I have not been to a nursery that I did not like. So when an opportunity presented itself to learn about the greenhouse production operation of one of the biggest nursery in the area, I jumped at the opportunity. Welcome to Sargent’s Nursery in north Rochester, MN. This nursery has been servicing this area for 50 years, and “a fifth-generation is already planning to work in the nursery when they grow-up. I have been a customer for about 5 years and I love that they always have great plants and excellent customer service. Today, Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. is owned and operated by Forrest and Faye Sargent and their son, Nick.
While I have been a customer for a few years, I normally go to their second and I now know, “smaller” store— which really is not small. Upon driving in, I could tell that this was going to be a great experience. And I was not disappointed. I arrived a bit early, so I went ahead and did some browsing of their nursery are where they sell the plants. I can try to explain, but I will let the pictures speak for themselves because while this is a nursery, it is also a showroom for the garden design part of the business. It was a bit overwhelming because it was all beautiful and a lot to take in— a good problem to have.
The nursery is part show room showcasing their garden design work. Two of my favorite areas were the meditation pond, and the patio with the fireplace. That is a serious patio goal for me. I can just imagine enjoying a fall day with a roaring fire, watching the sunset.
Backyard patio GOALS. I already told my husband, this is what I envision for our patio. :)
This Bougainville almost came home with me. Almost.
The tour started promptly and took about 25 minutes. After the official tour, we were allowed to explore, or ask questions from the garden experts who work there. I wanted to ask some questions but I was quite surprised by how many people showed up for the tour. Instead I decided to go explore one of the 17 perennial greenhouses they have. Sargent’s grows 85-90% of the perennials and 60% of the annuals they sell, which is pretty impressive. As I went through all the greenhouses, there was A LOT to see, and we were able to ask questions from the staff working there. Below are some of the photos.
Judging by the ‘SOLD’ area, business is really good.
A girl in her happy place.
Out tour garden expert talking about growing plants from plugs.
I have an obsession with echinacea.
First time seeing a dragonfly.
Beautiful area as you exit the nursery.
In all, I was very pleased by this event as part of the Garden Club appreciation week. It was great to see all the plants varieties, but also learn about their operation. Clearly a well-oiled machine that has become a staple for garden lovers— rookie and veterans— in Rochester, MN and adjacent areas.
You may find me joining some of these fun link-ups: Heart & Soul, Inspire Me Monday In a Vase on Monday, Mosaic Monday, Pink Saturday, Nature Notes, Grace at Home, Encouraging Hearts & Home, Wonderful Wednesday Blog-Hop, Farmhouse Friday, Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, Garden Affair, Saturdays Sparks Link Party, Love Your Creativity Link-Party, Farmhouse Friday, Thursday Favorite Things.