Hillside Garden Center

Hillside Garden Center saved my event! The day before a 2,500 person garden themed event, my flower vendor was unable to deliver my flowers in time. This garden center was able to provide absolutely everything I needed to make the event success with only 18 hours notice! The staff and the quality of the flowers is beyond anything that can be had at a big box store. I truly appreciate this place and love supporting a local business and family owned place.

There’s something quietly magical about Hillside Gardens. Not the polished, Pinterest-perfect kind of magic but the kind that feels real, loved, and deeply alive. I was lucky enough to get a golf cart tour of the property (thank you, Donovan!), and what I saw was a space in motion: part oasis, part community canvas, part secret garden full of surprises. The view from the wedding altar alone is worth the visit - breathtaking, expansive, and soul-stirring. It’s the kind of place that remembers your ceremony, long after you’ve left. Tucked throughout the grounds are unexpected delights: • A charming little tequila bar tucked inside a cactus-filled dome • A sweet whiskey bar for cozy gatherings • Pops of vibrant color and whimsical metal artwork everywhere you turn • A very fun art installation made entirely of colored bowling balls • A vintage camper ready to be transformed into a quirky, character-rich bar space What struck me most - beyond the views - was the gift shop. Every item felt intentional, handpicked by someone with vision. These weren’t generic souvenirs. They were pieces chosen by artisans who clearly understand the soul of this place. And then there’s Donovan. An absolute treasure trove of Colorado Springs history and local knowledge. Effortlessly easy to talk to, full of stories, insight, and that rare gift of making you feel like you belong. Being around him gives you the sense that you’re part of something living and evolving, not just visiting. The rest of the staff I met were just as lovely - warm, funny, and completely lit up by what they’re building. It’s clear they love this place. And you can feel it. There’s also a thoughtfulness woven through the layout: plenty of seating options and pathways that are welcoming to those with mobility needs, making it feel inclusive and easy to settle in. Hillside Gardens may still be in its refinement phase in some areas, but that’s part of its charm. It feels like a living, breathing place with history, heart, and a whole lot of possibility. If you’re getting married, hosting an event, or just want to sit with a drink surrounded by beauty and color this is a place worth knowing.

I discovered this gem last summer. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable about the plants and what I was looking for. I bought a variety of perennials, annuals and some still conditioner. The selection was beautiful. My Colorado Combine wintered very well, it’s growing beautifully already this spring. My son picked out a strawberry plant that is still doing great. Quality Selection, Helpful staff, and even a fantastic coffee shop. I love this place!

With a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to help, you’ll find the perfect plants that thrive in Colorado’s unique climate. Plus, shopping here is an experience—you can sip on a fresh coffee or even a Bloody Mary while you browse the beautiful selection. A perfect spot for garden enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike!