petersham nurseries packs the perfect birthday punch.

i had been talking about getting myself to the idyllic and whimsical petersham nurseries for years….and finally made it there with posse for my birthday just gone. set up in 2004 by garden-loving gael & francesco boglione, who saved the local nursery from the clutches of the circling developers and multinational garden centres, and in doing so reunited the original petersham house estate – their home and the nursery, separated for over 30 years. what they have created is a magical retreat of plants, interiors and eat – a one acre apothecary to nourish and inspire the mind, body and soul – and your garden obviously.

the nursery specialises in the english garden tradition with an ever-growing emphasis on sustainable gardening – you can wander for hours filling your cart with rambling goodness, fantasizing about your dream garden and running away from the huge bumblebees that live here –  the aesthetic and styling of such a space is second to nursery none. the unique one acre site is filled with garden antiques, original artefacts, and a comprehensive range of gardening kit sourced from england, europe, india and the far east. it’s here that you dine finely at antique tables nestled amongst the sand floors, wicker blinds, trails of vines and conservatory glass and are completely transported to somewhere that you have never been before – a truly original and beautiful setting. the kitchen is run by famed australian chef skye gyngell – she being the reason behind coming here initially. the menu and food were faultless in my mind – laden with seafood, seasonal and with long silences as everyone tucked in. i can more than recommend the house tipple too – petersham rose syrup and rose petal prosecco – delicate, delicious and decadent, needless to say many glasses were supped in honour of my birth. happy birthday to me.