About
Ward's Garden Center & Cafe in Garden City, Kansas is one of those wonderfully eclectic local businesses that defies easy categorization. Part garden nursery, part gift shop, part café, and part pet store, it's a community gathering spot that draws families and out-of-towners alike. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and the surprisingly good variety of pets on offer, which includes birds like conures and other small animals such as hamsters.
The pet section is noted for being clean and well-kept, with animals that appear cared for — though prospective buyers should be aware that Ward's operates more as a local shop than a big-box retailer, so return policies differ from chains like Petco. The pet supplies lean toward the basics. Hamster owners, for instance, have noted they wish the store carried a wider range of species-specific supplies, but appreciate being able to pick up essentials locally.
The freshwater fish and small animal selection gives Garden City residents an alternative to driving long distances for pet shopping in this part of western Kansas. But it would be a disservice to talk about Ward's without mentioning the café, which multiple reviewers call a must-stop. The food is consistently described as delicious, and the recent addition of a coffee bar with lattes — both hot and iced — has only sweetened the deal.
The café staff earn particular praise for their friendliness and quick service. The garden center side of the business rounds things out with plants, landscaping options, lawn decorations, and a curated gift shop that reviewers find genuinely charming. It's the kind of place where you stop in for a plant, leave with a latte and a story about the birds.
Hours are somewhat limited, so check before you visit. For families in Garden City looking for a laid-back outing that combines shopping, animals, and good food under one roof, Ward's delivers a distinctly local experience.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Eclectic mix of pet store, garden nursery, gift shop, and café
- Clean, well-maintained pet section with birds (conures) and small animals
- Popular on-site café with newly added coffee bar and lattes
- A favorite stop for out-of-town visitors to Garden City
- Family-friendly atmosphere with friendly, quick-service staff
From keepers
Customer reviews
“The tall blonde skinny lady is rude and weird me & my friends won't be coming back.”
— Rosemary Kanna1.0a month ago“One of my favorite local shops/cafe. The cafe ladies are always super friendly and service is quick! I wish more hamster safe supplies were offered, but I get what I can from their pet store!”
— Mady Oestmann5.02 months ago“Great place! Very friendly. They take great care of the pets. They are always clean and well-kept. One of our family's favorite spots to visit!”
— Christian L5.03 months ago“Not as good as it used to be. The hours are short as well.”
— Patricia Fason3.0Edited 3 months ago“It said to ask the store permission to touched the birds. So we did not exactly what the sign did. They said we cannot! I mean why does that sign said that, if we can’t actually touch it. And they said that it bites. I mean if it does bite just take off the signs. This disappointed me. I was so excited when they told us, I was sad.”
— Dominic Devora1.09 months ago“Beautiful gift shop. And surprisingly good variety of pets.”
— Jessica Peters5.0a year ago“Compre un loro conure en este lugar le brinde todos los cuidados necesarios y se me murió en 7 días no es un mejor lugar para comprar mascotas además de que no están amaestrados recomendaría mil veces petco ahí si tienen 30 días de reembolso en mascotas o devolución si no estas agusto con lo que compras”
— Ana Palacios1.0a year ago“Always delicious food and they just added a coffee area!!! The lattes are sooo good! We had a hot and a cold one and love the flavor!”
— Alexis Chambers5.0a year ago“This is such a neat locally owned business. They offer a variety of plants and landscaping options in their nursery. They also have a selection of pets, and a top notch cafe. Whenever we visit Garden City from out of town, we always stop off at Wards.”
— Rebecka Williams5.0a year ago“Love it here so does my kids!!!!!”
— Randa Daugherty5.0a year ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (620) 275-1902 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Ward's Garden Center & Cafe.