by Shyla Martin

Created on: February 27, 2009

Are you at a loss as to what to do with your family on a Sunday afternoon? Well, if you live in Huntsville, Alabama, and you like spring flowers, then Bennett's Nursery is the perfect place for you. First and foremost, a lawn and gardening store, Bennett's offers something most stores cannot. Atmosphere! Located on North Memorial Parkway, just past Winchester Road, this store can proudly boast of being more than your garden variety nursery. I recently went there with my aunt and brother, and we were all surprised at the way we were treated. The family oriented atmosphere and the friendliness of the employees immediately make one feel right at home.

The nursery has been operated by the Bennett family since 1971. They have striven, since day one, to create a place, that not only provides good service and product, but that will also become a store the whole family can enjoy together. Normally that would seem like a bit much to expect from a plant store, but Bennett's pulls it off in style. By the front door, a stand is set up with free coffee, tea, bottled water, and sodas (in glass bottles). Paths lined with trellises and benches connect the fifteen green houses. For a minute, you almost forget that you are in a store.

The main thoroughfare is beautifully landscaped and contains a wooden stage festooned with greenery. On nice spring and summer weekend days, various musicians perform for shoppers. Everything from classical to country has been performed. In the back of the nursery is one of the best kept secrets in Huntsville. A large smoker sits cooking chicken for all who are hungry. The best part is that it is free. I actually saw a family bring a cooler with potato salad and beans to eat with the free foul.

When you walk in the front door, you are bombarded with beautiful foliage of every form imaginable. Hanging baskets with full blooming flowers, trees of every shape and size, potting soil, gardening tools, and even gigantic planters in every color fill the store. Containing more than a dozen individual green houses, Bennett's offers the largest variety of plants available in North Alabama. The plants are well looked after, and you'll quickly realize that the half dead flora at such stores as K-Mart can in no way compare with the quality that Bennett's Nursery has.

Dozens of friendly employees litter the grounds, offering advice and help. Unlike shopping at places such as Wal-Mart, the employees at Bennett's are actually knowledgeable about the product. They will also go out of their way to aid you in finding the perfect plant for that empty spot in your yard.

If you like gardening, or even if you don't, take a day and check out Bennett's Nursery. You'll be glad you did. Who knows? You might even decide to try your hand at a new hobby.

Learn more about this author, Shyla Martin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.