Bloom time: celebrate the season with a visit to the San Francisco Flower Mart - Things to Do in Northern California

Sunset, March, 2004 by Abigail Peterson

Bring spring into your home this month by taking a trip to the San Francisco Flower Mart. When you purchase your blooms directly from the source, you'll have a wide selection of the biggest, freshest flowers at good prices. But one of the best reasons to visit is the atmosphere--just a few minutes wandering among the colorful stalls will lift your spirits and remind you of what spring is all about.

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Though most vendors at the market sell only to professionals, a few are open to the public at specific times. Two of the biggest public vendors are Silver Terrace Nurseries (open 24 hours Mon-Sat; 415/543-4443) and Passanisi Nursery (415/495-5125). Silver Terrace sells cut flowers, wreaths, garlands, and potted plants and trees; Passanisi has an excellent selection of imported pottery and containers in addition to plants and cut flowers.

Early birds get the best flowers. Thankfully, if you missed breakfast you can stop in at the adjoining Flower Market Cafe ($-$$; closed Sun; 415/495-7162) for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. The mart is open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. 640 Brannan St. at Sixth St., San Francisco (www.sfflmart.com). Paid public parking available after 10 a.m. in lot accessed from Sixth (free Sun).

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGOT HARTFORD