Pit Stop at The Barn Nursery in Cattanooga, TN

For past 20 years, every time we road trip to Florida, we always manage to drive through Chattanooga, TN in the middle of the night, passing right by The Barn Nursery, which is located just off I-24. Illuminated only by the moon and stars, I would catch a fleeting glimpse of this gardeners’ Mecca from the freeway. The tempting outdoor displays of terra-cotta pots, cast iron urns and oversized glazed containers, would catch my eye and I could only imagine what else this gardeners’ paradise had in store. Alas, closed for the evening, it would all fly by at 75 MPH and in a blink of an eye it would be behind us.

Tempting outdoor displays of terra-cotta pots, cast iron urns and oversized glazed containers.

I did my research and found that The Barn Nursery is one of the top Nursery/Garden Centers in the south, receiving many awards over the years including the Tennessee Nursery of the Year Award. The business which started in a dairy barn has grown into a large regional nursery. Owners Jim and Cindy Webster say “We take pride in carrying the absolute best nursery products in the area and of course you know how we bring it in…trailer load after trailer load after trailer load.”

Shelves and shelves of uber-cool Behrens galvanized containers

Grapevine hanging baskets, a wide selection of cloches, and terrarium plants and mosses are just a few of the items in The Barn’s gardening gift shop.

This last road trip, I planned accordingly and was FINALLY able to stop during the day and hit The Barn during business hours! Yee-Haw!!!

The Barn Nursery exceeded my wildest imagination. I was in HEAVEN while I wondered their indoor and outdoor areas, soaking in their products and displays. Also, I found the prices to be VERY REASONABLE considering the selection and quality of items that they carry.

Reused Birdbath Planter

Repurposed Vintage Tool Box Planter

Upcycled Industrial Tank Planter

Many times garden centers have great hardscape OR great plant material. The Barn has both including talented designers to arrange and display their innovative green creations. Did I mention the wonderful customer service as well? This is a rare jewel, indeed!

With fingers crossed, I asked my family (nicely) if they would mind driving home with 100 lb. urns on their laps?  They just rolled their eyes, gave me a resounding “NO” and told me not to buy very much.

Note to self: M, next time rent a Uhaul!

Selecting the perfect miniature ferns and mosses for my cloches, Wardian cases and terraria. (Easier to fit in our car than the big, heavy urns!)

The Tedster helping me with my new uniquely shaped Wardian case.

Team Ellie and Teddy reminding me they will NOT ride home strapped on top of the car if I purchase too much!