Take it from me, avoid the creepy pathway from Katoomba Street, and take the entrance from the…read morecarpark side instead. It's all a bit Dickensian. Not so this lovely nursery, however. There's gravel strewn paths and raised beds all grown over the sides with, I am reliably informed, Baby's Breath. Must be a rather ill baby methinks. Makes all the edges green and fuzzy. I was only along for the ride, as my attempts to keep anything plant-related alive seem doomed to failure. I hope to somehow suck up gardening ability by osmosis, but it hasn't worked yet. So I listened to advice about growing rare and unusual cold climate perennials (they have a whole section no less), try to imagine the joy of successfully growing something heirloom and wonderful from seed, and peeked at the tiny Christmas trees in pots. They seem to have a great selection of plants here, including lots of hard to find ones specifically suited to the colder climes of the upper mountains. I await the day when I manage to not wither a poor defenceless plant to a pale stick with great anticipation. It'll happen one day, I hope.

With family members about to radically expand a vege patch, I'm on the lookout for interesting…read moreadditions to perplex them with. Christmas is coming up and all. Situated just behind the carpark in Leura, this little nursery has some definite contenders. Everything's clear and laid out, with little signs giving care info (great for unwitting plant killers like me). The atmosphere's friendly. Although, come to think of it, I've never found an unfriendly nursery. Mmmm, there's something in that. But, back to the Christmas list. Diggers heirloom veggies. Fabulous. Ever heard of a Wapsipinicon Peach Tomato? Me neither. They're peach coloured. Really! Gotta love a Black Russian tomato too. And a bonsai. And a mini Christmas tree in a pot so you don't have to participate in the senseless slaugher of pines every December. Although with my luck, they'll all burst into flames the second I walk out of the shop. I do try not to kill plants, truly.

From the owner: Birches of Leura is Leura's own Garden centre located in the Megalong St Carpark. The Nursery is an…read moreoasis of tranquility providing a large range of plants including Cottage and Herbs, Vegetable Seedlings, Citrus, Natives, Potted Colour, Ornamentals, Roses, camellias, gardenias, Rhododendron and in our Gift Shop and huge range of indoor plants including cacti and succulents. In the garden we have a huge range of statuary, pots and urns.