Joyous Spaces

I was looking for a very specific item the weekend before Christmas (yes, I know): air plants. I called everywhere freaking out, then called Joy. I left her a message at first (the phone number on the website is her cell, then called back just in case. She answered and offered to meet me the following morning at her studio. She works by appointment only, which in most cases is usually a hassle to schedule, but in her case, she was very available and was a pleasure to work with! The studio is tucked in between two other buildings, so don’t freak out if you don’t see it at first (it does exist!). She had exactly what I wanted at prices that I expected (comparable to the big stores!). I even purchased more than I had planned because she had such perfect options! Thank you Joy for making a stressful hunt so easy and pleasant! I will definitely be back!

I am, the Chef and Manager at Benicia Yacht Club, we have had the benefit of having Joy in a few times and her work is absolutely amazing. She is highly recommended by us and on our preferred vendors list.

Joy made me the most beautiful flower crown for my wedding day made of baby’s breath, succelents and some other unique greenery. Most definitely the icing on the cake! I hope I can find another occasion to wear one again… haha! She was so attentive to my needs and because I was traveling 2000+ miles for my wedding she was so kind to wrap it up, pack it up for safe travels. Thank you so much Joy! Your work/​art is absolutely amazing!!!

Joyous Spaces looks more like a florist studio than a true nursery. We couldn’t even find the place without asking a neighboring vendor. 301 1^st ST doesn’t really exist! According to Unilocal they should have been open when we were there but instead there was a padlock on the gate with a sign saying ‘call for appointment’. Called the number and it just rang. No answer or voice mail.

This was the first stop on my Benicia Unilocal Hood Hunters walk. I was enthralled by the garden sculptures and in general, the space. We chatted with Joy (owner) and she mentioned she is shifting her focus from wedding floral designs to garden art. I spent time marveling at the outdoor displays of whimsical metal work and also the desert plants in the stone holders. Inside, the plants are arranged freely but feels spacious in a small space. In honor of First Saturday, there were veggie, cheese, cracker hors d’oeuvres nicely arranged in trays and wine as well. I will definitely be returning to this shop on my next visit to Benicia.

Succulents are one of my favorite garden plants. They are easy to care for. There is enough variety to make them interesting. It is easy to propagate them, clip off the babies and plant them or give them to friends.
Joyous Spaces has a large selection of planters, succulents, other plants and garden sculptures, I’m not sure if the one I fell in love with was just on display for the May Saturday Art Walk or it is part of the regular display. A tall gardener made from discard tools, oil cans, tanks and other old metals would look perfect in my yard. I hope it is not sold before I win something from either Publishers Clearing Hoarse or the California Lottery. $ 2500 for a garden sculpture just isn’t in my budget.

I was referred to Joy as a wedding florist, and I’m so thankful for the introduction! She was able to take my vision and incorporate her artful designs in all of our wedding bouquets and centerpieces. She also made a beautiful garland for our staircase and decorated a chandelier for our outdoor trellis with the same wedding flowers and colors. I had so many people complimenting me on the bouquets and trying to identify certain unique flowers she used. All that, and a wonderful personality to boot, Joy really delivered beauty on our wedding day.

TL;DR: Cute little plant/​garden shop in downtown Benicia with a nice proprietor and good selection/​price.
We were in downton Benicia for the open studio event, walking around downtown and happened upon this small arboretum of sorts. I’m not exactly a botanist, but I do appreciate adding a little green to my environment, so, intrigued, we wandered in.
On display were a number of succulents, herbs, and other assorted plant life. The shop itself was relatively small, a large part of it being an open air courtyard with a lovely fountain adding to the ambiance.
I could have very happily pulled out a book and a glass of wine and sat here for hours.
We ended up picking up some small cacti for me and my girlfriend, so that we could have something green on our desks at work. When we asked the proprietor any number of questions, she was quick to respond and well versed in her craft.
I do imagine should I find myself walking around in the area I shall return, it truly is a joyous space.

SURROUNDED BY LIFE
All these amazing little plants sit in a shop on Benicia’s First Street and surround you with life when you walk in. So many varieties and displays! It’s really a beautiful store. The woman working asked our questions about the orbs hanging with plants inside. Our friends who purchased plants asked about watering cycles. She was very thorough with answering all of us.
We took the most time browsing the plants here. More than any other store we stopped in. There was a display on the wall that had little pockets to put plants in. It hung and had many rows. Very unique and very beautiful.
Prices were reasonable. I would have purchased something but the day was still young and I didn’t want to have to carry anything around with me. My desk could use some life. I tend to accidentally kill off everything that sits on it for more than a couple weeks though.

Totally stopped accidentally there ! … and I did like their selection of plants and especially their originals concrete pots.
Nice service and friendly staff.
Good experience !

A great little nursery tucked away in Benicia, across the street from The Loft wine bar. This little nursery is filled with trinkets, like air plants, terrarium supplies, the Lady who works there even made her own Succulent planters. All the fertilizers she had were Organic as well i the soils. I ended up buying a book called «The Drunken Botanists» They sell books too!
She has succulents of all sorts, and from what i understand if she doesn’t have a plant she can order it she which is great :) cause i need loads of Lavender
:)

Joyous Spaces created a beautiful living wall on my rooftop. The result is amazing!
Joy from Joyous Spaces installed a vertical garden filled with florals, edibles, herbs and grasses that creates a beautiful front-​drop to the cityscape and hides the ugly house next door.
Joy was very professional. She handled the project from conception and design to the installation of the framework and PlantsOnWalls panels. She worked with me to choose plants that would tolerate the climate on my roof and did the planting of over 1000 pockets. Joy finished the project by hooking the panels to a drip irrigation system that helps with its maintenance.
I am so happy with Joyous Spaces and what was created by Joy. I recommend calling her if you are looking to improve your outdoor space.

Joyous indeed. The owner has designed arrangements that are unique & harmonious. I love the earthy planters she has created as ‘homes’ for the native plants & succulents. Her terrariums are delightful. Garden coaching services are offered as well. It’s clear that Joy has a designer’s eye and two very green thumbs. Go enjoy this boutique nursery in a beautiful space in downtown Benicia!