Noted English gardener Janet Kilburn Phillips once said, "There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments."

Spring is the time of year when individuals begin to think about planting in their yards and gardens.  What follows are five unique nurseries that can help with enjoying the experience of gardening.

Jade Mountain Nursery

With an eye for the unique, this nursery is a must see. It features more than 30 species of bamboo, ornamental grasses, a variety of bonsai, Japanese maples, and ornamental trees and scrubs as well as unique ornaments for the yard.

Jade Mountain Nursery, 5020 116th E., Tacoma, 253.548.1129 jademountainnursery.com

Vassey Nursery

Worth Vassey started with a greenhouse that nurtured geraniums, fuchsias and tomatoes. In time, his avocation grew to a business comprised of 14 greenhouses full of hanging baskets, particularly geraniums and mixed plantings.

Surrounding the greenhouses is a landscaped compact ornamental garden that skirts the well-grown trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals.

Vassey Nursery, 2424 Tacoma Rd., Puyallup, 253.841.3550 vasseynursery.com

Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors

Located in University Place, this nursery offers more than just plants and trees.  Completing the gardening experience, guests can pick up tools, soils, bark, compost and fertilizers. Pottery and other décor and accent pieces for the garden and home are also available.

Topping off the shopping experience are rare ornamental plants and succulents and unique heirloom tomato varieties.

Willow Tree Gardens and Interiors, 7216 27th St. W., 253.565.8079

Old Goat Farm

The farm is a hidden gem situated on a hill above Orting in the foothills of Mount Rainier. It features a beautiful display garden with a small specialty garden and is open to the public one weekend a month.  The garden has a combination of sun and shade borders.  

Along with the gardens and nursery, the farm is home to about 100 domestic birds and three old goats.

Old Goat Farm, 20021 Orting Kapowsin Hwy. E., Graham, 360.893.1261, oldgoatfarm.com

The Barn Nursery

Located on old Highway 99 near Rochester, this nursery has been a community resource for Olympia for three decades.

It is one of the largest of the independent nurseries, due in large part to the accumulated experience of its staff.

Chris Watkins is a good example.  Her nursery experience naturally extends to her home garden.  Tempted by the new plant varieties in the nursery, she takes some home to try them out. After years of experimentation, she can answer almost any question about plant habits.

But she does admit that her garden is one of "trials and errors."

Janet Kilburn Phillips would understand.

The Barn Nursery, 9510 Old Highway 99 SE, Olympia, thebarnnurseryolympia.com