When spring hits the PNW, I turn into a kid in a candy store—I’m instantly dreaming up garden plans and itching to dig in the dirt. I can't help myself... I have to visit all my favorite local nurseries to get my green fix. Whether I’m on a mission for veggies, hunting down a show-stopper shrub, or just wandering the aisles for inspiration, these spots always deliver. Without further ado, here’s my go-to list of garden spots around Whatcom and Skagit:
🌿 Christianson's Nursery & Greenhouse (Mount Vernon)
Christianson’s is my favorite nursery in the whole region. It’s like stepping into a romantic European garden—there’s even a restored glass greenhouse from the 1880s! They’ve got a huge selection of plants, and the staff are seriously plant geniuses. The gift shop is fantastic. I can seriously spend a whole afternoon here!
🌿 Kent's Garden & Nursery (Bellingham)
Kent’s is a five-acre wonderland in North Bellingham. They’ve been around since 1976, and the selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials never disappoints. My favorite part is the people that work there, they are so nice and knowledgeable, and they’ll even make great recommendations for landscapers who can help with yard installs.
🌿 Garden Spot Nursery (Bellingham)
Right in the heart of Bellingham, this nursery is packed with personality (and houseplants!). They’re open year-round, and their gift section is cute. They have a nice selection of both indoor and outdoor pots. It’s a great place to go if you’re out running errands, don’t have a ton of time and just want a quick plant fix!
🌿 Cloud Mountain Farm Center (Everson)
This one’s a little more off the beaten path, but totally worth the drive. It’s actually a non-profit organization that’s all about food-growing and sustainability, and the nursery has the best selection of fruit trees in the maritime Northwest.
🌿 Salazar's Nursery & Landscaping Supplies (Mount Vernon)
Need plants and mulch and river rock? Salazar’s has you covered. It’s not the “wander around and sip coffee” type of nursery—it’s more practical—but they’ve got a lot of great stuff.
🌿 Skagit Acres (Mount Vernon)
Okay, this place is basically Disneyland for gardeners. There’s a garden center, gift shop, little café, and seasonal events that are actually really fun. Great spot to bring friends or out-of-town guests.
🌿 Burkland Gardens (Mount Vernon)
Conifer fans, this is your place. They specialize in dwarf and unusual conifers. They’re open by appointment only.
🌿 My Garden Nursery (Bellingham)
This one does a great job of making gardening feel fun and approachable. The purple-everything theme is a little much for me, personally, but they have a great selection of gardening tools, and a selection of both classic and quirky plants. They also offer a lot of classes and seminars on a variety of topics.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just looking for something cute for your front porch, these nurseries are all local gems. Let me know if you want recommendations for what to plant when—or if you need help making your front yard feel a little more “you.” 💚 Or my favorite question, “How do I increase curb appeal with my yard before I sell my house?” Don’t hesitate to reach out… I always have ideas!
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