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12 Plant Nurseries in New London, CT

Showing 12 verified nurseries & garden centers near you

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Top Rated Farms in NEW LONDON

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💬 137 reviews4.7
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Riggio's Garden Center

Full-service retail garden center. Top products: Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Houseplants, Fertilizer. Riggio's Garden Center functions as a comprehensive retail horticultural establishment providing a wide array of botanical products to homeowners and local gardeners. Their core inventory focuses on seasonal annuals, long-term perennials, landscape-ready trees, and a variety of decorative shrubs. In addition to their live plant stock, the center offers indoor gardening solutions through their selection of houseplants and maintains a supply of essential horticultural goods, including fertilizers and organic soil amendments. The business also operates 'The Essex Gift Shoppe,' a dedicated retail section featuring non-plant items such as home decor, candles, and seasonal gifts, complementing their primary function as a nursery. By catering to both outdoor landscaping needs and indoor plant enthusiasts, Riggio's Garden Center serves as a community resource for gardening supplies, plant care, and general horticulture, emphasizing a diverse catalog of biological products supported by essential care items.

📍136 Westbrook Rd, Centerbrook, CT 06409, USA
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💬 66 reviews4.7
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Scotts' Farm & Garden

📍451 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
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Pequot Plant Farm
💬 54 reviews4.8
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Pequot Plant Farm

Full-Service Retail Plant Nursery. Top products: Trees and Shrubs, Perennials and Annuals, Holiday Plants and Wreaths, Christmas Trees, Custom Hanging Baskets. Pequot Plant Farm is a family-owned and operated garden center based in Stonington, Connecticut, with a legacy dating back to 1969. The farm serves as a comprehensive horticultural destination for homeowners and local landscapers, offering an extensive variety of plant life suitable for the New England climate. Their core operations include the cultivation and retail sale of trees, shrubs, perennials, and bedding plants, alongside a diverse selection of vegetables and herbs. The business is particularly noted for its seasonal offerings, including custom-designed hanging baskets and planters in the spring, and a full suite of holiday products in the winter, such as premium Fraser Fir Christmas trees, poinsettias, and handmade evergreen arrangements. By combining on-site growing capabilities with personalized garden services—including custom planter refills—the farm emphasizes sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping solutions for residential garden projects.

📍591 Wheeler Rd, Stonington, CT 06378, USA
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Plants by the Village
💬 37 reviews4.8
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Plants by the Village

Retail Houseplant and Specialty Nursery. Top products: Rare houseplants, Carnivorous plants, Pet-safe indoor plants, Statement plants. Plants by the Village is a women-owned, family-operated retail plant shop located in Olde Mistick Village, Mystic, Connecticut. The business functions as a boutique horticultural provider specializing in indoor foliage, ranging from common easygoing varieties to rare and exotic specimens. Their product inventory includes curated 'statement' plants, carnivorous species, and pet-safe greenery, catering primarily to indoor gardening enthusiasts and homeowners. Beyond retail sales, the company offers specialized horticultural services, including professional repotting and plant rentals for events such as weddings. They maintain a community-focused mission, offering plant care education through workshops, care guides, and a membership program known as the 'Plant Fam.' Their operations emphasize direct connection with the local customer base, focusing on providing high-quality indoor plants and expert maintenance support to ensure successful plant longevity.

📍27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, USA
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💬 27 reviews4.2
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Grove Gardens Nursery and Garden Center

Native plant garden center. Top products: Native plants, Ornamental flowers, Shrubs, Trees. Grove Gardens Nursery and Garden Center is a local horticultural retailer located in Clinton, Connecticut. Owned by Gary Bousquet, who also operates Grove Gardens Landscaping and serves as the town arborist, the business provides a variety of high-quality plants for home landscapes and gardens. The nursery emphasizes the sale of native plants and offers professional guidance to assist customers in planning and maintaining their outdoor environments. Managed by Lauren Avila, the facility prioritizes customer education, offering expert advice on plant selection and long-term care. Catering to local homeowners and gardening enthusiasts, the center operates year-round with seasonal hours, serving as both a retail point for plant materials and a resource for environmental stewardship within the community.

📍341 E Main St, Clinton, CT 06413, USA
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💬 24 reviews4.6
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Hydrangea Galore at Comstock Farms LLC

Specialty Hydrangea and Shrub Nursery. Top products: Hydrangeas, Trees, Shrubs, Boxwoods, Wedding floral supplies. Hydrangea Galore at Comstock Farms LLC is a coastal micro-nursery located in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Specializing in the cultivation and sale of hydrangeas, the nursery provides a curated selection of shrubs, trees, and boxwoods suited for the local climate. The business operates as both a retail nursery for home gardeners and a horticultural resource for local events, specifically offering hydrangea supplies for weddings. By maintaining a focus on high-quality ornamental woody plants, they cater to gardening enthusiasts and landscape design needs. Open daily, the nursery functions as a specialty growing operation that combines botanical expertise with accessible plant retail, encouraging community engagement through direct consultation and expert advice for new and experienced gardeners alike.

