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Dvorajk
07-19-2025, 11:45 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

Arctic Fox
07-19-2025, 12:19 PM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

We get most of ours from Lowes (off 441) and the rest from Walmart

villagetinker
07-19-2025, 12:20 PM
You will also need to educate yourself on Florida friendly plants, many stores around here sell plants that are either not suitable for the Florida climate or worse yet invasive (like bamboo). IMHO, you might consider going to a Master Gardener meeting at Pinellas Plaza and get great advice on what to plant and what not to plant.

Bogie Shooter
07-19-2025, 12:46 PM
We get most of ours from Lowes (off 441) and the rest from Walmart

Walmart always cheaper than the nurseries , Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Happydaz
07-19-2025, 01:10 PM
Some good nurseries with knowledgeable staff are KB Landscaping, Fairfield Nurseries and Village Palms. They sell an excellent assortment of healthy annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines and trees. If the plants are large delivery can be arranged.

The big box stores offer many plants in good condition and they are a good option as well. The plants may be smaller and not as mature as the ones you will find at the professional nurseries. Just be sure you are knowledgeable in what you are purchasing otherwise you may buy a plant not suitable for this climate.

CarlR33
07-19-2025, 01:24 PM
Sone good nurseries with knowledgeable staff are KB Landscaping, Fairfield Nurseries and Village Palms. They sell an excellent assortment of healthy annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines and trees. If the plants are large delivery can be arranged.

The big box stores offer many plants in good condition and they are a good option as well. The plants may be smaller and not as mature as the ones you will find at the professional nurseries. Just be sure you are knowledgeable in what you are purchasing otherwise you may buy a plant not suitable for this climate.
Second for Fairfield Nursery.

REDCART
07-19-2025, 01:47 PM
Bountiful Farms, 27314 County Rd 33, Okahumpka, FL 34762 Farm: 352-978-5904, is a few miles (5 miles at most) South of TV. Their shrubs were very healthy and well formed. They may be a little more expensive than the Big Box Stores but the quality of their shrubs was quite obvious. They’re certainly less than Fairfield Farms, which also stocks quality plants.

They also have a bistro on the property for lunch, which is excellent too. Well worth a visit if only to see their offerings. You won’t be disappointed.

Happydaz
07-19-2025, 02:09 PM
Bountiful Farms, 27314 County Rd 33, Okahumpka, FL 34762 Farm: 352-978-5904, is a few miles (5 miles at most) South of TV. Their shrubs were very healthy and well formed. They may be a little more expensive than the Big Box Stores but the quality of their shrubs was quite obvious. They’re certainly less than Fairfield Farms, which also stocks quality plants.

They also have a bistro on the property for lunch, which is excellent too. Well worth a visit if only to see their offerings. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for the info on Bountiful Farms. Having a bistro for lunch sounds great! I will visit there soon.

Altavia
07-19-2025, 05:55 PM
Many of the Landscapers here use Gooney's in Lady Lake

38112 Arlington Ave,
Lady Lake, FL 32159

bowlingal
07-20-2025, 06:05 AM
try going to Cottage Garden on 466A just before 301. Lots of plants, rustic outdoor items, antiques, pots, gifts. Worth a visit, and knowledge people, the owner is on site.

peacefuldb
07-20-2025, 06:33 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

Drive to Groveland and go to Green Isle Nursery. It is a nice drive and they sell Florida Native plants and have a wealth of knowledge for you...how to plant and grow in Florida. Gardening is different here. You will love the butterflies and other pollinators that come. good for you and good for them. :-)

MicRoDrafting
07-20-2025, 07:27 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

Have been going to Goney’s Nursery & Landscape over the past year as to completely transform our Front Landscape …

… Ground Cover, Shrubs, and Palms are All Extremely Healthy,

and Reagan Gives us a bit of a discount for paying cash

Goneys Nursery and Landscaping (http://goneys.com/)

Gn'Me
07-20-2025, 07:39 AM
Bob Wines Nursery
Garden Nursery | Bob Wines Camellia Gardens | Ocala (https://www.bobwinesnursery.com)

yporter
07-20-2025, 08:16 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

Another vote for Goney’s Nursery & Landscape, and agreement with the suggestion that you have to be very careful at the big box stores, which do not have Florida-specific tags on their plants for hardiness and care; full sun is a whole 'nuther thing here than further north! And as Village Tinker warned, if you want bamboo be very sure to get from a good nursery to ensure it is really clumping bamboo; they truly will stay in a single spot unlike running bamboo which is a real problem in this climate!

