bum metals under the pot now!

Wont live that down in my head for a while!

This would be my idea of heaven for a a birthday - you are an awesome, thoughtful friend!

It's worth mentioning to your friend that RHS membership is currently on offer 25% off online - for £55.50 not only do you get unlimited access to the five gardens around the country for two people, but also The Garden Magazine delivered monthly (that's worth £4.95 a month by itself, and is full of great ideas and advice), and discounts at other gardens.

Thanks for the update, I haven't been to Riverside for a while now. I'll give it a miss and try Scott's.

Thanks @LaurieFairyCake that’s doable at the beginning