When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center
Why Homewood Nursery & Garden Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center, established in 1967, is a beloved Raleigh institution renowned for offering an extensive selection of plants, garden supplies, and exceptional customer service. This locally-owned nursery is the ideal place to meet up with friends who share a passion for gardening or simply want to enjoy a relaxing, nature-inspired outing. Visitors can explore a wide variety of plants including shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants, many of which are homegrown or sourced from trusted local growers. The nursery also features a lovely gift shop with seasonal items that transform into a Holiday Shop at Christmas, as well as pottery, garden décor, and gifts, making it a versatile stop for both planting and gift needs.
Homewood’s knowledgeable and friendly staff are dedicated to helping customers pick the right plants based on factors like sunlight and personal goals, offering custom container garden design, potting services, and even limited landscape installation and delivery. Its welcoming atmosphere reflects core values of integrity, faith, and family, making it not just a business but a cherished part of the community. Beyond shopping, the nursery’s charming environment and regular sales events make it easy to spend time browsing and finding inspiration for your garden or outdoor space. Whether you want to spruce up your yard, start a vegetable garden, or find a unique gift, Homewood Nursery provides a warm setting for friends to gather and share in the joy of gardening.
Here's what people think of Homewood Nursery & Garden Center
As of recent, Homewood Nursery & Garden Center holds a 4.7-star rating based on 401 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Homewood Nursery & Garden Center for its vast selection of quality plants and gardening essentials, as well as its friendly and knowledgeable staff who go above and beyond to assist shoppers. Many reviewers highlight the personalized attention received, such as help with plant selection tailored to their home’s sunlight and garden goals. The business’s commitment to integrity, family values, and employee care is frequently noted as contributing to a positive shopping experience and a welcoming atmosphere. Several patrons recall fond memories of visiting Homewood with family, reinforcing its role as a community staple. Additionally, the availability of seasonal sales and a diverse inventory, ranging from shrubs and flowers to home décor and garden gifts, keeps customers coming back.
On the other hand, some negative feedback includes occasional mentions of pricing being on the higher side compared to other nurseries, and sporadic comments about limited parking or busy times that can feel crowded. A few customers desire more frequent landscape installation services, beyond the limited offerings currently available. However, these critiques appear relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Overall, reviews make it clear that Homewood Nursery & Garden Center is highly regarded for its quality products, expert service, and community-focused ethos, making it a trusted and enjoyable destination for gardening enthusiasts in Raleigh and beyond.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Holly
It's a beautiful nursery with a ton of different things to see. The outside section is vast and well labeled so it's easy to find what you're looking for, and there's multiple different rooms inside to explore. It would have been nice to have access to a regular cart or Carolina cart for our disabled daughter, as we had to carry her around inside and it wasn't wheelchair friendly from what we saw. We forgot her chair so it was a challenge. The greenhouse was so hot that she got overheated and we had to leave very quickly, so I didn't get to experience as much as I would have liked. Next time I'll know to go alone if possible.
Liane Albert
I just moved into the N Raleigh area from Cary and I had never heard of Homewood until a neighbor told me about them. This place is every gardener’s dream come true. I have never seen any place this big and they really take excellent care of their plants. During their spring 25% off sale, we purchased two Apache blackberry bushes that are flowering and have a lot of buds already and two Itoh Peonies that not only are gorgeous and have a lot of buds but they smell as beautiful as they look. The best place in Raleigh!
Shanah Bell
We've been talking about checking this nursery out for awhile, as it keeps coming up in conversation. So we finally made it out there and are so happy we did. This place is HUGE! It's actually a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So it's a good thing they have plentiful staff wandering around to assist when requested. They have a wide selection of basically everything in the plant kingdom. They also have all of the extra things you could need to fully incorporate your plants into your living space. The prices are a little bit higher than some of the other nurseries we've visited, but it just depends upon which product, as it's not across the board. Overall, a good find and we'll definitely be back.
Kelsey Braswell
My family has bought many plants from here. The employees are really helpful when it comes to advice on replanting and how to care for your new plants. There are so many options to choose from! Flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits etc, We even had a few green giant trees die when we replanted them, and they gave us a store credit when we returned them.
