Business Details
Your Trusted Garden Center in Aurora & Naperville, IL
Founded in Aurora, Illinois, The Growing Place has been a trusted local nursery and garden center since 1985. Our team of horticultural experts provides high-quality plants, custom landscape design, and educational workshops to help gardeners succeed. We specialize in locally grown plants, seasonal decor, and sustainable gardening solutions for residential and commercial clients. Our two locations in Aurora and Naperville offer full-service gift shops, greenhouse-grown produce, and hands-on community events throughout the year. With over 35 years of combined experience, our staff delivers personalized service and industry expertise to every customer. We maintain partnerships with regional growers to ensure plant hardiness in Midwest climates while reducing transportation environmental impact.Our seasonal workshops cover topics from holiday decorating to herb preservation, fostering gardening knowledge at all skill levels. The company operates greenhouses that supply fresh lettuce subscriptions October through February, supporting local food systems. Through the Growing Rewards loyalty program, customers earn points toward future purchases while accessing exclusive member benefits. Our commitment to community extends to hosting art festivals and collaborating with local organizations for charitable initiatives.
Services
Plant Nursery
Landscape Design
Gardening Workshops
Holiday Decor
Greenhouse Produce
Gift Shop
Container Design
Community Events
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of Midwest horticultural expertise
- Our plants are locally grown for regional climate resilience
- We provide hands-on gardening education for all skill levels
- We operate energy-efficient greenhouses producing winter lettuce
- We support local artists and charitable initiatives
Services
Plant Nursery
Our full-service nursery offers thousands of locally grown plants suited for Midwest climates. We stock annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees selected for regional hardiness. Customers receive expert planting advice and care instructions tailored to their specific garden conditions.
Landscape Design
Professional designers create customized outdoor spaces matching client needs and site conditions. Services include site analysis, plant selection, and installation guidance. We specialize in sustainable designs that maximize seasonal interest while minimizing maintenance requirements.
Gardening Workshops
Seasonal workshops teach practical gardening skills from basic planting techniques to advanced horticultural practices. Classes cover topics like winter plant care, herb preservation, and holiday decorating with fresh materials. All sessions include hands-on activities and take-home resources.
Holiday Decor
We offer complete holiday decorating solutions including fresh wreaths, centerpieces, and outdoor displays. Our gift shop carries festive indoor accents and handmade porch pots. Custom design services available for residential and commercial properties throughout the winter season.
Greenhouse Produce
Our energy-efficient greenhouses produce buttercrunch lettuce October through February. Subscribers receive weekly 1 lb. deliveries of crisp, locally grown greens. Both pickup and delivery options available, ensuring fresh produce access during winter months when regional growing typically pauses.
Questions
What gardening zones do you serve?
We specialize in plants suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-6a typical of northern Illinois.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we deliver plants and bulk materials within a 20-mile radius of both locations.
Are your holiday workshops suitable for beginners?
All skill levels welcome - our instructors guide participants through each project step-by-step.
Can I purchase gift cards online?
Digital gift cards are available for purchase through our website with immediate email delivery.
Do you accept plant material exchanges?
We offer store credit for unopened plant food purchases within 30 days of purchase.
Are your greenhouses open to the public?
Our production greenhouses are not open for tours but we display greenhouse-grown plants in our sales areas.
