Hello, friends! One of our favorite staycation activities is visiting local garden nurseries. We go all year, not just in spring and summer, but on a sunny day there’s something especially restorative about wandering among plants, greenhouses, and seasonal displays.
Wherever we’ve lived I’ve always discovered at least one nursery I love returning to. Sometimes I come home with a new houseplant or a small gift, but often the best part is the unhurried time to browse. A nursery visit is simple therapy: the scent of soil, the quiet hum of bees, and the variety of textures and colors to inspire home gardening projects.
We especially enjoy stopping by Christianson’s Nursery. It offers a wide selection of plants and beautiful greenhouse spaces, along with a garden shop and a charming gift shop. They frequently host seasonal events such as markets and fairs, which add a lively community feel to the visit.
I’ve written about Christianson’s Nursery before and it remains one of my favorite local destinations. It was even the location for our daughter Courtney’s wedding a few years back. The property works beautifully for celebrations, with a welcoming barn and lovely outdoor areas that make events feel intimate and special.
The on-site gift shop, Primrose Antiques & Gifts, is a highlight. It offers a thoughtfully curated mix of vintage finds, books, local handmade items, and toys—perfect for finding a unique present or a little treasure for yourself. Browsing the shop is a nice complement to exploring the plant selections and greenhouses.
If you’re in the region for a day trip from Seattle or looking for a nearby getaway, Christianson’s is a lovely stop. Bring a picnic, plan a relaxed afternoon, and set aside time to explore the different sections of the nursery. It’s an easy outing that feels more like a small adventure than a simple errand.
One small improvement I’d love to see is a permanent coffee shop on the property. They sometimes host coffee and food carts on weekends or during events, which is wonderful, but a cozy café would make lingering even more enjoyable—especially on cool mornings.
Their greenhouses are especially inspiring. I often imagine having a greenhouse of my own, but even without one a visit here fills that creative gap. Seeing how plants are arranged, how lighting affects growth, and how different varieties are cared for gives practical ideas for containers, shelving, and micro-garden layouts at home.
We almost always bring our dogs. Although they’re not pictured here, they love visiting and exploring the grounds. It’s wonderful that Christianson’s welcomes pets, making it easy to include the whole family in the day’s outing.
In addition to plants and pets, the nursery has small farm animals—bunnies, chickens, and even a llama—so it’s a delightful stop for children. These gentle animals add charm and make the nursery feel like a small, accessible slice of farm life.
Practical tips for a great visit: wear comfortable shoes for walking gravel paths, bring a tote or cart for plants, and check event schedules if you hope to time your trip with a market or themed weekend. If you’re planning to buy plants, consider taking photos of your home spaces so staff can recommend sizes and types that will thrive where you intend to place them.
Happy travels and happy gardening!
Enjoy these other ‘Out to See’ posts:
Out to See: A Day Trip by the Sea
Out to See: Langley, Washington
Out to See: Newport and the Oregon Coast
Out to See: Port Townsend
Out to See: Leavenworth, Washington