Walk into some big-box stores and the "garden center" feels like a funeral for ferns. It’s rows of parched hydrangeas and plastic pots baking on asphalt. But if you’ve lived around Shelby County for more than a minute, you know that’s not how we do things here.
Myers Plants & Pottery in Pelham is basically the opposite of that.
Located right on Pelham Parkway, it’s one of those spots that feels like a local secret even though it’s been sitting there since 1971. That is over fifty years of keeping Alabama yards from looking like literal deserts. It’s less of a store and more of a sanctuary. You walk in and immediately hit a wall of humidity and the smell of damp earth. Honestly? It's therapeutic.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the Pottery
Most people come for a "quick" look at the flowers and end up staying two hours because they got lost in the pottery section. It’s huge.
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Usually, when you go to a nursery, you find the same three terra cotta pots. At Myers, they have these massive, glazed Vietnamese planters and funky, hand-painted pieces that look like they belong in a gallery. People drive from Hoover and Alabaster just to find that one specific shade of cobalt blue or a pot big enough to hold a literal small tree.
It's not just about looks, though.
In our Alabama heat—where it hits 95 degrees with 90% humidity by 10:00 AM—the right pot matters. Porous pots like unglazed terra cotta dry out in about four seconds in August. The glazed stuff they stock helps keep those root balls cool and moist. If you've ever lost a Japanese Maple to a "death by plastic pot" situation, you know why this is a big deal.
The Secret Garden (Literally)
If you go past the rows of perennials and through the greenhouse, there’s a spot many first-timers miss. They have a koi pond.
It’s tucked away, and it’s surprisingly peaceful considering how busy the Parkway gets. You can actually buy fish there, too. We’re talking goldfish and koi that range from "tiny feeder fish" to "majestic water beasts." They also carry pond liners and pumps.
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If you've ever dreamed of a backyard water feature but have no idea how to start, the staff here is actually knowledgeable. They aren't just reading off a label; they know what survives in our specific Zone 8a/8b climate.
Keeping Your Myers Plants Alive in the Pelham Heat
So, you bought the plant. Now what?
Alabama gardening is a blood sport. Between the red clay and the "Gateway to the Sun" temperatures, your plants are fighting for their lives.
Soil is Everything
Don’t just dig a hole in your yard and drop a plant in. That red clay is basically concrete when it's dry. Most experts at Myers will tell you to amend the soil. They carry specific mixes like Happy Frog or Ocean Forest that have the microbes your plants actually need to eat. Mix that stuff in. Your plants will thank you.
Timing the Water
Don't water your plants at 2:00 PM. You're basically boiling them.
The best move is early morning. If you wait until the evening, the water sits on the leaves all night in the humidity, which is a VIP invitation for fungus. Give them a deep soak at the base of the plant around 7:00 AM.
The Winter "Lies"
We get weird freezes in Pelham. One day it’s 70 degrees in January, and the next night it’s 18.
Myers usually stocks a lot of hardy shrubs and trees, but if you’ve got those tropical ferns or succulents, you’ve gotta bring them in. A lot of people think "perennial" means "invincible." It doesn't. It just means it might come back if you don't let the roots turn into ice cubes.
What to Actually Buy Right Now
If you’re heading there this week, look for stuff that likes the sun.
- Lantana: It thrives on neglect. Seriously.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): They love the heat and the butterflies love them.
- Crepe Myrtles: If you want that classic Southern look, they have plenty.
- Succulents: Perfect for that one shelf in your house that gets too much sun.
The inventory changes constantly. Since it's a family-owned vibe, they get in unique specimens that you won't find at the big chains. I've seen carnivorous plants there that look like they're from another planet.
Is It Worth the Drive?
Prices can be a bit higher than the warehouse stores. But you’re paying for the fact that the plant hasn't been sitting in a dark truck for three days. These plants are acclimated to our air.
Plus, the staff. You can actually ask them, "Hey, why is my boxwood turning orange?" and they won't look at you like you're speaking Greek. They’ll probably tell you it’s a mite issue or a drainage problem. That kind of advice saves you money in the long run because you aren't replacing dead plants every season.
How to Get There and When to Go
They are located at 2935 Pelham Parkway.
Word of advice: Go on a weekday morning if you can. Saturday mornings are a madhouse. Everybody and their mother is there trying to grab the freshest delivery of hanging baskets.
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- Mid-week: Super chill. You can actually talk to the owners.
- Sunday: They usually open later (around 1:00 PM), so it's a great post-brunch stop.
- Rainy days: Honestly, the best time. The greenhouses are cozy and you'll have the place to yourself.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Garden
If your yard looks a little sad, don't try to flip the whole thing in one weekend. Start small.
Go grab one high-quality glazed pot from the Myers collection. Pick out a "thriller" (something tall), a "filler" (something bushy), and a "spiller" (something that hangs over the edge). Ask the staff for a sun-loving combo for a South-facing porch.
Once you get that one pot thriving, you'll have the confidence to tackle the rest of the landscaping. Just remember to mulch. Pine straw or wood chips—doesn't matter—just cover that soil to keep the moisture in.