September 17, 2013
XOTX-Tropico, West Hollywood, CA
Sometimes you don’t have to travel far to find an escape from the city walls.
In the heart of West Hollywood, just feet away from the chaotic and traffic-filled Fairfax Blvd, is a beautiful nursery filled with exotic plants, flowers, herbs and veggies from all over the world. This unexpected little gem is called XOTX-Tropico, and although it is located on one of the busiest streets in town, every time I visit I immediately feel as though I’ve been transported to a quaint pastoral island somewhere far from the honking car horns that echo faintly beyond the pretty flowers and tall trees surrounding me.
Of course, the purpose of this nursery, as is the purpose of all nurseries, is to provide customers with flora… ya know, a place for customers to come and purchase flowers and plants. However, without a yard, a balcony, or even a tiny windowsill to house said beauties, buying anything isn’t even really an option for me (and to my great surprise, the owner doesn’t hate me…yet!) For me, it really serves simply as an oasis of sorts. Instead of comparing prices, I wander around admiring the care that’s been given to each unique species, spend time in the greenroom- (always amazed at the lush density of plants and their ability to block out the noise of street traffic), dream about the garden I may someday be able to afford, and take in the various aromas as I pass down the rows of herbs and vegetables.
All I can say is it’s a good thing that they don’t have benches or I’d be perched all day, reading and observing to my heart’s content!
What this nursery reminds me of, ultimately, is that you have to make sure you take a moment to look around and take everything in, to treat yourself to some alone time, and to never miss out on the organic treasures that are (sometimes hidden) all around us.
This black and white maxi from Social Butterflies is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Truly flattering for all shapes, this effortlessly adorable dress makes even a casual stroll in the garden look fancy!
Photos today by: Jennifer Biswas