Garden View, Inc., Irwindale

Established: 1978
Handicap Accessible: No
Staff Size: 11–25 people
Parking: Parking lot
Reservations/Appointments: Not offered; open to the public
Most popular offering: Trees, hedges, and plants of all sizes, plus water-wise plants and succulents
Pro Tip: We are open to the public, with a very large selection of labeled plants across 13 acres, and a knowledgeable staff
Good for Kids: Yes
Walk-ins Welcome: Yes

Q&A with Mark Meahl, President

What sets your business apart from your competition?
Pick from thousands of different trees, see what choices you have and all the pros and cons of each variety. We have hundreds of varieties of plants, and not just what is in bloom right now. All the plants are acclimated to Southern California, not grown in a greenhouse or out-of-state, but grown for sustainability. All the shrubs and trees are labeled with signs explaining their characteristics including our own durability ratings based on our experience. We also provide installation services and very good prices.

What was the inspiration for starting this business?
The nursery was originally an outgrowth of our outdoor construction business. It has grown to be a substantial business of its own, but still very much a vital part of our construction services.

What is the best reaction you’ve ever gotten from a customer?
The heartfelt thanks from customers who are so happy to find a company with a large selection [and] the right information and staff to assist [them] in making an educated decision and a good investment that can grow in value. Ninety-two percent of our business is repeat customers.