Southlands Nursery stands out by ditching the mainstream
The owner’s obsession with plants from an early age fuelled his vision
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.
