Mission Hills Nursery
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San Diego's Best Garden Nurseries Have Deep Roots
Tip of the Week: May 17, 2008
"Whacky classic song by a whacky classic guy." When local garden nurseries remain in business for close to 100 years, you have to dig that. Some have been raked through the mud by the fickle nature of the ever-changing and now ever-greening consumer. Many of us have abandoned them for 'big box' garden centers. Still, with their roots deeply planted in our communities, these truly green businesses roll up their sleeves and continue to cultivate new customers. In San Diego, we have two businesses that are true perennials in the San Diego urban landscape:
Walter Andersen Nursery--
Located in a funky location in Point Loma, Walter Andersen's has been in business for 80 years. Some people like to visit nurseries to just relax and take in nature's beauty. But, if you want to shop, this place has just what you need. In either case, you can grab a free cup of java (near the service counter) and meander through the nursery. After 80 years, they know their stuff.
The funky nature of the location is a story in itself. With San Diego's history steeped in the Navy, the nursery's building was built in 1942 as the cafeteria for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Plant (Convair). After the war, the property became home to KOGO/KGTV-Radio/TV stations. It changed hands again
and then again to Pier 1 Imports' first store. The current location
has been home to one of San Diego's best nurseries since 1968 when the Andersen family bought the site to expand their business beyond their original location nearby on Rosecrans. Mission Hills Nursery--
Now, if you want charm, there's only one place like Mission Hills Nursery. It is the oldest nursery in the City of San Diego. Built in 1910, by Kate Sessions (the "Mother of Balboa Park"), this place is set against the backdrop of Craftsman-style homes all around it. After 98 years, this nursery couldn't be any more 'community'. It is firmly planted in the middle of one San Diego's most beautiful old neighborhoods, Mission Hills. After 98 years, it is clear that the neighborhood blossomed all around the nursery. You can walk through this small nursery and then walk into the surrounding neighborhood to see the historic homes, quiet tree-lined streets, and great views of San Diego. You can also step around the corner to Pioneer Park and find one of San Diego's oldest cemeteries. These are two of San Diego's best nurseries and they offer two different varieties of the nursery environment. Both offer a unique experience and a piece of San Diego history. Can't get that from a 'big box'.
Mission Hills Nursery
1525 Fort Stockton Drive
San Diego
8am-5pm 7 days a week
Map
Walter Andersen's-Point Loma
Near the intersection of Barnett Avenue and Pacific Highway
8am-5pm 7 days a week
Map
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