March 2017
Out of This World By Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

Are you looking for some new ideas before spring? We visited a handful of garden centers in “Space City.”

Buchanan’s Native Plants

Houston, Texas

Wherever you looked at Buchanan’s a number of signs caught your eye. Signage clearly marked employees favorite varieties, labeled the plants that could benefit both your air quality and pollinators, and provided ideas for pots, such as using them for succulents and houseplants.

Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery

Katy, Texas

Blue is a fitting color to dominate this garden center, which focuses on water gardening. From the wooden structures to the fence with coordinated pottery and inspirational settings throughout, the store has an ambience that encourages people to sit back and relax in between buying.

Plants for All Seasons

Houston, Texas

The entryway at Plants for All Seasons was loaded with color and drew you in from the parking lot. Once inside, clean signage took you to both do-it-yourself areas as well as employee-staffed sections. Customers were seen pulling off a “recipe for success,” which includes soil, fertilizer and mulch recommendations.

Warren’s Southern Gardens

Kingwood, Texas

Located on a busy street, Warren’s maximized its curb appeal with large signs and hanging baskets. Once inside, customers were welcomed with a lot of character, including numerous buildings, wooden touches and large container gardens.

Cornelius Nursery

Houston, Texas

Dozens of banners at Cornelius Nursery tied together each area of the garden center with a common theme. Some of them highlighted a specific category, such as veggies, while others tried to evoke a feeling or atmosphere, such as a shaded retreat or colorful flowerbeds.



Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

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