Best Plant Nurseries
Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, March 22nd, 2021 at 2:00pm.
Spring is here, which means it’s time to delve into gardening once again. Instead of heading to a big box store, may we recommend checking out a local plant nursery near you? We stand behind all of the garden centers that made our list – they each have a reputation for bountiful, robust plants and outstanding customer service to assist master gardeners to nervous novices and everyone in between.
Additionally, by shopping local, your garden investments will support your own friends and neighbors, and you’ll be able to explore the extensive cultivars that do best in our climate. Why choose the ordinary when an extraordinary garden is within reach?
(Please note that most of the following locations require masks and limit the number of shoppers who may enter the store at any one time. Staff will be happy to help you load large or heavy orders into your car, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!)
Without further ado, we present you with our list of the best plant nurseries in Middle Tennessee:
Gardens of Babylon
Nashville, TN
gardensofbabylon.com
Gardens of Babylon, now in its 18th year, is located next to the downtown Nashville Farmers’ Market. As “Nashville’s largest family-owned-and-operated garden center,” they strive to provide home gardeners and professionals with a fun, laid-back environment.
Whether you’re creating an entire garden for a client or seeking to add a single pop of green to your home’s interior, Gardens of Babylon will be happy to help.
Hewitt Garden and Design Center
Franklin, TN
hewittgc.com
Founded in 1985, this Franklin nursery offers consultations, full-scale landscaping, and installation services. Shop this gorgeous location’s thousands of impressively healthy plants, ranging from tiny houseplants to massive trees, from common varieties to unique finds, and be sure to take advantage of their friendly staff’s expertise.
JVI Secret Gardens
Nashville, TN
jvisecretgardens.com
JVI keeps its focus on creating “happy spaces for all to enjoy,” which is likely why the locals of Wilson County are delighted to explore their immense garden center and koi pond. Whether you’re upgrading your garden, shopping for houseplants, or require help with your water features and koi ponds, the knowledgeable staff at JVI is ready and eager to assist you year-round.
Martin's Home & Garden
Murfreesboro, TN
martinshomeandgarden.com
Founded in 1982, Martin’s Home & Garden has been Rutherford’s premier garden shop since they opened their doors. With an ever-rotating offering of seasonal plants, a proud, expert staff, a lovely selection of home décor, and an offering of locally-crafted artisanal eats, you’re likely to find yourself wanting to linger at Martin’s to soak up the friendly atmosphere.
Creekside Garden Center
Nashville, TN
creekside106.com
Established in 1992 by Nashville Natives Todd Estepp and Philip Gentry, the Belle Meade region’s Creekside Garden Center is designed to be a friendly, comfortable, affordable gardening destination for the locals of Nashville. The owners and most of the staff members know repeat customers by name and strive to make everyone feel at home. Nestled in a fork of the Richland Creek, Creekside is always stocked with high-quality plants, shrubs, and herbs. As you spend time amongst the vast selection of gorgeous plants and unique accessories, the staff hopes you’ll introduce yourself and ask as many questions as you like!
Long Hollow Gardens
Gallatin, TN
longhollowgardens.com
Long Hollow Gardens is now helmed by the 3rd generation of the Scott family. This garden center’s grounds are so picturesque that it’s also a highly sought-after wedding venue, so you may want to take some selfies once you’ve shopped for your garden needs. (Take a look at their Instagram for inspiration.) The staff is highly knowledgeable and notoriously friendly, so be sure to say hello and stop for a chat even if you don’t have any questions!
Fernwood Garden Center
Columbia, TN
fernwoodgardencenter.com
The Finley family opened Fernwood in Columbia in 2003, and have been expanding their lush, densely-packed garden center ever since. Within their breathtaking array of shrubs, trees, and flowering vines, you’ll find a statuary garden and antiques. Their knowledgeable staff of gardeners is always available to help you discern what’s best for your unique outdoor space. Tackling a large-scale gardening project? Consider tapping Fernwood for a landscaping consultation (they do that, too)!
Bates Nursery and Garden Center
Nashville, TN
batesnursery.com
Since 1932, Bates Nursery has been family-owned-and-operated, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Nashville. Shop this premier location’s robust trees, shrubbery, ornamental and edible plants, healthy houseplants, accessories, and more! The Bates employees are well-versed in all areas of gardening and they love helping beginners get started on their own gardens or indoor plant collections, so don’t hesitate in requesting assistance. Looking for a hard-to-find cultivar? If Bates Nursery doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they’re more than happy to order it for you.
Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Co
Old Hickory, TN
lccactico.com
From its humble beginnings as a pop-up shop at some of the numerous farmer's markets in the region to an established and well-loved brick-and-mortar store, this succulent shop has discovered a niche within the Middle Tennessee garden world. Shop their collection of cacti, succulents, air plants, and house plants alongside unique home décor and plant accessories at their new, laid-back, convenient location. Along with providing interested Nashville residents with an education on how to successfully raise succulents, Lawrence & Clarke also offers plants for hotel décor, terrarium building workshops, artisan night shopping markets, private parties, locally crafted pots, and vintage goods.
Moore & Moore Garden Center
Nashville, TN
mooreandmoore.com
Serving Nashville through three generations, family-owned-and-operated Moore and Moore has everything one could ask for when it comes to both indoor and outdoor gardening and landscaping. Whether you’re buying your very first houseplant or redesigning your whole garden, you’re sure to find the items and friendly assistance you need here. Ranging from traditional to organic plants, from classic to trendy decor, Moore just has more of what you’re looking for at prices you’ll love.
What’s your favorite nursery in Middle TN? Did we mention it above? Be sure to let us know in the comments. We appreciate your visit to us here at Parks, and we hope you’re able to spend some time outdoors to enjoy the beauty of spring in Tennessee.
