By Margo Greenman
Whether you were born with a green thumb or cultivated your botanical know-how over years of trial and error, if gardening is your thing, now is the time to get your hands dirty.
With the Pacific Northwest’s temperate climate, the region offers the perfect growing conditions for countless flower and plant varieties. And, from elaborately landscaped gardens to miniature window farms and more, gardening options exist for everyone from the multi-acre landowner to the city slicking apartment dweller.
To assist South Sound residents in their quest for the perfect plot, local garden shops and nurseries offer a variety of plants, tools and other equipment necessary for creating a range of garden types. Whether you want to load your backyard with native flora of the region or fill your greenhouse with more exotic finds, there’s a local garden shop that has what you’re looking for.
Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors
Located in University Place, Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors is more than just plants and trees, it’s a one stop shop for garden essentials like tools, soils, bark, compost, fertilizer, and more, including pottery and other decor and accent pieces for the garden and even the home. Willow Sales Associate Casey Sizer says in addition to the usual suspects, visitors of Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors will also enjoy the shop’s more unusual finds, which range from rare ornamental plants and succulents to unique heirloom tomato varieties and more. Sizer also notes that Willow offers custom planters, thoughtfully arranged by their resident plant artist, Wendy. Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors is open Monday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors
7216 27th St. W
University Place, WA 98466
253-565-8079
Jade Mountain Nursery
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Jade Mountain Nursery is a must. Featuring more than 30 species of bamboo, ornamental grasses, a variety of bonsai, japanese maples, ornamental trees, shrubs and more, Jade Mountain Nursery is your local headquarter for everything you need to add add some East Asian inspiration to your garden. In addition to a wide selection of plants, trees and other greenery, Jade Mountain Nursery also features a variety of unique ornaments for the yard, as well as books and other resources to help you get growing. Jade Mountain Nursery is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jade Mountain Nursery
5020 116th E
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-548-1129
GardenSphere
As Tacoma’s “urban chicken expert” for the past seven years, GardenSphere in Proctor is a backyard poultry farmer’s paradise. GardenSphere offers a wide variety of chicken breeds and information — including their popular Chicken 101 classes — to help you hit the ground running. Visit GardenSphere’s website to see which chicken breeds are currently in stock. Of course, if its plants, trees, or garden supplies you seek, GardenSphere offers a wide variety of all, including a unique organic lawn program designed to help you “garden simple.” Visit GardenSphere Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to see what’s in season.
GardenSphere
3310 N Proctor St.
Tacoma, WA 98407
253-761-7936
The Urban Gardener
City dwellers must often explore their creative side when it comes to starting a garden. With minimal space to sow, making the most of your yard can be a challenge. The Urban Gardener aims to assist by offering functional garden designs and landscaping services and compact container gardens to fit your home, as well as a variety of unique, vintage accents to bring your garden to life. Whether you’re looking for a consultation, coaching, or are interested in one of their popular container gardens, The Urban Gardener can help you make the most of minimal space. You can send questions to The Urban Gardener electronically at info@urbangardenerllc.com, or visit their antique garden shop Thursday and Friday, noon to 6:00 p.m., or Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Urban Gardener
1101 A St. #1
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-537-6716
Portland Avenue Nursery
Since 1941, Portland Avenue Nursery has been helping Tacomans grow their gardens. This 4-acre nursery features a wide variety of plants as well as a unique collection of Japanese maples and conifers, flowering and fruit trees, and more. Visitors often find inspiration as they meander through the nursery’s park-like layout. In addition to a massive selection of plants, Portland Avenue Nursery also features a popular selection of handcrafted cedar furniture, ceramic pots, decorative bird baths and much more. You can visit the nursery Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Portland Avenue Nursery
1409 59th St.
Tacoma, WA 98404
253-473-0194
Jungle Fever Exotics
For the most exotic selection of plants, shrubs and other greenery, Jungle Fever Exotics in Ruston is a local favorite for all things wild that grow. Expect to find inspiration around every corner as you navigate your way through this vibrant nursery. In addition to unique plants, Jungle Fever Exotics also features an eclectic selection of garden accents. For hours, please contact Jungle Fever Exotics at 253-759-1669.
Jungle Fever Exotics
5050 N Pearl St.
Ruston, WA 98407
253-759-1669
More South Sound Nurseries and Garden Shops
From the suburbs of Gig Harbor to the farmlands of Puyallup, nurseries and garden shops can be found in every nook and cranny. A Puyallup favorite for all things garden is Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery. This massive garden shop features a wide selection of plants from the ornamental to the edible and everything in between, including a great selection of roses.
If you’re looking for a more inspirational experience, Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood is a must. Offering a wide selection of garden plants, tools and accents at its garden shop and nursery, Lakewold also features a massive garden available for visitors to tour. The historic — and stunning — landmark is also available to rent for special occasions and events.
Rosedale Gardens offers the Gig Harbor community a full service nursery and gift shop staffed by a team of experienced gardeners. No matter the project, Rosedale Gardens can help you get your garden growing easily and beautifully in no time.
