Shopping in South Gate

A massive saguaro cactus towers over the entrance garden to California Cactus Center, shadowing a stone pathway surrounded by potted bromeliads with its sky-scraping height. The nursery deals exclusively in desert plants from around the world, stocking dozens of cacti species and other succulents and drought-happy botanical specimens. Inside the center, trays of tender succulents spread out over long tables as dangling strings of decorative rocks and glass sway gently above them. Dusted tones of lavender, sage, and scarlet-edged olive grace each leaf, and tillandsias—air plants that require no soil to live—sway gently within glass domes. Metal gates emblazoned with cacti lead to a section of clay and ceramic pottery, as well as decorations including brassy crescent moons and smiling suns. Outside, lily pads float in a peaceful pond as barrel cacti stretch their knobby heads from between agave plants, prickly pears, and prolific palm fronds. The nursery’s staff can guide patrons in any of their botanical pursuits, whether choosing the proper plants for their yard, maintaining their landscapes, or figuring out whether or not their saguaro actually likes wearing its sombrero.

Though fresh cut flowers may only shine for a moment, The Flowerman has endured for much, much longer. Three generations of florists have served the flower shop, which has been filling area homes with blossoming color for more than 80 years. It’s these familial ties and deep roots within the community that have inspired readers of the Pasadena Weekly to recommend the flower shop in the 2011 Best of Pasadena poll. Specializing in weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals, master designers create unique arrangements that are appropriate for each occasion. Customers can choose from the large collection of flowers organized by occasion, price, or the flower’s type, color, or ability to woo honeybees.