Griffin at Skillins Greenhouses
Photograph © Kerry Michaels
Because I am prone to plant panic and am easily overwhelmed by acres and acres of plants, a great small nursery is my idea of heaven. Don't get me wrong, I love big nurseries too. Ok. I love any nursery where the people are friendly, knowledgeable and don't make you feel like an idiot.
I find that the plants at nurseries are more interesting and healthier, and contrary to what you might think, plants often cost the same amount or are even cheaper at nurseries than they are at big box stores. Even when they are a bit pricier, it is often worth the extra money to get a healthy plant that has been well tended and will live and thrive when you get it home.
I also love checking out nurseries when I travel. My family is used to screeching U turns, after I have spied and driven past a cool looking nursery.
Comments
LOVE that photo! Our tan tiger loves to play a game we call “Kitty in the Jungle” here. He sneaks off the side of the patio and hides himself in the daylily bed. heehee! We stopped off at our local nursery today just for fun. I felt bad telling the ladies (who recognize and acknowlege us every visit) that we weren’t there to buy anything…just looking and killing some time.
Hey Tris – I doubt the nursery minded. I often go and don’t buy–sometimes I’m overwhelmed. Sometimes I chicken out. Sometimes I just want inspiration or in the winter a mini vacation. My local nurseries are incredibly generous about letting me visit and take pictures too.
I figure that It’s different than a book store where people go in to do research so they can then buy the same product, only cheaper online. A locally sold plant is often just plain better than what you can buy online. That said, there are some notable exceptions. Some online nurseries are awesome and the plant quality is fabulous. Those however, unless they are having a sale, usually aren’t cheap.