📍99 Halls Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
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💬 24 reviews4.8
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Maynard Greenhouses

Retail Bedding and Perennial Nursery. Top products: Bedding Plants, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Container Shrubs, Potting Soils and Mulches. Maynard Greenhouse is a family-owned plant nursery based in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, established in 1990. The operation focuses on the retail sale of a wide variety of horticultural products, including bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, and container-grown shrubs. The nursery balances the cultivation of 'tried and true' horticultural staples with a curated selection of unusual plant varieties. Beyond live plants, Maynard Greenhouse provides essential gardening supplies such as potting soils, amendments, bagged stone, and mulches to support both amateur gardeners and local landscape enthusiasts. Operating from their Ingham Hill Road location, the business emphasizes quality control in their growing processes and serves the community through a standard seasonal retail schedule. They act as a comprehensive garden center, offering the necessary inputs for residential plant care alongside their diverse nursery stock.

📍87 Ingham Hill Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
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💬 9 reviews4.9
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Van Wilgen's Garden Mart

Full-service retail garden center. Top products: Hydrangeas, Trees and shrubs, Annuals and perennials, Houseplants, Organic soils and mulches, Edible herbs and vegetables. Van Wilgen’s Garden Mart is a fourth-generation, family-owned horticultural business serving the community as a full-service garden center. They offer a comprehensive range of plant materials, including specimen trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and houseplants, alongside a selection of organically grown herbs and vegetables. Beyond retail plant sales, the business emphasizes the importance of soil health, producing their own line of locally sourced, natural, and organic soils and mulches to ensure optimal growing conditions. Catering primarily to residential gardeners, Van Wilgen’s focuses on plant education and landscape design assistance, utilizing a team of experts to provide guidance on plant selection and care. Their operations are rooted in a mission to foster a connection between people and nature, supported by a long-standing family history in the nursery industry and an emphasis on sustainable, healthy growing practices for families.

📍1560 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
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💬 4 reviews4.8
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Clinton Nurseries

Wholesale Horticultural Plant Grower. Top products: ornamental shrubs, trees, proprietary plant varieties. Clinton Nurseries is a professional horticultural grower and wholesale supplier specializing in the production of high-quality ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs. Operating as a large-scale cultivation facility, the business focuses on plant genetics, propagation, and the distribution of nursery stock to retail centers. They function as a strategic partner to major horticultural brands, emphasizing superior plant health through rigorous pest and disease monitoring from the propagation stage through to final delivery. While not open for public retail sales, their operations are centered on professional-grade cultivation, leveraging partnerships to bring improved plant varieties to the gardening market. Their business model is built upon institutional knowledge, with a long-tenured workforce dedicated to maintaining consistent quality control and logistical support for their commercial clients. The company prioritizes innovation in plant genetics, aiming to provide superior aesthetic and hardiness characteristics to both professional landscapers and commercial retail partners.

📍517 Pond Meadow Rd, Westbrook, CT 06498, USA
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💬 4 reviews5
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Judge's Farm

Ornamental Perennial and Herb Nursery. Top products: One-gallon perennials, Summer annuals, Vegetable starts, Culinary herbs. Judge's Farm is a dedicated horticultural nursery specializing in the production of high-quality one-gallon perennials, summer annuals, herb varieties, and vegetable starts. The business operates with a strong focus on sustainable production methods, actively transitioning toward a zero-emissions model through a multi-phase sustainability plan. This infrastructure includes a significant on-site solar array and a commitment to integrating electric vehicles into their distribution fleet. By prioritizing plant health and ecological stewardship, the nursery serves a diverse clientele ranging from retail garden enthusiasts to wholesale buyers. Established with a history of consistent growth, the company manages dedicated product lines—such as their long-standing herb program—while maintaining professional standards in horticultural output. Their operational philosophy combines traditional nursery expertise with modern, clean energy technology, ensuring that their gardening products are produced with minimal environmental impact.

