There’s a bit of good news for toughing out the many snowfalls this winter — the thick layers should make way for healthy blooms to start the growing season.
Joan Westby, general manager at Leitner’s garden center in St. Paul, says while winter was “terrible” because frost was so far into the ground that the freezing and thawing cycles delayed the season, things are looking up this spring.
“It’s been a cold winter, and having all that snow has really been the best insulation — better than hay and straw. Perennials and evergreens are safely under the snow and insulated from temperature fluctuations,” Westby says. “It’s nature’s way of protecting them.”
While spring may be off to a healthy start, it remains to be seen what summer has in store.
“I’m pretty confident plants have been insulated and protected. That’s all I can predict at this point,” Westby says. Beyond that, “It will depend on what happens weather-wise here on out.”
To prepare for the season, garden centers and shops are stocking up to have supplies at the ready for green thumbs. We’ve compiled a guide of garden spots and their specialties. Note that garden centers vary on when they open for the season, so call ahead or visit store websites for the latest information.
Abrahamson Nurseries. All three garden centers — in Stillwater, Scandia and St. Croix Falls — offer trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and more from nature’s bounty. Garden decor, gifts and supplies are also housed at the garden centers. Design and landscape services are available at each site. (2100 Tower Drive, Stillwater; 651-439-2140; 20021 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia; 651-433-2431; 1257 State Road 35, St. Croix Falls, Wis.; 715-483-3040; abrahamsonnurseries.com)
Bergmann’s Greenhouses and Farm Market. Green thumbs flock to this St. Croix River Valley destination for its large selection of things in bloom, ranging from lush bedding plants to overflowing floral hanging baskets. (12239 62nd St. N., Stillwater; 651-439-9577; withrowballroom.com/bergmanns–stillwater–greenhouse)
Country Sun Farm. This family-owned operation began as a wholesale business. But as the growers gained a reputation for quality flowers and plants, Country Sun Farm opened a retail operation with greenhouses and a garden center where a colorful variety of flowers and plants can be found. (11211 N. 60th St., Lake Elmo; 651-439-4156; countrysunfarm.com)
Camrose Hill Shop. Cindie Sinclair has turned a former dairy field into sprawling gardens of roses and wildflowers. From bridal bouquets to centerpieces, floral arrangements are elegant and garden fresh. In addition to the shop, the property also hosts events. (233 S. Second St., Stillwater; 651-351-9631; camrosehillflowers.com)
Dege Garden Center. For more than 100 years, generations have been coming for the center’s large selection of flower and vegetable seeds. The spot is also a draw for locally grown annuals, perennials, water plants and garden decor. During the season, George Dege, or “Mr. Lawn,” passes along his extensive gardening knowledge Saturday mornings on a national call-in talk show on 1220 AM Radio. (831 N. Century Ave., St. Paul; 651-739-5296; degegardencenter.com)
Fleur de Lis. For more than 20 years, this quaint floral shop on Cathedral Hill has been offering gorgeous seasonal and themed bouquets of things in bloom. The gift shop is popular for pottery and jewelry from local artists. (516 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-292-9562; fleurfresh.com)
Funkie Gardens. This nursery near William O’Brien State Park is a place to soak up nature’s bounty while stocking up on the center’s unusual offerings, such as Martagon lilies and woodland plants. More than 300 perennials and 400 hosta varieties can be found here. (19713 Quinnell Ave., Marine on St. Croix; 651-433-4599; funkiegardens.com)
Garden Safari Gifts. Inside the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, this shop has a reputation for keeping a lush stock of bonsai plants and supplies. It also has garden-themed gifts such as botanical beauty products, nature-inspired jewelry, apparel and stuffed animals. (1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; 651-487-8222; comozooconservatory.org)
Gray Gardens. Roam the charming Victorian grounds while getting gardening and landscape inspiration both indoors and out. In addition to trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, Gray Gardens stocks gazebos, fountains, statuaries and more for decorating your garden. (464 2nd St., Excelsior; 952-474-7180; graygardens.net)
