Marisa Lyssand has a thing for all things that bloom.
A self-taught gardener, Lyssand opened The Botanist at 363 State St. in Los Altos June 11. Lyssand has more than 15 years’ experience in fine gardening and small-skill landscaping and noted that she discovered her love of plants and flowers at a young age, turning what was once a hobby into a career that started at age 18.
“I’ve always wanted to have a shop to showcase what my passion was all about,” said Lyssand, whose shop offers floral arrangements ranging from $45-150, as well as fine gardening and other services.
Lyssand credited Mary Heffernan, proprietor of Bumble, Red Racer Hobby Shop and The Makery, among other downtown businesses, for her start in Los Altos. Heffernan originally hired Lyssand for some landscaping work at her home and gave the garderning enthusiast the encouragement she needed to open her own shop.
“She made this happen for me,” Lyssand said of Heffernan’s support.
The Botanist offers Lyssand more than just a career stepping stone – it’s an artistic release.
“Even before this I was just a lover of plants and flowers,” she said. “I’m just a garden artist.”
For more information, visit botanistlosaltos.com.
– Diego Abeloos
The Botanist – Photos by Ellie Van Houtte/Los Altos Town Crier
