Jan 21, 2019

2019 GCA Summer Nashville Tour Registration Opens

Boasting organic-only philosophies and methods since day one, Gardens of Babylon is an urban garden boutique with a fun, funky, eclectic atmosphere that specializes in products for small space gardeners, sustainable-minded customers, high-end clientele and everyone in between. Located in the largest retail space in the heart of downtown Nashville, Gardens of Babylon’s large, open floor plan holds a vast selection of rare, exotic plants, as well as pottery and garden decor, for residents in the Music City. In addition to the staple plant varieties and gardening supplies, the store’s inventory includes mood lighting, terrariums and botanical antiques. Customers are encouraged to ask about their custom containers, rooftop gardens, living walls and other interior gardens that are a specialty here. Using the retailer’s in-store potting bench, custom potting can be done on-the-spot while customers watch the process unfold. www.gardensofbabylon.com

Moore & Moore Garden Center, Nashville 
Operated by the third generation of the Moore family, Moore & Moore Garden Center has been a staple in the Nashville community since its inception in 1980. Starting with mainly color and bedding plants, the garden retailer has transformed into a destination for pottery, garden gifts and home decor – in addition to flowers, shrubs and trees – after almost 40 years in business. Although the garden center operates on a smaller property, Moore & Moore is recognized for its park-like setting with sweeping pathways, creative use of space and inspiring merchandise displays that portray gardening lifestyles, which are considered just a few of their many strengths by Owner Duncan Borders. www.mooreandmoore.com

Martin’s Home & Garden, Murfreesboro
More than three decades ago, John and Helen Martin opened a roadside stand that sold seasonal produce and bedding plants. Since then, Martin’s Home & Garden has transferred ownership to the family’s second generation, Lester Martin, and grown to become an award-winning gardening supplier, nursery and hardscaping company for the Murfreesboro community. Martin’s is the area’s full-service resource for bedding plants, herbs, perennials, shrubs, outdoor living and much more – bringing the tagline, “Where Beauty & Quality Meet,” printed on sales associates’ t-shirts, to life. Lawn furniture built by the Watson family in Smithville, Tennessee, fountains, bird baths and pottery round out the retailer’s product selection. The greenhouse department is the heart and soul of the operation – it generates one-third of the garden center’s revenue. Be sure to check out the new annual shade structures, which were just added at the beginning of 2019, since the stock of annuals outgrew that footprint last year. www.martinshomeandgarden.com

JVI Secret Gardens, Nashville
The soothing sounds of trickling water greet customers as soon as they enter JVI Secret Gardens, as ponds, waterfalls and other water features are huge focuses for the garden retailer. Take notice of the several on-site ponds populated with koi fish, setting the tone that JVI Secret Gardens is a peaceful place to relax and not just a retail store to buy plants or seek gardening advice. Despite the garden center’s smaller footprint, the retailer packs in a variety of seasonal plants, trees, shrubs, edibles, aquatic plants, garden decor, wind chimes, pottery, soils, fertilizers, tools and other supplies, due to creative use of space and artistic merchandising. Toward the end of the year, JVI Secret Gardens becomes a hangout spot for the community with its free seasonal events, such as the Fall Fest and Christmas Experience. During Fall Fest, the property is opened up for a “garden party” complete with live music and locally sourced treats. Customers from all over flock to the retailer’s Christmas Experience event, where they pick out their Christmas tree, which all have names, and enjoy free hot chocolate and s’mores. www.jvisecretgardens.com