Hermes Floral Greenhouses. For three generations, this family-run neighborhood spot has grown flowers and plants to sell at its floral, garden and gift shop. Design-savvy bouquets range from classic to contemporary, simple to lavish. (1639 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul; 651-646-7135 or 800-547-6334; hermesfloral.com)
Highland Nursery. This more than 60-year-old family-run institution has come a long way since Lois and Henry Harich started with a borrowed tent for a shop and a cigar box for a cash register. Now on West Seventh Street, it touts a shop and attached greenhouse featuring herbs, heirloom vegetables and unique plants. Statuary and other garden accents also are available. While strolling the grounds, check out the elaborate Bur Oak tree sculpture paying tribute to John Smith and Elizabeth Ryan Smith, who homesteaded the site in 1850. (1742 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-698-1708; thehighlandnursery.com)
Humble Acres. From zinnias to peonies — not to mention more than 100 hosta varieties — this spot emphasizes flowers and greenery friendly to our Upper Midwest climate. A new woodworking shop offering made-to-order pieces is also housed on site. Look for a May opening. (433 E. Cove Road, Hudson, Wis.; 612-290-5004; humbleacres.com)
Leitner’s. Deck out your patio and garden with finds from this St. Paul institution offering annuals, perennials, fruiting plants and shrubs. The garden center is especially known for custom potting plants and more than 100 varieties of herbs. The nursery also emphasizes local and independently owned growers. Original garden art is a treat during any visit. (945 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; 651-291-2655; leitnersstpaul.com)
Lilydale Garden Center. This garden design and installation center is a favorite for garden-style arrangements. Fans also appreciate the variety of flowering shrubs and tropical houseplants, as well as fruit and ornamental shade trees. A great place to shop for garden art with a wide selection of benches, statuary, fountains, birdbaths and other outdoor accents. Stop in the gift shop, which includes botanical and garden accessories, ranging from soaps to wind chimes. Purchases come with complimentary gift-wrapping. (941 Sibley Memorial Highway, St. Paul; 651-457-6040; lilydalegardencenter.com)
Mother Earth Gardens. Organic and sustainable are key philosophies at this independently owned spot. Look for a variety of seeds, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials and native trees and shrubs. Also a draw for finding eco-friendly, local, handmade gifts plus garden decor. Besides its original Longfellow location, Mother Earth Gardens opened a second site last year in Northeast Minneapolis. (3738 42nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-724-2296; and 2318 N.E. Lowry Ave., Minneapolis, 612-789-0796; motherearthgarden.com)
My Sister’s Garden. This western Wisconsin spot features annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, plants and gifts. It’s also popular for gardening workshops and landscaping services. (850 Kelly Road off Highway 12, Hudson, Wis.; 715-386-4111; mysistersgarden.com)
Petunia’s. Since the Excelsior store closed this past year, fans will be happy to hear Petnunia’s has moved to a shared retail space called Shop 501 in downtown Chaska. The new spot continues to carry an eclectic mix of accessories emphasizing vintage, including themed miniature gardens. And yes, the shop still stocks those signature flying-pig statues. (501 Chestnut St., Chaska; 763-300-8398)
Prairie Restoration. The two retail locations are an extension of Prairie Restoration’s expertise in native Minnesota flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. The spot is a gem for its unique and well-edited selection of garden accessories and nature-themed gifts such as books, botanicals and pottery from local artists. The Princeton location has expanded its Native Plant Center to include a larger retail area. (31646 128th St., Princeton, 763-389-4342; and 21120 Ozark Court N., Scandia, 651-433-1437; www.prairieresto.com)
Sam Kedem Nursery. A favorite destination for the variety of specialty roses, for everything from hedges to container pots. Fruits and vegetables are certified organic and locally grown. Customers come for pick-your-own fruit offerings and a garden-themed gift shop featuring flower baskets, homemade jam and more. (12414 191st St. E., Hastings; 651-437-7516; kedemroses.com)
Savory’s Gardens. During its 70 years, Savory’s has developed into a mail-order business specializing in hostas. During the growing season, shop on-site for not only hostas, but other varieties available at the garden store, opening May 1. (5300 Whiting Ave., Edina; 952-941-8755; savorysgardens.com)
