Oasis for the Urban Gardner

I have hit a wall. I am so tired of seeing every one's disgustingly cute window boxes and lovely fire escape gardens. I must have one of my own! As a budding enthusiast of urban gardening, I have taken to popping into every garden and hardware shop as I explore the city to find the best selection of seeds, planters, and the like (note: garden gnomes and ceramic frogs lose major points for any establishment). I am looking for chic city gardening here....more Metropolitan Home than Cottage Living.

While tooling around the East Village this past weekend I came across Saifee Hardware on E. 7th and 1st Ave. They had great planters inside of all sizes and materials: traditional terra cotta, modern concrete, provincial copper, and very sleek stainless steel. They also had a large assortment of plants, seeds, and tools so I can cease using a fork and a gardening implement. As an added bonus, they deliver AND Porchetta is right down the street so you can grab lunch before or after.

For those of you with more of a black than a green thumb, I would stick to cut flowers from the Chelsea Flower District on 28th Street between 6th and 7th. Just be sure to bring cash if you don't want any hassles over not having a wholesale account. This is also a great place to buy cheap stones by the bag, and bargain glass vases.

PS- Unfortunately, the terrace pictured above is not from my apartment. I took it at Kips Bay in 2008, and I have completely fallen in love with it....Dream terrace.

Saifee Garden & Hardware
114 1st Ave. @ East 7th Street

Chelsea Flower District
28th Street between 6th and 7th Ave.