February 5, 2019
I’m home again for a second snow day in a row. It’s beautiful outside – crisp and sunny, but a bit cold (20 degrees) for a long walk. I’m indoors working, doing chores, getting ready for the next storm, and dreaming of spring.
Today during my breaks between work, vacuuming and laundry, I’m indulging in a little fantasy browsing: I’m wandering through the websites and social media pages of local garden shops and nurseries! Seeing the flowers and plants makes me happy, even if it’s not in person.
Take a look at some of the wonderful garden stores available near me here in Seattle, Washington!
City People’s
I don’t live near downtown Seattle – I’m in the suburbs two cities over – so I don’t often get to visit City People’s. I have fond memories of their beautiful garden center and tempting shop from my days living in the city. Back then I couldn’t afford to buy anything, so just looked and dreamed. Now I need to make a plan to drive out with a full wallet and an empty trunk and an afternoon to shop!
I won’t be able to browse City People’s garden center until Spring – it’s closed for the season, alas. For now, they are hosting classes throughout February and March, including “Starting from Seed” and “Pruning Fruit Trees.”
Their store includes a mercantile – so fun to browse – where you can buy hardware, soaps, housewares, cookware, gifts, outdoor furniture, clothing accessories and jewelry.
City People’s Garden Store on Facebook
City People’s Mercantile on Facebook
Winnie the Cat of City People’s on Instagram
Magnolia Garden Center
Here’s another fabulous garden store near the center of Seattle. Alas, it’s a long drive away from my suburban home – but so worth it! They also have a tempting, wallet-draining gift shop with so many lovely items. They also offer gardening classes – their most recent was a Rose Care class.
I grow a few citrus trees indoors, and need to stop by for some advice and to pick up a Persian Lime tree to add to my tree family.
https://www.magnoliagardencenter.com
Magnolia Garden Center on Facebook
Magnolia Garden Center Gift Shop on Facebook
Molbak’s Garden + Home
I live very, dangerously close to this amazing nursery, garden, and home decor gift store. Their store includes 10 acres of greenhouses and nursery space, plus a gigantic gift shop with outdoor furniture, gourmet food, home decor, and huge Christmas and holiday displays during the holidays. It’s a local tradition to bring your family and pose for photos in front of the giant 12 foot “Poinsettia tree.”
Whenever I get tired of our gray, dark, rainy winter days, I drive over to browse their incredibly beautiful displays, walk in the greenhouse among all the cheerful green plants, and shop for a refreshing bath soap or candle.
Molbak’s has a garden cafe and wine bar, ongoing classes and garden plant workshops, tons of events, and helpful garden shop employees. I just wish the home store employees were a little friendlier at times – they’ve been quite snotty on several occasions. Still, it doesn’t prevent me from enjoying shopping there.
I can’t wait to shop there this Spring, for my herb garden, vegetable garden, and flower beds!
Ravenna Gardens
This is a darling little plant and gift shop at a local yuppie mall, University Village. The selection is carefully curated, and so fun to browse for treasures! It can truly be a magical experience visiting this adorable shop.
I was going to invite you to explore their blog, but sadly (and rather unprofessionally) it hasn’t been updated since 2016.
http://www.ravennagardens.com/
Swansons Nursery
I’ve never been to this legendary, famous, beloved Seattle area nursery. It’s on my list of must-visit places this spring! I haven’t been to the Ballard neighborhood in too long, anyway.
This nursery and gift shop is quite busy, with events, classes and workshops hosted frequently. Their helpful gardening blog is updated often, and part of their website offers gardening tips for the Pacific Northwest.
The shop also features a cafe, called Barn & Field. It’s in their conservatory – gasp – I need to get tea here and check it out!
https://www.swansonsnursery.com/
Hope you enjoyed browsing along with me today, dreaming of Spring!
-Carrie
