The Most Knowledgeable, Helpful Owners and Best Rose Selection in the Area!
***They are only open on Saturdays from 8-4PM so mark your calendar***
When you pull in the small lot off of very, very South Dale Mabry (almost to the Base!) your first impression is a riot of color! After a minute your vision begins to pick out separate roses that draw your eye due to color or shape and you begin to smile!
Hardin's has a huge variety of roses packed into a concentrated area which is such a luxury to browse. The Hardin siblings and family still own and manage the rose nursery started by their parents decades ago - the knowledge and care shows! If you do not see them out among the roses then you can find them in the building on the NE corner. You can't miss it, but can always look for Schultz the 16 year old Aussie Shepherd cooling himself under a fan by the door. If you prefer to browse first, they freely let you take your time while always being available to answer questions or make suggestions. The staff have become gems of hidden knowledge relative to the plants and are very friendly and generous in sharing that knowledge and their time. There is nothing like being able to look at the full size plants in bloom to know whether that one is the right fit and no one around has the selection and variety that is on view at Hardin's!
I just started growing roses a few months ago so have become something of a regular on Saturdays as I plan out a new flower bed or look for a climbing rose. I continue to be pleasantly amazed at how helpful, friendly and, yes - patient!, the Hardins and their staff are each time! I do my research in advance and come in with a list of roses that I hope will thrive in Florida's sandy soil, heat and drought or perhaps I want one that will bloom in total shade!! ;-) Each time they show me the best fits for my location or need and suggest alternatives that usually end up better than all of my research results - Amazing and appreciated!!
If you need me on Saturday morning, look among the roses at Hardin's! ;-) Enjoy!! read more