Rolling Greens: Not Your Father’s Nursery

At the ever-evolving southernmost end of the Arts District, spanning the entire block of Mateo Street between Bay and Sacramento Street, lies an 81,000 square foot work of art that’s been eagerly awaiting it’s reveal to the public. Rolling Greens, known as Southern California’s premier destination for unique home decor and one-of-a-kind garden goods, unveils their On Mateo concept early this month. As many locals are familiar with the Rolling Greens brand and their thoughtfully picked collections of elegant, well-turned products ranging from precisely potted foliage to antique home furnishings with just about anything else that could possibly tickle the common phytophile’s fancy in between, On Mateo will be an absolute game-changer.

Owners of Rolling Greens, Laurie Resnick and Greg Salmeri, have been working together since they founded Associated Group in 1986, a full-service commercial display firm serving the greater LA Area and beyond. When the pair came across the original Culver City location years ago, they grew quite a liking to it. After years of playfully inquiring about taking over the spacious hillside property, their dreams became a reality when they were finally able to purchase Rolling Greens. As they restructured and revamped the brand, they kept an open ear to needs of their customers, also taking the business from trade-only to the public eye and throwing a larger influence of decor into the mix. The Culver City location to this day holds a heavy emphasis on plants and plant goods, whereas upon opening their second location on Beverly Blvd, they noticed the demand of the neighborhood leaned more towards their selection of rare furnishings and arrangements.

“With the other locations we did learn what people wanted from us and what people thought was acceptable from Rolling Greens,” says Salmeri, “and that formula is what we’re trying to bring here with the combination of what we have with the Culver City store -- which is the authenticity of a greenhouse and people who truly know and understand plant material.”

The first phase of the On Mateo opening will include Rolling Greens’ largest Flagship Showroom featuring 15,000 square feet of home goods, complete with small plants, gifts, and an ample supply of artistic pieces carefully chosen from different corners of the world. In addition to The Showroom, the first opening phase will include surrounding private event areas such as their 1,760 square foot trellised outdoor deck complete with an outdoor kitchen, and a 3,200 square foot event tent, which can accommodate a seated dinner of up to 250 people.

“This is the best of everything we do, says Resnick. “It’s a different market, it’s downtown, so there’s this mystery as to who is going to find their way to us.”

Another component as to what makes this location stand out is the wide-ranged culinary inclusion. With Food and Beverage Director Sasha Hagenlock at the helm of the food and beverage programs, a menu of small plates is in the works in addition to a thoughtfully curated wine list -- which to the experienced Sommelier, is very exciting to bring to life. Just don’t expect a selection jam-packed with California reds to grace this garden.

“At Rolling Greens, we have a deep respect for all things that grow and give back to the earth,” says Hagenlock. My selections will favor producers who follow our ethos in regards to organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming practices, used to produce wines with authenticity, balance, and purity, from all regions of the world.”

While the second phase won’t be open until Spring of 2019, there’s still so much to look forward to in the meantime. A spacious 20,000 square foot Greenhouse will house an array of Rolling Greens’ indoor plants including a boundless selection of seasonal blooms, trees, and planting accouterments galore. The exterior garden will house the outdoor plants in an open-air display, and can also be used as an event space. As Rolling Greens is known for their breathtaking arrangements, their signature Arrangement Bar will also be going about business, as usual, whipping up stunning creations designed for you.

A one-stop shop for any plant lover or gift-giver, On Mateo will be hosting their Opening Weekend on November 3rd and 4th. The store will be open from 10am-6pm all weekend offering retail specials and a gift with purchase, a DJ, and tasty beverages served by Matcha Bar, Paramount Coffee Project, MONK CBD Cocktails, Cocktail Academy, and Seedlip. As for the opening festivities, join Rolling Greens for wine tastings, fall succulent workshops accompanied by brews from Ogopgo, pet adoption, a sound bath by Sacred Light, and so much more throughout the weekend. Take a trip to the Arts District and see for yourself all that this exciting new oasis has to offer.

rollinggreensnursery.com | 1005 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Written by Dakota Nate | Photography by Chimera Singer & Rolling Greens