April 1, 1989 we took a big step leaving behind a regular paycheck to do what Fausto had been dreaming of for many years. I won't say it wasn't scary and I won't say it hasn't been hard but what I will say is that it has been a ride.

With the help of family, not just at the nursery but at home caring for the kids when hours were long, working side by side watering plants, stocking shelves, helping customers we have grown the business. This business helped put our kids through school, participate in outside athletic teams, and show them some pretty amazing vacations. It has provided for many employees and their families. Some learning from us and going on to start their own companies.

We took a San Diego business which was already 79 years old and have continued growing it to what it is today. There have been really great years when housing market was booming, no talk of water rations, and people were investing in their homes. There also have been very lean years, when housing market died, water rations were not being talked about but were a reality and feeding your family was much more important than planting a new tree.

Yet we open the gates each day believing in what we do. We have always told ourselves do your best, provide more than the basic plants, teach others, and don't be afraid to get dirt under your nails. We have gone home with aching backs, sore feet, bumps and bruises and yet each morning we get up and do it again. It must be in our blood and in the fact that you are customers keep coming back to us.

As we head into another chapter of our company's history we look forward Believing.
Believing Fausto's design magic will continue to go from his thoughts to paper to reality. Tiger will continue taking his crew out into yards and turning them into oasis for homeowner and business owners to enjoy and relax in. Believing that with our continued hard work and honesty we will be serving the gardeners of San Diego for more years to come.

The Birds and the Bees

Officially spring is 9 days away yet the birds and bees are out and about every day at the nursery.

Last week we had to call in a beekeeper to remove a swarm of bees that had set up house on a lemon tree, usually after 10 hours they move on but this group wanted to stay. Not a possibility as the tree is for sale and was sitting on a pathway.

Without any problems the bees gladly moved into the bee box and 24 hours later were transported to their new home. In exchange for the bees we received a jar of honey, nice trade.

We will have more swarms as the season goes on, please be careful if you are walking about and see them. My understanding is they are so focused on finding a new home for the new queen they won't bother you unless you begin waving your arms and bother them. We need the bees to keep the flowers blooming and the fruit trees fruiting. Now think about it if you were a bee wouldn't you enjoy living at the nursery? Sunshine, protection, water and no insecticides.

Blackberry finally got a name, she is our black 10 month old hen. She and Ash cruise the nursery looking for insects, nibbling on plants, and hoping for treats from anyone who has something to eat. Please watch your children if they are walking about with food in their hands, Blackberry thinks since the child is just her height that the cookie in their hand is for her. Both hens lay one egg a day, and getting the meals they get along with plenty of exercise and sunshine the eggs are beautiful and tasty. Sorry we can't share them with you, we are not set up to sell dairy products.

So as we get ready to celebrate spring, we are grateful for our birds and bees at the nursery. If you are having an off day grab yourself an ice-tea and come sit for a bit. Watch the hens and I can almost guarantee you will feel better.