This is the second bouquet i have received from Elm Ridge. By far the best selection of fresh…read moreflowers i have ever had . Beautifully presented and absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much Amanda H x

Darlingtons traditional garden centre Elm Ridge has been around for years. It's quite an upmarket…read moreplace and has a Florist who does amazing arrangements for any occassion. The garden centre side is slightly restricted by the size of the area around the main building but there is usally a good range od plants in season. They also have a section covering water gardens which can be a bit of a tricky area to get started in so advice is always on hand. Worth a look but do bear your budget in mind!

Eastern Origins is one of my favourite shops in Darlington when looking for more individual and…read moreless mainstream gifts. It is located on Grange Road and there is short stay parking right outside but you may have to do a few laps of the block before you are lucky enough to grab one. The shop stocks carvings, buddhas, photo frames, trinkets, jewellery and smaller pieces of furniture amongst other things. I have always been pleasantly suprised by the cost of items for the quality and workmanship. They often only have one or two of each item so you can't expect to go back and find the same things a few weeks later, this makes it an interesting shop to call into regularly but it means that if you see something you want you should buy pretty swiftly.

Ducks is what all those fancy big carpet showrooms aren't. It's a small place stcked will roll ends…read morewhich might fit your room and might not. Mr Duck himself will clamber over these to show you what he thinks would make a good longwearing flooring in your home and more often than not he's right. Go in with an idea of the room you need to furnish and you can come away with a wealth of detail on how various carpets are made. He is always willing to do a deal and knows some of the bet fitters in town.