Although Blanchette's sells daylilies and hostas, 5 minutes down the road is Seawright's which sells only daylilies and hostas. You can go into the field and see everything that's growing. The young helpers will dig plants up for as you wait. Might as well pass around the business!

In not-too-far-away Concord 0r is it Bedford is New England Nurseries for your shrubs. At most 20 minutes from Leo's and Seawright's. I think their plants are well grown and cared for. They are right around average for price- not the least expensive and certainly not the most.

They also have perennials and annuals gardening supplies, tools.

If you want something unusual call first. They may or may not carry it. If you look while on sight, find one of the nursery staff who will know what's tucked out of sight of the general public.

Then, another day, hop on whatever route goes to Hopkinton- probably the Pike minutes from Newton and go to Weston Nurseries. Though it ain't what it used to be, you can certainly get unusual woodies there. They also will have the biggest variety of New England hardy azaelas. They developed many of the best. Right now the early summer azaelas are coming into bloom: fragrant, colorful, tough as nails. Look for the "Lights" series. You'd also find Weston bred plants at other nurseries, but if you have the excuse to go to the source, why not?

Please follow up with a post about what you thought of these nurseries. I haven't been or bought from Weston in 15 years and I'm especially curious. The other three I go to several times a season and stake my reputation on them.(and what reputation is that, one might ask?)
Marie

Russells Route 20 Sudbury,MA. You'll love it.

Another vote for Russells; they're absolutely huge and have everything. I was just there on Memorial Day and their selection of annuals beat Mahoney's. I also like the other nurseries mentioned. Another one to check out, especially for shrubs and trees, is Stonegate Gardens in Lincoln.

For annuals and common varieties, don't overlook the big box stores. If you catch them before plants have languished on the blacktop you can get some good deals. The Home Depot just off 95 in Waltham has some good selections, and there's a new BJ's just opening in Waltham.

For veggie plants and annuals you can also check out Russo's in Watertown. It's mainly a produce market but they sell plants as well.

Another two cents. If your daughter still has her Newton monthly magazine ("Clipper"), there was a coupon for 25% off one item at Russells.

And I know this place is not a full service "garden center", but Winston's on route 9 (eastbound) in Newton is worth a visit.

Why doesn't anyone ever mention Rainbow Mum's in Carlisle along with Blanchette's and Seawrights? Although there is overlap, they are all worth visiting in one trek. And fun. I think anyway.

www.rainbowmums.com

I just wanted to mention about Russell's. I really like them and visit often. They grow organically which I really appreciate it and sell organic vegetable starts. Their perennial section is usually very well stocked. They sell everything under the sun in the giftshop and garden products area. Pots are nice when there is a sale. But their annuals are very expensive. I was just there. They sell most of their annuals in large 6 packs that cost $14.50. I won't buy annuals for that price. For the life of me, I don't understand why they don't offer the usual size 6 pack for a more reasonable price.

I'm up to six cents now I think.....Winston's has beautiful things (they are less than a mile from me and there are other locations in Boston) but beware the prices. Since your daughter is in Newton, it might be worth a look but personally, I couldn't afford to stock my garden beds from Winston's. Again, plant, pots, cut flowers...everything...IS very, very nice. I once bought my Christmas tree at one of their downtown stores and took it home with me in a cab (when I lived in Coolidge Corner in Brookline) and when I had to select a florist for centerpieces for Holiday parties, it was Winston's - they were spectacular.

Are we talking about Winston Florists? One of my favorite places to buy any kind of cut flowers and arrangements but yes expensive. Great for special occasions. For the average cut flower purchase, we have gotten into the habit of buying at Whole Foods who usually have something interesting at different price ranges. I love the packaging they've done the last few times too.

Thank you all for your help! I am absolutely overwhelmed by your response.

I will be going down in July with my trusty GPS and will check out all your suggestions. Can't wait!

And again I thank each and every one of you for sharing all your favorite spots. We gardeners really do stick together!

Claire, Winston Flowers has the shop on Newbury St. and then another that's more of a garden center in Newton right by the Atrium Mall (or that's what their deal was when I lived there.) The garden center is nice and they do have beautiful things - but are very expensive. One of my friends is married to one of their designers. I used to have them do my window boxes. (City living, no place to make the mess LOL)

Here is a link that might be useful: Winston Flowers

I just addressed the question about Rainbow Mums on another thread here. I've been there at least a half dozen times, purchased plants, talked to the owner and his wife. Their plants seem such a bargain.
That said, Leo Blanchette and Jim Seawright have been in business for over 30 and 45 years respectively, breed plants and are established respected members of the larger horticultural community. These speciality nurseries are in a class by themselves. You simply won't find half of what they sell anywhere else. You sure won't find it locally grown or as healthy at Russells or Mahoneys.
But you asked about RB Mums. It is worth a stop. If you want a plant that looks 5 years old the minute you pop it in the ground go there. But if you are looking for 200 kinds of hostas and 150 kinds of astilbes dozens of different solomon's seals and hundreds and hundreds of other plants go to Blanchette's. If you want to see the guys dig up the daylilies you pick, go to Seawrights. On my part, it is simply customer loyalty. So I mention them and not the other.

Closer to Newton than most of those mentioned -is a very excellent nursery called Stonegate Gardens on Rt.117 in Lincoln.They have a very extensive inventory of unusual annuals, perennials and vines along with a particular strength in shrubs, conifers and Japanese maples. They also have weekly sales, and an excellent choice of handsome glazed pots and handmade fountains and accessories.Heidi is very helpful there.
best,
mindy
www.cottonarboretum.com/

And if you are coming from Western MA swing by Andrews in Amherst. It takes me nearly 2.5 hours to get there and I make 2 trips each spring. Some of their prices are high, but everything is gorgeous.

I've been gardening in this area for a long time. Both Russells and Mahoneys are too expensive. Try Marshall Farm on Harrington Street in Concord. It's small, family owned and run. They keep everything well watered. Prices are cheaper, and the selection is fine. They also have pick your own strawberries.