I also agree with K&B, Fairfield Farms, Village Palms, and would add Struthers Nursery, 27041 County Rd 561, Tavares, FL 32778

I would much rather browse a garden store than go clothes shopping - on my list to still get to are Garden Spot Nursery, 5960 South Pine Ave Ocala, FL 34480 and Bob Wines Camellia Gardens & Nursery, 2610 SE 38TH Street, Ocala, Florida 34480. Another suggestion is to drive your golf cart around and take a good look at the neighbors yards to see what looks good to you, and stop and talk with folks about their plants; what is a struggle and what is thriving for them.

merrymini
07-20-2025, 08:47 AM
Do not buy your milkweed at big box stores. They use a systemic insecticide that will kill the caterpillars.

maistocars
07-20-2025, 10:12 AM
Lowe's on 466a and also on 441/27. However, July is not a good time to be getting plants as pickings are slim. Best time is mid to late March through April. We used to go KB Landscaping but have found their plants are no longer as good quality as they used to be.

midiwiz
07-20-2025, 11:51 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

it depends, if you just like to do it or if you are a 'landscape snob' for the latter go spend the ridiculous bucks on the professional degreed guys around here. Otherwise high tail it to Lowes. We have found over the last almost 30 years here in different parts of Florida that if you can read and use common sense, Lowes is all you need, costs a lot less, and grows far far better.

Yes when we moved here I had it all done because she wanted to. We have redone everything in less than 4 years because it all pretty much sucked. Now it's far more satisfying and growing extremely well. and yes we tried the landscapng places to get plants, still a no go on that one also.

Pwanderson
07-20-2025, 01:03 PM
Green Isle Gardens in Groveland is worth the drive. They have tons of native plants and very knowledge people to help you. You can order from their website before you go and they will hve your order ready. Their pricing is very good and the majority of their plants are grown locally!

Aherzog
07-20-2025, 02:28 PM
I've used Fairfield Farms Nursery on Rt. 301 in Oxford just past 466 on left.
Large variety, several different sizes on some. Yes, a bit more expensive but worth it in my opinion.

Gullwing
07-21-2025, 07:49 AM
Wondering where resident gardeners shop for their plants. I live in Mallory Square and like to tackle some of my own landscaping needs myself.

I think Naty’s nursery will fit your needs. Located on 468 before commerce road. Fruitland park.
Sod and plants we bought were about 1/2 the prices of box stores. They like cash

Pondboy
07-21-2025, 10:28 AM
Shop them all. But be knowledgeable about what you’re buying.

You will definitely need to amend the soil and fertilize the plants at least 3 times a year ; March, June and Sept.

Even thought they say the soil is “well draining” it’s not always the case.

I’d recommend this web site to get some detailed information on plants. There not all in our zone, but most are. ;

Guide to Florida Landscape Plants for the southern half of the Sunshine State (https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/)

RWhitburn
07-21-2025, 04:31 PM
Since moving to The Villages 11 years ago, I’ve had so many plant failures from buying at the big box stores and local nurseries. Since then, I’ve replaced many with native plants which thrive here and attract pollinators. Green Isle Gardens in Groveland is worth the trip! They have a huge selection of native plants and can provide you with so much information. They’ve got everything from trees to shrubs to groundcovers.

Green Isle Gardens - Green Isle Gardens - Florida Native Plants for Sale (https://www.greenislegardens.com/#/)

Happydaz
07-21-2025, 06:12 PM
Since moving to The Villages 11 years ago, I’ve had so many plant failures from buying at the big box stores and local nurseries. Since then, I’ve replaced many with native plants which thrive here and attract pollinators. Green Isle Gardens in Groveland is worth the trip! They have a huge selection of native plants and can provide you with so much information. They’ve got everything from trees to shrubs to groundcovers.

