The first official day of Spring is March 20th, though there’s no reason to wait till then to start planning some new planting projects. Indeed, it’s National Plant a Flower Day on March 12th, the perfect excuse to get an early start on your garden. And when it comes to gardening supplies in Novato, we’re spoiled for choice.
If you’re a devoted gardener, you probably have your own favorite source for plants. In strictly alphabetical order, we’ll give a nod to Armstrong Garden Center on South Novato Blvd, Green Point Nursery on Olive Ave, Pini Ace Hardware, also on South Novato Blvd, and Sloat Garden Center at 2000 Novato Blvd. Each offers a broad range of gardening supplies and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Beyond Novato’s main gardening destinations, you can count on Target to have a good selection of garden furniture, if you’re looking to give your yard a bit of a comfort upgrade. A visit to CostCo can also result in the kind of large garden purchase you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. They often have what can only be described as “impulse purchase plants” for the garden too, although experienced CostCo shoppers know that their merchandise is extremely seasonal, and often gone faster than you’d think. Offering a slightly different ambience elsewhere at Vintage Oaks is Wild Birds Unlimited, where you can find items designed to encourage feathered visitors to your yard.
As noted, Novato has plenty of options for gardeners, and opportunities to learn new gardening skills. You can take a tour of the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden, located on the College of Marin’s Novato campus, Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm, or just check out their spring plant sale, scheduled for April 21st and 22nd this year. Did you know the Pacific Sun’s home and garden “dirt diva”, Annie Spiegelman is a Novato resident? Her book Talking Dirt is a great introduction to organic gardening.
If the idea of yard work doesn’t appeal but you still enjoy the relaxation that a well-cared-for garden can offer, Redwood Landscaping Services is a Novato business that can transform your yard into something special.
Whether you’re getting into organic composting, upgrading your patio furniture or just thinking about planting a flower on March 12th, don’t forget to shop local. It’s the environmentally friendly way to grow local, and enjoy what flourishes in your own backyard.
