Market Garden… a Shrine of Delight
Tucked away in unassuming Vic West is a hidden treasure of such extreme fabulousness I’m struggling to find words. The Market Garden at 810 Catherine Street has been called the most beautiful shop in Victoria hands down and I wholeheartedly concur. If you have an appreciation for art, organic food, healthy living, community and sustainability, you owe it to yourself to pop by.
Don’t miss it!
Adorned with white lights over the entrance, the market has a green stucco exterior and a white metal awning structure. Situated rather unassumingly in an urban area, it could easily be drive past, so keep your eyes peeled.
Beside the market is a small parking lot reserved for market shoppers. While it doesn’t have a designated accessibility stall, I’ve yet to find the lot full, allowing ample space for my mobility device and transfers to and from the car.
Part specialty grocery store, part visual overload of gourmet foodstuffs artfully displayed throughout the unique space, the Market Garden feels like a parallel universe where Art, Beauty, and the Sublime rule.
In fact, the moment you enter the front door you’re in for a visual treat.
Look up to the ceiling to see a stunning mobile constructed from more than 140 white origami doves, hanging from the scene of a beautiful painted night sky constellation.
Once inside, you’ll begin wending your way left. Room after room, a new selection of delights and delectables appear at every turn. There are beautiful chandeliers, art prints, glass showcases.
Displayed on elaborate pieces of wooden furniture, groceries and goods from a wide variety of local and artisan makers fill the shelves.
Delicious looking biscuits, gourmet crackers, cookies, olives and olive oils, jams, jellies, chutneys, pickles, fresh baked goods, oversized jars of peaches, selections of pastas, dry goods, mushrooms, a variety of nut milks, wild seeds and so much more throughout ... phew!
There are also plenty of imported specialty items from Europe and afar, but the majority of the goods are locally produced and are packaged attractively in unique bottles, pots, tins and jars.
Walls and shelves loaded high with selections of canned tomatoes, vinaigrettes, salad dressings, bulk spices and dried herbs are beautifully arranged in the space, which feels a bit like an Aladdin’s cave for the curious and intrigued.
A great selection of fresh, GMO-free produce abounds (thankfully no plastic clamshell packaging in sight). Coolers and freezers contain an array of chilled items including seafood, local sausages, dairy, along with organic and vegan choices galore.
Quality soaps, organic makeup, natural household goods and cleaning products are attractively displayed in another space within the shop. Another small room, merchandised with rustic furniture, tableware and artfully curated household items is heavy with organic texture and linens ~ a veritable treasure for the senses that simply must be experienced in-person.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons the grand piano is played, which sets a relaxing yet sophisticated mood.
Listen carefully when I say, this is not the place to bring toddlers (too many possibilities for disaster!) or otherwise impatient friends or family. You’ll want to take your time here and drink in the beauty. If you use a compact mobility scooter to get around (as I do), you’ll have a challenge on your hands but it’s definitely worth it. I’m able to see and access a good 95% plus of the store but there isn’t a lot of extra space to maneuver around. It’s tight so be sure to bring a friend who’ll help you with the crowded bits. Unfortunately, if you use a large powerchair or scooter I feel most of the spaces would be too difficult to access.
A guilty pleasure to enjoy without a shred of guilt! This unique and beautiful store is a place not soon forgotten.