You can lock up your cigars, diamonds and expensive booze. Give me a store that puts Felco pruners behind lock and key! Seriously! Gertens Garden Center in Inver Grove Hts, MN is truly one of the best garden centers I’ve visited. Even in late July, it’s well-stocked, the plants are well cared for and every staff member I spoke with is as excited about plants and pruners as me. I had a delightful conversation with a young woman about which pruners fit our hands better and I’m pretty sure she didn’t think I was strange at all– just a normal day in gardening Nirvana. Gertens (no apostrophe… I checked) started in the early 1900s and now has the 4th generation involved in its care. They grow the majority of their plants and “do everything possible to reduce the use of pesticides”. The inventory goes on until it’s almost out of sight! Huge thanks to Lisa Walsh (a wonderful artist in Indiana– please check out her work!) for bringing this to my attention.
Huge amount of hardscape for the shade perennial sales area! 
More perennials! 
Plenty of succulents– and tons of pots too. 
Look! It goes on forEVER! 
Ahhh…. someone who understands the importance of good pruners! 
Sweet gift shop too! 
Isn’t this what everyone’s car looks like on vacation? 🙂