by Rex Trulove

Created on: March 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 26, 2008

Most gardeners want to get the best seeds and plants for their garden that they can get, at a reasonable price. They also want to have the quality plants and seeds, which will produce the best for their climatic region. The good news is that there is such a place to get the seeds or plants that you want and need: Nichols Garden Nursery.

Nichols isn't like many of the enormous mail order sites that claim to have something for everyone, but really don't give adequate information about what is good for your area and what isn't. Instead, this business is more focused on what will grow and produce in each area, in particular but not limited to herbs.

Nichols Garden Nursery is based in Albany, Oregon, in the Willamette Valley. This area is well known for being fertile enough to grow nearly anything that can withstand cold temperature that Oregon sometimes brings. The business is family owned and has been in operation for over a half century. It is now being run by the second generation, and there is little doubt that the third generation will soon be contributing if it isn't doing so already.

Herbs are a specialty of Nichols. Generally, they don't simply offer one or two types of herb plants or seeds. Rather, they have many varieties of each to select from, and their website (http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com) gives good, concise and yet descriptive information on each variety.

While they are a great company, they haven't outgrown the family atmosphere of caring for their customers. They are responsive to the customer's needs and are willing to give advice when they can. Shipping is also fast, and the plants and seeds are of superior quality to those purchased through most chain stores.

Nichols doesn't just offer strong healthy plants and seeds, they also have supplies for the beer and wine maker, from starter kits to individual items that may be hard to find elsewhere, without going to a specialty store. Many other items are available as well.

Nichols offers a catalog, which can even be downloaded, as well as online purchasing, to make it easier for the gardener. Nichols also welcomes visitors to their business store. As their website describes it, "Look for us on the west side of I-5, on the Frontage road (1190 Old Salem Rd NE), midway between the exit 234 (Albany [OR]) and exit 235 (Millersburg [OR])."

Having been in the store many times, I can say that it is worth the trip, just to smell the wonderful fragrance of the herbs that are always in stock. The store isn't large, but there is so much to see in the store that it could easily consume a great deal of time, just looking at everything. The staff is also very cheerful and helpful, willing to see to your needs and make sure you are satisfied before you leave.

I have personally been a customer of Nichols for over 20 years and hope that the relationship continues well into the future. As an avid gardener that has gardened in a number of vastly different growing conditions, Nichols is a business I strongly recommend for all gardening enthusiasts and herbalists.

If you want a good solid place to purchase your seeds and seedlings, Nichols is the place to do it. I'd rate this business at 5 of 5.

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