As mentioned in a previous post, one of my favorite things to do in the Spring is go to all the garden centers in the area. A couple years ago a friend introduced me to Holland Park in Burlington and after one visit I fell in love with this place. After-all it was the only place I could find heirloom tomato plants… the absolute “best” tomato you will ever eat.
Seems the norm this year, it was another chilly spring morning when we visited Holland Park. And the wind was something fierce so browsing the outdoor area was a bit uncomfortable. Hey! I could care less for the cold though I’ve been living in Canada for over 20 years now.
Rater than go on about how nice this place is or how well stocked it is, I’ll touch on a few areas that stands out as compared to my visit to “Terra Greeanhouses“. Both places do stand out when it comes to being complete garden centers. But where Terra takes the prize for the widest selection of potted plants, shrubs and hanging baskets, Holland Park makes up in the following areas.
- an amazing selection of tropical plants (see the wonderful Croton in the pictures below)
- garden ornaments and water features
- birding (food, water and feeders)
- hostas – I’ve never seen a wider selection
- a huge selection of high end garden furniture (very pricey.. we saw loungers priced at $1500 and above)
As I ventured outside (I brave the cold to bring you the reviews) I was awestruck at the wide selection of perennial and annuals, especially when I hit the vegetable and herb section. I assure you, this place stocks the widest selection of herbs I’ve ever seen in a garden center (the pic below is just one of the sections of herbs available) . However this year I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t get my precious heirloom tomatoes. What I did find though were Habanero plants, those blazing hot peppers that’s the base for all spicy Caribbean dishes. Nice strong plants similar to ones I remember my dad growing when I was a kid. But like everything thing else at Holland Park, they were pricey.
You get what you pay for? Maybe this saying is true for Holland Park, but I still think that they’re overpriced when compared to Terra Greenhouse and more-so if you compare them to smaller nurseries that sprout up every spring. Don’t let the price keep you from visiting… even if just for a browse. Grab a cup of coffee and reserve some time to take in everything. Like me, I’m sure you’ll be agape by what you see.
Departments include:
annuals, nursery,
perennials, vines & roses
bag/bulk goods
birds
fertilizers & pesticides
floral
fruits vegetables & herbs
lawn care
patio furniture
tropical plants & pot flowers
seeds & accessories
silks/everlasting flower
statuary/pottery
tools & accessories
water gardening
Locations:
Burlington
2243 Fairview St. (905) 639-7740
Mon. – Fri. 8am – 9pm
Sat. & Sun. 8am – 6pm
Dundas
294 York Rd. (905) 628-8562
Mon. – Fri. 8am – 9pm
Sat. & Sun. 8am – 6pm
