You ever walk into a space and think I want IT ALL! And then go tearing around like supermarket sweep with tears of joy? No? Me neither. But internally that's what happened when I busted into Big Red Sun this last weekend. First off, there's a swing in the middle of the shop. A damn swing. Too bad kids were on it or my happy butt would have been just swinging away on this necessary addition to any store. Second, all the little plants were so healthy. Green and radiant, well arranged and all in this awesome courtyard thats feels more secret garden like than anything. Third, they had t shirts that said "Where's my hoe?" which I instantly snapped a pic of and thought about buying before remembering that I am a truly terrible gardener. The prices are well, a little pricey, but better to buy local than get mass grown cacti from Lowes (that die due to no fault of ones own even if you forgot them for months at a time and maybe let them freeze.) read more

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Great people to work with; we love them all. There work is one of a kind and can't be beat.

All I have to say it WOW ! I spoke Christi Greene and her energy is so contagious! So positive! I love working with her and highly recommend Big Red Sun! read more

There's something at least a teeny bit ironic about hitting Big Red Sun on a day when the actual sun above seems remiss to peek its head through the clouds, but there we were this weekend, looking at green stuff. Big Red Sun, for the uninitiated, is one part nursery, one part upscale home furnishings, and one part children's clothes (wait, does that make that room a nursery-nursery? I don't know. On with the review). At any rate, what I always seem to recall these guys for is the healthy assortment of gi-normous pots that they have outside, any one of them a hernia waiting to happen but all deeply embedded in the realm of cool. You get a pretty keen sense of the tranquil vibe here just walking up on the place: sort of a HGTV-meets certain aspects of the larger plants in Jurassic Park type vibe. There's a happy buddha sitting in a field of green upon your entry into the courtyard, and you get the sense that this is a decent metaphor for the predominant attitude of Big Red Sun. Happy, kicked back, and waiting, always ready for the sun to make an appearance. read more

Along with Gardens, this is my favorite place for some architecture/design inspiration here in Austin. Both of these places cater to the wealthy clients and, therefore, are a bit out of my league. If that's true for you, too, it still shouldn't keep you from checking it out and getting some ideas for your own space. I did find that Big Red Sun's service was a little more friendly and helpful than Gardens. We purchased some succulents for a rock garden, as well as some horsetail (equisetum) for some planters. I think I could have purchased these for cheaper at the Shoal Creek Nursery, for example, but I felt like a rich yuppie because we got them at Big Red Sun. I liked that. Self-delusion is a hobby of mine. But when reality sets back in, I have to take a star down because their stuff is expensive. read more

Big Red Sun can always be counted on when I need inspiration, especially when I need inspiration for a gift. Everything here (especially in the house) is so well-selected, you can easily find a gift for just about anybody-- unless that person hates pretty, useful and/or imaginatively designed things. (But why would you be giving that hateful person a gift anyway? I'd hand 'em a burger and spend my time and money on someone else.) Items are elegant and smartly chosen with a sense of irreverence; I've happily purchased Voluspa candles, useful books, Blik wall decals, etc... It's been hard to resist the other pretties-- the minimal, cute objects d'art, the gorgeous soaps, the fabulous homegoods. It's everything I want and nothing I necessarily need, but everything I want to need. Here's something about me: I can't keep a plant alive. They all die in my care. I'm pretty sure there's a "it's not you, it's me" situation going on. Nonetheless, Big Red Sun's nursery tempts me every time-- their succulents have great promise, their pots call to me, but I have to settle for just looking (and feasting upon the psychologically calming effects of plants, since I plant-fast at home) at everything before heading to the gift-house. Oh, the gift-house. I love to look YOU in the mouth. read more

beautiful place. but completely unrealistic as a nursery. Its more of a showplace for their landscaping services. $80 for a 8" flower pot? screw that. Yes, its' crafty. but its not the end-all-beat-all. Hipster staff that don't have a clue about horticulture. But they have nice clothes and know how to ring up your AMEX. Go there for inspiration, then go to It's About Thyme or Natural Gardener for the plants and expertise. I'm kinda bored of this "Austin Modern- corrugated galvanized steel" architecture anyway. read more

