Boca Raton’s Top Plant Nurseries: (More Than) Worth a Trip

The search for the perfect plant nursery can turn any weekend into a treasure hunt, whether you’re hunting rare tropicals or loading up on classic palms. Boca Raton and its neighboring communities offer hidden gems and sprawling centers where every kind of gardener can find just what they need.

Let’s get to it.

Community Greening Tree Nursery

At Community Greening Tree Nursery, you won’t find a sales counter. Instead, this nonprofit behind the HabCenter in Boca Raton quietly grows a diverse stock of Florida natives and fruit tree saplings. You’ll see acorns sprouting and three-gallon pots filled with live oaks, mulberries, and other drought-tolerant species.

All trees are free. They head home with participants at community giveaways or “Pick Up & Grow” events. Each visitor walks away with a sapling plus a shovel, mulch, compost, and a printed care guide. Volunteers and the Urban Forestry team handle daily tasks such as watering, weeding, propagating and arranging pots across container beds and shaded workstations.

Beyond distributing trees, the nursery offers youth job training and performs tree canopy mapping to ensure neighborhoods receive needed shade. The facility includes an outdoor classroom and covered benches where you might get a bit of soil under your fingernails. Since 2016, Community Greening Tree Nursery has focused on growing local trees for public benefit. There’s no sales process, just a community-driven effort to expand South Florida’s urban forest one free tree at a time.

Check out their website →

HabCenter Boca Raton

Walking through the gates of HabCenter Boca Raton reveals a sprawling 12-acre nursery that produces over a million Grade A plants each year. The site features climate-controlled greenhouses alongside open-air benches filled with heat-tolerant annuals, portulacas, crotons, and mini palms. Seasonal rotations introduce new varieties, so the display gardens always showcase fresh selections.

All propagation and growing take place onsite. This ensures healthier plants and gives bulk buyers solid deals while avoiding sticker shock for retail shoppers. Clearly marked sections guide you to annuals, perennials, palms and flowering shrubs. An efficient layout combines potting soil stations, color-coded displays and organized aisles.

Beyond plant production, HabCenter Boca Raton serves as a therapeutic horticulture center for adults with disabilities. Staff and participants maintain demonstration plots and demo zones where visitors can learn practical planting ideas. Guided tours and occasional open-house events highlight sustainable gardening techniques and Florida-friendly landscaping. The knowledgeable team answers questions on soil mixes, pest control and plant care. Over time, this nonprofit has become a local institution valued by landscapers, gardeners and community members.

Check out their website →

Lowe’s Garden Center

Lowe’s Garden Center in Boca Raton blends a home improvement megastore with an expansive outdoor nursery. Under shade canopies and bright Florida sun, rows of succulents, tropical foliage and seasonal bedding plants extend next to lumber and hardware aisles.

Spring brings annual flowers and vegetable starts, followed by heat-loving tropicals, then mums and Christmas trees by year’s end. The nursery includes citrus and apple trees suited for this climate alongside native Florida species. Clearly labeled sections guide you to perennials, palms, fruit trees, organic soils, pest control products and garden tools.

A self-service potting soil station and color-coordinated displays make plant selection easy. Weekend staff members answer questions on soil mixes, watering schedules and pest prevention without ever rushing you. Demonstration gardens offer real-life landscape ideas that actually work in South Florida conditions.

Beyond standard big-box services like curbside pickup and local delivery, Lowe’s hosts workshops on planting basics and advanced gardening techniques. Whether you are tackling a small backyard plot or a larger landscape project, this garden center provides budget-friendly options and expert support every step of the way.

Check out their website →

The Pots

Tucked into Town Center Boca Raton, The Pots feels like a lively greenhouse rather than a mall shop. Shelves hold golden pothos, Bird of Paradise leaves and clusters of succulents nesting in artisan pots.

Most plants arrive directly from Costa Rica, and every specimen looks vibrant and healthy. The boutique layout keeps displays tight and lush. A customization bar lets you pair any plant with a matching pot.

