People who love succulents and cacti but find the selection at big-box garden centers poor now have more local sourcing options than ever. Independent plant sellers are popping up all around Sacramento, each putting a unique stamp on the art and science of these special potted plants.
At Public Land, husband-and-wife owners Austin McManus and Mel Eligon have created a stunning storefront filled primarily with unusual cacti species, all of them meticulously potted and ready to take home or give as a gift. The owners not only provide expert advice on selecting and caring for the plants they sell; they also can educate customers about a plant’s geographic origins and more. The rest of the shop’s offerings—handmade soaps, woven rugs, baskets, ceramics and more—are in keeping with the theme of connecting to the outdoors and respecting natural resources. The back-room art gallery (shows rotate monthly) is a worth a visit thanks to McManus’ keen curation. 2598 21st St.; (916) 942-9720; publiclandstore.com
Roberta Neidigh, an avid gardener since college, fell in love with succulents about 15 years ago. Her business, Luna Bearta, sells intricate succulent arrangements in vintage vessels. An artist and photographer, Neidigh brings an imaginative eye to all of her plant displays, scouring estate sales and thrift shops for sculptural pots, bowls, chalices, mugs and other unconventional containers. Follow Luna Bearta on Instagram to learn where her pop-up sales will happen next. lunabearta.com
Arizona native Mona Bahraini turned an obsession with succulents and cactus into a flourishing business that’s as much about community building as it is about plants. The Prickly Pear, which Bahraini operates from a greenhouse in her backyard, is what she describes as a “nursery with a purpose.” In addition to engaging in various community gardening endeavors, she offers “pot n sip” classes and other gatherings for green thumbs in training. The quaint urban oasis is also an event venue available for private parties. Public plant sales happen on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. only, so plan accordingly. 816 U St., (480) 717-8452, shopthepricklypear.com