Beautiful space providing another shining example of the Mod Tex Vernacular. It's the greatest advertising for their design services (which, if I have been told correctly, start @ $30,000). Not sure if I'm put off by a lesser than expected selection of indigenous plants, or that the sprawl serves more the yuppie parent than your average joe. That's probably it. However, it's a must for anyone into architecture, landscaping, the East Side, Austin, happiness, expensive children's clothes, sundries you don't need but feel entitled to, or a prototypical xeroscape experience. read more

I really love this place! It oozes with coolness. 1. It's on the super hip eastsiiiiide 2. It's all artsy with mega huge metal sculpture yard planters fully of funky succulents 3. It's got a lawn chair made of grass...a lawn chair...get it? A LAWN chair. It's a chair made of sod people!!! ;) 4. Good looking workers who look like they grew up with cool hippie parents like myself. 5.The fabulous little store within the walls but that has no plants. I have found adorable kids clothes, a outdoor rug, a peacock feather fan, lots of cool matchboxes (I'm bringing matches back), and an awesome owl necklace made from a vintage broach. They also have some cool books there...but I'm not a big reader of things on actual paper. Now if only I could keep something alive for more than 4 months I would be super stoked. I just happen to have a black as it gets thumb! But that is NOT their fault...doesn't matter where it comes from or what it is, it's death warrant has been signed as soon as it's in my hands :( read more

I just want to register my protest! This is (was) one of my very favorite Austin spots. Alas, once again a favorite is gone. Not to be mean spirited, but I hope Venice chokes ... California has enough cool places already. Us poor shmoes in Texas really need places like this. :-P read more

Big Red Sun has a great selection of succulents for those wanting to build a rock garden. The atmosphere here makes me wish they served coffee so I could just hang out. "The House" offers so many non-plant gift items from candles to very cute kids clothing and super cute girlie shoes. This is a one stop shop for a baby shower gift, funky/casual date night clothing and gardening supplies - that alone should get them an "Keep Austin Weird Award"... Unfortunately, they get a negative star for service - shop girl talking on the phone for 10 minutes to a friend while I was in the gift shop with only a smile and nod. I hate "work uniforms"; but, a funky Big Red Sun t-shirt would help me find an employee who is not on the land line.... Needless to say, this place is very laid back Austin.... read more

Tight. Their design is top notch, regardless of their severe humanity. It is obvious that this place gets things done and done well. They hold events at thier as well, music, film, art . . . etc. it seems that this place does it all! read more

This review is regarding the retail aspect of Big Red Sun (which is no more, keep reading), not the landscape design aspect. We stopped in Big Red Sun during the East Austin Studio Tour, and they had really great stuff--plants, gardening accessories, and even lots of unique gifts! We bought a really cute set of embroidered coasters to give to my sister-in-law for her birthday. I have been looking forward to getting plants and herbs from Big Red Sun to start planting now that the weather is warming up. But when my husband stopped in yesterday, all the plants and retail goods were gone because Big Red Sun is now focused landscape design only. :( Sads. read more

Such a beautiful space and team to work with! i've worked with Big Red Sun. They did a wonderful install in our retail shop. We also used their incredible space to host an event and it was perfection. Their staff was so pleasant to work with and we got everything we were promised and more. I highly recommend this company. read more

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I read through the past reviews for this place and only one stood out as being horribly off: a post about the staff having little knowledge. Perhaps I have a different philosophy entirely, but I found the staff wise enough in their offerings. I also noticed that the nursery was not laid out like your typical plant retail.. and I like that; when I go to a plant store, I know where I'm going to plant and what the light is in the area and enjoy designing as I go. One plant can set off a whole set of ideas and the rest just flows off of it. The gift shop is a bit pricey, but it is also better quality and interest than you will find in most other places. My kids loved running around which left me a little time to breathe and enjoy the process. I will return again. read more