Kaitlyn M
Homewood Nursery is the best place to get plants, flowers, and seasonal goods. I have been coming here for years and have never been less than amazed with their customer service and support as well as with their overall selection of flowers. The manager, Andrew, is always extremely helpful and kind while working with customers. The staff is courteous and friendly and always quick to help with suggestions or opinions for planting. My family will come here from the coast of NC to get their flowers and plants because they are so impressed with this nursery. I cannot recommend this place enough!!
Holly
It's a beautiful nursery with a ton of different things to see. The outside section is vast and well labeled so it's easy to find what you're looking for, and there's multiple different rooms inside to explore. It would have been nice to have access to a regular cart or Carolina cart for our disabled daughter, as we had to carry her around inside and it wasn't wheelchair friendly from what we saw. We forgot her chair so it was a challenge. The greenhouse was so hot that she got overheated and we had to leave very quickly, so I didn't get to experience as much as I would have liked. Next time I'll know to go alone if possible.
Liane Albert
I just moved into the N Raleigh area from Cary and I had never heard of Homewood until a neighbor told me about them. This place is every gardener’s dream come true. I have never seen any place this big and they really take excellent care of their plants. During their spring 25% off sale, we purchased two Apache blackberry bushes that are flowering and have a lot of buds already and two Itoh Peonies that not only are gorgeous and have a lot of buds but they smell as beautiful as they look. The best place in Raleigh!
Shanah Bell
We've been talking about checking this nursery out for awhile, as it keeps coming up in conversation. So we finally made it out there and are so happy we did. This place is HUGE! It's actually a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So it's a good thing they have plentiful staff wandering around to assist when requested. They have a wide selection of basically everything in the plant kingdom. They also have all of the extra things you could need to fully incorporate your plants into your living space. The prices are a little bit higher than some of the other nurseries we've visited, but it just depends upon which product, as it's not across the board. Overall, a good find and we'll definitely be back.
Kelsey Braswell
My family has bought many plants from here. The employees are really helpful when it comes to advice on replanting and how to care for your new plants. There are so many options to choose from! Flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits etc, We even had a few green giant trees die when we replanted them, and they gave us a store credit when we returned them.
Kaitlyn M
Homewood Nursery is the best place to get plants, flowers, and seasonal goods. I have been coming here for years and have never been less than amazed with their customer service and support as well as with their overall selection of flowers. The manager, Andrew, is always extremely helpful and kind while working with customers. The staff is courteous and friendly and always quick to help with suggestions or opinions for planting. My family will come here from the coast of NC to get their flowers and plants because they are so impressed with this nursery. I cannot recommend this place enough!!
How to reach Homewood Nursery & Garden Center
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Website: None
Why rally at Homewood Nursery & Garden Center with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in Raleigh, NC, offers more than just a casual outing—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourselves in nature’s beauty while enjoying a vibrant, engaging environment. This locally owned garden center, with a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 400 reviews, is renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its blend of natural beauty and expert horticultural knowledge. Whether your group is passionate about gardening or simply looking for a unique venue to reconnect, Homewood provides a refreshing change of pace from typical meetups. The sprawling four-acre property features lush greenhouses and an outdoor nursery, filled with thousands of plants ranging from vibrant annual flowers to mature trees and specialty shrubs. The blend of natural inspiration and friendly service creates a relaxing atmosphere that encourages socializing, learning, and discovery together in a beautiful, calming setting. In addition, Homewood’s legacy as a family-rooted business since 1967 lends a homely charm and authenticity to the experience, making your gathering feel both meaningful and memorable.
What activities can a group enjoy at Homewood Nursery & Garden Center?
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center is much more than a plant store—it is an experience rich with activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, making it perfect for a group visit. Walking through their extensive garden and greenhouse areas, your group can engage in plant browsing, marveling at over 750 varieties of plants, many grown on-site. This includes flowering annuals, perennials, fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and rare collector plants. Group members can enjoy discussing their favorite plants or seeking advice from the knowledgeable staff, who are enthusiastic about helping customers choose the right plants for their needs. For those interested in garden design, Homewood even offers custom container garden design and potting services, which can be a fun, collaborative project for a group to participate in together. Beyond plants, the nursery's gift shop features changing seasonal home décor and garden accessories that make for excellent browsing or gift shopping. The opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening and pesticide reduction practices through their expert staff also adds an educational dimension that can spark meaningful conversations among friends.
