Best Nurseries on Long Island NY: Plant & Garden Center Guide (2026)

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Best Nurseries on Long Island NY: Plant & Garden Center Guide (2026)

A real plant nursery grows what it sells — and on Long Island, some have done it for generations. These are the growing operations local gardeners actually rely on, from the biggest retail names to the wholesale fields that supply them.

Hicks Nurseries in Westbury

The island’s flagship. Operating since 1853, Hicks Nurseries is the largest garden center on Long Island, with greenhouse ranges, outdoor display yards, and growing fields behind the retail face. Their delivery and expert planting services handle everything from a single tree to a whole foundation planting.

Bay Gardens (East Moriches)

A 12-acre growing operation in Suffolk County, family-run since 1957. Bay Gardens specializes in privacy trees from 2 to 22 feet tall, hand-delivers and installs across NY, NJ, and CT, and lets you order trees and shrubs online — a rarity among local growers.

Garden World (Flushing & Franklin Square)

Two full-service garden center locations straddling the Nassau–NYC line, so Queens gardeners and Nassau regulars both claim it. Wide seasonal stock, a proper greenhouse, plus tools and soil amendments beside the ornamental trees.

Old Mill Nurseries (Nassau County)

A family-owned nursery since 1999 that has grown into one of the largest garden centers in Nassau County. Every specimen is hand-picked from specialty growers around the country, and special orders are welcome year round.

Deckers Nursery (Greenlawn)

The full-service garden center for northern Suffolk: annuals, perennials, native plants, vegetables and herbs, trees and shrubs, plus pottery, statuary, soils, and bird supplies. Weekend workshops make it a destination, not an errand.

The Wholesale Side

Two trade-only operations feed the region’s landscapers: Shade Trees Nursery spreads 130 acres of container trees, field grown evergreens, and flowering shrubs across the northeast, while Atlantic Nurseries in Dix Hills has supplied professionals for over 50 years. Both welcome special orders for future jobs.

How to Choose

Match the operation to the project. For landscape design help and installation, Hicks wins on scale. For privacy screens, Bay Gardens grows exactly what you need. For selection breadth in one stop, Garden World and Deckers deliver. Ask about container-grown versus field-dug stock — container stock establishes faster, while field-grown specimens are larger. Pricing is generally transparent, but always confirm delivery fees before ordering big trees. New to the calendar? Our zone 7b planting calendar times it all, and our retail guide covers the shopping side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest nursery on the island?

Hicks Nurseries in Westbury — operating since 1853, with the largest retail operation on the island.

Do Long Island nurseries deliver and plant?

Yes. Hicks offers expert delivery and planting; Bay Gardens delivers and installs trees across NY, NJ, and CT.

Can home gardeners buy wholesale?

Generally no — Shade Trees and Atlantic Nurseries serve the trade only — but most retail nurseries will special-order anything they do not stock.

References & Sources

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