Clement Nursery: A Historic Green Oasis in San Francisco’s Richmond District

Historic urban oasis filled with resilient greenery thriving in San Francisco’s fog.

By Anjali Sayee

Clement Nursery: A Legacy Rooted in San Francisco’s Soil

Tucked into the heart of San Francisco’s Richmond District, Clement Nursery stands as the city’s oldest continuously operating garden store. More than just a haven for horticultural enthusiasts, Clement Nursery serves as a living testament to the city’s evolving landscape, blending rich historical charm with a modern, resilient spirit. For decades, locals and visitors alike have wandered its pathways—first laid down on a former dairy farm—seeking not just plants, but a sense of continuity and community rarely found in a city known for constant reinvention.

San Francisco’s Dairy Farm Legacy: From Pasture to Petals

The story of Clement Nursery begins long before the first seedling was potted. The nursery’s buildings date back to 1904, when rolling pastures and a working dairy farm defined this corner of the Richmond District. The current storefront was once the farm’s hay barn; the back building hid a bustling cookhouse and a root cellar—a detail that remains, with a mischievous twist, as raccoons once commandeered it as a secret courtyard entrance.

Remnants of these rural beginnings still shape the nursery’s character:

  • Original farmhouse adjacent to the property, now the landlord’s private residence
  • Garage-turned-stable, maintaining its underground watering trough under the office floor
  • Converted cookhouse and hay barn, now essential structures for nursery operations

A Family Business Enduring Across Generations

In 1937, Anthony Manzanetti founded Clement Nursery, transforming the dairy land into a green refuge at 1921 Clement Street. The nursery managed to weather decades of city growth, urbanization, and countless fads in landscaping. Ownership passed through many hands, each adding their own layer of meaning and innovation. Despite these changes, the nursery’s heart—a commitment to accessible, resilient gardening—remained constant.

Today, Clement Nursery is the only gay-owned and operated nursery in San Francisco. This legacy of openness extends beyond business: the store has become a safe space for all walks of San Francisco life, from lifelong residents to first-time homeowners.

Phoenix from the Ashes: The Transformation Under Phillip Feemster

Recent years have seen a remarkable revival at Clement Nursery. In 2013, current owner Phillip Feemster purchased the nursery amid a profound career crossroads. Stifled by decades in advertising, Phillip sought a new path, hoping to invest his energy into something lasting and meaningful.

“I was asking the universe every day, ‘What should I do? What am I going to do next?’ … I felt defined by my career in marketing, but it was time for something different.” — Phillip Feemster

This leap led Phillip through the daunting task of restoring the dilapidated nursery, learning horticulture from the ground up. His transformation—both personal and professional—has mirrored the nursery’s own rejuvenation. The journey was filled with challenges, but he brought a new sense of spirit and innovation, revitalizing both the grounds and the local gardening community.

Innovation Intertwined with Tradition

Phillip’s tenure has honored Clement Nursery’s past while guiding it toward future relevance. Renovations respect the site’s historic architecture, leaving original beams and features intact wherever possible. The plant selection, meanwhile, balances tried-and-true favorites with new varieties designed to succeed in San Francisco’s unique microclimates.

The Unique Offerings and Philosophy of Clement Nursery

What truly sets Clement Nursery apart goes well beyond its longevity. The nursery specializes in ‘plants that can survive a San Francisco summer’, reflecting the city’s foggy, often challenging growing conditions.

  • California native species
  • Low-water, drought-tolerant varieties
  • Hardy houseplants and resilient exotics

Every plant is curated with the city’s unpredictable climate in mind, favoring species that thrive with minimal water and can handle coastal winds and dense fog. Staff eagerly help customers select specimens that will genuinely flourish, not just survive.

Trending Plants: What’s Hot at Clement Nursery?

Clement Nursery regularly updates its inventory to reflect both popular demand and changing environmental priorities. Currently, these trending plants capture the spirit of urban San Francisco gardening:

  • Houseplants – An array of lush, low-maintenance options for city apartments
  • Hardy hellebores
  • Colorful fuchsias
  • Staghorn ferns and maidenhair ferns
  • Phormiums and cordylines – Striking for their architectural foliage
  • Salvias – Beloved for drought tolerance and bright blooms

Customers also enjoy a dynamic rotation of bulbs, pollinator-friendly species, and both edible and ornamental native plants.

