🌿 Gardening & Outdoor Living
Whether you're starting your first vegetable garden, planting a mango tree, or redesigning your entire yard — here's everything you need to know about gardening and outdoor living in Pembroke Pines. Nurseries, supplies, rentals, native plants, and farm-fresh food destinations, all in one place.
🏡 Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines residents are well-served by two full-service home improvement stores — each with a garden center that rivals standalone nurseries for plant selection, soil, mulch, and landscaping supplies. Both are conveniently located within the city.
Your go-to for almost any gardening or home improvement need in Pembroke Pines. The Pines Boulevard location has a full garden center with plants, soil, mulch, pots, outdoor lighting, irrigation supplies, and a wide tool selection. Also offers tool and truck rentals — a hidden gem for homeowners tackling weekend projects.
Another full-service home improvement store with a comprehensive garden center. Lowe's on University Drive carries plants, trees, mulch, topsoil, potting mixes, fertilizers, pest control, pots and planters, and outdoor décor. Their garden department is well-organized and staffed with knowledgeable associates.
For soil, mulch, compost, and bulk garden supplies, both Home Depot and Lowe's carry a wide selection in their garden centers. Bagged products are available year-round, and both stores can special-order larger quantities for delivery.
Composting at home reduces waste and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Start with a simple bin or pile — layer "browns" (dried leaves, cardboard, paper) with "greens" (kitchen scraps, grass clippings). In South Florida's heat, compost breaks down fast; keep it moist but not wet. Most garden centers sell compost bins, or you can build your own from pallets. Avoid adding citrus peels in quantity — they can slow the process.
🚗 Worth the Drive
Pembroke Pines is a city of beautiful subdivisions, so our best independent nurseries and garden centers are in neighboring Davie and Fort Lauderdale — each 15 to 25 minutes away and more than worth the trip. Whether you're looking for rare tropicals, a destination experience with a café, or old-school garden-center expertise, these are the places to go.
A Pembroke Pines favorite for over 30 years. Pop's Nursery on University Drive in Davie offers a wide selection of outdoor plants, flowering shrubs, palms, and seasonal color. Run by knowledgeable staff who've been helping local gardeners since the 1990s — the kind of old-school garden center where they remember your name and what you planted last season.
The crown jewel of South Florida garden centers. Flamingo Road Nursery draws visitors from across the region with its massive selection of indoor and outdoor plants, a charming gift shop, and an on-site café serving coffee, smoothies, and light bites. Their weekend farmers market features fresh local produce, honey, and artisan goods. A true destination experience.
A 10-acre tropical plant sanctuary that feels more like a botanical garden than a retail nursery. Specializes in rare and exotic flowering plants and trees — orchids, bromeliads, flowering gingers, and unusual tropical specimens. The property includes serene koi ponds and demonstration gardens that inspire. Since 1990.
A true South Florida institution — the family behind Florida Nursery Mart has been rooted in the area for over 75 years. Located on Griffin Road in Davie, they offer a broad selection of palms, shrubs, trees, annuals, and landscape supplies. Known for fair prices and deep local knowledge across three generations.
One of the largest garden centers in the region, Living Color is as much an experience as it is a store. Beyond an enormous plant selection, they're known for their stunning pottery collection, water features, statuary, outdoor furniture, and garden décor. If you're designing an outdoor living space, this is where you go for inspiration.
South Florida's dry season (October–May) means efficient watering is essential. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth — aim for once or twice a week, early morning before sunrise to minimize evaporation. Install a rain barrel to capture roof runoff during summer storms. Drip irrigation systems are far more efficient than sprinklers for garden beds and cost less than you might think to install.
🛠️ Equipment
Many homeowners don't realize they can rent equipment instead of buying it — saving money, storage space, and the hassle of maintenance. From pressure washers and tillers to concrete mixers and tile saws, here's where to rent what you need in and near Pembroke Pines.
Home Depot's tool rental counter in Pembroke Pines offers a wide range of equipment for homeowners and contractors — pressure washers, tillers, lawn aerators, sod cutters, floor sanders, carpet cleaners, tile saws, concrete mixers, and more. Hourly, daily, and weekly rates available. Also rents pickup trucks and cargo vans by the hour — perfect for hauling plants, soil, or lumber.
