This is a tiny shop, but it is PACKED with botanicals…read more The shopkeeper was friendly and quite knowledgeable, but he wasn't wearing a mask and this was a few days to a week before the mask mandate ended in Chicago (February 28, 2022) and I'm already a bit wary so I headed out. I'm not sure if that was on purpose or he didn't realize, but it was getting a little crowded in the store for me anyway so probably would have been ready to leave regardless. There are lots of plants, and my understanding is that not everything is on display since they're short on space in the main area of the shop. They have a nice collection of orchids, too; I actually considered getting one, but changed my mind. For some reason I think of them as being somewhat... difficult, or needing more attention (whether that's true or not I'm not sure), and I have enough responsibilities with the plants I already own (especially one of my calatheas that's being a bit of a drama queen at the moment!). I may have to try my hand at an orchid sometime, though. The aforementioned shopkeep gave me a huge boost of confidence that I could. In our discussion he mentioned the crucial point that orchids are just plants that flower more often than other botanical houseplants folks might keep, even though many green houseplants may flower under the right conditions. Once an orchid stops flowering, they're still plants without the flowers for you to care for. Food for thought! They also have a shop pet, which was a surprise! I don't like lizards, but luckily this one was in an enclosure. I was a bit startled, though, so be forewarned that the little guy is hanging out in his plexiglass home--he won't hurt you, since you won't be able to touch him, but I as I said, I was surprised! They don't have a huge collection of pots, but the plants all looked lovely and healthy. They have some popular favorites, but it also seemed they had some more unusual and harder to find plants. They have displays for live plant walls for which you can consult with them to install in your home or office, too, if you wish. Parking on this stretch of Damen is touch and go, and it's paid, so plan accordingly.

I love Vedas Plant shop! Jeff is unbelievably knowledgeable and helped educate me on how to…read moreproperly care for plants- a huge feat which he will tell you first hand. He put the two beautiful centerpieces for me together (pictures below), repotted a few of my plants and brought them back to life and helped me decorate my mantle. Highly recommend!!!!

I've been pleased to use Farmers Market for many years. Their plants see always well cared for and…read morehealthy. Over the years they've expanded their selection to include more trees and shrubs. One of the things that I love is that they load bagged compost, mulch , potting soil directly to your car. It's an enormous help to me and I'm sure to many others.

First off this is my second time at this place. The first time I went the lady was very helpful,…read morekind and welcoming. I decided to come to this place to support private shop owners and not the big chain shops. I avoided going to Lowe's and Home Depot but...This time I came to this place there were 2 guys behind counters that weren't at all helpful. I walked in said hello and neither one responded. When I asked one a question he said to ask the other guy cuz he was helping someone else and he walked away. I could barely understand him. When I looked for the other employee there was no one there. There was only one other customer so I don't understand how busy they could have been. Another reason for being so disappointed with this place is that some of the plants inside appeared a bit neglected. They're droopy, yellow leaves and just sad. I think a nursery should have every and single plant look like they're well taken care of and happy. Most plants inside didn't look like that. It's pretty sad. I put the planter I was going to buy down and left feeling like clearly they didn't need my business. I don't see myself returning to this place.

This place is fantastic and the owner is such a fun and witty guy to chat with. I can always find…read moreso many cool, one of a kind items here for my home and all at reasonable prices. It's nice not to have generic pottery barn or CB items like all the Joneses do. Over the last few years I've been able to find cute knick-knacks for the house, tables, and an antique Eastlake piece that I'm using as a bar. This place is a gem and everyone should visit. Places like this are why I prefer to shop local.

Have you ever walked into someone's home and thought to yourself, "Hmmm... Pottery Barn catalog,"…read moreor ditto, Crate and Barrel? I'm not dissing those stores, no, no, no. I love them! They stock the staples of good design. On the other side of the ledger there are antique stores, where there are always surprises, one-of-a-kinds and the smell of old wood. What's not to like? And then there's PRAHA: A rich collection of new and old, unusual pieces of decorative and architectural elements from Europe and the US, from dovetailed wooden boxes to large furniture pieces, linens and treasures of all types, jams, jellies and dip mixes, antique Shanghai Ladies posters, cottage style furnishings, lamps, trunks, European and domestic enamelware... on and on it goes... For me, PRAHA is like the proverbial candy store, and was elevated to Favorite Store status the first time I stepped inside. Much of the store's allure is the result of many shopping expeditions to Praha (Prague), where the owners purchased furniture and treasures as old as the hills, then shipped via crate back to the US. They trek to the best flea markets in the US. They keep their radar humming 24/7; a find is a find, no matter where it's discovered. But it's not just the merchandise. It's Todd and David, shopkeepers and proprietors. They love their store. They insist on expert craftsmanship in the new items they choose to sell, and enjoy musing on the secret history of their antiques. In chatting with Todd (for almost 2 hours on my first visit!) I discovered we share a love of old enamelware, antique tins, small boxes and interesting little containers. (Talk about a candy store!) Some acquisitions never make it to sale. One such item is an old coffee tin that Todd chose to keep for his own kitchen. It's not on display; it is used to store coffee, like it has been forever. He remarked how he always thinks about its mysterious history, the stories that could be told about the family in Praha who used it for generations. "Just think of it!" he said! There are stores filled with merchandise, clerks, and cashiers. And then there is PRAHA, filled with fabulous treasures, not the least of which are its shopkeepers, Todd and David. Czech it out!

