Cultivar Gardens gardening,plant shopping A Gardening Fiend’s Perfect Day

A Gardening Fiend’s Perfect Day

. . . of Plant Shopping in Metro West!

There are times in life when a self-indulgent day off is warranted, and if you are an avid gardener, a day in early May is definitely one of those times. How often have colleagues ducked out for an afternoon Red Sox game? It’s your turn. Go on— the moment to peruse this year’s crop of perennials, shrubs and vegetables is NOW. The sales tables are overflowing and interesting new varieties are calling your name.

Starting in Wayland and ending in Lincoln via Sudbury and Concord browse your way through five garden shops, nurseries and farm stands that will inspire discerning pros and newbie gardeners alike.

 
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A. Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland

Hours:  daily 9-5:30  508-358-2283

The perennial buyer at Russell’s does a phenomenal job.  You’ll find a a large and irresistible collection of plants from old favorites in every color and variation imaginable to unusual varieties rarely seen elsewhere.  Plan to spend one or two hours at Russell’s.  Go on a Wed. after 12 pm and catch the weekly Farmer’s Market for another layer of delight.

Food Stop!

 

Karma Coffee

 

100c Boston Post Road, Sudbury. 978-443-2073. 7 am – 2pm M-S.

This tiny hole in the wall hidden behind Papa Gino’s roasts and grinds its beans on the premises and attracts die-hard coffee lovers. If you prefer a comfortable table and a wider offering of beverages and food continue on to . . .

 

Sudbury Coffee Works

 

15 Union Ave. 978-440-9752. M-F 6am- 5pm, S 6:30am – 4 pm.

 

Sudbury Coffee Works has a fine selection of coffee, which they also roast on the premises,
and other beverages as well as a tempting menu of gourmet baked goods and sandwiches.

 

B. New England Garden Ornaments,  81 Union Ave, Sudbury

Hours: T-F 10 am- 5 pm 978-579-8900,

NEGO moved to Sudbury from North Brookfield MA in 2009,  shortening the pilgrimage that designers and gardeners in the know had been making for 20 years to shop this collection of imported antique containers, urns and statuary.

C. Cavicchio’s

Wholesale only

Continue north on Union Ave and look to your left for an amazing sight. Acres and acres of potted annuals and perennials  create blocks of solid color at Cavicchio Wholesale Nursery. What you see is a fraction of Cavicchio’s inventory.  It’s clear from just a glance that Cavicchio is the largest wholesaler of container-grown annuals and perennials in New England.  Cavicchio sells exclusively wholesale so drive on by. Undoubtedly you will see their plants at garden centers this season.

D.  Verrill Farm 11 Wheeler Road, Concord

Hours:  9am-7pm daily,  978-369-4494

The next stop is 6.5 miles away at Verrill Farm in Concord, just at the Sudbury line. Wave hello to the Mahoney’s just across the street, but save that stop for another day when you can check out their flagship store in Winchester.  Verrill Farm is a minor plant hunting spot, but a major source of inspiration.  The shop is surrounded by Verrill’s beautiful fields. They sell a small assortment of vegetable, herb and flower plants, and carry a wonderful selection of their own vegetables and home made foods.

Food Stop!

 

Plan your route to stop at Verrill Farm for lunch — or pick up dinner so you can spend the afternoon planting all your new treasures.  Verrill’s menu is built around the food that they grow. They are locally famous for their apple pie.  Bring a cooler— bet you don’t leave empty handed!

 

E. Brigham Farm Stand, 117 Fitchburg Tpke, Concord

Hours:978-287-4334, open daily 10-5

Just around the corner from Verrill Farm is Brigham’s, a sweetly old fashioned farm stand that packs an unexpected punch.  Just to the left of the building, under the shade of a large maple, are low tables full of exotic elephant ears and other unusual annuals grown in their greenhouse.  The choice of dark hued foliage and dramatic statement plants is excellent.

F. Stonegate Gardens, 339 South Great Rd, Lincoln

Hours: 8am – 6 pm M-S, 9am- 5 pm Sun.781-259-8884.

Up to this point the focus has been on annuals, perennials and vegetables.  While Stonegate has plenty of those,  this is your chance to shop the area’s best collection of dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, and other small shrubs and trees.  You will also find a large and discerning collection of containers awaiting your creations or pre-planted by Stonegate’s designer.  For design inspiration this is the place to stroll and take notes.  Colors, textures and  gorgeous vessels present a unique and modern spin at Stonegate. Don’t skip this one.

Food Stop!

Dairy Joy

331 North Ave., Weston,
5 miles east of Stonegate Gardens on Rt. 117

 Try their javaberry soft serve.

Now get planting!

 

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