Jamestown Milk downtown is like a hidden gem for plant lovers. It's the kind of place that only the real plant enthusiasts know about. Tucked away in this little convenience store Downtown, you'll find not just your usual snacks and drinks, but also a bunch of awesome houseplants. They've got a variety from budget-friendly plants to fancy ones like the Monstera Aurea that can set you back over $600. To stay in the loop about new arrivals, follow the owner's daughter, Julia, on Instagram at @julia_woo_cabbagetown. She'll keep you updated and you can even reserve your favourites.
So, when I went in, I was all set to grab a Rhipsalis Paradoxa, but it turned out to be huge! Changed my mind real quick. Now looking back, I wish I'd gone for it; could've split it with a friend. Also my friend wanted a dark Scindapsus Treubii, but the man running the shop said they sold out long time ago. Later after I left, Julia messaged me on Instagram saying there was one left. Talk about bad timing!
The plants are all over the place in the store, mostly in the front of the store. Some mixed in the middle of the store, so it's like a little adventure finding them. Shame I didn't get to meet Julia in person; the man in the store (maybe her dad?) seemed a bit aloof. But hey, I didn't leave empty-handed! Managed to snag a Philodendron Tortum for $17.99, and it even had a cutting of the Paradoxa in it--two plants for the price of one! A easy to care plant that's starting to get some traction among collectors like myself, it's a bit of an acquired taste. Not the best condition, I just notice after taking it home that the tortum is a bottom cut maybe that's why they added another cutting. So the top growth point is snipped off so close to the base that it may have damaged that top node and set it back. But I'm relatively confident in my green thumb to get it to look good in the future.
Prices for plants have dropped a bunch lately. I remember last year, the Anthurium Wendlingeri was going for crazy prices maybe over $150+USD imported, but now it's much more reasonable at $45 and you can find it locally here! Even if the small plants don't look like much now (see my pics), just Google their mature versions; they'll be stunning with some love and care.
You might save a few dollars at nurseries far outside of the city, but for the selection of rare and uncommon plants, Jamestown Milk is definitely worth checking out especially if you're downtown.
Parking: As it's Downtown, there's no parking lot nearby but you'll find Green P street parking right along Parliament. read more