Hortica on Castro is a longstanding neighborhood spot. Serving the serious urban gardener with a yard, patio or pots, it's all business. A double storefront between 18th and 19th is filled with terracotta pots and tools leading to a big double backyard for the plants. (Check out the Humming bird station at the entry way.) A specialty is water gardens. Maybe that's the answer to the greening of the back porch? Easy upkeep and you can take it with you when you go. A low wide ceramic pot ($50 and up) can be started with one or two plants starting under $5 and up to $30 for a low maintenance splash of nature.

- Excerpt from SF Station review by Victoria Jane Joyce