The Garden Botanicus Perfectus in Dickson, one of Canberra’s most recommended nurseries. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Whether you have a full garden, with trees, shrubs and plants, or are looking for a perfect indoor pot plant, you’ll want to head to a great nursery.
Many nurseries sell much more than indoor and outdoor flowers and plants. They sell pots, garden building materials and supplies. They also sell accessories, garden tools and gloves. Many have great gift ideas. Some even have cafes on site.
The best nurseries also have staff who can advise you on the best type of plants for your home or business.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a nursery, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great nursery?
Choosing the right nursery can help make your world a greener place. Quality nursery staff can remove the stress out of choosing the right plants for your environment.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a nursery.
- Range of plants. The best nurseries have an excellent range of plants to suite Canberra’s climate. This includes hardy natives and citrus trees to succulents, indoor plants, and even exotic species.
- Knowledgeable staff. You’ll want a nursery with expert staff who can provide suggestions and advice on what type of plants best suit your needs. The best nurseries have trained horticulturalists on staff.
- Garden supplies. Quality nurseries are a one-stop shop, saving you time and money. Not only can you buy plants at these nurseries, you can source essential garden supplies. This includes soil, fertiliser, gardening tools and gardening equipment.
- Garden accessories. To bring your garden to life, you might want more than just plants. Great nurseries understand this and so sell quality garden accessories, like birdbaths, sculptures, and fashionable pots, all of which add flair to your home or business.
- Competitive pricing. At the end of the day, pricing is important. The best nurseries in the Canberra region are fairly and competitively priced, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best deal for what you buy.
The best nurseries in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Greengold Nursery
Greengold Nursery, a boutique operation, has been helping gardeners, young and old, since 1995. The nursery, locally owned and operated, sells a broad selection of plants, garden supplies and giftware. Qualified horticulturalists provide advice, suggestions and quality customer service. A “Plant Doctor Service” is available.
Sarah Hallett wrote on Google, “Provided fantastic customer service and advice that helped me select a plant that would thrive in a low light indoor spot.”
Cool Country Natives
Since 2015, Cool Country Natives has provided a large range of Australian native plants in Canberra. Cool Country Natives specialises in local species as well as hardy and cold tolerant natives. They carry native plant varieties and some advanced stock. Specialist staff are on hand to help source the right plants.
On Google, Boris Ceko wrote, “Staff are so friendly and helpful! Had questions regarding different yard locations and they helped identify the best plants for different conditions.”
Rodney’s Plants Plus
Located in scenic Pialligo, Rodney’s Plants Plus is the largest nursery in the Canberra region. Founded more than 45 years ago, this garden centre is a one-stop-shop for all gardening and gift needs. Rodney’s staff are expert at helping with plant selection. The onsite café is a popular spot for relaxed lunches or coffees.
On Google, Helen McLaughlin wrote, “Rodney's has a good range of plants for sale and in very pleasant surroundings.”
Bliss Garden Giftware
Established in 20016 by expert horticulturalist Iain and designer Katie, Bliss Garden Giftware features pots and decorative items from Australian makers and designers in a creative and enticing space. Whether you’re looking for chic outdoor furniture, classic home wares, striking outdoor décor or simply luscious plants, Bliss will surprise and inspire you.
As happy customer Lynda May writes in their Google review, “Charming, well presented, helpful and knowledgeable staff, some really beautiful pots and similar garden accessories.”
The Heritage Nursery
Award-winning Heritage Nursery, established in 1996, is a premier garden centre. The nursery provides a wide range of plants suitable for Canberra region conditions. Its large team of friendly staff are qualified in horticulture and passionate about gardening. Heritage Nursery sells top-quality plants, gorgeous giftware and all types of accessories. The popular Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie is on site.
Pete O’Connell wrote on The RiotACT, “Excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
The Garden Botanicus Perfectus
The Garden Botanicus Perfectus is passionate about plants and gardening. This garden centre is locally owned and operated (established in 1976). It stocks a broad and healthy range of plants. Stock includes formal, native, low-maintenance, low-water, organic, cottage-style, practical, herbal, vegetable, fruit, or any other kind of plant. A gift shop is on site.
On Google, Isabel Dixon wrote, “Super friendly staff, and a great range of indoor and outdoor plants. Plant prices are reasonable and it's a good spot to pick up gifts.”
If you’re looking for more information on commercial litigation in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best landscaping suppliers, the best landscapers and the best gardening services Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with nurseries in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the nurseries listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a quality nursery?
The best nurseries have a wide range of plants and staff on hand to provide advice. That’s advice on outdoor gardens, deck and balcony gardens. They’ll also have suggestions for plants that grow well indoors. These nurseries typically operate as one-stop shops and also sell garden supplies and accessories. Staff are trained and experienced. Remember that some nurseries specialise in certain plant types, such as natives.
How do I know what plants to put in my garden?
A quality nursery has staff who are knowledgeable on local conditions and seasons, for both indoor and outdoor plants. They’re all too happy to provide ideas and advice for your gardening vision.
What do nurseries sell besides plants?
Most nurseries sell a range of items beside plants. This includes garden supplies like fertilisers and soil. They also sell garden accessories, like pots. Many also have gift shops onsite. Some even have cafes so you can sit among greenery and enjoy a coffee, tea or bite to eat.
Are all nursery staff trained horticulturalists?
Not all nursery staff are fully trained horticulturalists. Having said that, quality nurseries do have some such staff on board. Many nurseries also have staff qualified in customer services. Most staff who work in nurseries are passionate about gardening.
How much does it cost to buy plants?
The cost to buy plants depends on many factors. These can include the type and size of plant. Rare and exotic species can cost more than common plants. Smaller plants are typically less expensive than more mature, larger plants.
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