Green Isle Gardens - Green Isle Gardens - Florida Native Plants for Sale (https://www.greenislegardens.com/#/)

I have bought many plants from Green Isle Nurseries such as Walter’s Viburnums, Firebush, Oakleaf Hydrangea, coral honeysuckle, Simpson Stoppers, Marlberry, native bluberries, etc. My favorite native ground covers also come from there. Excellent native plant nursery. Well worth a visit.

Ozzello
07-30-2025, 05:56 PM
Lived here almost 60 years. I am a pro landscape designer and have worked in wholesale and retail nurseries since I was 13.
I don't "answer" questions by telling you to go ask someone else.

NO WAY would I use Home Depot or Lowes.

Your best bet is Goney's in Lady Lake. It is the ONLY retail nursery I will use. None of the other nurseries mentioned or not mentioned here are even close to the same class. They are still in the business of selling plants and will sell you what you like the looks of, and probably not give you a full rundown of "pros and cons".

You would benefit from a 30-minute phone call with me about soil and pest issues you will be dealing with and what plants you think you might want to use. Get a note pad and call 3523038610.

Ozzello
07-30-2025, 06:03 PM
it depends, if you just like to do it or if you are a 'landscape snob' for the latter go spend the ridiculous bucks on the professional degreed guys around here. Otherwise high tail it to Lowes. We have found over the last almost 30 years here in different parts of Florida that if you can read and use common sense, Lowes is all you need, costs a lot less, and grows far far better.

Yes when we moved here I had it all done because she wanted to. We have redone everything in less than 4 years because it all pretty much sucked. Now it's far more satisfying and growing extremely well. and yes we tried the landscapng places to get plants, still a no go on that one also.

LOL at thinking any of those guys actually have degrees. False claims and logical sounding half-truths are thicker than lovebugs around here with most of these landscape "designers" and nursery workers. And you won't find anything better at Lowes or Home Depot.
Big pretty nurseries just mean they make a lot of money.

JMintzer
07-30-2025, 07:41 PM
Lived here almost 60 years. I am a pro landscape designer and have worked in wholesale and retail nurseries since I was 13.
I don't "answer" questions by telling you to go ask someone else.

NO WAY would I use Home Depot or Lowes.

Your best bet is Goney's in Lady Lake. It is the ONLY retail nursery I will use. None of the other nurseries mentioned or not mentioned here are even close to the same class. They are still in the business of selling plants and will sell you what you like the looks of, and probably not give you a full rundown of "pros and cons".

You would benefit from a 30-minute phone call with me about soil and pest issues you will be dealing with and what plants you think you might want to use. Get a note pad and call 3523038610.

Last Februrary, I replaced the builder installed half dead tree in my front yard with a 3 trunk Robelinii Palm.

The cheapest I could find was on 466, just east of the Golf Cart store and Lighthouse Fish Market. $250 + 200 to remove old tree and plant the new one.

I went to Lowes and the had the same size palm for $95.99. Unfortunately, I couldn't fit it in my wife's SUV, so I got the slightly smaller size for $56.99.

My neighbor across the street and I dug out the old tree and planted the new one.

Took us about an hour and all it cost me was a bottle of Bourbon as a thank you.

It's already grown by more then a foot and I couldn't be happier.

My neighbor was the one who recommended Lowes, as he had done the same thing in his front yard 6-7 years ago, when he bought his house. His looks great, tall and full. I expect mine to be close to the same in a few years. As it is, it's a 100% improvement over what I had.

Ozzello
07-31-2025, 06:52 AM
Last Februrary, I replaced the builder installed half dead tree in my front yard with a 3 trunk Robelinii Palm.

The cheapest I could find was on 466, just east of the Golf Cart store and Lighthouse Fish Market. $250 + 200 to remove old tree and plant the new one.

