Orchids at the L.A. Flower Market (Nicole Walker/Neon Tommy).

From the outside, the Original L.A. Flower Market doesn’t look like much. Located in a warehouse-like building on Wall Street, the market's unassuming front does not match the blooming reality of what's inside. 

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Buckets of colorful irises and huge sunflower stalks peek out of white buckets on the floor. Succulents and small potted ferns arranged in neat rows dot table tops along with more delicate flowers like orchids.

People of all ages walk in small groups admiring the myriad plants, flowers and succulents the hundreds of vendors are hawking. 

Since it was founded in 1919 as the American Florists' Exchange, the flower market has been a central gathering place, drawing revenue and attracting a diverse group of customers. From seasoned flower experts to locals looking for a fun way to pass the afternoon, shoppers of all kinds come to the market.

Stephanie Chan, a local resident and frequent market shopper, likes coming to the market for its variety of flowers and reasonable prices. 

"I live close by, so everytime I want to buy flowers for an event I know just to come down here because it’s cheaper than the market or florist,” Chan says. “You can make your own arrangements [and] the plants could be twice as much at the store, so it’s pretty cheap.” 

The indoor market is really two buildings that are separated by a small street where a farmer's market is on display. Walking around the historic building gives one a sense of how important this market is to the neighborhood. 

In the early 1920s when Los Angeles' flower district was thriving, the district's two major markets relocated to more spacious headquarters across the street from each other. These two buildings are where the more than 80 independent flower vendors sell their wares today.

Harry Mayesh, owner of HM Wholesale Plants, is a long time seller at the market. 

“It’s been my family’s business forever. My family has been selling [at the market] since the 1940s," Mayesh said. "I’m like a third generation flower guy. My grandfather started, then my father, now me again.”

Walking around the Original L.A. Flower Market is a fun way to spend the afternoon, whether you're looking to explore a new area of L.A. or to buy some reasonably priced flowers.

Admission is $1 on Saturday and $2 on weekdays, cash only.

The Original L.A. Flower Market is located at 754 Wall St. (between seventh and eighth streets).

Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 6 am - 11 am; Friday 8 am - 2 pm; Saturday 6 am - 2 pm; Closed on Sunday.

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