Can anyone recommend a moderately priced garden center in Brooklyn? I live in Fort Greene and we have a couple cute small garden shops, but they’re expensive. I’m wondering if there are large garden centers further out in, Brooklyn, similar to those you find in the suburbs.


Comments

  1. Brownstoner: It would be great if next summer you could run some sort of feature on Brooklyn brownstone gardens, asking people to send in photos of their front and back yards, etc., exchange gardening advice and so forth. What do you think?

  2. another really helpful site is the gardenweb forum. there is a section for metro ny, on which they discuss the particular problems of city gardening, and also what plants do well here. then you can check out the other forums by category. they have ones for almost any plant you can think of, xeriscaping (using drought resistant native plants), garden furniture–you name it. there is even a section for newbies to ask questions. it’s been a great resource for me as i “learn” my way around my garden…
    i’m itching to see what mr. and mrs. brownstoner are doing (or going to do) with their garden)!

    http://ny.gardenweb.com/forums/nygarden

  3. That is such good advice, sba. Thanks.

    I’m excited to explore grasses, drought resistant plants, and generally more ecologically-friendly plantings.

  4. for bulbs, i use van engelen inc. for large qtys…www.vanengelen.com

    for clematis, i use completely clematis…they are on the web only at http://www.clematisnursery.com i bought some sweet autumn clematis a year ago, and it is already at 8ft. i also bought some japanese roguchi there as well. they have alot of info on the pruning of clematis and when i had questions, they’ve always been very very helpful. i really love their stuff, and the website is very informative.

    for hostas (and not the “boring” kind…) walnut grove nursery at http://www.walnutgrovenursery.net i bought 12 hosta “munchkins” for a border, and they filled in beautifully over the summer.

    i drive up to roseland nursery when i need some visual inspiration. i’m a not a beginner, but i’m no pro either. it has everything arranged alphabetically and grouped by sun/shade/groundcover etc. it helps to see things grouped together like that (for me anyway) so i can go over to the groundcover section and say, hey i like that vinca more than the pachysandra, but not as much as the bugleweed (ajuga). plus it’s a good learning experience. i was never a big fan of grasses (i thought they should stay on the prairie), but after going there and seeing all the different varieties, i am now the proud owner of some japanese blood grass. i think it’s stunning.

    i would definitely suggest taking a class at the brooklyn botanical garden. i’m going to the fall container gardening workshop this weekend…3 hours for $30 (non-member). they also have a 6 week “design your own garden” workshop.

  5. Which catalogues are good to order from?

    To 7:31 — I hope your sister does open that garden center! We need it. There are lots of people who would love it in Brownstone Brooklyn.

    Oh, and we must not forget Gardell’s Garden next to the Habana Outpost in Fort Greene. They have some good greenery to buy after you’ve bought your gravel, brick, and fence @ HD or Lowes.

    Also, don’t forget, Ikea has some really affordable and stylish garden furniture. Target as well (not sure if they carry it at the Atlantic Center, but I’ve seen it at every other location).

  6. It’s a trip, but I still prefer Hicks Nursery in Westbury. It’s an hours drive, but they have the best selection, and people who can really help you.

  7. professional gardeners can’t be hired just to buy plants at wholesale….

    of course, if you have a car and can get to the nurseries on long island (or westchester or nj for that matter), you’re going to get a lot more variety. you can order from catalogs as well.

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