Why is Homewood Nursery & Garden Center ideal for hosting group meetups?
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center’s spacious, diverse, and aesthetically pleasing environment perfectly suits gatherings of friends or family looking for a relaxed yet engaging outing. The expansive layout across four acres allows ample room for your group to spread out, explore, and enjoy the garden displays without feeling crowded. The nursery’s commitment to quality plants and creating a beautiful setting means your meetup will be framed by vibrant colors and fresh greenery, which can be uplifting and rejuvenating for everyone. Additionally, the friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, ready to engage your group with personalized advice and gardening tips that create a more interactive experience. Homewood’s seasonal changes, including their transformation into a Holiday Shop during Christmas, offer varied experiences throughout the year, making it a versatile location for meetups no matter the season. The availability of plant delivery and landscape services also means groups can plan future gardening projects together, further extending the social connection beyond the visit itself.
What makes the plant selection at Homewood Nursery unique and appealing for groups?
The diverse and extensive plant selection at Homewood Nursery & Garden Center is a highlight that draws plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, ensuring plenty for groups to explore and admire. With more than 750 varieties of plants, many grown directly in their greenhouses and fields, the nursery emphasizes quality and sustainability by minimizing pesticide use and incorporating beneficial insects and biopesticides. Their roster includes popular shrubs, trees, and an impressive array of roses in various hybrids and forms, many of which are cultivated on-site. This homegrown approach adds a personal, authentic touch to the plant buying experience. For groups interested in specialty or collector plants, Homewood offers exclusive conifers, Japanese maples, and other unique specimens available seasonally. The availability of fruits, vegetables, and herbs caters to groups interested in edible gardening, while a wide selection of perennials, groundcovers, and vines ensures something for all garden types and climates. This plant variety not only sparks conversations but invites each group member to find something they resonate with and to share knowledge and enthusiasm within the group.
How does Homewood support social and educational experiences during a group visit?
Homewood Nursery & Garden Center fosters social interaction and learning, which enrich a group’s meetup experience significantly. The staff's expertise in horticulture and gardening is highly accessible, creating an environment where friends can learn together through hands-on experiences, discussions, and demonstrations about plants and sustainable gardening practices. The nursery is even a favored spot for university horticulture classes, indicating the depth of knowledge available and the educational value of a visit. Groups can engage in collaborative activities such as selecting plants for custom container gardens or planning small landscaping projects, facilitated by the nursery’s professional services. These shared activities prompt teamwork and exchange of ideas, strengthening relationships in a relaxed, beautiful setting. Furthermore, seasonal events and changing displays provide fresh topics of interest and occasions for groups to return and experience new facets of the nursery. This combination of learning, exploration, and leisurely enjoyment makes Homewood a dynamic venue for gatherings where social and intellectual engagement go hand in hand.
What additional amenities and services make Homewood Nursery & Garden Center convenient for group meetups?
Several amenities and services contribute to the convenience and appeal of Homewood Nursery & Garden Center as a group meetup destination. The nursery operates Monday through Saturday with extended hours until 6 PM, allowing groups to plan visits that fit varied schedules. The spacious parking and accessible layout mean that groups can arrive and navigate comfortably. Homewood’s on-site gift shop and garden supply inventory allow for spontaneous shopping opportunities, which can complement the gathering with unique purchases, seasonal décor, and gardening tools. The nursery’s custom container garden design and potting services lend themselves well to group projects or as special experiences to share among friends. For groups considering large-scale garden or landscape installations, the availability of limited landscape installation services and delivery options is especially helpful, providing ease and practicality that enhance the overall experience. Together, these features make Homewood not just a plant nursery but a comprehensive garden center prepared to meet the diverse needs of groups looking to combine nature, learning, and social time into one fulfilling outing.