Los Angeles for Plant Lovers

Hashimoto Nursery | Photo: @jessicaalba, Instagram

5 more places to discover horticulture havens in the City of Angels.

1) HASHIMOTO NURSERY

Located in Sawtelle Japantown on the Westside, Hashimoto Nursery (1935 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles 90025) is now in its third generation of family ownership. Opened by the four Hashimoto brothers as O.K. Nursery in 1928, the business closed during World War II when two of the brothers were interned at the Manzanar War Relocation Center. After the war, they were able to reopen as Hashimoto Brothers Nursery. Current owner Yotaro Hashimoto told Discover Nikkei, "They were able to do that thanks to some Mexican acquaintances who looked after the nursery during the war."

Hashimoto Nursery continues to offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, including seasonal annuals, perennial shrubs and groundcovers, succulents, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, sod and houseplants. There's also an extensive ceramic pottery selection (Asian, Italian, Egyptian and Mexican), cement containers, wooden planters and more.

2) THE HUNTINGTON STORE - THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY

First day of Fall at The Huntington Store
Photo: @thehuntingtonstore, Instagram

The Huntington Store is the retail outlet of The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino 91108). For plant parents, it’s a paradise of garden-related books, tools, housewares, ornaments, novelties, and even jewelry. These are not everyday garden store staples, but instead rare finds and great gifts for anyone who regards yard work as a passion.

3) THE JAPANESE GARDEN

SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”)
Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

A tranquil oasis in the San Fernando Valley, SuihoEn: The Japanese Garden (6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys 91406) comprises multiple evocatively-named gardens, waterfalls, bridges, and traditional outdoor lanterns. The Garden of Water and Fragrance is reflected in its serene reclaimed water, while the Karesansui (dry garden) is a setting for deep reflection. Three levels of waterfalls symbolize heaven, man, and Earth; the Three-Buddha Stone Arrangement represents a mythical island of immortals. A very real island amidst suburban LA, The Japanese Garden also hosts special events, exhibitions, and workshops.

4) THE JUICY LEAF

Succulents arrangement
Photo: The Juicy Leaf

With its focus on originality and creativity, The Juicy Leaf in Glassell Park (2614 Arthur St Ste B, Los Angeles 90065) is perhaps the quintessential SoCal plant boutique. The manifestation of the lifelong dream of founder Felix Navarro, specialties here include unique designer terrariums and succulent arrangements, manzanita sculpture, handmade pottery, and glass, plus a curated selection of vintage furniture and objects. Backing his belief in singular and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional flower and plant arrangements, Felix utilizes living succulent plants and contemporary glass vessels. The Juicy Leaf also provides in-home consultations, workshops, private planting parties for special occasions, and DIY succulent kits complete with step-by-step videos. Delivery is available within the L.A. area.
 Photo: Latinx with Plants

5) LATINX WITH PLANTS

Succulents arrangement | Photo: The Juicy Leaf

What started in 2019 as an Instagram account sharing plant-related memes and gardening ideas became, within a year, a brick-and-mortar storefront in Boyle Heights.

Latinx with Plants (2900 and 2117 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles 90033) is crammed with cactus, pothos, ferns, monsteras and much more. But there’s more to Latinx with Plants - it aims to build a more equitable community through plants, including spreading ancestral plant knowledge to combat the environmental racism that plagues brown and black communities. Owner Andi Xoch attributes her passion for horticulture to fond childhood memories of cost-saving family trips to parks and hiking trails and strives to pass that sensation along to budding plant parents everywhere.