Living right in the centre of Edinburgh (with no garden), I welcome the glory that house plants are currently basking in. Edinburgh has lots of florists and little places to pick up home greenery, but my favourite is Grow Urban.
Located in a restored corner unit of an old Edinburgh building, this independent shop is packed full of foliage and also has its very own coffee shop. They serve locally roasted coffee alongside fresh cakes and are always on hand to give plant advice. As an added bonus, there's even a little potting shed in the back, stocked with tools and plant extras.
Walking into the shop, I step straight out of the busy city and right into a jungle. There are plants from floor to ceiling; cacti, palms, Calathea - you name it, it's there! It's the perfect place to destress and enjoy a slice of nature. I recently spotted someone fully embracing the beauty of the shop; sipping coffee and making sketches of its interiors.
Grow Urban's manager, Graham, is one of the nicest people in town. He's always around to greet customers with a welcoming smile and (more importantly) he knows everything about plants!
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.
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"Lauriston Castle" in Edinburgh is fairly well known to tourists, but its Japanese garden is not. All is perfectly balanced here...
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In Edinburgh, you don't have to get on a tourist bus at all - get a day ticket for the local "Lothian Buses" and you can explore the city for cheap!
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