The Best 5 Nurseries & Garden Centers

Brenda DarrochSnug Harbor Farm in Kennebunk, Maine

Tovah Martin, author of more than a dozen gardening books, including The New Terrarium (Clarkson Potter, 2009) and Tasha Tudor’s Garden (Houghton Mifflin, 1994), cruises the countryside on periodic reconnaissance missions, finding ingredients to stuff into her already jam-packed outdoor and indoor plantings. Here she divulges the names of the venues she raids on an annual basis. For more tips and suggestions, check out Yankee‘s “Gardening in New England” blog with Shelley Wigglesworth

Snug Harbor Farm

When it comes to gardening, it’s all in the presentation. On the snazz-o-meter, Snug Harbor’s containers, are seismic, with a sense of humor tossed in. Offering (among other novelties) succulents tucked into cement bricks and topiaries created from uncommon botanicals, folks here elevate gardening to the level of fine art. Open year-round. 87 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME. 207-967-2414; snugharborfarm.com

Nasami Farm Native Plant Nursery

Going native? Make a beeline to the New England Wildflower Society’s nursery, knowing that the plants you purchase are sustainably collected from seed or propagated on site. A newbie to natives? Staff members here know their stuff. Open April to early October. 128 North St., Whately, MA. 413-397-9922; newfs.org/visit/nasami-farm

Broken Arrow Nursery

If selecting woody plants gives you the shakes, quake no more. You’ll find the experts here, plus an unparalleled inventory of off-the-beaten-track and brand-new varieties (as well as selected old standbys). Their mountain-laurel collection is incredible. Open April to October 31. 13 Broken Arrow Road, Hamden, CT. 203-288-1026; brokenarrownursery.com

Cady’s Falls Nursery