We paid a visit to the Los Angeles Flower Mart and found a few things have changed for the better since our last visit a few years ago.
For one thing, you don't seem to have to get up as early as you used to. Years ago when I visited the Flower Mart on a regular basis, you needed to get up rather early on a Saturday to take advantage of it. If you were there say around 9AM some stalls were already packing up. Much like an Antique Market, this was great for deal making if you were willing to forgo a certain amount of selection.
This Saturday however we arrived around 11:30, after breakfast at The Original Pantry, and figured we'd find only the die hards and some wilted tea-roses. Boy were we surprised to find a bustling market, with plenty of selection and still some pretty good deals to be had, especially for orchids. The orchids have really expanded. Once there were only two main shops to buy orchids from at somewhat cut rate prices. Now there are dozens of orchid suppliers with some deep discounts to be had. While most carry the basics, the original orchid stalls carry some of the more unusual varieties.
The crowds have changed slightly as well. The market used to close early because it's main customers on a Saturday were those planning for events later on that day or the next and the flower mart was just their first stop of many that day. Now the market seems to have been discovered by a whole new crowd, hipsters, housewives, and DIY'ers all rubbing elbows with brides, baby showers and birthday parties.
We also weren't the only ones who brought children and for good cause. While not the hardiest of horticultural lessons, we still managed a little unschooling by talking about flower names and smells for my 5 year old and some color lessons for my 3 year old.
Tips:
I go down 7th and hang a right at San Julian. Look for a yellow sign that reads Moskatels and go up the ramp for parking. I park on the roof for the views of downtown and take the elevator to the bottom floor. Moskatels will validate for 2 hours free with purchase, since it's craft/party supply place it's not hard to find something to buy just to get your parking validated.
The market only cost a buck to get in.
Cheers!
J.
Our purchases: a jade plant, a bunch of sunflowers, a huge bouquet of pink lilies and two mini orchids, all for $24.00
Hi, my name is Julianne Reiser and I live in Los Angeles with my talented husband and two young children. After living in this city for over 25 years I find having them has inspired me to rediscover it. 