📍3 Old Shore Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
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Lilies Nursery LLC
💬 2 reviews5
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Lilies Nursery LLC

Hardy Perennial Nursery and Landscaping. Top products: Hardy perennials, Landscaping design, Masonry installations, Garden construction. Founded in 2023 by Master Gardener Jonathan Hough, Lilies Nursery LLC is a horticultural operation based in New England that functions as both a private nursery and a professional landscape design/build firm. The business specializes in the cultivation of hardy perennials specifically acclimated to the local regional climate. Beyond plant sales, Lilies Nursery provides comprehensive landscaping services, including custom garden design, installation, and construction. A distinct aspect of their service portfolio is their focus on rustic, colonial-style stonework and masonry, covering patios, walkways, stairs, and retaining walls. The business serves both residential customers and property owners seeking integrated garden solutions. Their operational philosophy centers on combining expert horticultural knowledge with artistic landscaping construction to create cohesive, nature-integrated outdoor spaces. By maintaining a private nursery, they ensure that the plant materials installed in their design projects are resilient and well-suited to the environment, catering to clients looking for professional landscape project management.

📍95A Pendleton Hill Rd, North Stonington, CT 06359, USA
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💬 1 reviews2
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Send Plants

Online Indoor Houseplant Retailer. Top products: Orchids, Bonsai Trees, Succulents, Tropical Houseplants, Flowering Potted Plants. Send Plants functions as a specialized online horticultural retailer focusing on the delivery of indoor houseplants, tropical varieties, and flowering specimens. Their inventory includes a broad range of ornamental indoor flora such as Peace Lilies, Money Trees, various species of orchids, bonsai trees, and succulents. The company primarily targets the gift-giving market, catering to occasions such as birthdays, sympathy, anniversaries, and corporate events. They emphasize convenience through expedited shipping options, including same-day and next-day delivery services. Unlike traditional nurseries that operate from a physical garden center for local pick-up, Send Plants utilizes a direct-to-consumer digital model, often pairing their plant offerings with themed planters and gift baskets to enhance the presentation for gift recipients. Their operations focus on curated interior decor and gifting solutions rather than large-scale agricultural production or landscape design services.

📍143 Mill Rock Rd E, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
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Local Nursery Scene in New London

The horticultural landscape around New London, Connecticut, offers a diverse array of options for both hobbyists and professional landscapers. Our data analysis of 12 distinct local suppliers reveals a market split between specialized, family-owned retail garden centers and wholesale producers. Gardeners in this region contend with USDA hardiness zones 6a and 6b, where unpredictable coastal winters and humid summers dictate specific planting strategies. Successful gardening here requires selecting specimens acclimated to these temperature swings and coastal salt spray.

Retail garden centers in this area prioritize regional success, often stocking native species that require fewer chemical inputs once established. Because these nurseries and garden centers maintain local growing facilities, their inventory is generally more resilient than mass-market options. Whether you are looking for rare indoor foliage in Mystic or bulk landscape amendments in Old Saybrook, the density of specialized suppliers within a short drive of New London ensures that local soil health and plant vitality remain at the forefront of the consumer experience.

Comparison of Top Nurseries

Nursery NameRatingSpecializationType
Riggio's Garden Center4.7Full-service retailRetail Garden Center
Scotts' Farm & Garden4.7General nurseryRetail Garden Center
Pequot Plant Farm4.8Trees, shrubs, perennialsRetail Plant Nursery
Plants by the Village4.8Indoor, rare plantsSpecialty Houseplant Shop
Grove Gardens4.2Native plantsRetail Garden Center
Maynard Greenhouses4.8Bedding and perennialsRetail Plant Nursery
Hydrangea Galore4.6Hydrangeas and shrubsSpecialty Nursery
Van Wilgen's Garden Mart4.9Full-serviceRetail Garden Center
Clinton Nurseries4.8Wholesale growerWholesale Plant Nursery
Judge's Farm5.0Perennials and herbsRetail Plant Nursery

Deep Dive into Nurseries

Riggio's Garden Center provides a comprehensive retail experience, combining a vast selection of outdoor trees and shrubs with an indoor gift shop. They are a staple for those seeking both essential soil amendments and decorative home items.

Scotts' Farm & Garden operates as a traditional general nursery, focusing on the core plant requirements for New London homeowners. Their model emphasizes reliability and seasonal availability.

Pequot Plant Farm, a family-run institution since 1969, excels in climate-hardy woody plants and seasonal holiday stock. They provide personalized services like custom planter refills for local residents.

Plants by the Village brings a boutique atmosphere to Mystic, specializing in exotic and pet-safe indoor varieties. They distinguish themselves through education and community-focused workshops for indoor enthusiasts.

Grove Gardens Nursery is led by a town arborist, ensuring customers receive expert advice on native plant selection. Their focus remains on long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable landscaping.

Maynard Greenhouses balances standard horticultural staples with unique plant varieties. They are a primary source for high-quality soil and mulch alongside their container-grown shrubs.

Hydrangea Galore at Comstock Farms specializes in ornamental woody plants, particularly hydrangeas. Their coastal facility serves as a destination for gardeners looking for specific, high-performance shrub varieties.

