NYC Plant Shop Guide!
It’s March 19th, the first day of Spring. You’ve had this date circled on your calendar for months and you jump out of bed with the renewed vigor of a freshly germinated seedling. You turn off the radiator, open the window to let the fresh air in, and begin singing Lizzo with the collection of cheerful birds and forest critters that have arrived on your fire escape. Coronavirus be damned, life is good and NOTHING is going to stop you from getting your green on (but seriously, if you can order the plants online please do so). Time to go plant shopping.
But as you open Google Maps to look up the best shops, you are quickly inundated with options. You decide on a shop in the flower district but are quickly overwhelmed by the crowds and chaos. You receive confusing and conflicting advice and the whole process becomes way more stressful than you previously anticipated…
Is this plant healthy?
Will it survive in my apt?
Am I getting the best deal?
I get it... It’s a lot… which is why I want to help. I’ve been in your shoes, but after years of scouring the streets for the best plants in NYC, I know my way around. Although I haven’t been to every shop in the city, this NYC Plant Shop Guide will be a living document; constantly growing as I continue my plant journey. The list is not ranked in any particular order, but I hope you use it effectively to support these businesses and make the city greener in the process. Here we go:
MANHATTAN / HARLEM
Foliage Garden (@foliagegardennyc) Flower District
My favorite spot in the Flower District hands down. This unique shop has eclectic plant taste and is constantly bringing in unique varieties you can’t find anywhere else. Their staff is super knowledgeable, the plants are incredibly healthy. Prices are on the medium to higher end but still worth it.
Photo from @plantmepaul
Da Hing (@dahingplantsnyc) Chinatown
It doesn’t get more NYC than this. In the heart of Chinatown, this plant shop is legendary and known for their great prices. It can be a madhouse there on the weekends, but they have a ton of space and super friendly staff. Sometimes you can bargain with them and get free shipping or small discounts.
The Sill (@thesill) Upper West Side, Lower East Side and Cobble Hill
Classic and refined, The Sill is the mecca of the plant world. They are geared towards early stage plant-parents and have a solid selection of plants for any indoor environment. Their team is super well-trained and I’ve used their nation-wide plant delivery service more than a few times for my plant gifting (use code FARMERNICK at checkout for 15% off).
Urban Garden Center (@urbangardencenter) Harlem
Probably one of the most unique plant-shopping experiences I’ve ever had, this old school plant joint is a green oasis located under the train tracks way up in Harlem. I’ve only been once, but it had such an old school vibe and I loved supporting a classic NYC business that has been around for 60+ years.
Photo from @adventureblanket
Union Square Farmers Market (@unsqgreenmarket) Union Square
The most underrated plant shopping destination in all of NYC, the iconic farmers market is not just a great spot to find local veggies. The plant scene here is the real deal and it has the best prices and deals. The selection is awesome too, and depending on the day, you might walk out with something rare (I got my Licuala grandis there two years ago).
Recommended Route:
Urban Garden Center —> The Sill UWS —> Foliage Garden —> Union Square Farmers Market —> Da Hing —> Rooted
BROOKLYN
Greenery Unlimited (@greeneryunlimited) Greenpoint
This biophilic-design shop is a plant fantasyland and I frequently make visits there even if I don’t plan on buying any plants. They have some of the healthiest plants on the market and they bring in unique varieties I rarely see anywhere else. Plus their hanging chair plant corner is one of the most sought out IG locations in NYC.
Chelsea Garden Center (@chelseagardencenter) Williamsburg and Red Hook
I first started going to CGC for their lush indoor plants but their outdoor plants nursery is just as good. This do-it-all shop has an old school Brooklyn vibe and it always seems to be packed every time I’m there. Visit in the spring and walk through their pollinator flower section =]
Crest Hardware & Urban Garden (@cresthardware) Williamsburg
This unassuming spot may not look like a plant shop on the outside, but make your way to the back greenhouse for a super cool greenhouse experience. It’s pretty small, but the density makes it feel very jungley. Plus they have a parrot… yes, a parrot.
Tula House (@tulahouse) Williamsburg / Greenpoint
While I’ve only been once, this spot is unlike any other I’ve visited. Their bright red walls and a green shower is so hot it will make you want to… water your plants before repotting… In addition to their well-known plant truck, they also just opened an arid room for their desert plant collection.
Feng Sway (@fengsway) Williamsburg / Greenpoint
A vintage store AND plant shop? It doesn’t get more Brooklyn than Feng Sway. This is such a funky spot, and although I’ve never purchased plants there, it is worth a visit just to marvel at their design. Need to go back ASAP.
Sprout Home (@sprouthomebrooklyn) Williamsburg
I’m always amazed by how stylish this shop is. Every time I walk in I marvel at their curated selection and design and it’s definitely worth a visit. Their prices can be on the higher side, but you can still find good deals on non-basic plants. Oh and if you’re into flowers, their floral options are top notch.
Recommended Route:
Greenery Unlimited —> Tula House —> Feng Sway —> Crest Hardware —> Chelsea Garden Center —> Sprout Home
Planters
Jamali (@jamaligarden) Flower District
If you have epilepsy, avoid this place at all costs. The moment you walk in you will be overwhelmed with color and shiny objects everywhere and they have something for every plant or interior designer. Make your way to the back wall on the left for a variety of planter options at VERY reasonable prices.
Planter Resource (No IG) Flower District
After Jamali, pop across the street to Planter Resource to decompress a bit. They are a bit simpler in style and really focus on vessels that are more neutral in color. For anything terra cotta, black, white, gray, etc. PR is my go to store.
*BONUS TIP*
If you’re trying to get fancy with your ceramics and want to support local artists, check out @helen_levi and @les.bk. Their work is incredibly beautiful and will break up your planter routine in the best way.
Photo from @les.bk
Photo from @helen_levi