Squire House Gardens. In a charming renovated 1875 home along the St. Croix River Valley, this nursery and display garden features annuals, perennials, herbs, trees and shrubs tough enough to survive extreme Upper Midwest climates. The gift shop, with everything from jewelry to skin-care products, home decor to jams, is a treat. Landscape design services are available. (3390 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 651-436-8080; squirehousegardens.com)
Tangletown Gardens. There’s plenty of eye candy at this eclectic spot that highlights local, sustainable garden art and pottery. Tangletown also boasts a large assortment of heirloom vegetables, aquatic plants and more than 3,000 perennial varieties. In the shop, look for everything from gardening tools to outdoor accessories, artisan jewelry to gifts. During the growing season, regulars come for the daily farmers’ market and to buy CSA shares with items from Tangletown’s own farm. (5353 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-822-4769; tangletowngardens.com)
Terrace Horticultural Books. Green thumbs and bookworms will appreciate one of the largest stocks around of books on planting and gardening. Rare books, seed and plant catalogs and periodicals are part of Kent Petterson’s vast collection. Shop and stay awhile: The grounds feature display gardens and “tea at the terrace” receptions several times a day. (503 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-222-5536; terracehorticulturalbooks.com)
Twiggs Home Garden. This Linden Hills shop draws landscapers and home interior designers alike. Along with flowers and plants, Twiggs Home Garden offers home pieces for both indoors and outdoors. Apothecary, apparel and gift items are sourced locally and from around the world. (4301 Uptown Ave. S.; Mpls.; 612-823-8944; shoptwiggs.com)
Twin City Nursery. Trademark polar bear statues are stationed outside for sale, making this family-owned White Bear Lake nursery easy to find. Once inside, you’ll find a large variety of seeds, annuals, evergreen perennials, ornamental shrubs, pines, firs and spruces. (4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651-429-0144; twincitynursery.com)
Whispering Gardens. A family-owned operation that started as a small greenhouse with perennials has blossomed into a full-service garden that includes annuals, trees and shrubs. Hanging baskets, unique hostas and a sizeable list of tomato varieties are among the top sellers. The gift store is a one-stop shop for everything from fountains and other garden art as well as cabin gifts, jewelry and botanicals. Be sure to check out the 1.5-acre landscaped display gardens with perennials, gazebo and large waterfall. (11180 70th St. S., Cottage Grove; 651-459-8080; whisperinggardens.com)
LARGER GARDEN SUPPLY CENTERS
Bachman’s Floral, Home Garden centers. The 129-year-old family-owned local enterprise has come a long way since founder Henry Bachman Sr. planted potatoes, lettuce, onions and squash in 1885 on a piece of land in South Minneapolis. That spot is now Bachman’s headquarters, as well as one of six retail centers, and it has become one of the largest garden centers and nurseries around. Famous for those purple delivery trucks, Bachman’s offers annuals, perennials, garden accessories, patio furniture, gift items and more. Those looking at landscaping also might like the Lyndale location’s most recent addition of the Hardscape Center, which includes a large selection of pavers, mulches and boulders. Landscape services are also offered here.
Bachman’s Lyndale flagship location, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-861-7600; bachmans.com
Apple Valley, 7955 W. 150th St.; 952-431-2242
Eden Prairie, 770 Prairie Center Drive; 952-941-7700
Fridley, 8200 University Ave. N.E.; 763-786-8200
Maplewood, 2600 White Bear Ave., 651-770-0531
Plymouth, 10050 Sixth Ave. N.; 763-541-1188
Gertens: With the motto “Buy from the grower,” this third-generation family-owned establishment sports a sprawling garden center with a large selection of annuals, roses and other perennials, plus trees and shrubs of all sizes and shapes. A “grill zone,” gift shop, water garden and an outdoor living space are among themed areas that take up more than 40,000 square feet of retail space. A large landscape supply yard and year-round seminars and clinics attract visitors. A state-of-the-art automated greenhouse has been added to the main campus in Inver Grove Heights; Gertens bought 80 acres from Buell’s Landscape and Design Center in Denmark Township; and earlier this year, the family operation purchased the 52-acre growing site of the former Linder’s Greenhouses in Lake Elmo.
5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-450-1501; gertens.com
This article also appeared in Spaces magazine.
Speak Your Mind