Aylett Nurseries.
A family nursery, famous for its dahlias.
Set on the North Orbital Road just outside St Albans, Aylett Nurseries has been one of the leading garden centres in the south east of England for more than sixty years — a true family-run grower, not a chain.
The nursery is celebrated for its home-grown crops, an extraordinary dahlia field that draws visitors from across the country each late summer, and a friendly, knowledgeable team always on hand to advise.
Seasonal food, seven days a week.
A deliciously tempting menu that changes with the seasons — breakfast, lunch and cake, served in a glasshouse-bright dining room that opens onto the garden.
A proper cup, daily.
Tucked near the entrance, Roots is open every day from 10am – 3.30pm for coffee, pastries and a quick something on the way through.
Plants raised on site.
Fuchsias, dahlias and seasonal bedding grown in the nursery's own glasshouses — using biological pest control and energy-efficient growing wherever possible.
The dahlia field in full bloom.
From August through the first frosts, Aylett's renowned dahlia field bursts into colour — hundreds of varieties laid out for visitors to wander, photograph and choose from. It is, quite simply, one of the great horticultural sights of the home counties.
Charging that fits the visit.
Two rapid 75kW units sit at the edge of the car park, with CCS and CHAdeMO connectors. Enough time for a coffee at Roots, or a slow walk through the plant houses.
North Orbital Road, just off the A414.
Easy access from the M25 and M1 — a natural stop on the way to or from London.