Shopping Guide: Southern Woods Nursery
Southern Woods Nursery: An Informed Shopper's Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Plant Selection: You'll find a wide variety of plants, including common garden varieties, NZ natives, and some very special, hard-to-find options. They offer a large selection of healthy plants. Specific examples noted include Standard Portuguese Laurel, native plants suitable for coastal locations, sour cherries (and other trees), and plants for shelter belts and riparian planting.
- Knowledgeable and Helpful Staff: The team is described as friendly, engaged, well-informed, and passionate. Staff members are willing to offer advice on plant choices, care, and are adept at helping you make the right selections. They are happy to answer inquiries, offer expert advice, and even help pack your car for safe transport.
- Excellent Customer Service: Shoppers can expect a super quick response time to inquiries. You'll experience amazing customer service throughout your interaction with the nursery. This includes the willingness to help find specific plants and/or source non-stock items.
- Competitive Pricing: Prices are described as reasonable, with top-quality trees at very reasonable prices. You can often find great bargains, especially towards the back of the nursery.
- Large Scale Options Available: The nursery can supply large quantities and is willing to source specific plants that may not be commercially available, which can save shoppers time and money. This is especially useful for those seeking rare natives and large-scale projects. They are transparent about seed source and biosecurity information.
- Healthy and Vigorous Plants: The plants are described as vigorous, unlikely to fail in unfavorable conditions, and in excellent condition.
- Impressive Facilities and Atmosphere: The location offers an impressive main shop building with ample parking. It's a nice, quiet, and fresh place to walk through, with demonstration gardens to inspire your choices.
- Convenient Services: The nursery offers delivery services. Turnaround time is quick, and plants are well packed.
- Availability of Tools and Accessories: The shop has a great selection of tools available, including Japanese secateurs.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Lack of a Cafe: Be aware that there isn't a cafe on site.
- Availability: While the nursery strives to provide an extensive selection, the specifics of plant stock will vary. If your desired plants are not in stock, you may need to consider a waiting period or explore other options.