Around the Westside, space is at a premium so it's hard to come by a really well stocked nursery. Sometimes it's easier to stop by Home Depot and get what you need there, but when you're looking for inspiration and real plant know-how try the Marina Garden Center:
Located in that tricky area of the MArina right by Lincoln Boulaevard and the 90 Freeway, the Garden Center is huge stocking fruit trees, drought tolerant grasses, succulents, roses, anything you could imagine. They have a long lot so you can really take the time to wander through (sometimes we do this as a mini-escape on a weekday) and stumble upon beautiful color combinations and plants you haven't seen before.
Our one sticking point is that their prices tend to be higher than other nurseries. Maybe it's paying for convenience (like they were the only people to carry worm castings) but sometimes it make sense to pony up a little more to be able to pick out a plant that you know is healthy and also ask a knowledgable employee about how to care for it.
Where do you buy plants on the Westside?
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Comments (8)
this place has the best selection of containers on the westside (at least) -- terra cotta pots in dozens of shapes and all price ranges. also their glazed pottery -- the kind from china and vietnam -- wow! -- great shape, size and color selection
i prowl all over the westside for plants and containers -- have learned you have to know each nurseries pluses and minuses
rolling greens in culver city is the oddest place and my favorite -- like a good bookstore browse for me -- hard to find -- on a very steep hill -- an odd check-out system -- customers put their items in a corner of the checkout area -- sort of claim a space then go back for more plants -- then stand in cashier queue -- rolling green's strength is its indoor plants -- they are all in perfect condition -- not an errant brown spot -- so you re starting out with the healthiest, lushest plants -- prices for the 4 inch and 6 inch plants are cheaper than at neighborhood nurseries-- a fern that is $12 elsewhere including Whole Foods is $8.50 here
Greenidge, I too am a frequent patron of Rolling Greens not only for indoor and outdoor plants but for gifts as well. The fact that it is tucked away makes it al the more special.
A little south of the Westside is International Garden Center on Sepulveda Blvd in El Seguendo. They have an extensive selection of outdoor plants, trees and shrubs. The staff is knowledgable and very helpful. Plus, they give you a frequent buyer card that gets stamped for every $25 you spend. Once the card is filled you can redeem it for $30 worth of merchandise. Prices are compettive w/ Armstrong and Rolling Greens.
Rolling Greens...4 LIFE.
Thank you for the posting! I will try to go to the place.
I used to go to The Jangle at Washington Blvd.
I love the place more than rolling greens.
(people are more friendly and have more knowledge of the care of the plants) The shop is gone, but it seems to still be at Sawtelle (or moved?)
http://www.thejungle.biz/
(When I think about finding a parking space at Sawtelle,
I am shy to go to the jangle...)
Should you be in the San Fernando Valley looking for cacti or succulents there is a nursery on Saticoy 1/2 blk West of Tampa -- can't remember the name, but it's hard to miss with the big semi sitting on the street and the rusty 12' dinosaurs looking over the fence.
Only open weekends -- but is it ever large! AT LEAST 3 big greenhouses worth of plants at all stages from pinhead to giant. Prices comparable to Green Arrow, etc. 1 suggestion: If you go during hot weather, take a rag to mop the sweat and maybe a water bottle. These are primarily wholesalers so no ambience.
I used to pass by this place everyday, but for some reason I never managed to check it out. The Home Depot on Jefferson is more convenient...but I'm definately making a stop here whenever I get the chance, looks very well laid out!
Sunset Gardens on Ocean Park and 15th has a great selection plus very knowledgeable and friendly employees. Highly recommended...but it's nowhere near the size of Marina Garden Center.
I shop at Sunset and International Garden Center too, but I've found that the Marina Garden Center has the best selection of herbs and vegetables. They always have herbs in stock, with many varieties to choose from. I've had bad luck with the plants from the HD on Jefferson.