Nicholls

North Canberra's garden centre at Federation Square in Nicholls, open since 1995. The owners have built the shop less like rows of stock and more like a walk through a garden: an indoor jungle of houseplants gives way to a gift section of pots, ornaments and homewares. Qualified horticulturists staff the floor, with compost, potting mix and seasonal advice pitched to the local climate. Open seven days.

A Gungahlin garden centre tucked into Federation Square at Nicholls, run as much like an indoor jungle and gift shop as a nursery. Since 1995 it has carried plants, pots, ornaments and gifts alongside the compost and potting mix, the aisles arranged so a visit feels like a stroll through a lush garden. Open seven days a week.