Sources

Nurseries

These nurseries grow the plants themselves, as opposed to buying them and reselling them to you. Some are small, independant plant freaks who will have interesting things that you'd have a lot of trouble finding elsewhere - like that perfect culinary rosemary or that native vine.

Cornflower Farms, Elk Grove

Mostly California native plants. They're wholesale only, but your contractor can get plants for you.

Elderberry Farms Nursery

Run by the California Native Plant society, these plants are all native to the Sacramento region. No coastal natives here!

Morningsun Herb Farms, Vacaville

Like their name says, they've got herbs. Multiple varieties of lavender, rosemary, thyme... hard to find, medicinal, just about anything. They have other interesting plants, too - and a nifty demonstration garden to stroll through.

Village Nursery, Elk Grove

This is a large wholesale nursery with other locations in California. They do have a retail area, and your contractor can get plants for you from the wholesale side. They grow plants from Monrovia and the Sunset collection.

Instant Jungle, Cotati

This is the place for bamboo and choice specimen palms.

Annie's Annuals, Richmond

They have all kinds of annuals, perennials and grasses. It's a fun place to visit, especially if you're really looking for something different.

Tile

Fireclay Tile, San Jose

If you want custom tile, they can make it for you. Otherwise, you can choose from standard colors or visit the boneyard of discontinued, odd lot tile for bargains. Their tile has a high percentage of recycled content, so it's Earth-friendly, too.

Rustic Brick, Sacramento

They carry Gladding-Mc Bean ceramic floor tile and stair treads, and have a good selection of frost-resistant porcelain tile that performs well here. Good service, too.