Local Nursery Scene in Des Moines
The horticultural landscape in Des Moines serves a diverse mix of residential gardeners and commercial landscapers. Our analysis identified nine primary suppliers across the region, ranging from specialized interior plant boutiques to large-scale wholesale production facilities. This variety ensures that whether you are planning a small container garden in an apartment or a comprehensive residential landscape renovation, there is a local resource equipped to handle your specific requirements. The presence of both multi-generational family nurseries and specialized design-build firms creates a robust ecosystem that supports the unique climate needs of Central Iowa.
Comparison of Top Nurseries
| Nursery Name | Rating | Specialization | Type |
|---|
| Goode Greenhouses | 4.5 | Annuals, Perennials, Vegetables | Retail Garden Center |
| Art Terrarium | 4.9 | Rare Houseplants, Plant Styling | Houseplant Retailer |
| Earl May Garden Center | 4.4 | Trees, Shrubs, Garden Supplies | Retail Garden Center |
| Renovation Jungle | 4.9 | General Plants | General Nursery |
| Bedwell Gardens | 4.8 | Annuals, Perennials, Evergreens | Greenhouse/Nursery |
| Trendy Gardener | 4.3 | Interior Plantscaping | Service Provider |
| Jenkins Garden Market | 5.0 | Trees, Shrubs, Perennials | Retail Garden Center |
| DMF Gardens Inc | 4.4 | Wholesale Plant Production | Wholesale Nursery |
| Holub Greenhouses Inc. | 5.0 | Annuals, Perennials | Greenhouse |
Deep Dive into Nurseries
Goode Greenhouses: This full-service retail garden center provides everything from edible plants like potatoes and onions to extensive perennial collections. Their digital tools, including mulch calculators, make them a practical choice for project-minded homeowners.
Art Terrarium: Located in Highland Park, this shop specializes in interior plant decor and rare specimens. They bridge the gap between retail and design by offering professional plant styling and maintenance for commercial and residential clients.
Earl May Garden Center: As a long-standing chain with locations across the Midwest, they focus on reliable landscaping staples. Their inventory includes hard goods like bird feeders and soil amendments, making them a one-stop shop for outdoor maintenance.
Renovation Jungle: This facility serves as a general plant nursery. While their retail footprint focuses on standard plant offerings, they remain a steady resource for local gardeners seeking common botanical additions for their properties.
Bedwell Gardens: Operating out of Norwalk since 1999, this family-owned nursery manages a production greenhouse. They prioritize hardy shrubs and trees that can withstand the local climate, ensuring quality stock for container and ground planting.
Trendy Gardener: This firm operates as an interior plantscaping service rather than a standard nursery. They focus on biophilic design, offering leasing programs and professional installations for corporate and high-end residential spaces.
Jenkins Garden Market: Based in Carlisle, this family-owned market offers a wide variety of balled-and-burlap trees and ornamental shrubs. Their focus on pollinator-friendly garden design provides great value for those looking to support local ecosystems.
DMF Gardens Inc: This is a wholesale nursery focused on the commercial sector. They provide professional landscapers with container-grown trees and custom-grown plant materials, functioning as a vital supply chain partner for large-scale installation projects.
Holub Greenhouses Inc.: With over four decades in the industry, this greenhouse excels in climate-adapted annuals and vegetable starters. Their commitment to local production ensures that plants are already acclimated to the specific environmental conditions found in Central Iowa.
Buying Guide for IA Gardeners
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Most of Des Moines falls into zone 5. Always check the hardiness rating on plant labels to ensure they can survive Iowa winters. Avoid plants rated for zone 6 or higher unless you treat them as annuals.
- Acclimation Matters: Plants grown at local nurseries like Holub or Bedwell are better prepared for our fluctuating spring temperatures. Locally propagated stock has already faced our specific humidity and wind patterns, increasing survival rates.
- Inspect Before Buying: Always look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves. Check container plants for root-bound conditions where roots are spiraling tightly at the bottom, which can stunt long-term growth.
- Native Benefits: Incorporating native Iowa species reduces water consumption once plants are established. Native perennials provide essential habitat for regional pollinators and are naturally equipped for local soil pH levels.
- Soil Amendments: Iowa soil can vary from heavy clay to nutrient-depleted silt. Before planting trees or shrubs, utilize the soil analysis expertise found at garden centers to determine if you need organic compost or specialized soil amendments.
- Planting Season: While container plants can go in the ground throughout the growing season, spring and early fall are the optimal windows for trees and shrubs to establish root systems before extreme heat or frost.
