4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway
phelangardens.com

From a small greenhouse in Knob Hill neighborhood sprouted a gardening business that’s been in operation for more than 40 years.

Phelan Gardens, a locally owned plant and gardening center, has been supplying Colorado Springs customers with an array of greens since 1981. The center is open year-round and offers everything from trees and edibles to houseplants and soil.

“Our motto is ‘Where life thrives.’ So we try to, as I say, bring in people to commune with nature,” owner Mark Phelan said. “I also like our work environment, as well as our retail environment, to be a place where life thrives.”

The center has been a perennial Best of the Springs winner, and it continues to attract new customers. 

“We’re seeing a lot more young people come into our store, which is very encouraging,” Phelan said. “We’re very humbled by the whole experience, and we’re very fortunate to have a business that continues to thrive in this day and age.”