W6 Garden Centre and Café - Get Set For The Summer

Charles, Magdalena and Ashley

A superb selection of plants, stylish home and lifestyle gifts and a Café serving delicious, healthy food… W6 is much more than a Garden Centre

In the sizzling temperatures of recent weeks, it’s been hard enough to keep domestic gardens well watered. For W6 Garden Centre, which is renowned for its high quality stock, a watering operation of near-military precision is required to ensure that all the Summer plants are looking their glorious best.

‘At this time of year consistent watering is one of the most important jobs, and we plan it meticulously,’ says the Manager, Louise Alhadeff. ‘It’s our responsibility to keep the plants in beautiful condition, and doing that properly means focusing on each one, only watering the soil and, when it comes to our gorgeous displays, making absolutely sure that even the smallest specimens at the back are never missed.

‘If you are watering at home, mornings or evenings are best, try to avoid splashing the flowers and foliage because that can cause scorching and never leave a plant in the pot in which it was bought: always pot up one size so that there’s more soil to take on and retain moisture.’

If your garden needs a Summer boost, there’s a glorious choice at W6. The David Austin roses and blue, pink and white Hydrangeas look spectacular; the striking Salvias come in a range of colours and varieties, stand out in a pot or sunny border and are drought-tolerant; and the vibrant hot reds, oranges and yellows of Dahlias and Crocosmias will give any space an exciting lift. And, if you would like any practical advice, the expert team are always on-hand and happy to answer questions.

There’s much more to W6 than wonderful plants: if you need a break from plant-hunting, that’s the perfect opportunity to sample the culinary delights of W6’s superb Café, which is supervised by Magdalena. Set in the heart of the garden centre, there’s plenty of space indoors and outside on the sunny terrace to enjoy delicious, healthy food.

Chefs Ashley and Charles have recently added a fresh Watermelon Greek Salad to the menu – Watermelon, Feta Cheese, Olives, Cucumber and Tomatoes with a Honey and Lemon dressing – and, for Brunch, Charles recommends the Mushrooms on Toast, always a customer favourite with Sourdough Bread and Mushrooms which are marinated in Rosemary and Thyme.

‘For breakfast, we use proper Greek yoghurt in the West Six Granola (with Bananas, Berries and Maple Syrup or Honey) and it’s very popular,’ says Ashley.

‘We also offer a traditional Café Breakfast using free range Pork Sausages from one of West London’s best butchers, Macken Brothers on Turnham Green Terrace, and there is also a vegan option with a Soya-based Sausage and the Fried Eggs replaced by Avocado. For children, we have a Kids Special Breakfast and a Mini Pizzetta with Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes and, of course, there’s a tempting selection of cakes and pastries.’

‘There’s so much to see and enjoy here,’ says Louise. ‘We also have a beautiful range of planters and stylish outdoor furniture, top quality tools and equipment and, in the Green Room oasis, a fantastic array of wow-factor houseplants – from the exotic and rare to traditional favourites – alongside stylish containers and accessories.

‘We’re all passionate about what we do. Whether a customer comes here to stock up on plants or to catch up with friends at the Café, our aim is to lift the spirits and deliver outstanding service. We look forward to seeing you soon.’