Grow Wilder - An Informed Shopper's Guide

Why You Should Visit

• A Nature Lover's Paradise: You'll find a vast open space dedicated to a diverse collection of wild plants, herbs, flowers, bushes, and trees.
• Family-Friendly Destination: The location is excellent for families with young children to explore nature and potentially learn about various plant species.
• Potential for Purchases: Shoppers can expect to find plants and seeds available for purchase, particularly wildflowers. You might even be able to buy rare plants to help in re-establishing them.
• Delicious Treats: The cafe offers cakes, coffee, and tea. If you're incredibly lucky, you might also enjoy some live music.
• Educational Opportunities: The location often hosts workshops and courses related to plants, including a horticulture course with aspects of ecology, community engagement, and well-being. There are also shorter courses available.
• Community Engagement: The site fosters a welcoming atmosphere, with dedicated volunteers, and is open to people from all walks of life.
• Convenient Location: The location is easily accessible via public transport, with a bus stop nearby, making it accessible for visitors.
• Inspiring Setting: The beautiful grounds and thriving plants are perfect for gardening inspiration, especially if you're into wildlife-friendly gardening.
• Unique Experiences: You can find a wood workshop on-site and learn how things were done, and there are classes and courses available.
• Work or Group Activities: It's a great meeting venue for a work away day, and there is ample open-air space for groups.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Limited Amenities: Be aware that the cafe primarily serves cake, coffee, and tea, not lunch.
• Cash Required: Remember to bring cash, as it’s needed for certain purchases (plants, vegetables) and supporting buskers.
• Potential for Unwelcoming Interactions: You might encounter a "snotty and entitled" atmosphere, as some shoppers have experienced being treated as an inconvenience.
• Seasonal Availability: The site is open to the public only from Monday to Friday and on the 1st Saturday of every month between March and October.
• Limited Parking: Parking space inside is very limited; however, one can park in the surrounding streets.