Broken Arrow Nursery, Hamden, Connecticut

Nestled in the heart of Connecticut, Broken Arrow Nursery stands as a horticultural treasure for plant enthusiasts. This beloved nursery has deep roots in the community, growing from a Christmas tree farm established in 1947 to what is now recognized as one of the premier plant destinations in the region. Whether you’re searching for common garden favorites or rare botanical specimens, Broken Arrow Nursery offers an impressive collection that will delight both casual gardeners and serious plant collectors.

When you visit Broken Arrow Nursery, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where knowledgeable staff are ready to help with your plant questions. The nursery is typically open daily from 10AM to 5PM, though they do close for major holidays like Easter and Labor Day. While their main location at 13 Broken Arrow Road in Hamden might close seasonally, their offerings extend beyond plants to include festive items like wreaths and berry bundles during the holiday season.

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Broken Arrow Nursery

Broken Arrow Nursery is a plant lover’s paradise located in Hamden, Connecticut. You’ll find a wonderful selection of unique and hard-to-find plants that will make your garden stand out from the neighbors.

The nursery specializes in rare and unusual trees, shrubs, and perennials. When you visit, you can explore their extensive collection of Japanese maples, witch hazels, and native plants that thrive in Connecticut’s climate.

What makes Broken Arrow special is their knowledgeable staff. You’ll get expert advice tailored to your specific gardening needs and challenges. The team can help you select plants that will work best in your particular soil and light conditions.

The nursery grounds are beautifully maintained and organized, making it easy for you to browse through their impressive plant collection. You’ll leave inspired with new ideas for your own garden space.

Rating: 4.6 (86 reviews)
Location: 13 Broken Arrow Rd, Hamden, CT 06518
Contact: (203) 288-1026
Website: Visit Website

History and Background of Broken Arrow Nursery

Broken Arrow Nursery has grown from modest beginnings to become one of Connecticut’s most distinctive plant destinations. Its evolution spans decades of passionate horticulture and dedicated family ownership.

Founding and Early Years

Broken Arrow’s story begins in 1947 when it was first established in Hamden, Connecticut. The nursery portion of the business officially launched in 1984 when Dick and Sally Jaynes transformed it into a full-time business venture. Before expanding into a retail nursery, Dick Jaynes spent 25 years conducting research with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, building a foundation of botanical knowledge that would later benefit the nursery.

Located at 13 Broken Arrow Road in Hamden, the nursery started with a specialized focus on Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel. This early specialization reflected Dick’s research background and passion for native plants.

Unlike many retail garden centers, Broken Arrow chose a different path from the beginning by propagating and growing most of their own plants rather than simply reselling stock.

Notable Achievements

Broken Arrow has distinguished itself by becoming one of the few retail nurseries in Connecticut that propagates and grows most of the plants they sell. This unique approach gives you access to trees and shrubs you might never have heard of—much less seen—elsewhere.

Their commitment to unusual and rare plant varieties has earned them recognition among serious gardeners and horticulturists. The nursery’s expertise in Mountain Laurel cultivation, building on Dick Jaynes’ research, has made them a go-to resource for this beautiful native shrub.

The nursery’s team of experts continues this tradition of horticultural excellence, offering specialized knowledge that extends beyond simple plant sales.

Through careful propagation and growth techniques, Broken Arrow has preserved and promoted botanical diversity that might otherwise be unavailable to home gardeners.

Unique Offerings and Services

Broken Arrow Nursery stands out from typical garden centers with its exceptional selection and commitment to education. They focus on plants you won’t find at your average garden store while helping customers become better gardeners.

Rare and Unusual Plants

Broken Arrow Nursery specializes in rare, unusual, and garden-worthy plants that you won’t easily find elsewhere. Since its beginning in 1947 as a Christmas tree farm, the nursery has evolved to become a premier destination for plant enthusiasts looking for something special.

When you visit, you’ll discover an impressive collection of:

Uncommon woody plants
Rare perennials
Specialty conifers
Unusual Japanese maples
Hard-to-find native species

The nursery prides itself on acquiring, developing, and growing these distinctive plants. This makes it perfect for collectors and gardeners who want unique specimens to make their gardens stand out. Their experts can help you select plants that will thrive in your specific growing conditions.

Educational Programs

Broken Arrow doesn’t just sell plants—they share knowledge to help you become a better gardener. Their educational offerings make the nursery a true learning destination for plant lovers of all experience levels.

You can participate in:

Seasonal workshops on plant care
Guided tours of the nursery grounds
Hands-on propagation classes
Expert lectures on specialized gardening topics

The nursery is open daily from 10AM to 5PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn. They close only for major holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.

These educational programs reflect their commitment to not just selling plants, but creating informed gardeners. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll find valuable learning opportunities that enhance your gardening skills.

Visiting Experience

Broken Arrow Nursery offers a unique and enriching visit for plant enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike. The nursery welcomes visitors with its extensive collection and specialized focus on trees and shrubs rather than typical garden center offerings.

Location and Facilities

Broken Arrow Nursery is located at 13 Broken Arrow Road in Hamden, Connecticut. The nursery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore their impressive plant selection. They close for major holidays including Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, so plan your visit accordingly.

Unlike traditional garden centers that focus on seasonal flowers, Broken Arrow specializes in unique shrubs, trees, and landscaping plants. Their retail area is thoughtfully organized to help you discover new and interesting plant varieties.

The nursery offers guided tours for garden clubs and other groups, making it a perfect destination for a collective outing. These tours provide valuable insights into their extensive plant collection from knowledgeable staff.

Customer Testimonials

Visitors consistently praise Broken Arrow Nursery for its specialized selection that goes beyond what you’d find at typical garden centers. Many reviewers note the nursery’s focus on quality landscaping plants rather than common annuals.

“This place is not a traditional nursery where you would go buy your flowers every spring. They specialize in shrubs and trees and general landscaping type plants,” mentions one satisfied customer.

Plant enthusiasts particularly appreciate the unique varieties available. The staff receives high marks for their plant knowledge and helpfulness, making your shopping experience both educational and enjoyable.

The nursery’s reputation has spread beyond local circles. Broken Arrow has been recognized as one of the best plant nurseries, drawing visitors from throughout Connecticut and neighboring states who seek their specialized plant offerings.