2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Tucked between Albany and Millersburg, Oregon, just a little south of the paper mill and other industrial complexes, lies a little red barn-like building housing a sweet surprise. Pull off of Old Salem Road into the gravel parking lot, open the door, and ahhhh! What a sweet, spicy, herbal aroma! You've found Nichols Garden Nursery, one of the best sources of herbs and unusual vegetables in the Pacific Northwest for over 50 years.

As you walk in the store, the source of that marvelous aroma is right in front of you: a whole wall of racks and bins full of culinary herbs, spice mixes, teas, and aromatic oils. Nearby you'll find racks of herb, flower, and vegetable seeds for customers to browse through. If there's something in the catalog that you want and you aren't finding it on the racks, just ask - if it's in stock, the clerks will find it in their bins of seed packets at one end of the store. On the other side of the store you'll find brewing supplies, garden equipment, books, and bulk bins of beans, peas, fava beans, garlic, and seed potatoes in season.

If you're lucky, Rose Marie Nichols McGee, current owner of the business, might be on hand to help you out and give you some gardening advice. Copies of her book, Bountiful Container, are on hand for people interested in edible container gardening.

Step out the back door and you'll find the plants for sale. Many unusual herb plants and perennials are available through the catalog, but some are only to be found at the store, especially new varieties that the Nichols folks are experimenting with. In May, during their annual plant sale, you can find big, healthy heirloom tomato plants. Hurry, though, because they go fast.

Just behind the plant area is the Nichols test garden. Enter through an arch covered with enthusiastic hop vines. Wander through to see herbs, perennials, and vegetables in their small raised bed garden. The garden is small, but it's a gem worth seeing.

The nursery's reputation was built by offering a wide variety of unusual herb seeds. Herbs and unusual vegetables continue as a tradition. The catalog features dozens of different mints, thymes, and other herbs, most of which are available as plants. There is a whole section on heirloom seeds. You can find unusual vegetables, such as yacon (also called Bolivian sun root), or oca, a root crop grown by the Incas. Saffron crocus is available for people who want their own source of this luxury spice. There are even ecologically-sound lawn mixes which contain grasses, clover, and flowers.

Nichols is located at 1190 Old Salem Road NE, Albany, Oregon. To get there, take I-5 to Albany and get off at exit 234B. Turn west onto Pacific Boulevard, then take a right at the first light by the park. Turn right onto Old Salem Road. Nichols will be on your left. Alternately, you can get off I-5 at exit 235 at Millersburg, turn right, and follow Old Salem Road about .7 miles. The nursery is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am until 5:00 pm.

If you don't live close enough to visit Nichols, you can still order their excellent seeds and plants through their catalog or their website. See http://www.nicholsgardennurser y.com/ to request a paper catalog, download a PDF version, or to use their online catalog. The website also has seasonal recipes and information on straw bale gardening. Order some seeds or other products, which are always delivered promptly, and as you open the box - ahhh, there it is. That characteristic Nichols aroma of spices and herbs.

Learn more about this author, Karen Bledsoe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Business review: Nichols Garden Nursery for vegetable and herb seeds?
We want to hear your view. Write now!