Barton Springs Nursery brings 40 years of florals, foliage and style to Austin

Hovis wanted to help redesign and restore the business, and when the previous owners were ready to retire, they approached her about buying the business.

More details

Barton Springs Nursery specializes in native and adapted plants. Barton Springs grows its own hard-to-find native plants and is the only retail nursery in Texas to grow and sell its own, Hovis said.

The nursery has its own tropical house stocked with house plants and a greenhouse equipped with small herbs and vegetables. The nursery also carries four-inch pots of several plants so that people can experiment, Hovis said.

The nursery is also home to wildlife, including birds, tortoises and fish.

What’s special about it

Hovis and Thomas also strive to create a people-centric space, designed for visitors to enjoy the space without the pressure to purchase anything. The business also offers free coffee.

“I would love for everyone to know that it's for them,” Hovis said. “They're welcome to just come and read a book. They don't have to buy anything, and a lot of people don't.”

Also of note

The nursery has a robust staff, some of whom have been with the company for decades now. The owners instated a career counseling program to help employees develop in their roles, or create new positions to match employee interests.

“We've grown from the inside out because it's our systems that we're really proud of and how we manage our staff,” Hovis said.

Hovis and Thomas recently expanded the nursery to include a new location on North Lamar Boulevard with a focus on architectural design and installation.

“That's my roots from how I started, and now it's coming full circle,” Hovis said.

Barton Springs Nursery Showroom and Design Studio officially opened in mid-March, offering consultations, design services, installations and a curated selection of gifts, homegoods and furniture.

Who its for

“I know that living around plants and living around gardens and butterflies and nature changes you—it has changed me completely, and it's changed anyone who works here,” Hovis said. “We just want to spread that.”

• 3601 Bee Cave Road, Austin
• www.bartonspringsnursery.com