12111 W. Broad St.
360-2800
stranges.com

Second Place: Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery

Third Place: Sneed's Nursery and Landscaping

How do you know it's officially spring in Richmond? It isn't the pollen or the pastels; it's the pilgrimage of gardeners to Strange's vast nursery and garden shop in Short Pump. Not only does Strange's selection of perennials, annuals, veggies and herbs eclipse the pedestrian offerings of big-box stores, but it also sells organic gardening supplies, statuary, fountains and containers. Strange's staff experts know their geraniums from their pelargoniums, and they can help diagnose problems with insects and diseases. The nursery offers free classes all season long on gardening techniques. Strange's South Side competitor is second-place winner the Great Big Greenhouse, another garden wonderland that has an indoor jungle of rare and exotic tropical plants. Sneed's Nursery welcomes dogs as well as gardeners, and offers in-house landscape design experts.