**Note, I posted this on All Things Gardening, but it did not get much attention. Hoping for some suggetions**

I stumbled upon a mail order nursery from a posting on one of the pictures from the photo contest. Far Reaches Farm in Washington State. I will most likely order from them next year. Being in the midwest I try not to order plants from so far away because I hate the time/price of shipping and I try to order plants grown more "locally". But sometimes there are things that I want to try that just are not available in that range.

When I went to Far Reaches Farm's web site I kinda fell in love. They sound like the coolest people, they have values that I respect, and their place sounds like a most amazing haven! I WANT TO BUY THERE IN PERSON! But Washington is very far away Sad

So it got me thinking. I need to take a BIG road trip! I have not traveled for several years. I used to travel all the time. My mom and I love to drive to visit nurseries so I know she is game to go on this adventure with me. While it is not likely I can do it next year if I plan right and save I can make it happen for 2016.

So who has suggestions for nurseries that they would consider worthy of a cross country trip? Or perhaps even an area that has a cluster of nurseries?

I suppose that going to one of the large growers like Terra Nova or Walters gardens would be interesting, that is if they even allow visitors. As far as nurseries , I would think that there are nice ones all over the country.

We toured Walters this year. But you cannot buy plants there. It was an AMAZING tour and I highly suggest to anyone who might be interested to do it!

The nursery that I would love to visit is Plants Delight. I believe it is in Raleigh, NC. Here is a link to their website.

I always planned on buying their Tshirt...Friends Don't Let Friends Buy Annuals.

http://www.plantdelights.com/

I would like to add www.gracefulgardens.com/information/information?information_id=13
Mark, Amanda and Esperanza would be glad to have you.
I have never been there but, I have had great experiences with their plants and most of all Amanda's above and beyond customer's service.

Great info Mike. Thank you!!

It looks like my mom and I are taking a big trip to the PNW in 2016. We will focus on the Portland and Seattle area. We have another thread going in the PNW forum if anyone is interested. Tons of great info there.

But don't stop here! I love collecting the info for other trips!

Thank you!

If I were in Oregon and you are into Hellebore the place I would want to see is Northwest Garden Nursery. http://www.northwestgardennurs...

Bob, they have some beautiful Hellebores. I would like to add more to my shade garden. Thanks for that link.

And since I live in GA and Jen lives in MI, any nurseries in between would be great! When we lived in MD and were visiting GA often, I wanted to scout out some of the nurseries in N.C. but I never had time.

Flowers by the sea is somewhere in California and that place sounds amazing. I won gift certificate from there and stocked up on tons of salvias in early fall. They sounds like cool people too. FBTS.com

In NC there is a place called Niche Gardens that is on my must visit list.

I agree with all of the above! But I will add a local Minnesota place called Venero Gardens in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities. It is unique because it is actually the residence of a couple who are unbelievable gardeners. They have a website but it only shows one small section of their astounding gardens. Some of the plants they offer are quite unique and they do limited shipping. I go there at least once or twice a season. The husband actually triple-dug all the gardens that cover an acre, and their soil is what I would call perfection. There is never a weed or brown leaf in the whole place. When you drive in and get out of the car, your jaw will drop and you will be unable to do anything but stare in amazement. I know they are getting ready to retire and are looking for the right person to buy the place and take over, but they want to make sure their excellent work is preserved. I only mention that because if you intend to visit, you might not want to wait years to do so. Jay and Dorie are lovely people.

That sounds like a quicker, mini trip to me!

Jeanie, I checked out the plant selection at Venero and I must say that I was impressed with the wide selection. I booked marked them for future reference for my shade garden that I want to expand.

If you are ever in Northwest NJ. The place around here many of us try to visit at least once a year is Well Sweep Herb Farm., A large selection of different perennials and herbs with gardens to tour. A couple of tables set up if you decide to bring lunch with you. Just a nice way to spend a day. http://www.wellsweep.com/