About San Diego Florist Carlos Franco

A Grandmother's Love

Acclaimed San Diego florist Carlos Franco's love for plants and flowers was nurtured from an early age by his beloved grandmother, Flora. Surrounded by her extensive garden, Carlos developed a deep connection to nature's beauty. His grandmother’s passion for nature, combined with their trips to parks across California and Arizona, instilled in Carlos a profound appreciation for the natural world. This connection not only grounded him but also inspired his future in floristry. Carlos honors his grandmother's memory with a tattoo on his forearm, a permanent tribute to the woman whose love and devotion planted the seeds for what would become Green Fresh Florals + Plants. Since opening, Green has become a top florist in San Diego.

Training with Top European Floral Designers

During his formative years, Carlos lived in Europe and worked in a London flower shop, where he trained under some of the top florists. His journey through Paris and other European cities enriched his understanding of floral design, providing him with the inspiration, training, and confidence to pursue his dream of opening a flower shop. Upon returning to San Diego, Carlos worked in several local floral shops before venturing out on his own. In 2005, he opened his first flower store in San Diego’s revitalizing East Village neighborhood downtown—a modest start that laid the foundation for future success.

Partnering with Top Brands

Carlos is a top florist in San Diego. He and the team at Green have worked with some of the world’s top international brands, including Scott’s Miracle-Gro, Volkswagen, Patron, Burberry, Gucci, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Kettle One, and Adobe. Carlos' work has been featured in various media outlets, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Magazine, BizBash, Exquisite Weddings, Modern Luxury, KPBS, KUSI, NBC 7/39, and CBS8.

 

Green Fresh Florals Hillcrest Store is Now Closed.

After several years in the East Village, Carlos decided to move Green Fresh Florals to Hillcrest, allowing him to showcase his floral design work and offering a unique shopping experience. The Hillcrest flower and plant shop, located at 3785 4th Avenue, opened its doors on July 5, 2009, and has thrived ever since, thanks to the support of loyal clients.

On December 31, 2025, Carlos closed the Hillcrest store and his online shop. Allen's Flowers has taken over the lease of the space and is now operating at the same location.

 

 

 

Over the last decade, Carlos has made numerous improvements to enhance the customer experience and expand the product offerings at Green Fresh Florals + Plants:

• 2012: The exterior patio was remodeled to create a plant and garden patio.
• 2013: The online store launched at greenfreshflorals.com.
• In 2015, the store underwent a rebrand, adopting a contemporary color palette, logo, and style. The name was also updated to include "+ Plants" to better reflect the product selection.
• In 2018, an interior remodel and expansion of merchandise selection improved the shopping experience.
• In 2019, a website redesign expanded online shopping opportunities, and curbside pickup was introduced.
• 2020: Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the store adapted, with online sales skyrocketing during the six-week closure.
• 2022: Green emerged from the pandemic stronger, ready to continue serving the San Diego community.
• 2025: Green Fresh Florals + Plants closed its Hillcrest shop and Online store. Carlos continues to provide event and wedding florals online.

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