In Season Market and Nursery: A Beautiful Day in the Garden

As you flip through the pages of this month’s issue, spring is springing up all over. The flowering trees are budding out, bright green dominates the landscapes, and we have a compelling urge to get out into our gardens once again to chase away the gray of winter and embrace the freshness of this season.

A trip to In Season Market and Nursery is in order. There you will be greeted by owner Julie Morehouse or another member of her knowledgeable staff and welcomed like an old friend. Julie and her late business partner, Eric Firpo, opened their doors in this historic Stockton location in 2016. Fueled by the desire to create a community-based business that would bring together like-minded people, they founded the shop with the motto “Natural farm, natural food, natural landscape, natural life.” This mantra still holds true for every aspect of In Season.

Part nursery, part gift shop, part friendly gathering spot, In Season Market and Nursery is a world away from the big box stores. If it’s plants you are interested in, Julie brings more than 30 years of experience in the horticulture world. She can help identify garden pests, offer suggestions for specific areas of your garden, introduce you to new and unique plants and invite you to attend the hands-on workshops that are held each Saturday at the nursery. Especially popular are the classes on how to plant and grow delicious tomatoes, start veggies from seeds, compost and install drip irrigation. There are seasonal classes on garden-themed crafts, such as wreath making, and more. It’s a delight just to stroll around under the magnificent persimmon tree out back and take a peek at the organic farm that supplies fruits and vegetables to the indoor market. New deliveries of plants arrive weekly, offering a large variety of flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees that are suited to our San Joaquin Valley gardens.

Another treat is in store when you venture inside the shop and the old Tank House out back. Grab a freshly brewed cappuccino or a home-baked cookie and take a look around. In Season has an ever-changing array of natural food products to tempt you, from iconic Genoa bread to locally produced oils and vinegars, jams, coffee beans roasted here in Stockton from several vendors, small-batch teas and the beautiful produce grown in the farm behind the shop. It feels great to support local artisan producers, and the quality and freshness are incomparable.

The gift shop is also a treasure trove of unique and carefully chosen things. On my recent visit, I spotted block print tea towels, hand-painted mugs, locally crafted jewelry, cards from area artists and colorful glassware and ceramics for the table. Pick up soil amendments, high-quality garden hand tools and seed packets while you are there. Peruse a wide selection of pottery as well, and the staff will be happy to pot up a purchased plant while you wait.

In Season Market and Nursery is open seven days a week and they are delighted to host small group gatherings. There’s always something new going on. To connect with In Season and find out about all that is happening at the store, follow them on social media. Instagram @Inseason.store and on Facebook at In Season Garden Center. Stop in to one of my favorite little haunts in Stockton, where both plants and kindness are always In Season.

In Season Market & Nursery is located at 215 E Alpine Avenue, Stockton, California. To learn more, call 209-949-2499 or visit inseasonstore.com.

Laurie Eager is the author and illustrator of In Papa’s Garden. A seeker of beauty every day, she works part time as an interior designer, loves adventure travel, all things French and dark chocolate. She lives in Stockton with her husband, Steve, and can be found most mornings enjoying a cup of coffee and the first rays of sunshine in their abundant vegetable garden.