Columbia Road Market is a street flower market located in Tower Hamlets, London. It was originally established as a fish market in 1869, but over the years it evolved with the neighbourhood to become a hugely popular market for flowers, plants, and other garden staples. Many of the pitch owners hail from families who have sold at the market for generations; prices are reasonable, the selection is second to none, and the sales patter is fun and engaging.
Visiting Columbia Market is a unique London experience that should not be missed, even if you don't particularly need any plants. Be warned, even those without a touch of a green thumb will find it hard to resist bringing something lovely home from this fragrant market.
The market is open Sundays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The flowers offered at Columbia Road Flower Market are seasonally influenced, so in the spring and summer, tulips and peonies abound. Sunflowers pack the market come autumn, and by the time the Christmas season rolls around, holly, mistletoe, and holiday wreaths are everywhere.
You can find cut flowers of the freshest and best quality at the market for about the same price as you would normally pay for the uninspired and somewhat tired cello bags of flowers you see at grocery stores. The vendors vie for your trade here, calling out the special deals and incentives in hopes of getting your attention and your patronage.
Gardeners from all over come to here for the potted plants and other garden favourites. Herbs like lavender, dill, and basil stand ready in their little pots for you to whisk them away to your kitchen garden.
You can buy rose bushes, olive trees, or lemon trees for your garden. There is a stall at the market selling special orchids and Mediterranean shrubs for both indoor and outdoor decorating.
Columbia Road Market is a treat for the senses, and makes for an unforgettable Sunday morning in London.
Visiting Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road, Tower Hamlets, E2 7RG
Telephone: 020 7377 8963
Email columbia_flower_market@btinternet.com
Photo courtesy: hoxtonboy
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