Madison was especially keen to get the word out to “Wallingfordians” that there are gardening resources right in our backyard, especially for apartment/small-space gardeners, which is their specialty. They also love giving free advice, so if you’re interested in gardening basics, native plants, low-waste gardening, or gardening with disabilities, those are all areas they have expertise in.
My resident landscape expert (my wife Rhonda) and I arranged a visit to Urban Earth. We knew parking would be a challenge, but luckily Urban Earth has one hour street parking directly in front of the shop, as well as 30-minute load/unload parking on the east and west sides of the block (7am-6pm, except Sundays and holidays) which we took advantage of. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Madison (holding the resident cat) and two co-owners, Tan Gleason and Lexi Korneitchouk. In talking to them, it was obvious they were proud that the nursery is a “women/LGBT community owned business.” Lexi and Tan started as associates in summer 2022 and 2024, respectively, and became owners in 2023 (Lexi) and 2025 (Tan).
I was especially impressed with their stated vision:
“We believe that Gardening is for everybody. Humans would cease to exist without our complex and necessary relationship with plants and the natural world. Urban Earth cultivates our staff, clients, and neighbors to develop a vital primordial bond between humans and plants.
Urban Earth Nursery & Garden Service strives:
- To be an inclusive third space in a world with dwindling spaces to rest and reflect.
- To be a respected source of healthy plants and accessible plant education for urban gardeners, landscapers, and marginalized people.
- To foster reverence for the natural world in Seattle’s urban spaces.
- To provide unfettered access to greenspaces and garden services no matter the size and shape of your residence, business, or school.
- To be an empowered workplace where employees are the main fuel for growth, change, and are given the tools and professional education to grow their skills & passions.”
After talking with Madison, Lexi, and Tan, it was obvious they pride themselves in stocking a rotating inventory of new and classic plants, including those that are climate-responsive, collector and unusual, container and urban space friendly edibles, natives, xeriscaping plants, trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials. Walking around the nursery showed a well-curated collection of plants and an effective use of the space.
The indoor retail space features a variety of popular and interesting houseplants, and locally made and sourced gifts and goods.
There is even a small reading room for consultation services. 
They also support outreach activities such as flower arrangements, conduct craft workshops, and provide some landscape services supporting work in urban gardens, pruning, etc.
The first Friday of every month they conduct a Potting Happy Hour. They will also be scheduling classes this spring in the art of companion planting and attracting beneficial insects to the back yard urban garden. Upcoming workshops include Houseplants 101 on April 18th and Kokedama (the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil) on April 30th.
As spring planting begins, and if you have questions on gardening basics, low-waste gardens, or even gardening with disabilities, I encourage you to stop by the nursery, as the knowledgeable folks at the Urban Earth Nursery are there to help. For more information about the nursery or to sign up for classes, you can visit the Urban Earth Nursery website. My wife and I found the nursery to be a fun place to visit and chat with the knowledgeable and courteous staff.
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