Prices range from mid-level to premium. The staff know their plants by name and will guide you through care routines, watering schedules and lighting needs. You won’t simply buy a houseplant, and you will learn about its growth habits and ideal soil mix.

Plans are in motion to add a small café serving Costa Rican coffee, giving The Pots a natural extension into drinks that complement the greenery. Whether you want a unique gift or a standout addition for your home, this shop offers one-on-one attention and stylish containers that double as décor. For anyone serious about indoor plants, The Pots is a refreshing change from standard retail options.

Check out their website →

Morning Dew Tropical Plants

At Morning Dew Tropical Plants, trade professionals find a streamlined source for tropical foliage. Operating out of their Boca Raton office, they serve interiorscapers, retailers, and landscapers searching for everything from common palms to rare Calatheas. With over 2,000 species sourced from more than 150 nurseries across Florida, their inventory spans every category of tropical plant.

Each week, the Morning Dew crew heads to Homestead, Apopka, Orlando, Miami, and other growing regions to hand-select top specimens. They build direct relationships with growers and negotiate genuine wholesale prices, ensuring clients pay trade rates rather than retail markups.

Their team brings decades of combined experience to every order, which proves invaluable when a major hotel or casino needs a thousand ferns on short notice. Convenience is built into the process: an online plant gallery, daily updated stock lists, and coordinated big-rig shipping anywhere in the country. No frills, no retail distractions—just a reliable Floridian partner for bulk tropical plants delivered on time.

Check out their website →

Laguna Bay Nursery Inc

Located on N Dixie Hwy in Pompano Beach, Laguna Bay Nursery Inc offers a family-run, neighborhood nursery experience. Run by Fidel and Stephanie Marquez since 2021, the nursery strikes a comfortable size that never feels overwhelming.

Rows of cacti and succulents share space with sun-loving perennials, shade-tolerant ornamentals and seasonal annuals each spring. You will also find vegetable starts and herb bundles ready for your garden. Every plant appears well cared for, with no wilted leaves in sight.

Pricing remains wallet-friendly throughout the selection, and you won’t encounter inflated costs just for a city address. The staff know each plant’s requirements and will help load purchases into your vehicle. They share straightforward growing advice without making you feel out of your depth.

Laguna Bay Nursery Inc feels approachable, not crowded or intimidating. This local nursery has quickly earned a reputation for quality plants, reliable service and the friendly expertise of its owners. It’s a go-to spot for both beginners and seasoned gardeners in the Boca Raton area.

Check out their website →

Mac’s Garden Center

Along S. Dixie Highway in Delray Beach, Mac’s Garden Center has been a local favorite since 1987. This family-run spot resembles a neighbor’s lush yard, but with a massive selection of Florida-friendly plants. Shaded benches display blooms and foliage in neat rows, while mulch and soil arrive in tidy bags or full pallets. Gravel and decorative stone line up on racks like art installations.

You’ll find bougainvillea, impatiens, palms, groundcovers, herbs, and succulents. If you need something unusual, staff members will order it rather than send you away. That mix of readiness and resourcefulness is why gardeners keep Mac’s number on speed dial every spring.

Prices strike a balance between quality and affordability. You can pick up a few bags of mulch yourself or hire the team to handle delivery and planting. Either way, you’ll leave with dirt under your nails and concrete plans to enhance your landscape.

Check out their website →

Nu Turf of Pompano Beach, Inc.

Nu Turf of Pompano Beach, Inc. has been family-run since 1973 and spans five acres of garden center brimming with tropical and native Florida plants. You’ll find exotic fruit trees, indoor varieties, butterfly-attracting blooms, and shade trees large enough to spark backyard envy.

Their sod selection includes St. Augustine, Empire Zoysia, and other turf grasses to revitalize brown lawns. Beyond plants, Nu Turf stocks mulch, rocks, soil blends, and DIY landscaping materials. Their open-air displays along Dixie Highway invite neighborhood stroll-throughs, while a compact retail shop offers fixtures and décor accents.

