Where do you buy gardening products?
I would like to know which outlets our members favor for purchasing seeds, starts, fertilizers, amendments, tools, etc.
I assume that our members know that we are entitled to a 10% discount on purchases made at Concentrates Organic Agricultural Specialists in Milwaukie. I visit each spring to get soil amendments and just to wander among their amazing inventory of organic fertilizers. This is a place for serious gardeners!
Close by our garden is Coastal Farm and Ranch. When I need something in a hurry that's my go-to place. They have great tools and a good selection of amendments and organics. Good prices, too.
I like patronizing a couple of local mom-and-pop nurseries: Milwaukie Floral and Garden on Lake Road and Valley Garden on McLaughlin (they are the definition of "mom and pop" and they are aggressively helpful and friendly).
Portland Nursery is farther away, but, wow, do they have the goods! They have a great selection of seeds from Territorial, an Oregon company, and a wide range of supplies for those of us who start our gardens from last year's seeds. On a rainy day in February or early March I make a pilgrimage to their S.E. Division location.
And while I'm in that neck of the woods, not too far away is Tony's Garden Center on Holgate Road. When I'm going to or from Mt. Hood for a day hike, I always have to stop at Tony's in Damascus.
Speaking of Territorial, their online store is an endless source of inspiration and garden planning, even if you don't buy directly from them.
Then there's the big box stores that can often have good deals. I got my tomato cages at Lowe's and some garden hardware like stakes. Home Depot is my go-to place for renting tillers. Does anyone else find it irresistible to bypass the long rows of starts each spring at Fred Meyer? I always end up buying something there--on impulse!
As a member of the board of directors of the garden, I have been approaching some of these businesses to explore opportunities for discounts or other benefits for our members--similar to our Concentrates discount. So I'd love any input you might have about your favorite places--or any influence you might have in approaching them to partner with our members.
Happy Gardening!
I favor Territorial Seed in Cottage Grove for seeds and plants that are acclimated to our region. They are a responsible company and offer m any organic seeds and plants.
I recently found Al's Garden & Home which has four locations: Woodburn, Sherwood, Gresham, and and Wilsonville. I visited the Gresham location and purchased Seascape Strawberries for a very reasonable sum. Their inventory is impressive.
Serre's Farms and Garden Center at 14620 Forsythe Road, Oregon City, 97045 has a nice array of transplants.
This Friday we are going to check out several garden places:
Tony's Garden Center, 10473 SE 172nd Ave. Happy Valley, 97086. I passed them driving through Damascus on my way to Al's several weeks ago; and Stafford Ridge Nursery, 10 Rosemont Rd., West Linn, 97068.