A Plant-Obsessed Creative’s favorite greenhouses
By day I’m a Wedding, Newborn and Brand photographer and graphic designer. In my off hours, during spring and summer, I’m a greenhouse warrior…🤣 There is nothing more relaxing for me than collecting house plants, decorating my porch, filling out my flower beds, and planning the garden.
Thankfully our little community here in Hebron, Nebraska, and surrounding areas, have some of the sweetest greenhouses to find everything to fill my green spaces with joy. So in today’s article I’ll be sharing some of my favorite nurseries and greenhouses to visit when the weather gets warm.
GROWING LOCAL
My first greenhouse stops are always my local ones. As a fellow small business I always love to keep “local growing.” PLUS, the best kept secrets are always at privately owned greenhouses! Not only do they carry your popular basics, but they tend to also have the more unique finds. Like the annuals I don’t see often, or the well curated hanging baskets that I can’t take my eyes off. I found some of my ALL TIME favorites at our local greenhouses! So if you live near my general area make sure to check out:
True Value Hardware
745 N 13th St, Hebron, NE 68370
Greenhouse open seasonally
We LOVE visiting our local True Value greenhouse. My little guy carries his own basket as we wonder through the greenhouse. They do such a fantastic job making selections for their stock, and the hanging baskets here are some of my fav!! They have a little of everything from trees and shrubs to veggies, perennials and annuals. Plus they offer essential landscape supplies, like potting soil, rock, and pavers. It’s the perfect stop for whenever I need just “one more thing.”
The Petal Patch
4410 Rd G, Hardy, NE 68943
Greenhouse open seasonally
Special events offered all year long
Petal Patch is a rural greenhouse that has been expanding since 2001. It’s a little too convenient they’re located not far from where we live! Some of my favorite annuals have been discovered here. They have two big greenhouses which hold a healthy selection of annuals, vegetables, perennials, and even some metal garden art. The Petal Patch is definitely a local must see!
VENTURING OUT
Now sometimes my planting research gets a little carried away. This usually happens with bigger yard projects where I’m looking for really specific perennials, or doing a specialty project. Like this year, I’m attempting to fill out an above ground pond feature with aquatic plants. So if I need to venture out I have some go-to stops that rarely disappoint!
Campbell’s Nursery
Two Locations (Lincoln, NE)
Open Year Round
Campbell’s is a fairly large greenhouse, with two locations in Lincoln, NE. They offer quite an extensive selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, house plants, and garden\yard accessories. While you can expect a higher price point in general, they are still very reasonably priced for their area. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgable.
Earl May
Family-owned • Several locations
Open Year Round
Despite its chain-like nature, with 28 locations, Earl May holds a special place in my heart. It was the garden center I grew up knowing and loving when I was a kid. Back then they had small pets, birds and fish along with their garden supply. While much has changed about them, they’re still one of my favorite places to find quality planter pottery, unique indoor plants, and a wide variety of annuals and perennials.
BONUS STOPS
Typically by the time I’m done visiting my favorite shops I’ve already got most of what I need. But does that stop me from taking a peek at other places? No, no it does not. Some other places I like to pop through if I have time include:
At Home — This is a chain store, but they have an excellent selection on planters. As well as a large variety of yard decor and outdoor furniture.
Tractor Supply — Red Shed yard decor and outdoor furniture has me in a chokehold. Plus I find some unique plants and planters now and then.
POP UPS — There is a pop up greenhouse in Lincoln across the street to the south from At Home. I believe it’s called Kaw Valley Greenhouses. (Don’t quote me on that. HA!) But it always has a neat variety and some fun planters.
FLEA MARKETS — Yes, flea markets. There’s always plant booths there with some really well thought out baskets and specialty items. Plus, they’re a great place to find antique yard decor! (More on that another time. 😜)
