This garden season, Burien has enjoyed the addition of a new and wonderful nursery – Huckleberry Gardens. Through word of mouth, this amazing small business has already grown and become an anchor in the community.
Owners Patty and Jane decided to open a garden center because of their love of plants and to provide education about all things green and plant-related. Both have extensive backgrounds which have contributed to the successful environment they have created. In fact, they joyfully laughed and pointed out that as a woman-owned business, this “isn’t their first rodeo.” This is quite apparent when you walk into this thriving space. Patty is visually and artistically talented. This is seen in the layout at Huckleberry, which is well-organized, as well as on the website she designed for their company. Patty worked in the nursery industry and as a “farmer florist,” growing and selling flowers directly to florists. Her background includes being an artist, as well as having worked in fine art photography and art consulting. Her keen eye makes everything more beautiful.
Jane, an educator, has over ten years of experience working in the nursery industry. Her vast knowledge of plants goes as deep as knowing their botanical names and origins. She is certified and has had training in the following areas: Master Gardner, Native Plant Stewardship, and the Horticulture program at South Seattle CC. She gained a plethora of knowledge, specifically by taking several plant identification classes. To be honest, she could officially be dubbed a true “plant nerd,” all while never losing her amazing smile.
The driving force for Jane and Patty has been the goal of bringing plant diversity, knowledge of the ecosystem process, and the continuance of lifelong learning forth. They believe that “life learning and the ecosystem process makes you optimistic about the world” and feel that every community should have a garden center.
As you explore this nursery, you’ll find a large array of incredible plants, which include but are not limited to: unusual and harder to find annuals, lovely perennials, herbs, veggie starts, and various trees and shrubs. It’s fun to come across varieties and items that haven’t been seen or available in this area for some time.
As mentioned earlier, word of mouth has been the best advertisement (“as it should be,” says both ladies). This has resulted in a real sense of community. Neighbors and friends are always bumping into each other; some have even reconnected while shopping at Huckleberry. To further add to this thriving environment, there is now a Thursday Social Hour and plans for the start of upcoming classes. Be sure to check their website for more information. There is a link at the end of this article.
Huckleberry Gardens is giving back to Burien and surrounding areas by being involved in an internship/paid program through Highline College’s Community Employment Services. Please click the previous link to learn more about this program.
Huckleberry is looking to a bright future with plans to include the following:
- A gift shop by late fall
- Hands-on workshops
- Seminars with guest speakers
- Expanding to carry garden tools, pottery, and containers
- A remodel of the quaint 1918 cottage that sits on the property
If you haven’t had a chance to stop by and browse this incredible hidden gem, you’re in for a wonderful treat! Don’t forget to be on the lookout for the resident dogs, Theo and Kona, who always add a warm touch.
For more information, you’ll find their website here:
Huckleberry Gardens
15411 8th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166
206-489-4825
(photos courtesy of Marie Jones – Burien.News)
