The Botanist

Love everything here! Pricey, though. Same plants at a nursery are ¹⁄₁₀ the price. But it’s so well-​curated!

When The Botanist was at its old location down the street, it was such a fun place to browse. It had a kind of dark and moody feel, invoking the naturalists of centuries past by mixing in antique microscopes, chemistry glassware, and old botanical references with the more modern home and gardenware. And an interesting variety of plants and displays for such a small space. So fun. Always something new to discover. (The few pics that have been posted here at the time I’m writing this are of the old space.)
Since it’s moved, the aesthetic has changed. Doesn’t have the same feel. More the uniform «modern rustic» style that’s popular in the blogosphere at the moment. It’s okay. But it kind of feels like a case of «regression to the mean.» It’s lost what made it unique. I don’t go in and think «So fun!» anymore. It’s less plant-​focused, more home-​décor focused. No more combing through an interesting selection of plants. Now, they just carry a few of the common houseplants, and those are not always well-​cared for. (Phalaenopsis orchids are very drought tolerant – can happily go at least week or two without watering. So if leaves are showing signs of wilt, how are they being cared for?) It’s almost like the plants are now there more to add a bit of greenery for «staging» the home décor displays, rather than for their own sake.
If you like their home décor style, it’s still worth checking out. But if you’re looking for the store it used to be before they moved, you’ll probably be disappointed.

Very sad to see what happened to this store and that Marisa is no longer there. The store moved down the street and is now just a sad copy of what it used to be. I read it was bought by the DTLA Advisors and Anne Wojcicki. They should be ashamed of what they did to this once beautiful store.

What a great florist! I stumbled in one day and was impressed with how interesting and unique their displays are! Gorgeous plants, and a staff that always knows what they’re talking about. I keep going back. I took a flower arranging class there one evening (loved it), bought a few plants, pots, lanterns, and a book (some were gifts and all were well received), and had them create four small arrangements for a party (and got a ton of compliments on the designs). Edgy, creative, colorful designs that are balanced and asymmetrical all at the same time. Nicely done.

I have shopped on several times at the Botanist and have enjoyed all of my visits. The staff is amazingly helpful, the items they sell are different and unique. They also have beautiful plants and flowers. I may try them for my sons wedding. Stay tuned for that review

I discovered The Botanist on a random visit to downtown Los Altos. They’re located on State Street, and I LOVE everything about this store. The décor, the ambiance, merchandise, lighting, friendly service, and the amazing plants. I did say I LOVE LOVE everything about this shop!
I wanted everything in their store, including their fixtures! We bought two staghorn ferns, and can’t wait to go back. It’s one of those stores that you don’t want to leave. You guys are an awesome to downtown Los Altos, and I wish you much success.
See y’all soon! :-)