With the androgynous passing of Winter and Spring, Summer is finally here with the perfect weather for gardening. While there still are frequent patches of rain here and there, the temperature has warmed up to create the perfect climate for planting. Whether your green thumb is seasoned, or brand new, there are plenty of places in Thurston County where you can find unique and affordable plants for every type of garden. In addition to the greenery, novice gardeners can also find great opportunities to take classes and volunteer with our local plant nurseries as well.
The nurseries that gardeners will frequent depend on a few factors; the type of garden, or plants that they are cultivating, the pricing of the plants, and their general health as well. Below are some of the best places in Thurston County to get great plants at great prices, in addition to learning a lot and enjoying yourself while you’re at it.
Olympia:
Black Lake Organic Nursery and Garden Store (4711 Black Lake Blvd, Olympia, WA 98512):
This nursery is one of the best reviewed in the Olympia area. Environmentally conscious gardeners love the fact that they sell high quality natural organic pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, they carry a selection of books highly recommended to get the beginner or advanced gardener going this season. Even better than the books, customers agree that the staff at the Black Lake Organic Nursery are amazing. They are knowledgeable, passionate and will help guide you through the varieties of plants they have to offer. To read some rave reviews for yourself follow this link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/black-lake-organic-olympia#hrid:XPp7zJP3eJfjAZlCVJKxlQ
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9AM-5PM
Website: www.blacklakeorganic.com
Bark and Garden Center (3334 Mud Bay Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502):
This nursery features a wide range of plant varieties, and a helpful staff. They have a huge selection covering more than 100,000 square feet of greenhouse space where they grow many of the plants that they sell; ensuring good quality from the start. In addition there are also specialized departments for help with houseplants, bonsai, water gardening, and more!
Summer Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9AM-6PM Sunday: 9AM-5PM
Website: www.barkandgarden.com
Tumwater:
Fairie Gardens Specialty Nursery (404 X St SE Tumwater, WA 98501):
This nursery specializes in herbs, perennials, evergreens and more. They also do landscape design and can give you a great head start on your dream garden. If you need some inspiration to get started, take a spin through some of their show gardens, there you will find many of the plants in the nursery fully matured surrounded with artful stone-scaping or water features. The Fairie Gardens also offers workshops for gardeners of all skill levels, for more information just visit their website.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM
Website: www.fairiegardens.net
Yelm:
Gordon’s Garden Center (308 Yelm Ave E, Yelm, WA 98597):
Gordon’s is a great accessible and beautiful nursery. You will find great indoor plants as well as gardening tools and décor, succulents, perennials, herbs and vegetable plants year round. One of their specialties is in the sale of mature and semi-mature trees, which gives any garden an instant head start. To help you choose, the staff are always around, knowledgeable and passionate about the plants they carry. Why shouldn’t they be? Gordon’s carry premier brands like Monrovia, and grows quality specimens of their own. Prices can be on the steep side depending on what you are looking for, however they have great sales frequently.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10AM-6PM Sundays: 10AM-5:30PM
Website: www.gordonsgardencenter.com
Jason’s Greenhouse Inc. (11337 Bald Hill Rd, Yelm, WA 98597):
Jason’s is a little more out of the way, but the extra drive is well worth it. They specialize in mature and semi-mature trees and shrubbery in evergreen and fruit bearing varieties, as well as vegetable plants and perennials that are known for being really healthy. They are also a great one-stop-shop if you need beauty bark, fertilizer, or soil.
Hours: 7 Days a Week: 9AM-5PM
Jason’s does not have a website, however you can follow them on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/jasonsgh
Rochester:
Lael’s Moon Garden Nursery (17813 Moon Road SW Rochester, WA 98579):
Enjoy walks through relaxing and gorgeous Japanese-style gardens beautifully matured and manicured. Primrose and Strawberry Rant display some of the great finds you can snag at their nursery. They sell nearly 1,000 different varieties of Japanese maples, herbs, and perennials year round! Even if you cannot stop by, their website has a helpful, “Garden Tips,” section with advice on planting, watering, and containing plants as well as ideas for gardening throughout the different seasons.
Hours: Thursday-Monday 10AM-6PM
Website: www.laelsmoongarden.com
