About Paxton Gate

Paxton Gate was founded in December of 1992 by two landscape designers whose inspiration came from a fascination with the natural world. In its original incarnation, Paxton Gate was an eccentric gardening store with a hint of the natural sciences – a forum in which to present not only interesting and unique gardening merchandise but to feature items inspired by the garden and the natural world. But soon after its inception, a predilection for the more bizarre side of nature became apparent, and oddities such as the insects and taxidermy began to creep onto the scene.

After almost seven years in business at an out-of-the-way location on Stevenson Street in San Francisco, Paxton Gate moved to its current, much larger location. The move, primarily instigated by a need for more space, afforded room to branch out into new areas including furniture, tea and tea supplies, vintage and antique architectural elements, jewelry and a growing selection of books, all of which adhere to a common aesthetic and style which Paxton Gate describes as "treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and the natural sciences".

In addition to its eclectic line of retail products, Paxton Gate offers distinctive landscape design and construction for residential gardens as well as commercial landscapes. We specialize in stonework and fine carpentry, unique plant selection and in making creative use of small spaces.

Sean Quigley, one of the founders, now owns Paxton Gate. Quigley has worked and lived in San Francisco's Mission District since the early 1990's, and through Paxton Gate supports many local organizations including San Francisco Women Against Rape, Caral, Swing for Choice, The National Aids Memorial Grove, The Randal Museum Friends, The San Francisco Naturalists Society, and more. He is an avid collector of Bromeliads (one of Paxton Gate's specialties), which he grows in his Mission greenhouse.

Philosophies & Rebuttals

Occasionally questions arise as to the ethical nature of some of the items we carry. If you require additional information, or if you have information you think may be valuable to us, please contact us by e-mail or post and we will be happy to consider your thoughts..