Leaf Your Heart in LA: A Plant Parent’s Guide to Los Angeles

Amir's Garden | Photo: Griffith Park

For lovers of all things leafy, Los Angeles is a horticultural haven. From quiet hillside gardens to specialty plant shops and storied nurseries, the City of Angels nurtures green thumbs with inspiration and expert advice at every turn. Whether you’re new to the plant world or a seasoned indoor jungle curator, these handpicked spots promise discovery, delight, and plenty of greenery.

1) A Garden Grown by Love: Amir’s Garden

Tucked high in the hills of Griffith Park, Amir’s Garden is a labor of love that began in 1971. Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh turned a fire-scarred patch of land into a five-acre oasis using just hand tools and sheer dedication. Today, the terraced garden is a shaded rest stop for hikers and equestrians, dotted with jacaranda trees, rose bushes, and hand-painted benches.

Maintained by volunteers since Amir’s passing in 2003, it remains one of the most soul-stirring places to visit in LA. Bring a book, a snack, or your sketchpad – and maybe a watering can to give back.

Location: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: www.laparks.org

2) Urban Jungle Escape: Avalon Nursery & Ceramics

A true hidden gem in South LA, Avalon Nursery & Ceramics offers a chaotic yet charming mix of tropical trees, herbs, flowering plants, and hand-painted pots. Owner Maria Luz Lopez started selling plants from the trunk of her car and now runs one of the most lush, sensory-rich nurseries in the city.

You’ll likely be greeted by birdsong and the scent of sage as you wander through the shaded aisles. It’s a perfect spot to lose time and return with a carload of green companions.

Location: 5334 S Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90011

3) SoCal’s Succulent Sanctuary: California Cactus Center

 California Cactus Center 

Pasadena’s California Cactus Center is a dream come true for succulent and cactus lovers. Run by the five Thongthiraj sisters, the center has thrived for over 35 years and boasts an astounding array of rare and native specimens.

Whether you’re building a drought-tolerant garden or just after an unusual centerpiece for your coffee table, their team provides expert guidance and rare finds. Pair your visit with nearby stops at the LA County Arboretum or Huntington Botanical Gardens for a full day of desert beauty.

Location: 216 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Website: www.cactuscenter.com

4) Boutique Botanicals: Folia Collective

In the artsy Eagle Rock neighborhood, Folia Collective blends modern aesthetics with traditional plant care. This boutique shop is as stylish as it is practical, offering curated houseplants, elegant pots, and the tools to keep your greenery thriving.

What makes Folia stand out is the thoughtful, honest advice from owner Danae Horst and her knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re nursing a droopy fern or want to repot your monstera, Folia is the go-to for plant parents who care about both form and function.

Location: 5052 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Website: www.foliacollective.com

5) A Legacy of Green: Green Thumb Nursery

Green Thumb Nursery

For generations, Green Thumb Nursery has been the lifeblood of serious gardeners in the San Fernando Valley. Established in 1946, this family-run nursery offers deep inventory, passionate staff, and personalized customer service that big stores can’t match.

Green Thumb is a one-stop-shop for garden projects large and small. From edible herbs to ornamental trees, its selection is vast and carefully chosen. Don’t be put off by a few kitschy décor items – the real treasure lies in the plants and the people who love them.

Locations:

• 21812 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

• 23734 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Website: www.greenthumb.com