Try the Chelsea Garden Center, whose physical location seems to be constantly in flux, but you can find out where they are now by calling the number on their Web site: www.chelseagardencenter.com. Make sure you actually call because I know one of their locations is moving as we speak.
Also, there's a place called Demetri's in one of the outer boroughs. I haven't been but here they are supposed to have a much wider selection than most. Other, slightly more limited options can be found on the corner of 28th St. and 6th Ave. I think there are two shops across from one another. And lastly, The Plant Shed on 96th between Broadway and Amsterdam.
Sharon

I'm not sure it's the best selection in town, but Plant Shed is on my way home from the subway, so I love walking by all their plants on the sidewalk and I actually bought some potted gerber daisies in the same colors that I tend to buy them as cut flowers for my kitchen, in hopes that they'll at LEAST last a little longer than cut ones, because I'm such a terrible plant person that having them last much longer than that seems out of the question.

I bought two of them and except for the other day when they bowed their heads in thirsty desperation, they've done pretty well and it's already been a week. I shall count every day that they don't die as a huge bonus.

There is Dimitri's Garden Center on 2nd avenue and 104th st. great stuff, a little high priced...

I think the greenmarket at Union Square is the best

Union Square green market is the best place to go this time of year. Not trendy, not Brookynism, just farmers with their their produce, and that's the best you can get.

IMHO, I think the Chelsea Garden Center is overpriced. I would go with Union Sq. Market, W. 28th St. bet. 7/8th Ave. & Whole Foods. Trader Joe's also has great potted plants (not seedlings).

I think 28th Street between 6th and 7th avenues has a much bigger selection then most places in the city-Foliage Garden has good stuff and will work to lower prices if you buy in quanities. I have found that the prices on 28th Street are very similiar to Union Square. Does anyone know what will happen with all the flower wholesalers now that the condo world has invaded???

If you are looking for the best herbs AND advice, Trina Piloneri from Silver Heights Farm at the Union Square Greenmarket is worth visiting. Her booth is at the south end of Union Square, towards Wholefoods. Everything comes from her greenhouses. If you call the farm ahead of time, she will even bring down special orders to the market. Honestly, you will find no better selection or advice in this city. She is a tomato fanatic, but she also actively seeks out other plants and herbs. She now has shiso (red and green), which is used in Japanese food (The 'juice' from the red shiso veins is even used to make an incredible drink which I have only ever seen in Japan).

If you search in The Kitchen and on AT you will find more information and pics of her stand.

Union Sq. Greenmarket has much better prices than Chelsea Garden type places, and a good selection too. The other good place, where you can also get good gardening advice, is the shop at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. They also have classes and a gardeners help line you can call.

Thanks for all the fantastic suggestions everyone! I'm going to start with Union Sq. and go from there, 'tis the season.

Union Square Greenmarket for plants is best. For pots and other items, I like Jamali on 28th btw 6th and 7th.

For anyone with a car, there's a pretty good garden center in Jersey City, very close to the Hoboken border juuusstt past the holland tunnel, and just to the right of the ramps to the turnpike. Very good and reasonably priced.

http://www.kannekt.com/review/hob18566.htm

Also, there's a fair amount of stuff at the Home Depot on 23rd St

I agree with higgins, the 14st St Flower market has an awesome range of plants at around 2/3 the price om Manhattan places. As you exit the Holland tunnel on the NJ side it is on the right just before the TP 1/9 split. If you want to buy bulk, Vince the owner will give you a deal.

My plants from home depot are still thriving after a year, my plants from Chelsea Garden center never bloomed and they would not give me my money back instead they wanted me to send the plant to supplier in Canada, so I am never going back to them. I'm sure they are fine and they were nice when I went in, I'm just bummed by the lack of customer care in my situation.

I would have to disagree with a statement made by 'morty'. I've worked at the Chelsea Garden Center for over 7 years, and we would never tell someone to send a plant back to it's grower in Canada. As the buyer, I can tell you we don't even order direct from Canada. Chelsea Garden Center is one of the few places where you can get quality plants sold to you by extremely knowledgable sales people. I think everyone knows sometimes you have to pay a little more when you are getting more. And after all, this is NYC. Nothing is cheap.

Check the city guides at http://thejcboard.com. You should be able to find some good places.

David Shannon Nursery and Florist

Off of Ft. Hamilton Pkwy in Kensington/Borough Park, whatever.

You will never ever need to visit Chelsea Gardens again. Ever.

http://www.shannonflorist.com/brooklyn-florist/view-our-store-122505c.asp

Hi Everyone,

Why don't you try Interior Foliage? We're a local, family-owned greenhouse, just across the 59th Street Bridge, with daily delivery to all five boroughs.

If you have any questions about the right plant for your apartment, feel free to give us a call. We offer free, expert advice all the time.

Please feel free to visit our site: www.interiorfoliage.com

Best Regards,
Matthew S.
Manager, Interior Foliage Design
718.784.4527
matthew (at) interiorfoliage (dot) com