HGTV ranked the best garden centers (also known as nurseries) in the United States and listed one historic garden center in Charlotte as the best in Vermont.

“From multi-generational mom-and-pop businesses to bigger enterprises that haven’t lost their human touch, you can’t go wrong adding one of these garden centers to your bucket list whether you are traveling cross-country or just to the next county,” the Home and Garden Network said.

HGTV’s pick for the Green Mountain State was first established 133 years ago.

Horsford Gardens and Nursery — Charlotte, Vermont

HGTV highlighted Horsford Gardens and Nursery’s versatility and its wide selection of plants.

“This 133-year-old sprawling garden center on 40 acres does it all: propagation, planting, seeding and overwintering. With 20 acres of growing fields, Horsford offers thousands of plant varieties including native trees, shrubs and perennials,” HGTV said. You can find unique annuals like indigo and heirloom vegetables too and grounds to stroll where you can find inspiration for our own garden.”

Established in 1893, they’re also one of the oldest garden centers in Vermont.

“In 1883 Frederick Hinsdale Horsford and Cyrus G Pringle went into the nursery business together. As botanists they had traveled throughout North America collecting plants,” the garden center’s website said. “In 1893 Horsford bought out Pringle and created F. H. Horsford Nursery in Charlotte, Vermont. The nursery is still in existence on the same acreage.”

What can you buy at Horsford Nursery?

If you’re interested in starting your own herb garden, they have the following starts available, according to their greenhouse webpage:

• Boxwood Basil
• Basil
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Marjoram
• Mints
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Tarragon
• Thyme

You can see all of the different annuals and vegetable starts they have on their “Greenhouse Info and Plants” webpage.

The nursery even has offerings for non-gardeners: you can check out their free display gardens, of which they have many. Their botanical gardens include an annual garden, a rose garden, a spring bulb garden and a peony row.

“Visiting the nursery can be a much-needed break from a hectic day,” the Horsford website said. “If it is muddy, bring boots as there are no paved roads. Be sure to bring a notebook and camera!”

How to visit Horsford Gardens and Nursery

You can find Horsford Gardens and Nursery at 2111 Greenbush Road in Charlotte, Vermont or call them at (802) 425-2811. Its current hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the week, except certain holidays, from April 15 – October 31.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.