SummerWinds Nursery

About SummerWinds Nursery

SummerWinds Nursery is a full-service garden center at 725 San Antonio Road in south Palo Alto. The company describes the location as tucked behind the corner of San Antonio and Middlefield roads, so look for it set back from the intersection. OpenStreetMap lists it as Summer Winds on San Antonio Avenue, but the company's own address is San Antonio Road.

The nursery has been on this site for a long time. SummerWinds says the store first opened in 1960 under the Woolworth Nurseries banner and became SummerWinds Nursery in 2002. Today it is one of five SummerWinds stores in the Bay Area. The others are in Campbell, Cupertino, Dublin and Novato. The company also runs three stores in the Phoenix area of Arizona. It describes itself as a local, independent nursery and says many of its staff have been with the company for years.

The Palo Alto store is led by general manager Jen McMillan and assistant manager Tyler Street.

Plants and specialties

The store page lists a wide range of plants. Several departments have a named staff expert you can ask for:

• California native plants: a good fit for water-wise gardens (ask for Judith)
• Perennials (ask for Rachelle)
• Bedding plants for seasonal color (ask for Justin)
• Specimen-quality shrubs (ask for Geo)
• Houseplants (ask for Kathy)
• Succulents
• Organic vegetables and herbs, including varieties the store says are hard to find elsewhere

Beyond plants, the store carries a large selection of outdoor pottery and organic, earth-friendly garden products. It also handles special orders and offers contractor services for landscapers and garden professionals.

Services and programs

SummerWinds stands behind its plants with a guarantee. The company says its plants are guaranteed to grow and thrive when customers follow the care steps its staff recommend, so ask for care instructions when you buy. The Gardener's Rewards Club earns savings on future purchases. The store page also links to a Garden Coach service. Ask staff how it works.

SummerWinds sells gift cards. It says they can be used at any of its California locations and never expire, which makes them an easy present for a gardener.

The company also says it is committed to the responsible use of natural resources and runs water-saving and energy-saving programs across its stores.

A long run on San Antonio Road

The nursery has sold plants from this address for more than six decades. It opened here in 1960 under the Woolworth Nurseries name and took the SummerWinds name in 2002. The company now runs eight garden centers across two states, but the Palo Alto store keeps its own staff experts and its own mix of plants for local gardens. For a sense of how this part of the city grew over the same years, see our Palo Alto timeline.

Who it suits

SummerWinds suits a wide range of gardeners. New homeowners can get help choosing shrubs and perennials for a bare yard. Apartment dwellers can pick up houseplants, succulents and pots for a balcony. Vegetable gardeners will find organic starts and herbs in season. Anyone replacing a thirsty lawn can ask about California natives. Landscapers can use the contractor services and special orders.

Tips for your visit

• The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, according to SummerWinds.
• Bring photos of your garden and notes on how much sun it gets when you ask staff for advice.
• Ask for the department expert by name when you have a specific question.
• For questions before you visit, call the store or email PaloAlto@summerwinds.net, the address SummerWinds lists for this location.
• Follow the care steps staff recommend, since the plant guarantee depends on them.

The nursery is in the Charleston area of south Palo Alto. Our Charleston Meadows guide covers the neighborhood. To see California natives growing in the wild, visit Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, or see garden ideas at Gamble Garden. Piazza's Fine Foods is a short drive away on Middlefield Road.

Location and getting there

SummerWinds Nursery is at 725 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA, in the Charleston area of Palo Alto. Our Charleston guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 0.7 miles away. That is roughly a 19 minute walk or a short bike ride.

Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.

What is nearby

• The Car Doctor Tire Pros, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Kelly Spicers, shop, under 0.1 mi
• Mike's Bikes of Palo Alto, studio or gym, 0.1 mi
• Magnussen's Toyota of Palo Alto, service business, 0.2 mi
• Dohatsuten Ramen & Tapas, restaurant, 0.2 mi
• Cubberley Community Center, 0.3 mi
• Mitchell Park Library, 0.6 mi
• Mitchell Park and Magical Bridge, 0.7 mi

Other home, furniture and garden nearby: Sherwin-Williams (2.1 mi); Sleep Number (2.2 mi); California Paint Company (2.4 mi); Village Flower Shoppe (2.5 mi). Browse the full home, furniture and garden list.

Before you go

• Ask about delivery times and fees for large items before you buy.
• Measure doorways and stairs at home before ordering furniture.
• Stock changes with the seasons. Call ahead if you are looking for a specific item.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against SummerWinds Palo Alto store page; SummerWinds locations; About SummerWinds. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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