I browse at Chalet in Wilmette and occasionally shop at Red's (on Dundee Road in Northbrook between Landwehr and Sanders) and Lurvey's (on Dempster), but my favorite garden center is Pesche's on Des Plaines River Road, just south of Golf Road, in Des Plaines.

And judging by my Mastercard bill, they probably like me too this spring!

Rachel

There's more places to choose from then those living in the city but agree that many of them, while high quality, are high end.

If he's still there try Frankie's Garden Center at the interesection of Dempster and Dodge in Evanston. He was where the old Frank's Nursery and Crafts was. To be honest, I haven't stopped by in a couple of seasons so not sure if he's still there but the prices and plants were good. But Anton's (on Fowler I got it right this time) is just down the street from that intersection. Their prices are fair and the plants are huge.

Lurvery's is your next closest bet or maybe a garden club sale.

All these private garden centers are having a hard time competing again the box stores so there's (I think) less of them then there used to be and the ones that have survived offer superior plants and customer service but at premium prices typically.

Thanks sushi and gonativegal for the suggestions. Red's is certainly easy to get to - I always forget about them. Lurvey's is on my list for tomorrow and maybe I can swing by the Evanston Anton's after that - I still wonder if they are connected to the Anton's in Highland Park.

Good point about the competition from the box stores, but they have such a limited selection that I'm sure at least some of the private ones will survive. You ask most employees at HD or Lowes for a specific plant and they look at you crosseyed!