I went to Lowes and the had the same size palm for $95.99. Unfortunately, I couldn't fit it in my wife's SUV, so I got the slightly smaller size for $56.99.

My neighbor across the street and I dug out the old tree and planted the new one.

Took us about an hour and all it cost me was a bottle of Bourbon as a thank you.

It's already grown by more than a foot and I couldn't be happier.

My neighbor was the one who recommended Lowes, as he had done the same thing in his front yard 6-7 years ago, when he bought his house. His looks great, tall and full. I expect mine to be close to the same in a few years. As it is, it's a 100% improvement over what I had.

That nursery you went to was as crooked and uneducated as they come, which is why they had to close up shop and move to the middle of nowhere.
The palm you saw for $95, most good landscapers buy for $50 and plant for $75 or $100 depending on context.
I will say, that when the job is very small, there has to be money in the job to actually make a profit. 2 men grabbing 1 plant, driving a truck that isn't leaking oil on the road in front of your house 20 minutes to your home, spending 30 minutes removing the tree, planting the new one and watering it in, checking the bubbler is there and properly adjusted...
Standard pricing:
1 hour with truck- $50
2 man hours- $100
+ price of plant.
The problem is there are no 2 men in the world that will be sent on this job and back at the nursery in 1 hour. But the process is how that nursery works. The EXPENSIVE nursery across the street sends out a truck and 2 men every Friday to do "small installs". But they have higher overhead and owners that expect to make more money. PLUS you got to shop at a cleaner prettier nursery. Pricing will be similar. Maybe higher.
Yes, doing ANY job yourself should save you money over hiring it done. But you didn't mention cutting up the old tree and dragging it to the curb and the mess you had to clean in your trunk.
What about warrantee from the nursery? That has value as well.

Ozzello
08-09-2025, 05:56 PM
I think Naty’s nursery will fit your needs. Located on 468 before commerce road. Fruitland park.
Sod and plants we bought were about 1/2 the prices of box stores. They like cash

"Likes cash"? So... cheating on taxes or stealing from the owner? Well as long as it SAVES ME MONEY!

RobertScott
08-09-2025, 06:19 PM
K and B in Wildwood just off 301 by Darrell's Diner

JMintzer
08-09-2025, 06:58 PM
That nursery you went to was as crooked and uneducated as they come, which is why they had to close up shop and move to the middle of nowhere.
The palm you saw for $95, most good landscapers buy for $50 and plant for $75 or $100 depending on context.
I will say, that when the job is very small, there has to be money in the job to actually make a profit. 2 men grabbing 1 plant, driving a truck that isn't leaking oil on the road in front of your house 20 minutes to your home, spending 30 minutes removing the tree, planting the new one and watering it in, checking the bubbler is there and properly adjusted...
Standard pricing:
1 hour with truck- $50
2 man hours- $100
+ price of plant.
The problem is there are no 2 men in the world that will be sent on this job and back at the nursery in 1 hour. But the process is how that nursery works. The EXPENSIVE nursery across the street sends out a truck and 2 men every Friday to do "small installs". But they have higher overhead and owners that expect to make more money. PLUS you got to shop at a cleaner prettier nursery. Pricing will be similar. Maybe higher.
Yes, doing ANY job yourself should save you money over hiring it done. But you didn't mention cutting up the old tree and dragging it to the curb and the mess you had to clean in your trunk.
What about warrantee from the nursery? That has value as well.

That "crooked" nursery was actually cheaper than any of the other half dozen nurseries I had visited before settling on Lowes.

The "mess" in my wife's SUV was contained by an old blanket we keep in the back of the SUV for just such an occasion. I removed the Palm, pulled out the blanket, shook out the small amount of dirt and threw it in the washing machine. No muss, no fuss...

The old tree was easily cut up with heavy duty Fisker shears (that I bought at Costco), and most of it fit in one of the brown paper yard bags. The bag and the rest of the tree was left by the curb and taken by the trash guys the next day...

Warranty? It's been 6 months and the palm is thriving... If it died within the first few months, Lowes would have replaced it.

If it dies a year from now, I'll replace it myself and I'll still be way ahead of the game...