For Squire's deputy chairman Sarah Squire, the Twickenham branch’s 50th anniversary celebration is one of many parties at the store.

With childhood memories of being told off for climbing on bags of compost, the Twickenham garden centre holds a special place in her heart.

With almost 80 people turning up on last Friday, September 5, for the 60s-themed party, the Sixth Cross Road garden centre's visitors enjoyed afternoon tea and vintage fancy dress.

Squire's now has 15 stores across the south of England but, with the Squire family originating in Twickenham, it is the town where the concept was born in 1935.

Ms Squire, who celebrated childhood birthdays at the store to be with her workaholic father, Colin Squire, said she was proud of what the centre had achieved since 1964.

She said: "It was the inspiration of my father, Colin, who is still, actively involved with the business, and his father, DJ Squire. "Their vision was to bring plants, garden products and sound advice together in one place, for the local community and to bring excitement and variety to an industry that at the time was very much in its infancy. "We are immensely proud of our success from those relatively humble beginnings and a nostalgic vintage tea party is the perfect way to celebrate with our customers and the wonderful team at Squire’s Twickenham."

Ms Squire started at Squire's as a Saturday girl and forged a career as a solicitor before returning to the family business.

She added: "It's such a close-knit group of staff here because everyone knows everyone - I was once asked to do Undercover Boss but it would have just been impossible."

As part of the celebrations, £238 was raised for the Mulberry Centre, which is Squire's chosen charity for 2014.

Squire's is inviting gardeners to share memories and photos of gardens in the Twickenham and Hampton areas to create an online gallery on its Facebook page and website.

Email marketing@squiresgardencentres.co.uk or call in at the store for information.