Dedicated urbanites can still smell the roses amidst the diesel. Below are a few of my London summer-time picks. Kensington Gardens and the Serpentine Pavilion are easy green options.

Shoppers can catch some rays at Q, Selfridge’s pop-up terrace restaurant.

For something a bit buzzier visit Granary Square at King’s Cross where daily street vendors sell everything from Mexican tacos to Mumbai meatballs to Falafel wraps. It’s the edible U.N. here, otherwise known as Kerb street food collective.

You can watch the boats pass by.

Or follow the tennis.

And for a special garden treat outside central London –  Petersham Nurseries near Richmond Park is unbeatable. Its bohemian glasshouse restaurant (dirt floors, sublime food, cool staff) and the chic garden shop make the journey well worth it.

Fragrance maker Jo Malone believes in the power of gardens to provide solace and lift the spirit. Jo Malone Urban Community Garden Project  supports gardens in deprived areas in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol. Buy a Silk Blossom Home Candle in the UK to help this cause, and bring a little piece of garden home.

July, 2014

* Petersham Nursery photo courtesy of Keiko Oikawa

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Or this iconic surfboard…

But somehow neither the board nor the board screamed ‘Buy Me’. Instead, I settled on a book about gorgeous Hollywood stars and their most loyal, hairy pals.

From Conran’s I walked down Walton Street to Laurence Coste’s friendly jewellery shop, a bijoux boutique full of unique, one-off pieces that change weekly.

I love this tray of colourful summery rings. Perfect pressies.

Or these glass and onyx earrings that can be clipped or pierced.

As is too often the case, I ended up treating myself to an early birthday present, the topaz and rose gold plated ring the manager was wearing (was being the operative word).

Finally, I stopped in at Salt Resort Wear which has great bikinis, kaftans, summer hats and beach bags.

I think my friends will be thanking me very soon. And if they don’t know what to get me for that all-important, imminent date, they can just read my blog.

p.s Friends, I also love Melissa Odabash, who always has a great selection of bikinis, clutches and jewellery. 

 May, 2014

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