There are estimated to be over 5,000 garden centres across the UK, ranging from massive companies to sidewalk, independent shops. With the industry itself worth an estimated £4.6 billion pounds yearly, it seems the citizens of the UK can’t get enough of flora and fauna. One of these shops lies at a very special location in the heart of Battersea, south west London.

The Flower station, an independent florist and garden centre, was founded, after many years of planning, in 2012. The small strip of land which lay it’s foundation had previously been home to Battersea park’s horses, and before that, the barrows from Battersea high street’s market. The vision for a place of magic and beauty, at first, seemed challenged, being located between a railway track and a main road, but despite this, the space created was a huge success, in fact, it’s location only made it more special, becoming one of London’s longest flower shops!

In terms of retail, on offer are a huge selection of plants, from tall olive trees to pots of fresh mint and sage. There are two greenhouses, with one storing umpteen plant pots of many materials (terracotta, glazed, fibre glass…you name it!) and a shop featuring garden tools, seeds, weed killers and much more. If that wasn’t enough, they also have a (literal) shed-full of greeting cards. To top it all off who doesn’t love a bouquet, arranged by one of their talented florists, perfect for any occasion.

Furthermore, the store is a bit of a celebrity, having been featured in Time out, the telegraph and the Sunday times, not to mention countless other blogs and publications. Customers are drawn to the space due to its unique atmosphere and dedicated team, with one customer, Wendy Hewitt, commenting,’ it feels so vintage and I love how all the flowers last the whole year through, true quality.’

It seems pretty obvious that this lovely shop is a beloved gem in south west London, granting every wish a plant-lover might have, and providing a green space in the hustle and bustle of the city.