Just west of the very centre of Kraków, at the end of a long green park called 'Młynówka Krolewska,' you'll find the urban garden centre known as 'Ogród Łobzów' (Łobzów Garden). Here Cracovians can find everything they need to liven up their homes, gardens, balconies, courtyards and terraces: live plants and flowers; flowerpots, planters and decorations; gardening tools and accessories; fertilisers and plant care products; seasonal and holiday decorations; and much more.
 

As this is Kraków, however (where everything is a little bit 'extra'), Ogród Łobzów is much more than just a garden centre and nursery, and the location is anything but random. The history of horticulture in this exact space dates back to the 14th century, when King Kazimierz the Great chose Łobzów as his summer residence, building a palace surrounded by lush gardens here. That royal palace - rebuilt by Stefan Batory in 1595 - still stands next door at Podchorążych 1, and is today part of the Politechnical University. The first greenhouse was built here in 1600 to cultivate figs, and a stone wall - part of which still stands - was built around the gardens in 1612. The royal grounds were surrounded by a small stream which was filled in 1964 and is today the recreational park known as 'Młynówka Królewska.' At the end of this park, on the site of the former royal gardens, the Uznański family has been growing plants, flowers and vegetables for now seven generations, beginning in the 1950s, and opening to the public as a nursery in the 1990s.

Today Łobzów Garden is not only Kraków's best garden centre, but an inspiring and relaxing place where nature meets history, open to all of the city's residents (and visitors). The staff's love of nature and horticulture is self-evident, and the atmosphere is much more that of a botanical garden than a garden shop. Dogs are welcome, the grounds include an apiary, and in the warmer months the 'Figarnia' is a separate outdoor oasis that's open to the public in the shadow of the historic 17th-century wall. The lush environs of the outdoor gardens and indoor greenhouses also often host events - ranging from literary talks to concerts and dance workshops (check their FB page).
 

While the garden obviously hits its peak in spring, winter is also a wonderful time to visit, with the seasonal charms of the environment giving the city's big Christmas fairs a run for their money. Here you'll find an abundance of beautiful and festive things to create a magical holiday atmosphere at home or the office, from tree decorations to tableware. All told, Ogród Łobzów is a uniquely Cracovian blend of history, greenery and charm, and well worth a visit for anyone seeking a moment of calm, or a bit of inspiration.