Nervous Gardener MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dryad |
| Abilities | Disguise |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 169 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Borja Pindado |
Text of card
Disguise (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.) When Nervous Gardener is turned face up, search your library for a land card with a basic land type, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.
Cards like Nervous Gardener
Nervous Gardener brings a unique spin to creature cards within Magic the Gathering, akin to cards like Wall of Blossoms which also provides a card draw upon entering the battlefield. However, unlike the Nervous Gardener, Wall of Blossoms is a defender and doesn’t have the capability to become a larger threat later in the game. The Nervous Gardener stands out with the potential to grow through its ability, making it versatile in decks that capitalize on counter strategies.
Another comparable card is Elvish Visionary, which shares the straightforward card draw benefit for a low mana cost. While the Nervous Gardener has the upside of becoming a stronger creature over time, Elvish Visionary offers a reliable and immediate advantage with its elf subtype, which is beneficial in elf-centric decks. There is also Coiling Oracle, a card that either draws a card or puts a land onto the battlefield, presenting a ramping opportunity that the Nervous Gardener lacks.
Taking everything into account, Nervous Gardener has the potential to hold its ground against similar cards in the format. It’s suited for players seeking both early game benefits and the late-game potential for a larger combat presence, making it a worthwhile consideration for various MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Nervous Gardener by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Nervous Gardener. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Standard | Gruul Aggro | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 15, 2024 |
 | Decklist | Free form | 86#CS | |
 | Selesnya Auras | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 12 2024 | |
 | Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Drawing an extra card while putting the Nervous Gardener on the battlefield ensures a richer hand and more strategic options.
Resource Acceleration: This card helps ramp up your land count, setting the stage for bringing more powerful creatures and spells into play quicker than usual.
Instant Speed: The Nervous Gardener can be played at instant speed, allowing for surprising shifts in board presence and keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Nervous Gardener card demands you to discard another card as part of its casting cost. This could strain your hand, especially in the early game when conserving options is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: To play Nervous Gardener, you’re locked into a particular mana combination, requiring both green and another color, which might not always align with your deck’s mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its overall impact on the game, the Nervous Gardener’s mana cost is on the higher side. There are alternatives that might provide similar or greater utility without the substantial mana investment.
Reasons to Include Nervous Gardener in Your Collection
Versatility: Nervous Gardener offers a dual role in decks. It defends by producing creature tokens, and accelerates your mana ramp by allowing land drops with its unique ability when it dies.
Combo Potential: This card works well within strategies that are based on creature sacrifice, token generation, or lands matter themes, setting up for powerful plays in subsequent turns.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where board presence and resource acceleration are key, Nervous Gardener can hold its own by contributing to both aspects, making it a timely addition to many decks.
How to beat
The Nervous Gardener card brings a unique twist to creature spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to grow under specific conditions makes it a potential threat on the battlefield. To effectively counter the Nervous Gardener, players must disrupt the gardening process. Tactics include removing key pieces of the opponent’s strategy that enable growth, employing spells or abilities that can neutralize the creature before it becomes too large, or using bounce effects to return it to the hard before its roots take hold. With careful planning and quick action, players can prevent the Nervous Gardener from flourishing and dominate the game.
One practical approach is to employ instant-speed removal such as Shock or Fatal Push, which can handle the Gardener before the opponent’s end step when it typically receives its growth counters. Control decks may have an easier time by consistently keeping the board clear and countering key spells that could protect the Gardener. Players should also consider the timing of land drops and spell casting to minimize the Gardener’s growth opportunities. It’s all about staying one step ahead and curtailing its potential before it has a chance to bloom.
Navigating around the Nervous Gardener requires adaptability and strategic play. For decks that focus on combat, it’s imperative to hold back attacks until the moment is right to take down the Gardener without enabling its growth mechanism. Balancing offensive maneuvers with defensive plays is key to keeping the enigmatic Nervous Gardener in check. A player who masterfully manages these dynamics is likely to emerge victorious in the contest to control the garden.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nervous Gardener MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Nervous Gardener and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nervous Gardener has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |