The Great Outdoors

There are several nurseries in my area that I frequent when I go on plant-buying expeditions. In fact, I’ve been known to make three different nursery stops in one day! But my favorite nursery for buying Proven Winners plants is The Great Outdoors here in Austin, Texas. This nursery seeps “funky” from its pores, which mirrors the city’s vibe perfectly.

Austinites in general are an educated and creative bunch—we like what we like, and we also want something a little cutting edge, a bit different and sometimes flat-out oddball. Austin gardeners are the same X 10! The Great Outdoors carries a wide selection of shade plants, roses, succulents and cacti, and ornamental plants that I buy for myself as well as my clients. In fact, I have a deal with myself that when I go to The Great Outdoors for a client, I always pick up a bit of plant bling for my garden as well!

A little over a year ago I was on one of my jaunts to The Great Outdoors, I ran across the Supertunia^® Pretty Much Picasso^® that I—and everyone else—fell in love with. Then I discovered the Calibrachoas—Superbells^® Blackberry Punch and Superbells^® Yellow Chiffon. These are two of my favorites that I use for my client Catherine’s potted plants. And this year, I am super excited about the new line of perennials. There is a gorgeous bright yellow Heliopsis, ‘Tuscan Sun’ and a sweet Gaura, Stratosphere^™ White that are perfect for my other clients who want heat and drought tolerant beauty.

I often have a list of specific plants that I need when I stop by The Great Outdoors, but sometimes I wait to see what new shipments are in and then allow the inspiration to flow. The staff at this nursery is up on all the new plant introductions and often point things out to me that I might have missed—making me look like a rock star to my clients! In order for the gardens I design to look edgy and fresh, it really does take a village—it starts with the design and vision, but it takes an awesome nursery, a knowledgeable staff and stunning plants from Proven Winners to pull it all off! Take a look around your favorite nursery; I bet you’ll see some inspiration for your garden in little white containers, too.

^© Proven Winners, LLC.