When my husband and I got married, we moved into an apartment with enough space for a garden. I wasn’t sold on buying dirt and putting in a vegetable garden that we’d eventually leave, but eventually, I agreed. As it turned out, I loved that garden!

Things have become a bit more complicated after having kids — it’s not quite as easy to keep up with hobbies these days. But I still maintain a love for plants! This hobby has also gotten me out of the house and into some pretty cool plant spaces in and around the city. Here are my eight favorite plant shops in the Boston area.

Micro Plant Studio :: South Boston

This beautiful shop in South Boston has an extensive list of plant services, including (but certainly not limited to) in-home plant care options, help with moving plants, and “in-studio” plant support. You will want to visit this shop to see what services you’d like to take advantage of in addition to picking up some beautiful plants.

Emerald City Plant Shop :: Norwood

Emerald City is the coolest new plant place located just south of Boston in Norwood. They come to popups in Boston regularly, but visiting the shop is a must for local plant lovers. It doubles as a lush event space, and it’s worth being inside to peek at the plants you’re allowed to rent!

Ricky’s Flower Market :: Somerville

If you’re hoping to update your outdoor and indoor gardens, Ricky’s Flower Market in Union Square is the ultimate place to go. The market is largely outdoors, and you can find outdoor plants, indoor plants, and any type of soil or planter you need! Unlike most places, they are open daily in case you want to grab something during the week or make an event out of it with a friend on the weekend.

Pemberton Farms Marketplace :: Cambridge

Pemberton Farms has a great deli, but you’ll also find a large and inviting garden center. Whether you want to grow plants or vegetables, you’ll find staff with a wealthy knowledge of how to make it happen. The marketplace offers weekly workshops for those interested in expanding their plant knowledge.

Greenhouse Plant Shop :: Jamaica Plain

Greenhouse is located centrally in Jamaica Plain at Monumental Market. You’ll find ready-to-go houseplants (no repotting at home!) for every plant mama skill level. They’ll tell you everything you need to know about your new plant baby, and if you forget, they have really helpful tips right on their website.

Russell’s Garden Center :: Wayland

Russell’s has a variety of flowers, garden plants, and house plants to choose from in a large but cozy setting. One of my favorite things about this place is that it also has a bird shop! If you’re the kind of plant lover who wants to welcome and attract feathered friends to your garden, this is the place to be.

Wagon Wheel Farm Stand & Plant Nursery :: Lexington

Wagon Wheel is a great place to shop for your plants, order landscaping materials, or have your entire lawnscape planned for you! At their wholesale location on Route 2 you’ll find trees, shrubs, and perennials to help brighten up the outside of your home.

Mahoney’s Garden Center :: Brighton, Chelmsford, Concord, E. Falmouth, Osterville, Tewksbury, Winchester

Mahoney’s Garden Center is in reach of anyone in the Boston area! You can access help with all your indoor and outdoor plant needs at any of their locations, but the farmstand in Winchester is a special treat!

Having a hobby that I can enjoy alone and with my children at home has made us all happy. While the boys don’t always get to come along on the plant-shopping adventure, they love talking to and watering the plants with me. It’s beautiful to see them connect to an activity I love but can reserve just for myself whenever I need.

Dashanna Hanlon
Dashanna was born in Michigan and raised between there and Virginia. She moved to Massachusetts in 2011 after getting a bachelor’s degree in English and gender studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She married her favorite Massachusetts native (Tom) seven years ago. Together they have two sons, Lucas and Isaiah, born in 2018 and 2019. Becoming a parent ignited a passion for supporting others, and Dashanna became a doula before the birth of her second son. She is now the owner of Caring for Mamas, working with families all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She loves fresh-squeezed lemonade, good music, and helping and supporting families.