DURING YOUR SPRINGTIME GETAWAY to Livingston County, consider stopping by our bountiful greenhouses, gardens, farm stands, and nature centers.
As flowers come into full bloom, you’ll find an array of colorful photo ops as you peruse the peaceful rows of native and specialty flowers, trees and more. You may even stumble upon a plant you just have to have in your home, or another garden-suitable souvenir for yourself or a loved one. You’ll certainly not be left wanting for options — these are some of our favorite garden centers, greenhouses, and nature centers in LivCo, all guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Where: Avon, New York
Palmiter’s Garden Nursery carries a wide range of annuals, perennials, and trees. Some are on the common side, while others are a little more unexpected. The nursery uniquely offers more than 50 varietals of peonies. Cacti and succulents are likewise favorites here, and a good gift for a loved one (or yourself!). You’ll also find glazed pottery for sale. Want to learn more about the nursery? Just ask one of the staff for a guided tour of the grounds.
Where: Lima, New York
This organic garden in Lima stands out in the region as the only one to narrow in on a fun and important niche: organically grown edibles and ornamentals. The family-owned business grows more than 500 varieties of herbs, vegetables, berries and more, across more than 12,000 square feet of greenhouses and a market garden. Not in the market for plants, but will never say no to farm-fresh produce? You can buy Lighthouse Gardens’ fresh produce at the Brighton Farmers Market.
Where: Caledonia, New York
Into the Mystic Blooms is a sustainable field-to-vase flower farm. Here, you can stop by on select days throughout the season, and purchase some simply magical floral arrangements. If you’re lucky enough to be in town on May 25th, you can see the farm’s work at the 4th Annual Plant Sale & Vendor Show, which takes place in Geneseo at the Strange Design Public House. The event highlights not just the farm’s flowers and other area plants, but other local small businesses, crafters, and artisans. (Hint: If you’re planning a LivCo wedding, keep Into the Mystic Blooms in mind for your floral arrangements!)
Where: Sparta, New York
This plant nursery specializes in woodland native perennials, with local plants perfect for creating a lush landscape that’s as good for the environment as it is pretty to look at. The best part? If you visit Amanda’s Native Garden and find a plant that you can’t live without, the helpful team will ship your plant anywhere in the northeastern United States. If you’re in town from May 3rd to 5th, visit for the nursery’s Annual Wildflower Celebration, which includes demonstrations, guided tours, and family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and planting stations.
Where: Avon, New York
At J&A Farm Market, you’ll find a mix of local products, produce, and plants. Pick up a freshly harvested snack or two and some flowers, if you visit during the right season. Even if you’re in LivCo in the wintertime, though, you’ll find gorgeous poinsettias, holiday wreaths, and Christmas trees. Stopping by couldn’t be easier, thanks to the market’s roadside self-serve wagon.
Where: Caledonia, New York
Daylily Gardens boasts a niche — as the name suggests, this display garden is all about daylilies. The gardens grow 2,500 different daylily varieties and while you can certainly buy varieties for your own use, visitors are also encouraged to simply stop by and tour the grounds. The gardens are organized in such a way that they’re accessible for most travelers, including wheelchair and mobility aid users. Daylily Gardens opens for the season on June 28th.
Where: Springwater, New York
In Springwater, this garden center and country store is home to the Springwater Farmers Market (who doesn’t love a stop by a farmers market during travels — it’s a great way to meet the locals and try a bit of regionally grown and produced fare!). Pick up some flowers when the season’s right, but also peruse the many local products and gifts available in the country store.
Where: Avon, New York
Pike’s Greenhouse offers a variety of plants, as well as local goods, like apple cider, dairy products and beef products. Stop in and grab a few items for your house or rental, if you prefer to stay in and cook for your family during your travels. Of course, be sure to peruse all the plants as well, including hanging baskets and displays for the springtime holidays, like Mother’s Day.
Where: Dansville, New York
You’ll find a little bit of everything at NorthView Greenhouses in Dansville. This is a good spot to stop no matter what season you’re visiting LivCo. In the spring, flowers, hanging baskets, and veggies are the main attraction, with available plants changing with the season, and ending with mums in the fall. Then, come winter, this is the place to pick up your fresh holiday wreath. Be sure to follow NorthView on Facebook; the greenhouse gives away a hanging basket every week.
Where: Dansville, New York
Valley View Farmstead boasts a pop-up flower truck in the spring, summer, and early fall, where you can purchase a fresh bouquet, flower jar, or even just a single bloom that catches your eye. Make sure to check the farmstead’s event calendar ahead of your arrival in LivCo. The farmstead hosts fun, floral-themed events, such as a Mother’s Day Bouquet Bar, where you can craft your own bouquet for Mom.
Don’t forget Amish Stands and Markets Throughout LivCo
While you can find many of these farmstands, greenhouses, and nature centers online, be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you drive around Livingston County (and ask a few locals for recommendations) to discover our many Amish stands and markets that don’t have a listing online. Many of the county’s Amish open up their homes and farms to the public, every day of the week except Sunday, selling an array of items, from flowers and produce to quilts and furniture. Visit Miller’s Greenhouse at 7724 Reeds Corners Road in Dansville for quilts, jams, jellies, and florals. Or try Samuel and Sarah Yoder at 6215 Strong Hill Road in North Dansville for Amish-made lawn furniture and clocks. For a bite of Amish goodness, try Cedar Lane Bulk Foods at 6081 Church Road in Dansville.