Design Review: not for the budget-conscious!! I agree with most of the reviews on here that the Big Red Sun is hip, cool, and has a neat selection of unusual plants. My review is based on the service they provided to me as designers. I enlisted the Big Red Sun's services to design a plan for my front and back yards, telling them up front that my budget was small (relatively speaking..... I mean I was still willing to spend 5-figures on my yard). I asked if they did small projects, and they said yes. I paid for the $150 consultation fee that they charge when they come to your house to ask you what kind of design you would like. I was told I would get an hour with two designers to discuss ideas and plans, and that would be followed up by a proposal to draw up the design. Well, two designers showed up. One said nothing the entire time, the other was very friendly and had good ideas, but after about 35 minutes they left. We talked budget. To my surprise, they came back two weeks later with a proposal to use HALF of my budget JUST FOR THE DRAWINGS. I'm not sure if they thought I was just kidding about the budget or what.... but their plan would have left me nearly no money to actually implement any plan. I was disappointed that they represented to me that they did smaller, lower-budget projects, and their work product did not reflect that. I found another company with a great master landscape designer to draw up a plan for me for $500. Not a small chunk of change, but it was 10% of what the Big Red Sun wanted to draw up plans. read more

Very very disappointed in this company. They were completely unwilling to work together with us and rejected us and our ideas midway through the project. I wish it had worked out but they ultimately fired me as a client. Beware! read more

This place has a really nice gift shop for basically anyone you are looking for... stationary sets, fancy bath products, baby stuff, jewelry, outdoor accessories, and their claim to fame planters with collections of succulents. The little house is quite charming and their are live birds in the restroom which is kinda fun. When you buy something, the gift boxes are even cool... The only downside to this place is the really heafty price tags. read more

This place is more of a art space than a nursery, especially in the winter. most nurseries cut back on inventory in the winter, some even close, but Big Red Sun stays open, and offers other services, and products to float through the season. And as a living art space, they do a wonderful job of exciting the senses, and inspiring the mind. In the Summer the Nursery and landscape design comes to life. they Specialize it seems in succulents, cacti, and native and adapted plants. And carry somethings you can't get anywhere else, like Tillandsia. Although since they've become popular I've seen them popping up in other places, but BRS is still my headquarters for interesting, and unsual plants. The staff seems to know exactly what they are talking about..I've been going here for over a year, and the staff has changed in that time. Some of the people didn't know what was going on, but the ones that are always there are quite knowledgeable and do a good job of making even the blackest of thumbs feel confident with a new purchase. I'd recommend this place for inspiration, gifts, and plants you want your plant friends to ask where you got them. read more

Every day we wake up, look out the window at our beautiful soulful back yard, and say thank you to Big Red Sun. We have exuberant layered Texas flowering plants, gorgeous curved steel retaining wall and bed boundaries, a rolling bit of lawn, and what I think is the best deck in town (also their idea). Their work makes me happy every day. THANK YOU Julie, Alejandro, Joanna, Tessa, and EVERYONE at Big Red Sun. read more

I am so in love with the images on their website... totally getting inspired for our backyard re-do. But haven't been able to make it to the actual store yet... is it closed or something? A clear notice to customers would be nice... read more

From the moment you step into their working space to working with any of the women directly, the experience is beyond. They were so welcoming and helpful and also extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the business. We would and have recommended them to all of our friends. read more

Wow, what a disappointment. We didn't know much about landscaping so decided to use the very established company, Big Red Sun. We didn't realize that the ownership had recently changed hands. The staff was friendly and seemed as if they knew what they were doing. We then hired Big Red Sun for some expensive landscaping and have been so disappointed with the results. The new owner is not at all willing to work with us to improve our incomplete project. We are now paying another landscaping company to clean up the mess from Big Red Sun. We would absolutely not recommend. read more

BRS just completed a project in our backyard and we are completely delighted. They are not your typical landscaper - they are creative and artistic. The backyard is limestone gravel, steel, and succulent plants. It is eco-friendly, uses very little water, and requires minimal maintenance - all what we wanted. The craftsmanship in placing the steel retaining wall, stones and barriers was remarkable. They tailored everything to the contours of our yard. It looks beautiful from every angle. These are remarkable, talented, and delightful people. We highly recommend them if you want something unique and striking. The price was more than the standard landscapers, but well worth it because they are so imaginative. read more

What a cool modern and unique place. Great ideas and plants to be had.

Oh, we had such a great experience with Big Red Sun. They completely redesigned our sloped front yard, and the multi-level steel xeriscape they came up with is fantastic. We love the finished product, but the people at BRS were also a pleasure to work with: responsive, friendly, and thorough from the first e-mail. Very detail-oriented, and you can tell they love what they do, and care about doing it well. You get what you pay for! read more