Part of my continuing series on our October trip to California…
I believe I first heard of Big Red Sun from Pam and her Austin garden blog Digging, after all Austin is where it all began for this landscape and design firm. Unlike Floral Art and Grow, which we just happened upon while walking Venice, Big Red Sun was a destination; someplace I definitely wanted to check out. 
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, I’ve been very frustrated by their website. It’s one of those situations where I feel like I am being forced to look at a really big colorful picture through tiny little hole. I find it very disorienting and I leave wondering what I missed. Thankfully the retail location was nothing like the website. How can you not instantly fall in love with a sign/planter combo like the one above? Or a green painted wall sign like this?
The day we visited was shortly after the last big rain storm passed though California (this was back in October; remember my second visit to Flora Grubb was a no-go because they were closed due to rain? Same storm), and they were suffering damage as a result of a leaking ceiling. There was also a move going on from one building to another (side by side), things were a little chaotic but yet the two people we spoke with were very helpful and friendly.
Their amazing planters and planting combinations didn’t disappoint. Although I would have liked to see more of the big metal ones they are known for...
And color! Wow. Big Red Sun delivers on color. 
Plus lots of pretty blooms… 
And geometric plant patterns…
For some reason it struck me funny that they had the same IKEA pots that I use. I don’t know why, I guess I just didn’t expect to see IKEA merchandise here.
Nice cover-up job on the chain link fence and gate!
And this table! Oh how I wanted to take it home with me! But it wouldn’t fit in the car, and sadly, once again, I left empty handed.
I will definitely be visiting Big Red Sun in Austin, when we make it to that city. When is that? I have no idea…but it’s never too early to start planning! 
I believe I first heard of Big Red Sun from Pam and her Austin garden blog Digging, after all Austin is where it all began for this landscape and design firm. Unlike Floral Art and Grow, which we just happened upon while walking Venice, Big Red Sun was a destination; someplace I definitely wanted to check out. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, I’ve been very frustrated by their website. It’s one of those situations where I feel like I am being forced to look at a really big colorful picture through tiny little hole. I find it very disorienting and I leave wondering what I missed. Thankfully the retail location was nothing like the website. How can you not instantly fall in love with a sign/planter combo like the one above? Or a green painted wall sign like this?The day we visited was shortly after the last big rain storm passed though California (this was back in October; remember my second visit to Flora Grubb was a no-go because they were closed due to rain? Same storm), and they were suffering damage as a result of a leaking ceiling. There was also a move going on from one building to another (side by side), things were a little chaotic but yet the two people we spoke with were very helpful and friendly.Their amazing planters and planting combinations didn’t disappoint. Although I would have liked to see more of the big metal ones they are known for...And color! Wow. Big Red Sun delivers on color. Plus lots of pretty blooms… And geometric plant patterns…For some reason it struck me funny that they had the same IKEA pots that I use. I don’t know why, I guess I just didn’t expect to see IKEA merchandise here.Nice cover-up job on the chain link fence and gate!And this table! Oh how I wanted to take it home with me! But it wouldn’t fit in the car, and sadly, once again, I left empty handed.I will definitely be visiting Big Red Sun in Austin, when we make it to that city. When is that? I have no idea…but it’s never too early to start planning! 
Next stop down the boulevard was 
The windows of this amazing shop, 
And the flax leaves! 
Cool huh? I’m not usually one for clear glass (or acrylic…which might as well be a swear word as far as I’m concerned) vases but the way the designers at Floral Art used them to display leaves definitely won me over.
And their glass spheres filled with Orchid blossoms, so pretty! Of course I would need all 3…
I really wish I could have taken these fun green planters home. They would be so happy on my patio this summer! 
I love Venice! (Italy & California) In this case the California version. The small (ok sometimes BIG) cottages and homes all have such personality and truly inspired gardens. Here are a few pictures of ones I spied during our walk around Venice. Tomorrow and Friday I’ll share a couple of the interesting shops we stepped into.
