Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about visiting, delivery, payment, plants, gift cards and our services. Can't find what you need? Call us at 646-389-4299.
Visiting the store
Where are you?
Urban Garden Center is at 1560 Park Avenue at 111th Street in East Harlem, under the Park Avenue Viaduct. Get directions.
What are your hours?
We're open every day: Monday to Friday 10 AM–7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM–5 PM.
How long have you been around?
Our family business started in 1959 as Dimitri's Garden Center. It grew up on East 86th Street, moved to East Harlem, and today is Urban Garden Center. You can read some of the press coverage on our In the News page.
Can I order online and pick up?
Yes. Choose pickup at checkout. Pickup orders are usually ready within 24 hours, and you collect them at 1560 Park Avenue.
Is there parking?
Yes. There's street parking nearby, and there are parking garages in the area.
Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We deliver throughout New York City. See Delivery Services for details.
We also deliver to Bergen and Hudson counties in New Jersey, and to Westchester, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York. Deliveries outside NYC are quoted, so call us at 646-389-4299 or email Info@UrbanGardenCenter.com for a quote.
When do deliveries go out?
Deliveries run Monday to Friday, 10 AM–6 PM. Orders placed on the weekend are processed Monday morning.
Can you carry my order upstairs?
Yes. Choose White Glove Delivery at checkout. If you live in a walk-up, add the per-flight stairs option so we know what to expect. See White Glove Delivery options.
My building needs a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Can you provide one?
Yes. Email Info@UrbanGardenCenter.com with your order number, delivery address and building requirements. We aim to reply the same day; please allow up to 24 hours.
Payment and returns
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, ACH and wire transfers. When you order online at shopugc.com, you pay at checkout.
Checks need our approval before you pay. We usually accept them from property management companies, businesses and government agencies.
Can I return something?
Our Refund Policy explains what can be returned and how. If your order arrives damaged or isn't what you ordered, contact us within 24 hours at Info@UrbanGardenCenter.com.
Plants
Will my plant look exactly like the photo?
Our photos are a close match to the real plant, but every plant is a little different, so we can't guarantee it will look exactly the same.
What pot does my plant come in?
Indoor plants come in a plastic grower's pot. The terracotta pot in the photo is for display. Outdoor plants come in a grower's pot or with the root ball wrapped in burlap (ball and burlap). Flats, hanging baskets and bonsai are noted on each product page.
Which plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Each plant page shows a pet-safety note based on the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant lists. For a list of plants the ASPCA lists as non-toxic, see Pet-friendly plants. If a plant isn't on the ASPCA list, we say so.
What USDA hardiness zone is New York City?
New York City is in USDA zone 7b: our coldest winter night is usually somewhere between 5 and 10°F. That's from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
When a plant tag lists zones, look for plants hardy to zone 7 or lower. A lower number means the plant handles more cold. Roots in pots and planters on a terrace or rooftop get colder than roots in the ground, so for containers, pick plants rated a zone or two colder. Not sure? Ask us.
I'm new to plants. Where should I start?
Try our Easy-care houseplants, or Low-light plants if your apartment doesn't get much sun. You can also stop by and ask us. We're happy to help you pick something that fits your space.
Can I see a photo of the bonsai I'll get?
Yes. Every bonsai is one of a kind. Call us at 646-389-4299 and we'll send you a photo of the plant in stock.
Gift cards
What gift cards do you offer?
Two kinds, both from $10 to $500:
- Physical Gift Card: mailed (included in the continental U.S.) or picked up at the store. Spend it in the store.
- Digital Gift Certificate: emailed to the recipient on the date you choose. Spend it online at shopugc.com. It has no expiration date.
See Gift Cards.
Can I use a gift card both online and in the store?
Not yet. Physical Gift Cards work in the store only, and Digital Gift Certificates work online only.
Services
Do you design and install gardens?
Yes. Our Garden Services cover garden installation and maintenance, hardscaping, irrigation, low-voltage lighting, custom planters, decking, fencing and plant storage. We take projects in all five boroughs, and greater NYC projects case by case. Send a Garden Services inquiry.
Do you make tree guards?
Yes, custom steel tree guards for NYC sidewalk tree pits. NYC Parks requires a Tree Work Permit before a tree guard is installed. Learn about Tree Guard projects or start a Tree Guard inquiry.
Do you rent plants?
Yes, for events, offices, shoots and holiday displays. Send a Plant Rental inquiry.
How much soil or mulch do I need?
Use our Soil, Mulch & Stone Calculator. Enter the size of your bed, tree pit or planter, and it tells you how many bags to buy.
Can you deliver soil, mulch or compost in bulk?
Yes. Request a bulk delivery and tell us the material, amount and where it should go.
How fast will you get back to me?
We aim to respond to service inquiries within 72 hours.
Events and special requests
Can I host a private event, class trip or photo shoot at Urban Garden Center?
Yes. We host private events and class trips, and the garden center is available for filming and photo shoots. Tell us what you have in mind: call 646-389-4299 or email Info@UrbanGardenCenter.com.
Can you get something I don't see on the site?
Often, yes. We special-order hard-to-find plants, trees and pottery, and we take on a lot of unusual requests. If you don't see it, ask. You never know what we can find or make happen.