Van Wilgen's Garden Mart utilizes a fourth-generation legacy to provide expert-led landscape design assistance. They focus heavily on soil health through their proprietary organic product line.

Clinton Nurseries serves as a large-scale wholesale facility focused on plant genetics and propagation. While they do not engage in direct public retail, their influence on local plant health through professional-grade quality control is significant.

Judge's Farm operates with a forward-thinking approach, integrating solar power and zero-emissions logistics. They are the premier choice for locally grown, high-quality perennials and culinary herbs.

Buying Guide for CT Gardeners

  • Prioritize native species. Plants indigenous to Connecticut are naturally adapted to local precipitation patterns and soil types, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation and heavy fertilizers.
  • Inspect for health before purchase. Check the root system by gently lifting the plant; roots should be firm and white, not circling the container tightly or showing signs of decay.
  • Check local climate zones. New London resides in a zone where temperature extremes are buffered by the coastline, but hardiness still matters. Always choose cultivars labeled for Zone 6 or lower to ensure winter survival.
  • Buy from local growers. Purchasing from a nursery that propagates plants on-site ensures your new additions are already acclimated to the specific micro-climates of New London, leading to a much higher success rate upon transplanting.
  • Test your soil. Before investing in expensive specimen trees, perform a soil test to understand your pH levels, which often require adjustment with local organic amendments for optimal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I choose a local nursery over a big-box store in New London?

A: Local nurseries in Connecticut grow or source plant stock specifically adapted to our regional climate, hardiness zones, and local soil conditions. Unlike big-box retailers, local garden centers provide expert horticultural advice, offer healthier pest-free specimens, and carry native plant varieties that are better suited for sustaining local pollinators.

Q: When is the best time to plant perennials in Connecticut?

A: The ideal time to plant perennials in New London is during the spring after the danger of frost has passed or in the early fall. Fall planting is particularly beneficial in Connecticut as it allows root systems to establish in cooling soil before the ground freezes, giving the plants a head start for the following spring season.

Q: What are the benefits of using native plants in a New London landscape?

A: Native plants are naturally evolved to thrive in Connecticut's climate with minimal maintenance. Once established, they generally require less water, fewer fertilizers, and no pesticides. Furthermore, they provide essential food and habitat for local birds, bees, and butterflies, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable ecological footprint in your own backyard.

Q: How do I know if my soil needs amendments before planting?

A: Before planting trees or shrubs, it is recommended to perform a soil test to determine your pH and nutrient levels. Many local garden centers sell test kits or can point you toward regional services. Adding organic matter like compost or specialized mulches—often sold by local nurseries—can improve aeration and nutrient retention in the region's diverse soil compositions.

Q: What is the difference between a wholesale nursery and a retail garden center?

A: A wholesale nursery, like those in the New London area, focuses on mass propagation and distribution of plants to landscapers or other retail businesses, often not selling directly to the public. Conversely, a retail garden center is designed specifically for home gardeners, offering smaller quantities, expert staff, plant care education, and a wider variety of individual supplies for the consumer.

⭐ 4.5 average rating across 12 verified nurseries in New London

The most popular reviews:

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Tracey Morin2 hours ago

Just ordered flowers for a funeral and the woman at the desk today was awesome, sweet and informative, I will always order my flowers from here, not the first time I have ordered, never been disappointed, always amazed to see what I have sent. Also cute stuff in there!!

Riggio's Garden Center
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No Namea month ago

Excellent selection, very knowledgeable staff and the absolute best prices around. Make this your first stop!

Maynard Greenhouses
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Mark Hannas3 months ago

This place is the best for evergreens at reasonable prices. I was completely happy with the health and vigor of the 20 Arborvites I got from Mark, at a great price compared to Van Wilgrens. The owners good guy too.

Hydrangea Galore at Comstock Farms LLC
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Pete3 months ago

We are utilizing John's services right now to do that all-important trimming of plants and trees. John trimmed our hydrangea plants and apple trees. He explained the proper way to trim them so that they produce the most flowers and fruits. John's knowledge of plants is extensive. Call him now to get started on that trimming and landscape design for your yard. He is a master gardener.

Lilies Nursery LLC
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Open Roads4 months ago

Great place to pick up from. We just picked up our second load from them in a week. FCFS. Not sure how busy they get in peak season, but given dock as soon as we checked in and they are super quick to load. Everyone we encountered was super nice and courteous. Would love to pick up here again.

Clinton Nurseries
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William Shields (Wes)9 months ago

The coolest houseplants and best staff. Monica and team are all great. Constantly getting new and interesting stuff. Always on the lookout for

Plants by the Village
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Wendy Sanchez3 years ago

it is a very beautiful and very large nursery

Judge's Farm