Get inspired to grow something beautiful in America’s Garden Capital. From native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly perennials to rare garden favorites and vegetable seedlings, the region’s public gardens, arboreta, and specialty nurseries offer some of the best plant shopping near Philadelphia. Many locations are staffed by horticultural experts who can help you choose the right plants for your space, while your purchase directly supports the gardens and nonprofit organizations that help the region thrive.
Bring home ideas inspired by the region’s public gardens.
Spend the day exploring beautiful display gardens, seasonal blooms, and inspiring landscapes—then bring a little of that inspiration home with you.
Several public gardens and specialty horticultural destinations throughout the region offer thoughtfully curated plant shops and seasonal sales featuring everything from native plants and pollinator favorites to unusual perennials, flowering shrubs, herbs, and container garden selections. Seeing mature plants growing in real garden settings can also help spark ideas for your own landscape, whether you garden on a city patio or across a larger backyard.
Whether you leave with a single potted plant or a car full of new additions, it’s a chance to bring a piece of America’s Garden Capital home to your own garden.
Tips for Plant Shopping Success
Shop Early for the Best Selection
Popular varieties—especially native plants, specialty perennials, tomatoes, herbs, and hanging baskets—often sell out quickly during peak spring weekends. Shopping earlier in the season typically means the widest selection and healthiest inventory.
Know Your Garden Conditions
Before heading out, take note of how much sunlight your space receives and whether your soil tends to stay wet, dry, sandy, or compacted. Even a quick phone photo of your planting area can help nursery staff recommend the right plants for your conditions.
Don’t Shop by Bloom Alone
It’s easy to gravitate toward whatever is flowering most dramatically at the moment, but successful gardens rely on a mix of bloom times, foliage textures, structure, and seasonal interest. Consider how plants will look throughout the entire growing season—not just on the day you buy them.
Ask Questions
One of the advantages of shopping at public gardens and specialty nurseries is access to knowledgeable horticultural staff and volunteers. They can often recommend plants suited for local growing conditions, pollinator support, deer resistance, drought tolerance, or smaller urban spaces.
Start Small
If you’re new to gardening, begin with a few reliable plants rather than trying to redesign an entire landscape at once. Even a container garden, pollinator patch, or small planting bed can make a big impact and grow over time.
Leave Room in the Car
You may arrive planning to buy a few plants and leave with far more. Consider bringing a tarp, cardboard box, or reusable trays to help transport pots safely—especially after visiting one of the region’s larger seasonal plant sales.
Where to Buy Plants
The following gardens have on-site plant nurseries or shops, open seasonally with a diverse selection of plants. Some offer discounts to their members—just one of the many benefits of membership to your favorite garden!
- The Native Plant Nursery at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Open for the 2026 season. Voted one of the Top 10 Best Plant Nurseries in America by USA Today! - The Garden Shop Nursery at Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
Open for the 2026 season. - Tiffany Perennials at the Gardens at Mill Fleurs
Open for the 2026 season. - Native plant stand at Stoneleigh
- Native plant stand at Mt. Cuba Center
- Collins Nursery at the Ambler Arboretum
Open select dates through October, check website for details.
While spring is one of the most exciting times to shop for plants in America’s Garden Capital, the gardening season continues well beyond May. Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, shrubs, and native species for long-term garden success. No matter the season, the region’s public gardens and specialty nurseries offer new inspiration, expert guidance, and opportunities to connect more deeply with the beauty of gardening close to home.
Plant Sale Events
In addition to season-long shopping, don’t miss these upcoming plant sale special events. Plant sales are a great place to pick up something unique and new for your garden.
- April 11 & 12 2026 (Virtual Shopping) | Stoneleigh: a natural garden
- May 1-3, 2026 | Henry Botanic Garden
- April 24 – 26, 2026 | Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
- May 2-3, 2026 | Grounds for Sculpture
- May 2-3, 2026 | Tyler Arboretum
- May 7, 2026 | Haverford College Arboretum
