Flora Grubb

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If you’re serious about gardens then you’ve heard of Flora Grubb (yes-that’s her real name!). The patron saint of modern horticulture, Flora is known for her love of creating swoon-worthy gardens using native plants. Not your average garden supply shop, Flora Grubb Gardens is an exuberant space filled with lush plantings, beautiful succulents, aeriums and a multitude of trees and plants. Flora creates modern works of art using native plants that do not waste water (something we can all get behind) as well as indoor and outdoor vertical gardens. When visiting her shop, you will be enchanted by the quirky space that includes a vintage Edsel exploding with creative plantings, bicycles suspended from the ceiling and dripping with plants, richly colorful planters and outdoor furniture (including comforting heated lounges by Galanter & Jones perfect for chilly Bay Area nights), an Aerium Bar and a Potting Bench. Flora Grubb is a must-see if you are in or near the Bay Area. While there, be sure to check out the “All Good Pizza” truck and outdoor art space on the corner for excellent pizza and pressed sandwiches.

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Porta-Art

One of the things I noticed when driving around San Francisco for the first time were the little houses encasing the portable toilets outside of the homes being renovated in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights.  I was already blown away by the fact that, unlike in NYC, many SF city dwellers lived in houses (with garages!) but to realize that even the porta-potties had houses was almost too much.  The enclosures, built by the construction companies while remodeling homes, are meant to cover up an eyesore but also serve as advertisement for the construction company itself.  Portable art at its finest.

Some enclosures are made of simple wooden lattice boards.

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While others are more modern and sleek.

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My favorite had decorative glass windows.

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On looks alone I’d choose this construction company for my remodel.

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