Thoroughly modern plants at Urbanweeds

Hip urban gardeners will find an abundance of greenery and modern design at Urbanweeds, a new Fremont shop housed in a former auto-detailing garage.

Owners Steve Schuetz and Tim Halloran cater to city dwellers who live in small spaces, stocking low-maintenance plants and focusing on sustainable goods. "With the condo boom we saw a need for different types of plants and products," Schuetz says. "We're appealing to gardeners with small balconies and compact living spaces with a decidedly modern, urban aesthetic."

You won't find any frilly, old-fashioned blooms here. Plants tend toward simpler, cleaner shapes, including an array of grasses and succulents. DIYers can choose pots and plants and arrange them to taste. No time? Select one of the prepotted specimens, such as the meaty Echeveria succulent in a masculine black rectangular container ($40.99).

Among the botanicals is a selection of home and garden items. The slick, egg-shaped ceramic birdhouses by J. Schatz ($125) would instill any chickadee with pride of ownership. Humans may prefer the Loll Designs outdoor furniture -- black-slatted chairs and tables comprised of recycled milk jugs, butter tubs and other plastics ($209-$429). For indoor use, there's a selection of Eva Solo kitchen items from Scandinavia, and rubber vases in bright pink, orange and green for $15 each (yes, they bounce!).

Go monthly to pick up the latest seasonal plants or to see local art. The shop also offers hands-on potting classes.