This is "The Four Seasons" of gardening stores. So if your tastes aren't refined, you might be happier buying your flowers at some place like Safeway. Molbak's 15 acre golf-course sized store will... More

This is "The Four Seasons" of gardening stores. So if your tastes aren't refined, you might be happier buying your flowers at some place like Safeway. Molbak's 15 acre golf-course sized store will probably have whatever you may need for your garden. Their 36 acre computer controlled growing facility is the source of 80% of the plants that they sell, according to their website http://69.93.14.252/ You won't need to spend lots of time checking to see which plants will remain viable if planted, because many of Molbak's 200 or so employees constantly care for them. They have enough room for more exotic and interesting plants like Golden Dawn trees, Monkey Puzzle trees, lotuses, Antler Lichens, and variegated Japanese Maple trees. Don't expect to get any 'bargains' here, you can get many of the less exotic plants for half the price elsewhere, but it's hard to find such a beautiful specimens anywhere else.
Less

My wife is the gardner in the family - I tend to get involved do heavy lifting or tend to the plants she unltimately wants to replace (since the odds are I will kill them). But I do tag along when... More

My wife is the gardner in the family - I tend to get involved do heavy lifting or tend to the plants she unltimately wants to replace (since the odds are I will kill them). But I do tag along when she goes to the garden store. This week she took me along to Molbak's in Woodinville. I hadn't been in a while. I was reminded just how good a place this is. Molbak's is big. They have a large selection of plants, organized by type of plant (groundcover, leafy shrub, etc) and clearly marked in terms of ideal growing conditions. Inventory was impressive - we needed to buy new Irish Moss, and when we pointed out that they were running low they pointed to another spot with new inventory, allowing us to get what we needed. And best of all the plants were all in good shape - nothing close to death in the entire bunch. That's more than I can say for some nurseries I've been to. The staff is knowledgeable. The person we talked with about different ground covers (besides the moss) spent the time talking about the growing conditions we had and made a couple good recos. We had another conversation with someone about weed control on the patio and she didn't go directly to the "use RoundUp" answer but discussed the pros and cons of a couple alternative methods (my personal favorite - get a propane torch and burns the weeds), including a new organic method she was trying at home. Being a guy I had to check out the tools, and they have an impressive array. Nearly anything you want, short of power tools, can be found. I didn't know what about a quarter of them were for, but I'm sure they had a purpose. The only black mark is that they are pretty expensive, moreso than most of the other nurseries in the area. But the quality of service and selection makes it worthwhile. Couple survival notes - if you go on a weekend go early because it gets crowded fast. Also, if you are driving from Seattle you need to take one of the bridges and 405. If you take the back route through Kenmore around the North side of Lake Washington you can save yourself a lot of traffic headaches.
Less

I had lunch for the first time at Molbak's cafe, quiche and a strawberry lemonade. The quiche was surprisingly awful, tasted like egg beaters heated to a rubbery texture on a soggy crust. The... More

I had lunch for the first time at Molbak's cafe, quiche and a strawberry lemonade. The quiche was surprisingly awful, tasted like egg beaters heated to a rubbery texture on a soggy crust. The strawberry lemon drink was disapointing also, with a powdered drink type taste. I guess I was hoping that it would be as good as the Swanson's cafe but it doesn't come close in quality of food served. I do love the nursery part of Molbak's!
Less

So Molbak's is absolutely a beautiful place to wander around. Around holiday time, it's the best and truly captures the holiday spirit, especially with their Kringles, from Larsen's Bakery. They... More

So Molbak's is absolutely a beautiful place to wander around. Around holiday time, it's the best and truly captures the holiday spirit, especially with their Kringles, from Larsen's Bakery. They have a fantastic supply of exotic and not-so-exotic-plants-that-look-exotic-there. But the prices are really expensive for what you get. I have to admit, Molbak's has presentation down! Hands down, they do stock these wonderfully delicious Kringles from Larsens around holiday time that you can get for about $10 each. This is a better price than you can get at the bakery and they make a wonderful holiday gift. I go just for these pastries!
Less

HUGE place, great selection of products. nice and friendly staff who know the business. also have demonstrations and activities for the kids, which really separates em from the competition. only... More

HUGE place, great selection of products. nice and friendly staff who know the business. also have demonstrations and activities for the kids, which really separates em from the competition. only drawback is so big takes awhile to find what you are getting, fun place to browse.
Less

Especially around Xmas time! Pointsettia's everywhere! Its festive, colorful, everybody's in a good mood. Also, around july 4th or so, they alwys have a 2-1 on annuals, herbs, perrenial's... More

Especially around Xmas time! Pointsettia's everywhere! Its festive, colorful, everybody's in a good mood. Also, around july 4th or so, they alwys have a 2-1 on annuals, herbs, perrenial's and baskets. they are helpful people when you have questions too. I also like the gift shop, most stuff pricey, but fun to dream! I've been going there for years & years!!
Less

Molbak's over the years has just grown and grown. They have a wonderful selection of plants, shrubs, flowers, etc., and staff who are quite knowledgeable and friendly to boot. At Christmastime, it... More

Molbak's over the years has just grown and grown. They have a wonderful selection of plants, shrubs, flowers, etc., and staff who are quite knowledgeable and friendly to boot. At Christmastime, it is just a wonderland with all they have to buy with treasures around every corner. Their pointsettia collection is just amazing with the choice of colors and variations. There is plenty of parking.
Less

Visiting Molbacks in November and December is a must. They have the most amazing poinsettias. Making the trek out to Woodinville to pick up a couple of these colorful flowers is as important as... More

Visiting Molbacks in November and December is a must. They have the most amazing poinsettias. Making the trek out to Woodinville to pick up a couple of these colorful flowers is as important as picking out your tree. A great way to jumpstart your holiday season. All other times of the year, you will find what you need for your garden or inside plant needs.
Less

I could spend a day here and get lost!! What to expect on your visit: A beautiful atrium like area with jungle like plants. A very large gift area with everything from baby toys to place mats... More

I could spend a day here and get lost!! What to expect on your visit: A beautiful atrium like area with jungle like plants. A very large gift area with everything from baby toys to place mats and The Thymes lotions. A full service florist department too. It is pretty special to receive something from Molbaks florist, you know you are getting a quality plant or bouquet. A huge selection of house plants. An area filled with kitchen stuff and gourmet food items. Knowledgeable staff able to help with gardening issues and plant questions. A large selection of rose bushes, shrubs, trees, annuals and perennials. Outdoor furniture and garden features, such as a bird bath or fountain. Quality products and service. www.molbaks.com
Less

Molbak’s, as you likely already know, is a great local business for all of your gardening needs. The drive is a bit of a pain, being all the way over in Woodinville, so it’s not the place to go for... More

Molbak’s, as you likely already know, is a great local business for all of your gardening needs. The drive is a bit of a pain, being all the way over in Woodinville, so it’s not the place to go for quick and simple tasks. That said, when you’re doing larger and more extensive work, it’s worth borrowing a friend’s pickup and making an afternoon of it.
Less