Following our quaint morning in Brockenhurst, we continued the theme for the day by exploring Setley Ridge, a compact but lovely garden centre not far from the village. It was thanks to Rosie Lea’s Tearoom back in the village that we came to know this place. Hosting its sister kitchen, Setley Ridge is not only a haven for the flower-obsessed but a foodie’s dream too. There is even a vineyard with local New Forest wine. Days like this are my absolute favourite and highlight the beauty that is right on our doorstep. Here we browsed the nursery, picked out some beautiful potting flowers and enjoyed the rest of this wonderfully British summer’s day.
Along with the beautiful selection of plants and flowers, there is also a farm shop selling local produce and a garden store with the prettiest ornaments to create your very own floral dream at home. We happened to visit on an unusually hot day, which made browsing inside the large, sun-filled greenhouse a little bit unbearable! However, Rosie Lea’s Kitchen provided the perfect respite with lots of shade under the umbrellas outside and the chance to try some refreshing drinks to cool off.
Being surrounded by so many flowers of all colours has inspired me to work on my own garden in the near future, no matter if it’s a tiny patio area or something with a little more freedom. There are so many ways to be creative with gardening and it really seems like a lovely way to slow down on days that are a little more hectic than we would like. I can just imagine the slow summer days spent pottering around the garden, the chance to forget about everyday life for a few hours. Most of what I do daily is based around my MacBook and no matter how hard I try to pursue activities away from the screen, it’s so easy to resort back to the comfort of what we know. An afternoon outside in fresh air with no technology seems like the perfect retreat.
Flowered-out and happily relaxed, we made our way to the car, promising to return soon. It would have been wonderful to stay a little longer and try the wine from the vineyard but I suppose that is a very good excuse to visit again next summer.
What has been one of your favourite days of this summer?
This looks like a lovely outting. I enjoy these kinds of trips!
http://blushinglately.com
It really was! And days out like this are the best, aren’t they!
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I love this! I live near Brockenhurst an sometimes don’t realise what gems I have right on my doorstep! If you’re ever back in the area then I’d totally recommend Mabel’s Cafe in Boldre – it’s a plant lovers dream.
Thank you! The New Forest is such a lovely place to live. And yesss it’s so easy to miss the places closest to us! I’ve just looked it up and it looks wonderful – thank you for the tip! <3
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This place looks gorgeous! Love how you’ve edited the photos!
Thank you so much, Sophie!
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Gorgeous photos!
Thank you!
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