MY BROOKLYN GARDEN STORE FAVES
Brooklynites love their outdoor space. With NYC growing more dense by the second, and opportunities for green space dwindling, gardens or open space of any kind is a supreme luxury. And while garden stores are not a-plenty around here, some of the ones we have are verdant urban gems. Here are three Brooklyn garden stores and one Home Furnishings store, all in different Brooklyn neighborhoods, and each impeccably curated by their loving creators. I recommend a visit to any and all, whether to spruce up your home, garden, maybe find a gift---or just a visit to provide a needed infusion to your hardened city soul with something soft, green, stylish, and happy.
Address: 103 Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful, warm and thoughtfully curated collection of some of the most classic, tried + true (and also reasonably priced) items for gardens, like Fermob furniture (all pieces available for order), Ben Wolff Pottery, Campo De Fiori planters, and a stunning assortment of both cut flowers and native perennials in the lovely owner, Susanne's, garden space in the back of the store.
Address: 309 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY
Amy Gardella's Seaport Flowers is an overwhelmingly visceral and sensual store, with an incredible collection of unusual plants and cut flowers that are divine.I am always stunned by the quality and range of her flowers and plants. Her eye for color is incredible and she uses it sparingly...so each flower she incorporates can be read and appreciated with clarity. She also has a beautiful array of good, house wares and handmade objects and other. Inspired by her Grandfather and his garden, Amy's childhood passion is translated to a sensorial gift to the neighborhood.
Address: 9 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY
The Gowanus Nursery, located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is a juxtaposition in terms. Situated right in view of giant shipping cranes, and the busy industrial harbor, this nursery literally radiates vegetation, pushing meadow grasses, Asters and Goldenrod out onto the sidewalk, overtaking a chain-link fence, and and jumps across the street and along the Brooklyn Greenway bike path. It's owner, Michele Palladino is an expert horticulturalist with a keen eye for beauty and a passion for plants that is contagious when you go. She also has plants for indoors located in the office, as well as a collection of trees, and many plants she propagates from seed. Hours of operation are sporadic, so be sure to check before planning a visit.
Address: 148 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY
While not defined as a "garden store", Homestories, located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights has a unique sensibility all to itself and transcends traditional lines defining indoor/outdoor boundaries. Minimal, serene and artfully curated, their collection is organic and artisanal, with pieces that are flexible and could be used either indoors or out. The store's founders, Sophie and Paul Yanacopulous-Gross, are Swiss and they are also design perfectionists. Thy carry the entire outdoor furniture line by Paola Navone, called Gervasoni, as well as lighting by Flos, a furniture line by the owner, Paul, and ceramics by Nelson Sepulveda. I love their bowls, mugs and baskets too.
