Armstrong Garden Center

On July 12, 2008, Jungleman from Pasadena, CA wrote:

One of the remarkable characteristics of this outlet of the chain is that they are so seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood that I drive past it frequently on my trips in and out of Pasadena, and didn't even notice it was there!

What a contrast between this Armstrong Garden Center and the Glendale store! The selection was broader, the emphasis on bedding plants seemed to be less, and more emphasis on landscape perennials, shrubs, and even a few trees. They had a respectable selection of fruit trees, as well. The stock was arranged for easy shopping, with varying sizes available.

Most importantly, at least for this thrifty gardener, the prices were extremely reasonable. This would be my choice for finding the basic shrubs and trees for the backbone of one's landscape - going to places like Burkard's and San Gabriel Nursery for the highlights and more unusual specimen for one's collection. They have nice sales, too!

On the down side, I felt that for a Southern California nursery, they had a rather dismal selection of palms. They also had many plants that we grow outside only in the greenhouse / indoor section, so that one might actually miss that they sold Philodendrons, Howeas, Ficus, and Colocasias at all! I would say that for the cactus and succulent aficionado, the pickings were pretty slim, but again, one could get "backbone" plants here and see your specialists for the more interesting things.

All in all, I was pleased with this particular Armstrong''s location. I would recommend a visit.