You'll definately want to check out the California Cactus Center. They are pretty close to where you'll be staying, and have a mind boggling selection. They tend to be rather high as far as prices go, but even if you don't buy a thing (which trust me, you *will*) it is worth going just to look around. You can make a nice day out of it by going to the Huntington Gardens too, since they are so close. If you are up for some driving, there is the Cactus Ranch out in Reseda, and some smaller one on the Westside. As far as transporting them, check to see if WA has any import regulations. Beyond that, package them well so if some tsa idiot decides to have a powertrip that day, you can just check it...

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.

I guess even in soucal,Mango's are needy care plants for nurseries. I know here in the bay area they never look as good as they did when first brought in. The nurseries usually have a long wait until they flush if foliage is damaged in some way in holding. So,they can look ratty. They are healthy...just waiting until they get coddled at your home. As long as I'm rambling...they also never look as good in a pot as they do in ground. Tough call..in a pot,you can be 100% safe from cold of course,and gophers...but they look so...tree like in ground. In the end, the sweet fruit are worth the effort.

Call Coval Cabinets in Paramont, 562-634-0351 and perhaps their shop guy or installer, both accomplished need some side work.