Best of 2000: Best Nursery

Walter Andersen's
3642 Enterprise Street,
Midway District
(619) 224-8271

Founded in 1928, the business has moved several times over the years, but the two-acre site next to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot has served as its home for 30 years. (The grid of queen palms in front were moved from the previous location on Rosecrans.) The 8000-square-foot gardening store would merit a visit for its houseplants, seeds, insecticides, fall bulbs, miscellany. But an even stronger magnet are the outdoor departments. You can usually find 50 varieties of trees in the tree department. Every other section -- cacti and succulents, water plants, perennials, roses, azaleas, bedding plants, palms -- seems stuffed not only with old favorites, but surprises too. It can be overwhelming, but the customer-service desk dispels most confusion. At the helm is Walter Andersen (son of the founder). His wife and son and daughter and other relatives contribute to the family atmosphere.