I typically go at Christmas time for the festive stuff and not the actual plants so my review is…read morebased off that. They always have a great display and we'll organised decorations and gifts. Good prices and location is convenient for me too.

Visiting in the middle of winter many of the plants looked a little sad. They were also in the…read moremiddle of a change round. However I was very impressed by facilities in the shop etc. Besides a good range of seeds (acres and acres of Thompson and Morgan and others) they also sell a lot of crafty-gifty type goods. You can get your fancy fudge or jars of stuff here. They also have what can only be described as a frozen pick and mix. Freezers, scoops, bags ready for you to pick the portions you wanted. This included various mixes of frozen fruit and veg (including winter root mix, or roasted veg mix) and also frozen pastries and pies, often of the posher brie and cranberry etc types. There's a café, with modern art on the walls and what looks like a nice menu and nice, newly built loos. Card racks which we had to tear ourselves away from (lots of funnies and no time to read), and a wooden version of a stone circle outside (see picture). Well worth a visit, even if you aren't into plants. Shopoholics will enjoy it anyway.

Once you get past the overpriced garden furniture, the limited pet care range, and the slightly…read morealarming range of 'gifts' (apart from the scented Yankee candles, which I love), Whitehall has a fantastic selection of seeds, bulbs and plants. And while it's fairly expensive, the plants here are far, far better cared for than in cheaper places such as B&Q. The other advantage of buying from a proper garden centre like this is the fact that you can ask expert advice. In the outdoor area of the centre there's a covered Information booth where knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer gardening questions, whether you need advice on growing your own veg or planting up borders and pots. On my last visit they helped me choose fruit bushes that would thrive in the partially shaded borders of my garden. There's a late night shopping and supper evening once a month, when the Wild Poppy Restaurant serves up a full three-course meal, including a veggie option. I've never tried the supper, but I have enjoyed a delicious slice of coffee and walnut cake with a cup of tea.

This is a review of the restaurant area. If we're in the area we often visit the garden centre for…read morelunch. The restaurant is large with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Highchairs for babies are also available. The food is generally excellent with generous portions and healthy options all at reasonable prices. Parking is available but the entrance car park is usually full and you'll end up in the spillover car park a couple of minutes walk away.

Now when it's not a pen or a camera in my mitts it's most likely a hand saw or a chisel for I'm…read morequite the DIY addict - I love making furniture. Not plastic or metal or anything horrible like that but clean, organic wood. Bristol Garden Store is where I come for my timber and I'm never let down. Very simply, it does exactly as it says on the tin. They provide wood in all types, shapes and sizes and they provide things make of wood. They have an ample wood store out back and a good workshop too. They're friendly, polite and efficient. I couldn't wish for more.

This place is full of very expensive little gifts. Ethically concerned, it ensures that all of its…read moresales items are chosen in person, with a view to supporting British designers. On entering Sage, your senses are indulged: the smell of incense lingers subtly in the air and elegant looking gifts are presented in graceful displays around the room. I'd recommend you try this shop if you're looking for a special occasion gift. Products such as candles, makeup bags, glasses and books are all available, each made with a quirky kind of attention to detail. The shop is currently selling a lavender filled sausage dog doorstop (£39.95), which sums up its charm and intent perfectly. A touch superfluous, perhaps, but if you like to buy unique gifts with a touch of class, this is the place to go.

Sage is a cutting edge lifestyle shop with a cottage industry feel. The whole thing sings intimacy…read morein gentle dulcet tones. Crammed with novelty and inspiring takes on conventional things, this shop is as enchanting as it is innovative. I could wax lyrical about this place for a good time to come... Even thinking about it evokes the sense of charm I experience the moment I step through the door... yes I feel newly warm and vital inside, and if I don't go back and buy that colour-it-yourself wallpaper for my feature wall in my living space, I'll never forgive myself! Yes, of course, I could buy it online from their very secure site, but that would deprive me of the excuse of paying them a visit and tanking up on the vibe, and engaging in awe-inducing conversation with the staff. This is the kind of business that you expect to find in Clifton Village or on Colston Hill, not thrust out into the sticks at the end of Gloucester Road. But I think it's a smart move. There's parking here, and nothing remotely close to competition for a good mile.

Always outstanding customer service. Nothing is too much trouble. Thank you. A surprisingly good…read moreselection in a small Shop.

Another great hardware store on Gloucester Road…read more My girlfriend and I wanted some paint to paint a table we acquired. We popped in as I was sure I'd seen tins of paint last time I went in. Turns out they've got a full Dulux paint mixing machine with a paint chart - sorted! We picked our colours, gave them to matey-boy and then had a mooch while he mixed his magic. The shop is full of nic-nacs from flower bulbs, paint brushes, toilet seats, taps and washing up bowls. if you need it, they've probably got it. There always seems to be a lot of staff. Probably because they get asked lots of silly questions by people like myself, but there was no waiting around. All of the guys were really helpful. One had just come back from his stag do and was covered in fake tan - David Dickinson style - oh how we laughed! Bishopston Hardware is a great shop with great staff. It's so handy that it's at the end of my road!

I absolutely love Iota on Gloucester Road for having all the quaint charm of Bloomsbury with the…read moreprice tag of Habitat. This family run business is fully stocked with sweet espresso cups, floral make up cases and pretty purses as well as other beautiful girlie house hold items. It's the perfect place to pick up gifts for feminine friends or to treat yourself to needless but attractive. Always busy with window shoppers, but there's always a friendly sales assistant at hand when you need them.

Like a cheaper (in a nice way) Bloomsbury, this is a mix of kitsch and modern gifts, books and…read morehomewares in one lovingly presented shop. Perfect for fitting out your boudoir or your kitchen if you, like me, prefer to bake than wash up. I had a lovely potter through here and came out with some unique wrapping paper and a vintage-inspired apron by local seamstresses Flo-Jo Clothing. Definitely one for the ladies who shop only, boys would easily get bored with the chintz.

Lovely gift shop with lots of different items. We got some great stocking fillers here, including…read morecoasters, socks and some candles. They also stock Jellycats which I know are very popular. During Christmas they also had some nice decorations and very cute festive earrings! We got a pair last year and a couple of pairs this year. This year they had some more traditional and nostalgic ornaments and I couldn't resist. This location in Bath gets VERY busy, so I'd recommend going when they first open. I've walked in and walked straight out again recently and it was only a Tuesday!

Lovely shop in Bath. The owner even hand dyes wool, good for that special souvenir skein. Lots of…read moreBritish wool, has needles, patterns. Had swift so can wind the skein for you to get you on your way.