I heard about this place from two friends who were at Great Wolf Lodge and needing to escape a child's birthday party (we've all been there). Rather than head South for an "outlet mall experience," they opted to head North to the bustling metropolis of Rochester, WA. I've now been to 3 different towns called Rochester, and while they are all so fantastically underwhelming, the other two don't have a carnivorous nursery..... and this was compelling enough to make the hour and a half trek from Portland.
This retail experience is unique, as the greenhouse is in the proprietor's back yard. It's his life's work and passion, which yielded some refreshingly different conversations than talking to hourly employees who may not be as knowledgeable or vested. Whether he was happy to or kindly obliging, the owner geeked out with us over plants for over an hour, and for how much he knows, there was no shred of the pretension that can sometimes be prevalent among the horticulture folks, for whatever reason (why is that?!?).
In addition to having a huge and impressive collection of sarracenias, the owner of the nursery also had a cool and compelling story about his journey to owning his own nursery, which entailed being a combat medic and after getting out of the military, discovering a passion for carnivorous plants and pursuing and achieving a degree in horticulture. So, if you're into supporting veteran-owned businesses.... here's your chance. Do it.
A few words of advice:
-It's currently a one-man show, so you MUST make an appointment, which you can do by calling or texting the number on the website. The owner was responsive and communicative.
-Some of the plants are outside, so if you visit during the rainy season, dress accordingly. #dontforgetboots read more