These things take time.
Some supplies, like mulch, can be free if you're willing to be on a waiting list, then be available to accept your mulch the moment your turn arrives.
But some things cost money, and my momma told me, "You'd better shop around."
One place I shopped was the Landscape Warehouse on Walnut. Until a professional gardener told me about it I had no idea it was even there, though I've driven by countless times. That's okay for them because the pros know where they are. When I arrived, folks were eating cake and ice cream, lunch counter style, while they discussed jobs and equipment in a mix of English and Spanish.
If I thought it was the cake they came for, I was incorrect. I bought only one item so I can't speak for the entire inventory, but I got a much better deal than the big chain garden stores had to offer.
21 comments:
I miss our local hardware store!.. They would give personal help as far as instructions on how-to-do stuff!.. Do It Center was great, they had to close because of Loews which I add, the employees are not the brightest/sharpest tool.. at least the ones that are working in my area of the city... I will miss that added touch from the neighborhood store... btw a 99cent store is going in, it looks like maybe next year the store may be complete-tho it makes me wonder if the renovator knows wth he is doing.
I like the looks of this place. I like cake. I will have to go here! (and thanks for the ear worm from The Miracles. Cool way to start the day!)
Where do you get your film developed? What size is it?
we were recently given the negatives for our wedding pictures! The roll is almost 2.5 inches and prints up square. I don't know enough about photography to even ask the right questions
These places are like entering a mysterious otherworld. I can never find my way to the risers for the sprinkler heads, or the tiny bulbs for the garden lights, but the staff are helpful and not condescending to the only white non-Spanish speaking female in the store. I also like the one on Woodbury near Windsor, just over the border in Altadena.
Pasadena is loaded with non-chain hardware stores but I didn't know about the garden stores and I'm thrilled to know about this one. There may be more, please tell me about them if you know, and I'll visit.
Book Dragon, I am ashamed to say I almost never print pictures. If I were going to, however, I would start at a pro shop. Here in Pasadena we have Samy's Camera and International Camera Repair. Neither is cheap but you'll get professional advice there. And with such precious negatives, you don't want to take chances!
Bellis, you got it exactly right. To be honest, I have found helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff at OSH in Pasadena. But I prefer supporting local businesses.
@Petrea: the economy and competition hit our local businesses hard.. I am lucky enough to have a handy man who is resourceful and has passed a lot of fix it ideas down to me... I think the local businesses had a different generation of folks working for them.. the ones who cared about training their employees and took their time to train.. If I come across any I will forward them... Newhall Hardware was a godsend when I first moved here.. sadly, they're history...
Sigh … I could spend days on end (and my entire bank balance) in small, local hardware and garden stores.
This looks sooo inviting.
But, but, but... It's in portrait mode!
I had no idea it was there. Looks like the perfect combination of funky and charming.
Clifford: LOL!!
Thanks Petrea, I'll give Samy's a try, there's one local
Is this the same outfit where you can get your gardening tools fixed (lawn mower, chain saw etc)? I usually go there once a year.
KBF, you've got that right. It's up to us, isn't it, to keep these businesses if we want them to stay.
Dive, I feel the same about office supplies. John used to have a favorite hardware store in Glendale. The guys have worked there a hundred years and know where every screw is kept (in funny little drawers like my dad used to have in the garage).
OMG, Cliff, I am sew embarrassed.
Ann, you made my day! I thought you knew everything!
That's great, BD, they'll be able to help you. It won't be as inexpensive as Target, but it will be better, and those negs are precious.
I don't know, PA, but I'll bet they they can fix tools.
CVS & Rite Aid will print your pictures if you just want regular snapshot quality.
I clicked on the link and am happy to find there is a branch in Altadena. Looks like it doesn't have a nursery attached, but family-owned Lincoln Ave. Nursery is just down the street.
I think there's also a stone shop on Woodbury. It was mentioned in one of the Altadena publications awhile back.
Thanks for the tip on this place, Petrea! I also love Tritch Hardware on Colorado in Eagle Rock. I think the third generation of Tritches are running it now; they can lay their hands on anything and give great advice. Like you, I love supporting locally owned businesses.
I don't know that there's a nursery attached to the Pasadena one either, Laura. I'm not sure about that. Maybe just landscape equipment and supplies.
Diana, everybody loves Tritch! I've never explored there and must check it out. (I'll take John.)
Oh, good to know. I'll have to ask you more about this place.
Funny--a local home improvement place I HAVEN'T been to! And here I thought I've hit them all--thanks:)
I was thinking exactly what Adele wrote: I like the looks of this place. Last year I didn't even know what mulch was but before long I'll be shopping for it. Thanks for the tip on where to go.
I don't want to mislead. Des, it's not so much a home improvement place as a gardening place. But as far as I can tell they have everything, so there may be some crossover.
Susan, I got mulch at Steven's Tree Nursery. You sign up on a waiting list and it may take a week or two, but it's free.
I went to Landscape Warehouse for a giant roll of the mesh stuff you put on the ground to block weeds. (Surely there's a more succinct term for it.) You can buy it in small rolls at OSH, but here you can get a big roll for cheaper (at the Altadena store, too, I believe--call first).
thanks for this tip! i've just sent the link to my son (capt. chaos)! he could use some advice/help with his landscaping! xoxox
(see you in november, sugar!)
That's good news, Savannah! I hope this place isn't out of Captain Chaos' way!
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