About a year ago, I made it out to the opposite coast for a little R & R in Santa Cruz. And even though it was a bit of a detour, I made a point to stop by the General Store. Ever since I saw the store profiled on Apartment Therapy, I knew it was right up my alley and I was yearning to visit. Yes, the hip yet unassuming store looked worthy of a walk through, but what really caught my eye was the gem of a greenhouse situated just behind it.

As an avid gardener, I've had a greenhouse on my dream list for quite some time now. Then I saw the General Store's fresh approach to cultivating greenery and it quickly moved up the ranks of "must haves" for my home. Located in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood, the greenhouse that once stood among dirt, piles of wood and unmanicured patches of grass and weeds, has recently undergone a bit of a transformation. It is now flanked by a muted beach stone patio, weathered wood bench, clumps of multi-colored grasses and a driftwood edging that appears to house a small vegetable garden. My favorite part — the stone and moss-filled path that leads to the front door which really shines now with the recent revamping.

Images: 1, 2, Mason St Peter; 3, 4, General Store; 5-7, Kimberly Watson