Selling a variety of gardening items and beyond, Southlands Nursery is a charming boutique located in the southwest upscale side of Vancouver, on Friday Oct. 25. Photo by Jeah Diño

Southlands Nursery stands out by ditching the mainstream

The owner’s obsession with plants from an early age fuelled his vision

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By JEAH DIÑO

Southlands Nursery in South Vancouver is not only a boutique that offers a wide selection of plants, garden needs and decors, it’s also a place where you can find beautiful and unique things. Purchased and renamed in 1991 by florist Thomas Hobbs, this boutique has existed in some form or another for over 80 years and it has been transformed into an out of the ordinary shopping experience.

Hobbs’ approach to the nursery is inspired by the world of films and he calls it “set dec,” describing it as the equivalent of how sets are decorated in the movie business.

Pots from France, Italy and England, and antiques that are unique to the nursery are carefully chosen by Hobbs. “I have an eye for beauty, and I was just born with that. A good eye and a green thumb,” Hobbs said.

He prides himself on offering some products that you won’t find anywhere else. “My rule, and I say this to the people who work here, is basically, if other stores are selling it, then I don’t want it,” Hobbs said.

Adding to the nursery’s charm, the boutique features a café that offers complimentary hot drinks. Hobbs said that he wanted to provide this as a way to give back to both the staff and the customers.

 

Southlands Nursery customers are welcomed by a selection of plants and shrubs lined up along a glass shed. It also has beautiful statues and fountains that complement the fantasy aura of the nursery, on Friday, Oct. 25. Photo by Jeah Diño

 

During the fall season customers can find a big variety of pumpkins in unusual colours, shapes and sizes. Hobbs believes people get bored of only having the traditional orange pumpkin when grouping them on their front porch as Halloween decorations. Photo by Jeah Diño

 

A selection of pots is being displayed inside the nursery. Some pots come from different countries around the world, making them rare in-store items. Photo by Jeah Diño

 

Another unique find inside the nursery are custom made candles. These are specially commissioned by Hobbs to replicate the smell of his old flower shop. Photo by Jeah Diño

 

Thomas Hobbs with one of his most prized possessions in the nursery. This miniature greenhouse was shipped from France and was said to be used by owners to grow veggies and food on their balconies during the war. Hobbs now makes use of it as a display case for his pots and plants. Photo by Jeah Diño

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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