I cannot say enough good things about Fertile Garden Center! From the moment I walked in, the staff…read morewere incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, exactly what you want when you're trying to figure out the right plants for your space. Darrel in particular went above and beyond. I was looking for flowers and plants for my balcony, and he took the time to walk me through everything: which plants would be safe for my dog (non-toxic was a must!), what would actually thrive given my balcony's sun exposure, and which options would be low-maintenance when it comes to bugs. It honestly felt like a mini plant class, and I left feeling so much more confident about what I was buying. On top of that, I brought in my orchid that I genuinely thought was a goner. Darrel and the team took a look at it that same day and managed to revive it! I was shocked and so grateful. After years of buying plants from the big box stores, I'm never going back. Fertile Garden Center actually cares about helping you succeed with your plants, not just making a sale. Highly recommend, and I'll definitely be coming back. And the speak Spanish!!

I like coming here for the selection and to support a small business instead of big box store. But…read moreI have to agree with other reviewers, the staff here can be off putting. Anytime I ask questions they just repeat what's on the care tag. They don't seem passionate about gardening and make the whole interaction uncomfortable.

The number of pandemic projects I've taken on in the past few months is pretty impressive. Whether…read moreyou're looking for mounting hardware, water supply valves, electrical wires & outlets, toilet wax rings, they have just about everything you need for that DIY home improvement project you're working on. Not sure why I've been so loyal to home depot since moving to Chicago a few years back, but in general I do find Menard's prices to be slightly cheaper than home depot. Another point worth mentioning is their propane refills/exchange are only $15. By far the cheapest I've seen in the Lincoln Park area. 'Save big money at...' You know how it goes. 'Til next time, cheers!

Just a comment about shrinkflation. Purchased a 1-lb box of…read morenails some time ago, finally got around to the project and thought the (sealed) box felt a bit light. Put it on my accurate postal scale. 12.5 ounces in a 1-lb box (which weighs something, too). :-(

I loved this store and felt like I could have looked through the books and crannies for hours. I…read morewalked away with one small treasure: the cutest vintage ring with a pave heart on a dangle! It's so unique and adorable. I can't wait to go back and search for more treasures!

Unique and vast selection of curated antique pieces! I was in the market for some vintage rings and…read morethey had a great section. They had 2 boxes of $25 rings plus others that were more expensive. I was able to ask questions and try as many as I felt like trying without feeling annoying. I could spend hours looking at the artwork in that store. Beautiful spot. Don't miss the basement that has even more cool things!

Wonderful wonderful. Such unique items. I could buy everything in the store. So many items that…read moreseem to be one of a kind. The owner really does his research to find such interesting things. Don't wait. Go now!

Hawthorne is my favorite vintage shop in the city! It's full of beautifully curated and lovingly…read moretended items from furniture to dishware and everything in between! If you're hunting for those perfect pieces to furnish your home or a useful and unique gift - start at Hawthorne!! The owner is so helpful and really cares about the items he's offering. The environment is cozy with plenty to choose from but not overwhelming! This shop is one of 5 all in a row on Lincoln - so there's 5 great reasons to stop! Parking is easy and free on Sundays!

Such a cute shop, and the owner obviously knows what's what and takes very good care of the green…read morebabies. Also a big selection of adorable isopods, crystals and niceness.

I really like this plant shop! It is right across the place from where I bought my bike. When I…read morebought it last year I think that the owner of this shop was having a pop-up in the back lot of the bike shop, but I didn't get a chance to look at the plants. I had to take my bike in so I got a chance to visit the shop, finally! First, the facade. It's amazing. This is definitely one of the most eye-catching shops in the city. When I got there just after the opening hour it was still closed, but luckily it was open by the time I finished up at the bike shop so I was able to go in. When I wandered in there actually wasn't anyone in the shop--I didn't realize that until the shopperson (the owner, I think?) came in. The dog needed a walk around but I was wandering around and didn't need any help at the time anyway! They had some really nice plants. I tend to like my plants a bit smaller, not only because they're a bit cheaper but because I like to see them grow. I did leave with some potting soil, and an air plant and pot. I haven't ever had an air plant (hopefully I'll be able to keep this one healthy), but they explained to me how to care for it (twice, since I was nervous) so I think it will be nice in my office. I actually decided to get it because I saw some adorable tiny pots (I'm not sure why I have a thing for owls, but I do!) and wanted something to put in it, but none of my plants are small enough and they would grow too quickly anyway. So the air pot works perfectly. I wish I knew how to make a cutting of a plant so I could bring one for the Take a Cutting, Leave a Cutting wall. I'm not sure if I can learn (confidently) overnight. :'( I need to return tomorrow to pick up my bike so I plan to stop in and pick up another air plant and adorable owl pot for my bedroom as well. Really appreciated the friendliness and helpful of both the folks who helped me whilst I was in the shop.

Buddy the Elf is so real! And handsome! I've never smelled such fresh trees. I think Svendsen's…read moretrees is a huge step above the others

The Svendsen tree lot is amazing. After many failed attempts at home depot, we finally got a tree…read morethat consistently takes water and is perfect. The price was good and it was delivered by the owner. It does not get much better than that!! Thanks for the great tree, we look forward to shopping with you again.