I’m a keen gardener, but probably not very good at it. Plants seem to wither and die a little more frequently than necessary, but I still love a good horticultural haven.
When I first came to north London I’d travel all the way to Enfield to a store a friend recommended there. But then I discovered Boma in Kentish Town, which has a brilliant selection of plants and feels a world away from the noise of the high street.
Yet, last week when the sun came out I ventured to Camden Garden Centre for the very first time and – forgive me for being unfaithful, Boma! – couldn’t believe I’d not done so before. A jungle of colours, textures and choice, it’s huge and I’m already so thankful for it.
With only my poor musician’s budget to spend, I blew the lot in the ample bedding section, but you can’t help but fall for every plant here. Temptation lies everywhere, from the spring blooms to the climbers, grasses and the wonderful assortment trees at the back. I love the gated rose garden too, offering a glimpse into what mine one day become.
I was just as impressed by the many staff (and how helpful) they were. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel welcome and one guy carried the compost to my car with a smile. You don’t find that kind of enthusiasm and customer service on another soul destroying trip to Homebase.
I later discovered the centre is a charitable organization, offering opportunities for people who’ve had to face tough challenges in life: from ex-offenders, the homeless, and those living with mental health or addiction problems to school leavers who failed to gain any academic qualifications.
Their website states that ‘providing jobs to those with a criminal record has beyond doubt a well-documented, dramatic effect on reducing re-offending, simultaneously benefitting the ex-offender and the community at large.’
So yes, it might stretch my budget, but I know I won’t be going anywhere else for my garden supplies. And it’s another local place that exists, not only for the plants, but also for the hope and opportunities that it brings to our community.
Words & Pics: Gabby Young
3 thoughts on “Why Camden Garden Centre rules more than Boma”
I love the Camden garden centre. So peaceful you can forget you are still in Camden!
Had no idea about the charitable side to the business, just makes me love it more.
Camden Garden Centre also manage the planting and greenspaces in and around the Elm Village estate right next door: great support too for the EV Garden Club, greenhouse and allotments. Good centre, good team, good neighbours.
You might want to look into recent developments at the garden centre. Sadly seems to be losing touch with those it was initially striving to support: recently rumoured to be getting rid of their head of training..cost cutting for not terribly convincing reasons. Close down the trainee programme and you close down the core of what made this garden centre stand out from the crowd…and what justified its somewhat more inflated prices.