5 Plant Nurseries On The Peninsula To Start Your Spring Garden

It's nearing springtime, which means it's also time for Peninsula residents to start thinking about what to grow in their gardens. Whether it's growing fresh fruit and vegetables or creating a brightly colored rose garden, it's helpful to visit a local nursery, not only for picking out the right plants, but also to get expert advice from some of the best in the business. The following are five of the best plant nurseries in the Peninsula, all of which are highly rated and locally owned.

Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center
559 College Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 493-6072
www.commongroundinpaloalto.org

Founded 40 years ago by the non-profit organization Ecology Now, Common Ground serves as both an organic garden supply and educational center. In addition to offering locally grown herbs, annuals and perennials and seasonal vegetable seedlings, the store is acclaimed for a great collection of "how to" gardening book and a resourceful staff. Common Ground offers a large number of classes and workshops that routinely sell out. The center is centrally located on Palo Alto's busy El Camino Real, just minutes from Stanford University.

Related: Take a Day Trip to Palo Alto

Golden Nursery
1122 2nd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-5525
www.goldennursery.com

This family-operated business has been a popular choice for locals for more than 35 years. Located off Highway 101 near the East 3rd Avenue exit, Golden Nursery boasts thousands of plants to choose from. Led by brothers Frank and George Takemori, the nursery staff takes great pride in its customer service and knowledge of practically every plant imaginable. Among its featured items are a wide variety of fruit trees, roses, succulents, herbs and vegetables. The Golden Nursery maintains an active social media presence and regularly posts tips and store items on its Facebook page.

Half Moon Bay Nursery
11691 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-5392
www.hmbnursery.com

Half Moon Bay has an abundance of fine nurseries and the Half Moon Bay Nursery ranks at the top. Once described as the "Mothership of Peninsula Nurseries" by Sunset Magazine, the nursery lives up to its anointed title by being one of the largest and most comprehensive nurseries in the Bay Area. The vast property encompasses more than three acres, with everything from houseplants and fruit trees to exotic flowers and succulents. The nursery is located off the slight winding Highway 92, which serves as a connector between Highways 1 and 280.

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Roger Reynolds Nursery & Carriage Stop (CLOSED)
133 Encinal Ave.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 323-5612
www.rogerreynoldsnursery.com

This award-winning 2.5-acre nursery was voted the "Peninsula's Premiere Nursery." In operation for nearly 100 years and now led by Roger Reynolds' granddaughter Sally Halstead, it is the oldest nursery in the Peninsula and has served generations of customers. The nursery is known for its impressive collection of plants, fertilizers, garden supplies and knowledgeable staff. A Victorian cottage once used as a guesthouse now serves as an indoor plant and gift boutique.

Wegman's Nursery
492 Woodside Road
Redwood City, CA 94061
(650) 368-5908
www.wegmansnursery.com

This last entry among the Peninsula's best nurseries is another family-owned business that has resided at the same address for more than 50 years. Now led by the founder's son, Mark Wegman, it is as well known for its knowledgeable staff as its large selection of indoor and outdoor plants. The nursery also offers a delivery service, in which the fee is based upon distance. Wegman's periodically sponsors free in-house seminars such as how to care for roses and pruning fruit trees, in addition to sharing several helpful tips through its website.

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. His work can be found on Examiner.com.