Best of 2003: Best Nursery

Walter Andersen Nursery
3642 Enterprise Street, Midway District
619-224-8271
12755 Daniellson Court, Poway
858-513-4900
www.walterandersen.com

People come here carrying diseased leaves, pictures of their backyards, and vague recollections of a shrub they once saw and liked. Andersen's nursery staff can provide answers to almost any gardening question. Founded in 1928, the two-acre nursery carries varieties of plants you'll never see at Home Depot or Wal-Mart: 40 types of camellias (average price $12.99 to $36.99), dozens of staghorn ferns ($4.99 to $89.99), and composting supplies ($13.99 for a bag of worms). A section is devoted to bamboo, with square bamboo ($59.99), black bamboo ($89.99 to $179.99), and giant clumping timber bamboo ($149.99).