My friend Sara asked me at the end of last week if I wanted to take a plant trip to Lancaster County, so my inner Pennsylvania German grinned and my not so hidden and slightly giddy obsessive gardener self said “yes” in about six seconds.

So it was a beautiful day for a ride out to East Earl today. I got some fabulous photos too I think. But ohhhh the plants, the plants.

Anyway, she took me to :

Black Creek Greenhouses LLC.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Contact: Harvey Zimmerman
211 E. Black Creek Road, East Earl, PA 17519
Phone: (717) 445-5046

OMG. Perennials, herbs, annuals, vegetables. I was in heaven! And the prices are like nothing you have ever seen anywhere. The prices to the public are basically wholesale.

The quality of the plants are what you see in high-end nurseries at high prices. They had such a fabulous hosta selection that I was blown away. So many different kinds of herbs. And they have all the old-fashioned and often forgotten perennials and annuals that nurseries around here no longer carry.

I filled up a cart. Could’ve stayed there all day. And in addition to plants, they have amazing prices on gorgeous clay and glazed pots, and all manner of other garden supplies.

Down the road and over a piece was Conestoga Nursery. This grower has a fabulous selection of shrubs and trees, at really manageable prices.
310 Reading Road East Earl, PA 717-445-4076.

I hate to take business from Chester County growers, but these two places are extraordinary. And they are the nicest people and knowledgable.

These two growers are on a list compiled by the Lancaster County Garden Club.