Favorite Nurseries (plants) in and around Atlanta (Alpharetta, Forest Park: how much, townhomes)

[IntownHomes247]

It's been a tough couple of years for nurseries in Georgia and a number of them have gone out of business or are making changes to their business model in order to survive. I'm interested in finding out which nurseries people particularly like and how they are doing this year.

I've always liked Habersham Gardens off Cheshire Bridge [ http://habershamgardens.com/ ], they generally have a great selection of interesting plants. They closed down during the winter this year but are now open Wednesday - Sunday. They're definitely carrying a smaller inventory this year although it's still very early so they may bulk up in the coming months.

I was also at the Pike's at Toco Hills this weekend [ http://www.pikenursery.com/ ]. Pike's, of course, declared bankruptcy last year and its assets have now been sold off (I believe a California company bought most of the retail locations). I wasn't honestly expecting much when I stopped by, but was amazed at how much better their selection (and merchandising) is this spring than I've ever seen it before.

So where are some other good nurseries in Metro Atlanta (and Athens -- I know there are many nurseries near Athens because of the hort program at UGA).

[pinetreelover]

Originally Posted by IntownHomes247

I was also at the Pike's at Toco Hills this weekend [ Pike Nurseries ]. Pike's, of course, declared bankruptcy last year and its assets have now been sold off (I believe a California company bought most of the retail locations). I wasn't honestly expecting much when I stopped by, but was amazed at how much better their selection (and merchandising) is this spring than I've ever seen it before.

I agree about Pike's - I went to the one in Buckhead last week and was so impressed with their plant quality as well as their clear signage. Huge improvement!

I love Hastings as well - I don't buy a lot there, but I love to wander and get inspired by different plants. They have an excellent selection of larger specimen plants and trees.

Back when I used to plant annuals (I've given it up due to the watering restrictions and huge appetites of the wild bunnies in my yard), I liked to go to Scottsdale Farms in Alpharetta. With less planting now, it isn't really worth the trip anymore. I guess Pike's has my business again!

[IntownHomes247]

Somehow I liked Hastings more back in its old location across from Varsity Jr. I'm not sure why, but whenever I go to Hastings, I never seem to leave with any plants. And they have nice plants. Not sure why I find theirs more resistable than others.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by IntownHomes247

Somehow I liked Hastings more back in its old location across from Varsity Jr. I'm not sure why, but whenever I go to Hastings, I never seem to leave with any plants. And they have nice plants. Not sure why I find theirs more resistable than others.

Totally agree with you about the 'old' Hastings...loved the parakeets and the model train.
If you want to do some 'serious' landscaping...no better place to go than the Forest Park Farmers' Market.

[IntownHomes247]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

If you want to do some 'serious' landscaping...no better place to go than the Forest Park Farmers' Market.

I've never been down there. What kind of set-up do they have?

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by IntownHomes247

I've never been down there. What kind of set-up do they have?

Honestly, it's been about 10 years since I was down there...but they had a full nursery set-up then, and even had 12-15 ft trees for a really good price (the challenge being how to get them home). I'm presuming that they still have that going on.