Book an appointment with Clarke
If you’ve spent any time here at Flora Grubb Gardens you’ve most likely experienced the warmth, plant genius, and general fabulousness of our beloved Clarke de Mornay. Clarke has served as a guide for countless customers and made his mark on hundreds of Bay Area gardens with his vast knowledge and unique botanical style.
Clarke grew up gardening on the California coast: in Madera county, Watsonville, and San Diego. As a child, he ran his own roadside farmer’s stand selling veggies he grew himself! His first years in San Francisco were gardening in the foggy, sandy Richmond District. Clarke began his work in the garden at Sloat Nursery, but Flora Grubb Gardens has been graced by his presence since 2021. In his time with us, Clarke has lent his expertise to almost every part of our business. He serves as a Senior Horticulturalist, a Senior Design Specialist, and a lead Sales Specialist. He provides guidance to our Houseplant and Plant buyers, and makes recommendations to Grubb & Nadler regarding which plants to add to our ever-changing grow list.
Clarke is among the most expert members of our staff on pretty much any horticultural topic, and by far the most knowledgable member of our staff when it comes to growing edible plants in San Francisco’s many microclimates. Particular areas of interest include Succulents, Euphorbia, Palms, Bromeliad, Tillandsia, Califoniia Natives, and Proteaceae.
Clarke belongs to a long lineage of Californian gardeners who are equal parts artist and horticulturalist. Among our favorite things about Clarke is that he is entirely self-taught. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Clarke’s curiosity and obsession with plants inspires everyone who has the pleasure of working with him.
"Every time I shop with Clarke as my sales guide, I come home with the more rare and unusual plants that stretch my horticultural knowledge AND look great in my garden. He's also exceptionally good with houseplants and always finds me the perfect pot. All my faves were selected by him."
-Bonnie Bridges , Studio BBA
"A conversation with Clarke is a portal into an unknown land, where he introduces you to plants you never knew existed. His passion and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge has made him our #1 go to for any and all plant questions and inspirations. His vision and guidance over the years helped turn our yard into an stunning urban greenspace.
-Nicole Krasinski, Pastry Chef/Co-Owner of State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar in San Francisco.
