November/December 2018
More Gems from the Emerald City By Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

The Garden Centers of America Summer Tour took place in and around Seattle, and we shared with you some stops in the September/October issue. Here are more IGCs that stood out.

Molbak’s Garden + Home

Woodinville, Washington

1. Molbak’s kept consistent branding throughout the store with these chalkboard-like signs that were easy to read and informative. 2. Something as simple as adding clay pots to the lights immediately spruced up the greenhouse. 3. Molbak’s thinks beyond traditional categories with gifts specifically designed for men — including a jerky vending machine. 4. Entertainment in the greenhouse played a huge role with a community piano, a stage for live music, and a separate room for workshops and events.

Swansons Nursery

Seattle, Washington

1.  Swansons Nursery started out with strong curb appeal thanks to its dinosaur Humphrey who gets a new outfit each year, this time with perennial and annual vines growing from his “boot planters” (image above). 2. Instead of organizing shrubs in a traditional way, they were merchandised for their mature height — short, medium or tall. 3. Signs didn’t overestimate the knowledge of customers. These two examples were basic but needed, one explaining what to do with pots that don’t have drainage holes and the other to identify mature flower color.

Sunnyside Nursery

Marysville, Washington

1. Sunnyside Nursery has a unique opportunity to showcase what it sells, since owners Steve and Pauline Smith live in a house on the edge of the property. In their backyard display garden, 2. customers can walk through the yard where many plants are labeled and 3. people can be inspired for their outdoor living spaces.

West Seattle Nursery & Garden Center

Seattle, Washington

1. The newest building at West Seattle was a haven for some of the hottest trends in gardening right now such as tillandsia. 2. Succulent offerings included large planters as well as quick grab-and- go items, and 3. near the checkout, a small espresso bar made for a low-cost investment to caffeinate customers while shopping.

Windmill Gardens

Sumner, Washington

1. This terrarium bar could draw anyone into wanting to make their own creation with sand, gravel and rocks by the scoop and a number of fitting plants nearby. 2. This display to draw attention to tools and hardgoods caught the eye from across the room. 3. Windmill Gardens had a number of businesses who rent in what is called The Village including The Pond Store and a bistro.



Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

Abby (Kleckler) McGarry is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].