The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors is a garden center and nursery just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of South Congress’ main drag. Located on almost two acres of increasingly valuable land it feels like you’ve happened upon an oasis in a desert of condo projects and strip malls. The Great Outdoors opened in 1994 by Tom Tingly, Mark Gibbs, and Noel “El Jefe” Sanchez, when South Congress was a dangerous, undesirable cut of south Austin. It has a huge selection of everything from native Texas plants and trees to succulents and cactus, to a pretty impressive greenhouse full of indoor plants. There’s an entire section of pots and planters and a gift shop that carries garden supplies and things like wind chimes and garden art. There are usually anywhere from 20-30 staff members walking around and working at all times that are deeply knowledgeable about plants and landscaping and are always happy to help. They even host classes on different subjects for anyone aspiring to have greener thumbs. The Great Outdoors is consistently rated one of the best nurseries in the city and its easy to see, especially on the weekends where if you don’t get there early you’ll probably have to wait in a line of cars on South Congress. Once you enter though, you’ll realize its worth the wait, and why it’s been able to stay in the same location for 28 years.