The Top 10 Best Nurseries in the World

For garden lovers and plant enthusiasts, nurseries are akin to treasure troves and playgrounds These havens for greens are teeming with beautiful plants and blooms to bring home, as well as loads of inspiration for your own outdoor spaces.

Nurseries around the world run the gamut from quaint, small-town spots to lavish destinations covering acres of land. No matter their size, the best nurseries have a few key features in common:

• Abundant selection of plants, including rare and unusual varieties
• Knowledgeable, passionate staff
• Gorgeous displays for inspiration
• Workshops, classes and special events
• Cafe or food offerings
• Unique garden decor and accessories

If you’re planning a trip or looking for mail-order plant sources, here are the 10 best nurseries in the world that should be on any plant-lover’s bucket list:

1. Petersham Nurseries (London, UK)

Situated on the grounds of a historic estate, Petersham Nurseries is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful nurseries in the world. The immense selection of plants is artfully displayed in themed gardens, glasshouses and containers. Beyond plants, Petersham offers garden furniture, tools, textiles and more. The on-site café amidst the roses is an idyllic spot for lunch or tea.

2. Flora Grubb Gardens (San Francisco, USA)

Flora Grubb Gardens is a Bay Area staple complete with display gardens, a milestone shop and a nursery growing California natives and drought-tolerant plants. Grubb the owner, is a leading advocate for sustainable gardening. Workshops, open houses and pop-up shops round out the offerings. The vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated.

3. Rosendals Trädgård (Stockholm, Sweden)

This peaceful biodynamic garden near Stockholm centers around a traditional woodland cottage. Meandering paths lead you through lush vegetable gardens, flower beds, an orchard and greenhouse. The café uses organic ingredients from the grounds while the shop sells garden tools, ceramics and textiles. Workshops are also offered on gardening, cooking and crafts.

4. Bordine’s Nursery (Michigan, USA)

With 10 locations across Michigan, Bordine’s has been a Midwest nursery destination for over 90 years. Each store is delightfully arranged with endless plants, garden accessories and décor. Bordine’s is especially known for its vast greenhouse selection where you can find anything from annuals to fruit trees. They also host gardening events and have an expert staff.

5. Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania, USA)

Few nurseries in the world can compete with Longwood Gardens, spanning 1,100 acres. The immense conservatory alone is a marvel, but outdoor gardens, meadows and woodlands using 90,000 plants also await. Longwood excels at horticultural education, with classes, lectures and programming. Stop by the Terrace Restaurant for fresh, seasonal fare.

6. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta, USA)

While known for its stunning city gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden also operates an admirable nursery. It specializes in Southeastern U.S. native species and stocks many rare, unusual specimens. Take a class, enjoy the full gardens and stop by the nursery for region-appropriate picks. Thebonsai and orchid collections are also impressive.

7. Terrain (Pennsylvania, USA)

The flagship Terrain garden shop at Styer’s Orchards in Pennsylvania is a magical hybrid of nursery, home décor boutique, and outdoor lifestyle mecca sprawled over five acres. Housed in charming cottages, you’ll find plants, garden gear, furniture, textiles and more. There are display gardens, a restaurant, and seasonal events like flower festivals.

8. Bluebell Cottage Gardens (England, UK)

Situated in the South Yorkshire countryside, Bluebell Cottage Gardens is a quintessential English nursery. The grounds and glasshouses burst with diverse perennials, shrubs, trees and containers. Beyond plants, find garden tools, statuary, furniture and gifts in the shop. The Tea Room is the spot for light, delicious meals with a view.

9. Flora Danica (Denmark)

Flora Danica, located just outside Copenhagen, is Denmark’s premier rare plant nursery. Their specialties are unique, hard-to-find specimens from around the world, including orchids, bromeliads, palms and tropical plants. Their seven massive greenhouses also boast impressive displays. Even plant experts will encounter new discoveries in this diverse collection.

10. Ibukidama (Osaka, Japan)

In Japan, garden centers are raised to an art form. Kyoto’s Ibukidama is one such incredible nursery set across four stories. Start at the entrance filled with bonsai, stones and containers. Then traverse through indoor garden rooms and greenhouses bursting with meticulously grown plants. It perfectly blends horticulture with serene Japanese garden aesthetics.

From England to America and beyond, these spectacular nurseries offer plant-lovers endless inspiration. Wandering their grounds is a feast for the senses and an education in horticultural excellence. For your next vacation or staycation, be sure to visit one of these top nurseries in the world. Just bring along an extra suitcase for all the plants you’ll want to take home!