Try the cafe from breakfast to Sunday lunch , ask for Mark the cafe manager always willing to help…read moreall the girls are patient, nothing is too much trouble , oh ask louis to cook your breakfast I'm doing weightwatchers and he has been very helpful. The main wyevale garden centre offers so much it's hard to list . Always an array of colours a bountiful haven for any budding gardener , or just to look at .

Property is so expensive in Brighton that what would be considered a bin yard up North is…read moreconsidered a spacious front or back garden here! Being lucky enough to have both a spacious front and back garden, I am always on the look out for gorgeous new plants. I usually buy my lavendar and herbs from Flower City round the corner and go to Wyevale Garden Centre for everything else. It's expensive but the stock is always varied and extremely good quality. They have plant pots, soil, gardening furniture and seeds inside and a massive selection of seasonal and perennial flowers, plants and fruit trees inside. I've bought everything from rosemary, thyme and chilli plants to dahlias and rose bushes and everything has grown beautifully. In fact, if I could afford it I'd go back tomorrow and order fig and olive trees for next spring.

We recently moved to a house where the garden looks like something out of a Tarzan movie…read more Over-grown brambles, over-hanging trees and weeds everywhere so we have invested in a few bits and pieces to get it looking a bit better. I would highly advise you to head to this shop before going to somewhere like Homebase as they have a much better selection here and the equipment is of a much higher standard. They cater for professionals as well as domestic gardeners too. We bought an excellent hedge trimmer for £80 and the staff were really helpful with advice and tips. They also had loads of hand tools and a really good selection of chainsaws which I'm saving up for next!

The Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project started as just one allotment, tended by a group…read moreof like-minded people. Over the past few years the project has expanded, and is now a nonprofit company, with the operation covering multiple plots. Located on a leafy bank behind the Moulsecoomb train station, the project benefits from the work of many volunteers, who get involved in all sorts of activities, including organic gardening, woodland gardening and even odd bits of building too! The project prides itself on its unusual approaches and innovative techniques- they strive to create a garden where different habitats and gardening styles can coexist harmoniously. What's wonderful about the Forest Garden, is that you truly feel a million miles away from the chaos and urban sprawl of Moulsecoomb and Brighton. You can step off the train straight into another green-fingered world! The project readily welcomes volunteers and they run 'no experience necessary' days, so no the inexperienced need not worry. You will receive seasonal veggies for your efforts! The Forest Garden work closely with the Alternative Centre for Education and pupils at risk of exclusion, to try and reduce antisocial behaviour and produce positive change. They also provide produce to low-income families and the elderly. This is a really inspiring community project, that is, in my opinion, too little known about!

There's nothing inspirational about Homebase. I'd never…read moredream of buying a kitchen or bathroom for them. Their styles are too plain and cookie cutter for my taste. Likewise, their plant and garden section never knocks me off my feet. If I need to get paint or polyfilla however, I know I'm onto a winner. They also mix paints in store so if they haven't got the exact shade you want on the shelf, it's well worth thumbing through the colour strips and choosing one to get made up. Price-wise, Homebase is about the same as B&Q give or take a few pennies.

As Homebase stores go, this one stands out from the rest. We'll laid out, as are the others, but…read moreit is the staff that makes the difference here. So helpful, pleasant, cheerful and obviously enjoy working there. The store always has some items for sale., and always at a good mark down....recommended.

Situated on a quiet stretch of Ditchling Road, I only noticed Rose Florist for the first time last…read moreweek. The shop was closed at the time but when I went back yesterday I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of different flowers and plants on offer. Run by a married couple, Rose is clearly a neighbourhood florist that caters to locals. In the time I was browsing, I noticed three or four other customers buying bunches of daffodils and other spring flowers. I was wondering if anyone ever bought the more exotic and unusual flowers inside when the phone rang and I heard orders coming through for bouquets! Having looked at the company's website I've noticed they offer flower arrangements for birthdays, weddings, civil partnerships, special occasions and funerals. They also stock and deliver plants, balloons, champagne, chocolate and for sugar-rush lovers, sweet hampers.

I discovered this florist about a year ago, noticing the beautiful display outside of the shop. I…read morewalked over, and to my surprise discovered that 'Rose' sell a very good selection of flowers, ranging from as little about £2, right up to the more elaborate arrangements costing far more "elaborate" prices. I like that they have so many different flower combinations, rather than just having very basic bunches for the cheaper flowers. The inside is unbelievable, wall to wall flowers and plants surrounding you from floor to ceiling. There is in unending choice suitable for every occasion. If you're left unsure then the gentlemen florist is a very good guide, always happy to offer advice.

One of the most sophisticated florists in Hove is Florian. A few minutes walk from Igigi cafe and…read morehomeware, it's the perfect place to pick up some flowers for yourself or a loved one. As it's spring, there are currently big bunches of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, narcissi and freesia outside the shop. If you're wanting to make an impression however, I'd opt for one of their elegant, hand-tied bouquets. Prices range from £20 to £50 for more expensive flowers like long-stemmed roses and birds of paradise. They also sell cute bulbs in pots, glass and ceramic vases and large indoor and outdoor plants.

This florist is really too expensive for me- you need at least ten pounds to walk out with even the…read moresmallest of bouquets and really more like thirty or forty pounds for anything worthy of the name bouquet. To be fair they do have affordable pot plants- some really beautiful ornamental cabbages for around £3. So I can't really afford it but I love to go in and admire! Florian's always has the most incredible window displays- I tried to capture the Autumn display with the full size scarecrow in my picture. The design inside is brilliant for showing of the blooms- they have all the stem flowers in tall clear vases so that they look very grand yet simple. The flowers really have center stage.

A small second-hand furniture shop in the Seven Dials area, selling mostly renovated furniture,…read morealongside pieces in their original condition. They have some interesting bits and pieces, although a pair of chairs we bought from there had been rather badly renovated (superficially fine) and the problem came to light after we bought them. On the other hand, they weren't expensive. I suppose the motto is 'caveat emptor!' when it comes to second-hand furniture. Although cheap, there are cheaper places, for example if you are a student looking to furnish a flat cheaply.

Lovely shop with a lovely owner!…read more Second hand furniture, great variety at great prices! All inc free delivery! Great place to find a new project or some pieces already restored, will definitely be re-visiting soon!!