Where in LA? If they are on the westside, I can help, but if they are on the other side of the valley, I'm sure there are nurseries closer and cheaper.

Yes, their residence is in the Inglewood/Marina Del Ray area.

I lived in Westchester (LAX/MDR adjacent) until 2 yrs ago and have familiarity with the area.

There are several small nurseries in the area.
Marina Nursery in MDR
International Gardens in El Segundo
Armstrong Garden Centers in Westchester

Although it is further away, for the amount that you plan on purchasing, I would suggest considering Sperling Nursery in Calabasas. They have an extensive selection, much more that the smaller nurseries on the westside.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sperling Nursery

I have a friend who is a landscape contractor in your area and he has bought his plants at Green Thumb Nursery in Canoga Park for the last 15 years. They have a site that caters to contractors. He said to ask for Nancy at the growing grounds.

Its at least an hour from Inglewood, but the best native plant nursery in LA is Theodore Payne; 10459 Tuxford Street in Sun Valley http://www.theodorepayne.org/

I would also highly recommend both Sperling in Calabasas and Green Thumbs in Canoga Park.

The nursery mentioned in MDR is evidently very overpriced - I've never been but had no less than 5 people tell me that. I also like to stay away from chain stores...

So with those as my stated preferenes :-)

There are two nurseries on Sepulveda, just south of Venice Blvd on the east side of the street (between the car wash and the motel). I always go to the more southern one. They have *very* good prices, and most of the common basics that are used by landscapers in the area. Also if you know exactly what you want they can order for you. I go there when I want lots or basics or have only basic questions.

There is a series of nurseries on Sawtelle, two to three blocks north of Olympic.

My favorite is Tabuchi Nursery, at 2001 Sawtelle Blvd. Very knowledgeable, has more unusual plants. Some beautiful slow growing "design" plants as well as more common things. I go here when I want something special or I want to ask lots of questions (I'm ordering my espaliere citrus through him, partly because he has answered a thousand questions at least twice for me).

The next nursery north, on the west side of the street (in the middle of the block) - they have a nice selection, but regularly tell you anything you want to hear about a plant, and sell plants that probably won't do well around here. I buy only things that I have researched elsewhere.

Then there are two more farther north on the block, one on each corner.

On the west side of the street, again, I find that they have some different things (lots of bonsais) and are knowledgeable.

I've never been to the place on the east side of the street, but it looks great from the outside. I just run out of steam before getting there.

One last nursery - in Culver City. On Washinton at National, on the NW corner. They have lots of large plants and a huge space. However, the city wants to break their lease, so they aren't stocking up much. However if your friends / clients will be purchasing alot, and they have it in stock, there might be quite a bit of room for negotiation.

Try San Gabriel Nursery in San Gabriel. It's a bit of a drive from Inglewood, but it's relatively close by Los Angeles standards (probably about 30 minute drive).

Here is a link that might be useful: San Gabriel Nursery

Green Arrow in North Hills is really good. Good selection and price. I would drive 20 miles every week there. Worth the drive.