Winding but well-organized corridors lead customers through the outdoor native plants and open to the store's back side, where succulents and indoor plants abound. What: Tucked into a corner lot in the vibrant Heights neighborhood, Joshua's is an unexpected plant haven in the city. Craig Hartley, Freelance / For the Chronicle

Joshua Kornegay, owner of Joshua's Native Plants, points out various flowering plants that help feed hummingbirds and butterflies in a file photo from 2008. For prominent outdoor planters, the store's Pot to Trot service will design custom arrangements in your containers. Tip: Use Plants For All Seasons' online tools to calculate your soil and mulch needs or find the right time to plant vegetables in Houston's climate.

It's also a great place to grab rarer items like live insects or large air plants, and will often be among the first locally to stock newly trending tropical plants. What: This family-run garden center is a favorite among local gardeners, and for good reason - its large selection includes everything from succulents and indoor plants to outdoor trees, shrubs and flowers. You can even use it to guide purchases, as it lists when to plant common kitchen garden items. Tip: Buchanan's free monthly to-do list for gardening in Houston is a godsend for new and old gardeners alike. The nursery invites buyers to ask employees questions. Local nurseries often boast the most dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and Buchanan's is no different. That makes it the perfect spot for beginning planters, who can find tons of options suited to the Houston climate. What: This local nursery in the Heights is dedicated to native plants, as the name indicates. De Jesús, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Buchanan's Native PlantsĮvergreen hardy shrubs at Buchanan Native Plants, Monday, Feb. Sign up for a free loyalty account for consistent discounts on larger totals. Tip: Holidays are often marked by sales allowing 30 percent off one item, making them the perfect time for your next big plant purchase. The store, which includes a large greenhouse and an outdoor tree and shrub section, also sells pots, tools, fertilizers, pesticides and even home decor in a smaller indoor shop near the entrance. What: Part of the Calloway's Nursery chain, Cornelius on Voss is the place to go for reasonably priced indoor and outdoor plants. Where: 2233 South Voss Road Multiple locations

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