Lizzette's personal go-to for equipment rentals — and for good reason. Family-owned and operated since 1969, AllTool Rental has the most comprehensive inventory in South Florida. Pressure washers, tillers, lawn aerators, sod cutters, concrete mixers, post-hole diggers, stump grinders, chain saws, and specialty equipment you won't find at the big boxes. They also do equipment sales, parts, and on-site service/repair. Three South Florida locations — the Hollywood store on Pembroke Road is closest to Pembroke Pines.
South Florida's subtropical climate means two growing seasons: spring (March–June) for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and basil; and fall (September–December) for cool-season crops like lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and peas. Many tropical fruits (mango, avocado, citrus) are planted January–April for best establishment. Avoid planting during peak summer heat (July–August) — plants struggle and require constant watering.
🌴 Florida-Friendly
Native Florida plants are adapted to our climate, soil, and rainfall patterns — which means less water, less fertilizer, and less maintenance. They're also essential for supporting local pollinators and wildlife. Native landscaping is the smartest choice for Pembroke Pines homeowners.
All five destination nurseries in Davie and Fort Lauderdale carry native Florida species. Jesse Durko's Nursery has the largest selection of rare and unusual natives. Flamingo Road Nursery features a dedicated "Fresh from Florida" section. Home Depot and Lowe's in Pembroke Pines stock common natives like firebush, coontie, and muhly grass seasonally.
🍋 South Florida
South Florida's subtropical climate is a fruit tree paradise. Most tropical and subtropical fruit trees thrive here with minimal care — and there's nothing like harvesting a homegrown mango or avocado from your own backyard.
The king of South Florida fruit trees. Choose grafted varieties for reliable production and manageable size (10–15 ft). Top varieties for home yards: 'Nam Doc Mai', 'Mahachanok', 'Carrie'. Plant January–April. Full sun. Grafted trees fruit in 2–3 years.
Large tree (up to 30 ft) that thrives in South Florida. Dwarf varieties like 'Little Cado' or 'Wurtz' stay under 15 ft for smaller yards. Look for grafted trees from local nurseries. Cold-sensitive below 30°F — plant in a protected spot away from north winds.
Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, limes, and lemons all grow well in Pembroke Pines. Choose grafted trees on disease-resistant rootstock. Container-planting is recommended due to citrus greening risk. Water deeply and fertilize with citrus-specific fertilizer 3–4 times per year.
A premium fruit tree that commands high prices at grocery stores. Trees take 5–7 years to bear but produce for decades. Varieties 'Mauritius' and 'Brewster' do well here. Need regular watering during fruit development (March–May). Protect from strong winds.
Not actually a tree — it's a giant herbaceous plant. Produces fruit in 9–12 months. 'Ice Cream', 'Dwarf Cavendish', and 'Apple' varieties are good for home gardens. Protect from cold snaps. Plants die after fruiting but send up new shoots from the root.
Other fruit trees that excel in South Florida: carambola (star fruit), sapodilla, sugar apple, soursop, longan (related to lychee), dragon fruit (cactus), and jackfruit. Visit a specialty nursery like Jesse Durko's or Flamingo Road to see what's available.
Jesse Durko's Nursery (Davie) has the largest selection of tropical fruit trees in the area. Pop's Nursery (Davie) carries mango, avocado, and citrus seasonally. Flamingo Road Nursery (Davie) stocks a good selection. For common varieties (citrus, banana), Home Depot and Lowe's in Pembroke Pines carry them seasonally, typically January–April.
Before hurricane season (June–November), trim dead branches and remove diseased or weak trees that could become projectiles. Move potted plants and garden décor indoors when a storm approaches. After a storm, don't rush to prune damaged palms — many can recover. Wait a few weeks to assess true damage. South Florida-native plants like sea grape and cocoplum are naturally wind-resistant and good choices for storm-prone landscaping.
🥬 Grow Your Own
South Florida offers year-round growing potential, but our subtropical climate requires a different approach than traditional gardening guides. Here's what grows well, when to plant, and where to find supplies in Pembroke Pines.
