by Rex Trulove

Created on: February 20, 2011

Not far from Waverly park, and just off of Interstate 5, is Nichol's Garden Nursery, in Albany, Oregon. The main building with a small parking lot can be easily missed. It is on Old Salem road, and too many people don't even think twice when driving past it. It may be hidden, but it is still a gem.

Nichol's has been in business for over a half century. It is family owned and operated, and several generations have become quite involved with this wonderful place.

When a person walks in the front door, they are immediately greeted by the astounding aromas of herbs. The smell is so good that this is a reason for visiting, if there are no others. However, there are indeed others. Unlike many other perhaps better known and larger companies, Nichol's grows their own seeds. Only the finest even make it into the packet.

This is a plant nursery that specializes in herbs. However, they also grow and sell vegetable seeds. Plants can even be purchased, rather than just the seeds. They have extensive knowledge on growing what they sell, and are quite willing to share that wisdom.

There is also a personal touch. People who go into Nichol's Garden Nursery are greeted warmly and as if they have been there hundreds of times. The customer is a friend, here. The staff aren't just out to make a sale, either. They listen and will offer suggestions more prone to offer success. This appears to be a lot more important to them than just making a sale on what they know won't work out. This is a special trait that too few businesses have today.

This business also sells wine and beer making supplies, and hardware used for these, grinding meat, and most anything else someone might expect in a small place, though it exceeds the expectations of most folks. Nichol's is truly astounding. People not living in a place where they can easily visit Albany aren't left out, though. Nichol's ships almost everywhere. There are some restrictions, but that is mostly due to time of year and the plants being shipped. Again, this is a business that wants the grower to succeed. They will do their best to prevent failure for the customer.

They will send catalogs of seeds and plants to people who request them, people can order online from www.nicholsgardennursery.com as well, and the staff are quite responsive to questions or special orders.

Nichol's Garden Nursery truly is a gem. It won't be hidden for long, but it is hard to find a place like this that still has old style values in place. If a person is ever in Albany, Oregon, this is a place that is worth visiting, even if it is to just say hello. They do appreciate people.

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