Behind the counters, staff members share nearly 300 years of horticultural expertise. They’ll diagnose wilting foliage, identify mysterious shrubs, and recommend the right mulch for clay soil. Whether you’re installing a new lawn or seeking a statement tree, Nu Turf combines inventory depth with down-to-earth service that’s kept locals coming back for five decades.

Check out their website →

Burs Green Thumbs

Tucked into the Promenade at Coconut Creek, Burs Green Thumbs offers a boutique plant experience. In Suite E107, Instagram-worthy shelves burst with exotic houseplants, rare succulents, and elegant bonsai. Nearby, dried flower arrangements and custom bouquets cater to special occasions or everyday pick-me-ups.

Stock arrives regularly from specialist growers, ensuring fresh selection and healthy specimens. The shop features a build-your-own bouquet station, where under $30 grants you full creative control. You’ll also spot crochet plant holders and giftable accessories lining the counters.

Owner Carie Bard, at the helm since November 2021, brings hands-on expertise to every question. Prices stay in a moderate range—never too steep, never suspiciously low. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a casual shopper seeking a single standout plant, Burs Green Thumbs combines stylish presentation with genuine horticultural know-how.

Check out their website →

Leserra’s Nursery

Located just off W Hillsboro Boulevard, Leserra’s Nursery offers a relaxed, family-run atmosphere. Since 1978, the same family has overseen every aspect of this midsize nursery. Five dedicated staff members manage on-site growing areas and source additional plants from nearby growers, ensuring healthy stock without long-distance shipping.

Plants are arranged in neat, shaded display lanes. Seasonal rotations feature annuals in spring and hardy ornamentals in winter. Tall palm trees serve as natural landmarks throughout the grounds.

Children can explore open pathways while adults browse butterfly plants, propagation sections, and practical garden supplies. The nursery carries a range of shrubs, hedges, flowering perennials, and tropical species. Prices remain reasonable, especially for small and medium purchases.

Gardeners and landscaping professionals from Boca Raton to Coconut Creek rely on Leserra’s expertise for advice on plant care and landscape projects. Staff members offer guidance on soil mixes, pruning techniques, and pest management without pressure. The overall vibe combines a neighborhood feel with genuine horticultural knowledge, making this nursery a valued destination for both casual customers and serious gardeners.

Check out their website →

Delray Garden Center

With roots dating to 1989, Delray Garden Center stands as one of Delray Beach’s largest nurseries. The staff of over 150 can identify every plant brought in, from common shrubs to rare orchids. The collection includes tropicals, trees, shrubs, and specialty orchids, many featured in magazines. They even accept special orders for hard-to-find varieties.

The greenhouses span a vast space but feel open thanks to shaded strolling gardens and benches placed throughout. Whether deciding on potting mix or selecting a ficus, someone is always available to help. Beyond plants, Delray Garden Center offers full landscape design, installation, and hurricane preparation services.

A dedicated accessories section displays decorative pottery, driftwood, and garden accents. A special order desk handles requests for that standout plant requested elsewhere. Staff members handle every inquiry without making customers feel awkward. Overall, this center balances neighborhood charm with award-winning expertise, making it a go-to destination for plant enthusiasts and professional landscapers alike.

Check out their website →

Bushel Stop

Across South Florida, Bushel Stop has earned a loyal following among gardeners with its straightforward nursery setups. From Delray Beach to Port St. Lucie, six open-air locations stock tropical trees, flowering perennials, and hardy shrubs. They also carry bulk supplies like mulch, sod, and custom soil blends.

Nursery yards line up potted vincas, 7-gallon clusias, bonsai, and seasonal annuals in vivid spring displays. Pottery and decorative containers fill rows, making it easy to outfit an entire patio in one trip.

Staff members speak plainly about plant care, distinguishing decorator needs from serious horticultural questions on fertilizer and soil pH. Prices often run lower than big-box competitors, yet service remains personal. Need a rare palm or an out-of-season shrub? They’ll tell you exactly when it’s available or suggest alternatives. With open access to inventory and no-nonsense advice, Bushel Stop simplifies every gardening project.

Check out their website →

Related Posts