How to choose an early learning education and care service 1

A chrysanthemumand a cuppaWORDS JENNIFER ENNION

Popping into the garden with a cup of coffee to watch bees buzz around your lavender, and lorikeets flit about your bottlebrush is an age-old pleasure. For many of us, pottering around our patches is therapeutic. That’s why we’re drawing your attention to the Central Coast’s best nurseries this winter, where you can also enjoy a bite to eat or pick up some floral-inspired gifts.

Lee Rowan’s Gardenworld

Lee Rowan’s Gardenworld is the epicentre for all things ‘outdoor living’ on the Central Coast, so it makes sense that shoppers can mull over their swag of potential purchases at the onsite Gardenia Cafe. Time your visit with lunch so you can enjoy a gourmet bagel, focaccia, scones or a sweet, including dairy- and gluten-free slices. Then, load up the barrow, ready for an afternoon of serious pottering. The centre also has a large, well-stocked giftware section.

72 Pacific Highway, Ourimbah

BURBANK NURSERIES

Starting out in 1946, the locals behind Burbank Nurseries are encyclopedias of garden know-how. Not only will staff be able to show you to the hydrangeas, they’ll also be able to help you plan your landscaping based on coastal climate conditions. Flowers, trees, herbs – you name it, Burbank has it – along with a large range of pots, garden ornaments and outdoor furniture. There is also Burbank House & Garden at Erina Heights, which specialises in decorative indoor plants and has an onsite cafe, as well as another centre at Kincumber.

266 Pacific Highway, Kangy Angy; 443 Central Coast Highway, Erina Heights; 30 Empire Bay Drive, Kincumber

© JENNIFER ENNION

Saddles Garden Centre

This has to be the nursery with the best views on the Central Coast, overlooking the mirror-like dam at Saddles bakehouse and restaurant. You’ll find the small garden centre up the hill away from the restaurant and it’s well worth having a browse before or after a meal. There are plenty of plant choices, from vibrant succulents to cacti and seedlings, plus lovely ceramic pots.

20 Ashbrookes Rd, Mt White

© JENNIFER ENNION

RELAX, UNWIND & ENJOY THIS HIDDEN GEM IN TERRIGAL

HEADING • Subhead This fabulous resort with its modern beautifully appointed Studio’s, 1 bedroom 2 storey Loft’s and 2-bedroom apartments is such a peaceful property. The rooms are well equipped with kitchenettes giving you the option to cook or BBQ on their newly finished rooftop area. A perfect space for meetings and chilling. There is also a romance suite attached to it for couples wanting a special weekend or even honeymoon night.

Email admin@terrigalpacific.net.au or phone 02 4385 1555 direct FOR 10% DISCOUNT

Purveyor of unique Homewares & special one off pieces of furniture for Styling your home. Operating for 10 years and now incorporating great coffee at Drift Coffee Kazbah.

1/15-17 FORRESTERS BEACH RD FORRESTERS BEACH 4385 9996

The Wildflower Place

We specialise in Australian Native Plants, Flowers and Giftware.

Open 7 days a week 9am till 5pm.

453 Central Coast Hwy, Erina Heights Phone 02 4365 5510 Email twp@tpg.com.au

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Over 120 yrs combined staff experience in native plants and flowers. Come and see us for personal advice.

The Wildflower Place

Specialising in Australian native flowers, and gifts, The Wildflower Place is where you should go if you want to grab yourself and someone a special something. The range features native limes, banksias, wattle and paper daisies, while gifts include fantastical windmills, soaps, bushfood, and garden ornaments.

453 Central Coast Highway, Erina Heights

IMPACT PLANTS AND CAFE

If your garden is more ‘holiday resort’ than ‘English cottage’, you’ll love the selection of tropical plants at Impact Plants nursery and its al fresco cafe. Once you’ve picked up a palm or two, meet a friend at the cafe surrounded by unimaginably lush foliage and rare and exotic foliage, a koi pond and the odd bearded dragon checking out the sunny spots. Enjoy bruschetta, pork sliders, salads or linguine – or perhaps a Vienna coffee with a chocolate brownie.

9 Poole Close, Empire Bay

Loving LOCAL

CUTE AF PETS

Pet boutique & dog cafe

Natural pet care, and accessories. A cafe where pups are pampered and peeps can ‘sit and stay’ a while. 287 Davistown Rd, Yattalunga. Cutafpets.com.au

KINDRED SPIRITS CAFE

Full menu for pups and peeps. Live music, food truck nights, and more. A collaborative space by Cute AF Pets and 16 Seeds Juice Co. 287 Davistown Rd, Yattalunga.

MAGIC LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

With Kevin Morgan, award-winning landscape and nature photographer – Australia and internationally. Specialising in images of the Central Coast. magiclightphotography.com.au Contact magiclightphotos@gmail.com

HOPE WELLNESS

Remedial massage, dry needling therapy, myofascial cupping, hot stone massage, and specialising in lymphoedema management – including scar release work for both surgical and non-surgical scars. 216 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate. hopewellness.com.au

RAMJET ASSORTMENTS

Providing the hippest clothing in Newcastle for the last 20 years. Men’s and women’s retro, vintage and classic styling at its best. 7 days a week. Check FB for times. 78 Darby St, Newcastle ramjetassortments.com

BROWNIE BROWNIE

Home-baked delicious brownies in all their guises: say it with personalised letter and number brownies or try the ultimate taster box. Gooey, fudgy, oozy, chocolately yumminess.