Atlanta is a very large city now. It’s location in the center of Georgia means that there’s a long growing season here. A lot more plants will over-winter in a climate where the weather is not terribly extreme. In the early spring, Atlantans begin migrating in droves to the area’s many fine garden centers to stock up on their perennials, buy bulbs, get lawn equipment and soil additives and even learn to build their own back yard ponds. All the centers I highlighted have nurseries that specialize in plants that are either natives or are specifically suited to Atlanta’s climate and soil type. One does nothing but supply plants and trees.
http://www.habershamgardens.com/
Habersham Gardens is a full service landscaping company that has been serving the Atlanta Community for over 28 years. They have close ties with some of the city’s best contractors, architects and residential/commercial developers. Their in town garden center opened in 1996 and it won the Best of Atlanta’s award for the Best New Nursery that same year–quite an accomplishment. The center is quirky with constant music, a tin roof and calypso colors–quite a lively place. This center has the most unique plants available, with lots of patio art, fountains, pottery and statuary. Also unique are the seminars and container gardening workshops given on certain days. Contact them at (773) 895-7627.
http://www.hydrangea.com
Wilkerson Mill is a small nursery that has trees, perennials, vines and shrubs, but what it does best is to bring the public the very best hydrangeas available to Atlanta shoppers. They carry Mopheads, Lacecaps and Pegees as well as a fine collection of hydrangea vines. Wilderson emphasizes that they do not give design advice. They ship dormant plants from Sept. 1 to June 1. This nursery grows most of the plants they sell themselves, but about 25% of them come from other trusted Georgia nurseries. It is only open to the public at certain times in the spring and fall. They are just 20 minutes from the Atlanta airport. Call them at (770) 463-2400. Spring Retail Season: February 22nd – June 2nd Thur, Fri & Sat of each week 9 to 5. They have a newsletter form to fill in and receive a newsletter when they get some new or special stock on the premises. This nursery concentrates on the growing and propagating of their plants and trees. Because of this most of the purchases are made online from their web site, so contact them and order from them there or on a visit to their property outside Atlanta.
Wilkerson Mill Gardens
9595 Wilkerson Mill Rd.
Palmetto, Ga 30268
(770) 463-2400
http://www.pikenursery.com/
Pikes is the nation’s largest family owned and operated nursery. It has won over 150 Gardening Awards and has won the respect of the entire Atlanta community for the support they give to local festivals and charities. Online is a Garden Almanac which anyone anywhere can save and click on for general advice relating to seasonal and general care and maintenance of gardens. Their offline garden center outside Atlanta sells plants, trees, garden decor, tools, chemicals and soils. Their grass seed is specifically formulated just for Atlanta lawns and is suitable for sun or shade. Included in Pike’s services include specialty landscaping services by licensed landscape architects under the Pike Design Group. People who are interested in water gardening can attend Pike’s “Build a Pond Days” from 10-4 for just $29.95 and enjoy a complimentary lunch too. Experts take people through the 20 or so steps necessary to make the perfect pond. Contact for this is [email protected]
2101 LaVista Road
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 634-8604