Home Depot and Lowe's in Pembroke Pines carry seed packets, seedling plants, potting mixes, fertilizers, and gardening tools year-round. For specialty seeds (heirloom varieties, unusual herbs), shop online from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Johnny's Selected Seeds — both ship to Florida and offer varieties selected for warm climates. Flamingo Road Nursery (Davie) carries a curated seed and seedling selection for South Florida. Pop's Nursery (Davie) is great for tomato and pepper seedlings in spring.
Skip the pesticides and let beneficial insects do the work. Native milkweed (Asclepias incarnata, not tropical milkweed) is essential for monarch butterflies. Plant a mix of flowering species that bloom at different times to provide year-round food — firebush, blanket flower, and tropical sage are South Florida favorites. A shallow water source (like a birdbath with stones) and a patch of bare soil complete a pollinator-friendly yard.
🦋 Wildlife
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is one of the most rewarding ways to landscape in South Florida. Native butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will visit daily once you establish the right plants — and no pesticides.
Jesse Durko's Nursery (Davie) has the best selection of native milkweed, passionflower, and host plants. Flamingo Road Nursery (Davie) carries butterfly-attracting perennials. Home Depot and Lowe's in Pembroke Pines stock pentas, lantana, and salvia seasonally. For native milkweed specifically, call ahead — it's seasonal and sells out fast in spring.
A true South Florida treasure — Butterfly World in Coconut Creek is America's first and largest butterfly house, operating since 1988 inside Tradewinds Park & Stables. Spanning over 10 acres, it features butterfly aviaries filled with thousands of live butterflies, hummingbird gardens, lorikeet encounters, a working butterfly farm, and expansive botanical gardens. It's the largest butterfly park in the world — a magical destination about 35 minutes from Pembroke Pines that's worth every minute of the drive.
Open Tue–Sun 9 AM–5 PM, closed Mondays. Go early to see butterflies at their most active (they slow down in afternoon heat). The lorikeet encounter is a highlight — bring a few dollars for a nectar cup to feed them. About 35 minutes from Pembroke Pines via I-75.
🌱 City Resource
Don't have yard space? Pembroke Pines operates a community garden for residents — a great way to grow your own produce, learn from fellow gardeners, and be part of a gardening community.
Residents-Only Gardening Space
A members-only green space operated by the City of Pembroke Pines where residents can come together to grow fresh produce, share the joys of gardening, build relationships, and engage in healthy outdoor activity. Garden plots are available to Pembroke Pines residents — a wonderful resource for those who want to garden but don't have yard space. Check the city website for plot availability, membership requirements, and seasonal programming.
🚗 Worth the Drive
These exceptional nearby destinations are worth their own dedicated trip — bringing farm-fresh food, artisan goods, and agricultural experiences to Pembroke Pines residents willing to drive a short distance for quality.
Lizzette's personal favorite destination for farm-fresh food. Southwest Ranches Farmers Market is a farm-to-table market offering 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, pasture-raised poultry and pork, lamb, buffalo, and elk — all raised on pasture with soy-free and corn-free diets. They specialize in raw A2/A2 dairy from grass-fed cows, goat milk, pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught seafood, raw unfiltered local honey, fresh organic produce, and artisanal goods. This is exactly the kind of resource Lizzette wants Pembroke Pines residents to discover for healthier food options.
Also see our Destination Nurseries section above for five exceptional specialty nurseries in Davie and Fort Lauderdale. And check out AllTool Rental Co. in Hollywood — Lizzette's personal pick for equipment rentals.
This comprehensive gardening guide was compiled from nursery visits, local reviews, city resources, and first-hand experience as of August 2026. We follow our editorial standard: businesses in Pembroke Pines appear in main sections; exceptional businesses outside the city are in clearly labeled Worth the Drive sections with the city identified.
This is part of our Gardening & Outdoor Living collection. We'll continue expanding this guide with more detailed species recommendations, seasonal tips, and destination reviews as the section grows.
Nursery hours, inventory, and availability change throughout the year. We recommend calling ahead or checking each nursery's website before visiting. Product-specific recommendations are based on general growing advice for South Florida — consult a local nursery for your specific conditions.
Have a favorite garden center, tool rental, or farm market we missed? Let us know. We're always looking to expand this guide with tried-and-true local resources.
Whether you're planting your first tomato or designing a full native landscape — the right resources make all the difference. Explore our guides, visit a nursery, and start growing your Pembroke Pines garden today.