Clement Nursery as a Community Landmark

For many in the Richmond District, the nursery serves as much more than a store:

  • A place of refuge for urban dwellers craving a green escape
  • A hub for neighborhood events and informal gatherings
  • Source of inspiration for seasoned and first-time gardeners alike

Clement Nursery’s influence can even be felt in literary circles. It was a noted inspiration and pivotal location in Armistead Maupin’s celebrated series, “Tales of the City.” This connection cements Clement Nursery’s status not just as a botanical institution, but as a storied piece of San Francisco’s cultural mosaic.

An Award-Winning San Francisco Institution

Its legacy hasn’t gone unnoticed. Clement Nursery was recently honored by the University of San Francisco’s School of Business as an exemplary family-owned enterprise, recognized for preserving the spirit of independent business amid rising chains and relentless development.

The Spaces of Clement Nursery: Exploring Every Nook

When you step inside Clement Nursery, you’re greeted by a compelling blend of old-world charm and lively green abundance. The nursery is composed of:

  • The Hay Barn Storefront – The beating heart of the property; offers direct access to both potted houseplants and larger outdoor varieties
  • The Stable Garage – Showcases curated indoor plants and features unusual, rare finds; remnants of the original animal trough tell tales of years past
  • The Back Cookhouse Building – Hosts tender specimens, gardening accessories, and seasonal bulbs
  • Courtyard displays and pathways – Create a park-like retreat in the middle of the city

Even for those not planning to buy, the nursery’s sprawling, layered vignettes offer a gentle oasis from city bustle—the perfect place to contemplate a new project or simply enjoy a fragrant stroll.

Shopping Experience: What to Expect as a Visitor

Whether you’re looking to reimagine your backyard, spruce up an apartment windowsill, or simply connect with nature, a visit to Clement Nursery is both informative and enjoyable.

AspectExperience
Seasonal Plant SelectionEver-changing displays, from spring bulbs to summer exotics to drought-tolerant native plants
Expert StaffReady to assist curious newbies and green-thumbed regulars; advice tailored to local microclimates
Historic AmbienceOriginal architecture, quirky features, and a palpable sense of heritage at every turn
Community ConnectionRegular events, pop-ups, and educational opportunities for gardeners of all ages
Gift Shop & AccessoriesThoughtful selection of pots, tools, seasonal gifts, and garden art

Eco-Consciousness and Resilience at the Core

Clement Nursery’s ethos is underpinned by sustainability. The selection leans heavily toward plants that require less water—an essential consideration in a region prone to drought. Educating customers on responsible planting and water-wise gardening ensures that San Francisco’s gardens will remain vibrant for generations to come.

Looking Forward: Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Few businesses can claim the historic resilience and innovation that define Clement Nursery. As city life becomes ever faster and digital distractions proliferate, the nursery remains a breathing, blossoming counterbalance.

  • Honors its roots by maintaining original buildings, upholding traditions, and respecting the land
  • Meets modern needs through drought-aware planting, eco-conscious education, and adaptation to changing urban landscapes
  • Stays inclusive and welcoming, fostering a sense of community for all San Franciscans, inclusive of the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ culture

Clement Nursery isn’t just selling plants—it’s nurturing the next generation of gardeners and continuing a precious link to San Francisco’s green and gritty past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When was Clement Nursery founded?

A: Clement Nursery was founded in 1937 by Anthony Manzanetti.

Q: Who owns Clement Nursery today?

A: Phillip Feemster is the current owner, having purchased the business in 2013.

Q: What makes Clement Nursery unique compared to other garden stores?

A: Its roots as a dairy farm, historic buildings dating back to 1904, focus on tough plants for San Francisco’s harsh microclimates, dedication to California natives, and status as the city’s only gay-owned and operated nursery.

Q: Which plants are currently most popular at Clement Nursery?

A: Placeholders include houseplants, hardy hellebores, colorful fuchsias, staghorn and maidenhair ferns, phormiums, cordylines, and Salvias.

Q: What is the historical significance of Clement Nursery’s buildings?

A: The main structures date back to when the property was a dairy farm (1904), featuring original architectural elements such as a hay barn and cookhouse that have been repurposed for nursery use.

Q: Is Clement Nursery still family-run and involved with the local community?

A: Yes, it remains independently and locally owned, playing an active role in the Richmond District and winning accolades for exemplary family business practices.

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Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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