Wonderfully quirky! So many garden centers carry the same plant material but at Alwerdt’s (technically in Altamont, IL), you get the sense you’re viewing the owners’ personal interests! It’s laid out as if they thought, “Let’s add a greenhouse here! How about more display gardens there?” It’s not exactly logical but it’s so fun to explore. This is off Interstate 70 on your way from anywhere east of St. Louis to the Missouri Botanical Garden because of COURSE that’s where you’re headed! Alwerdt’s has knowledgeable staff members, a wide variety of plants, good prices and an adjoining sculpture garden.
Unassuming, but good gardeners know to roll up their sleeves and see what’s up! 
A display garden lets you see how plants will perform. 
This Heliopsis ‘Tuscan Sun’ caught my eye for its vigor and one came home with me! 
‘Hollywood’ junipers are so cool. Makes me wish I’d planted bunch of these craggy beauties years ago. 
‘Little Devil’ ninebark was covered with blooms. 3 gallon plant for $42 
Great value on this Chamaecyparis ‘Crispii’ for $37 
Hours vary! A lot! 
And then there’s this… 
