Within the concrete heart of downtown Los Angeles, an area three blocks long and two blocks wide fills with daily shipments of blossoms in every color, size, shape and fragrance imaginable. Bold sunflowers. Delicate baby's breath. Boisterous red roses. Pastel snap dragons. Golden orchids flecked with red. Fluffy white carnations.
This is the Los Angeles Flower District — which claims to be the largest wholesale flower market in the United States. Although it caters to wholesale buyers, its marts and shops are open to the public — to everyone who loves wandering through endless floral vistas while observing an industry at work and finding some good bargains, too.
Most shoppers visit the two biggest and oldest marts, the Los Angeles Flower Market and the Southern California Flower Market. After the wholesale buyers get first dibs, the marts open to the public at 8 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Admission is $2 on weekdays and $1 on Saturday. On Sunday, only the California Flower Market is open, no admission charged. Your best bet for parking is at one of the lots atop the two big flower marts, though street parking is possible. Whichever mart you visit (there are seven total), arrive early. Vendors usually pack up well before noon, and you'll want to make your selection before the pickings become too slim.
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