Merry Christmas

From all of us at Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery we wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and may your New Year be filled with wonderful gardening experiences.

Thank you to all our Christmas suppliers, from the tree growers, and wreath makers to the company that produces our wonderful tree stand. All of them help us make your holiday decorating easy. The trees were exceptionally beautiful this year!

Please email us a photo of your Christmas tree you bought from us and have decorated in your home or office. We want to show others how much more beautiful our trees become when they leave us.

Bareroot roses have begun arriving if you are looking for a last minute gift, how about one which is planted in a "ready to plant" pot along with a pair of rose gloves? Gift cards can be purchased in any amount for the hard to buy for "gardener".

We will be closing at 2:00 on Christmas eve, closed Christmas Day and open December 26th at 8:00 am. Merry Christmas!

Christmas is in the Air

The first day of December brings chilly temperatures to Mission Hills Nursery and even chillier ones to Moose Creek Nursery. Our freshly cut Christmas Trees have been arriving from Washington with the last batch still covered in snow. Something fairly new to the holiday scene in San Diego is the Nordman fir, some call it the best Christmas tree as it doesn't drop it's needles. If you are looking for a natural looking tree come in and check them out. We also have Blue Noble Firs, Green Noble Firs, Fraser Firs and the original Douglas Fir.

Delivery and removal of Christmas trees is as easy as a phone call to either of our locations. A fairly new poinsettia this season Visions of Grandeur is getting positive reviews from our customers.

Getting back to the temperatures, be sure to cover your frost sensitive plants when frost is expected and water your plants, remember just the soil not the foliage.

Nursery Happenings

Have you driven or walked past Mission Hills Nursery and noticed the upper lot is empty?
What is going on you may have asked yourself? Are they going out of business?
NO we are getting ready for Christmas trees. In just over 2 weeks we will be receiving our first load of fresh trees from Washington.

Not to worry though we are still in the nursery business. Our employees are ready to help you find just the right plant, bag of soil or pottery you need.

Stop by either Mission Hills Nursery or Moose Creek Nursery and pick up a FREE package of California Poppy seeds compliments of bewaterwise.com while supplies last.

We are looking for holiday help, if you enjoy the fresh smells of Christmas stop by and see Toni

Fall Temperatures

Okay we had a little rain, okay drizzle this morning here at Mission Hills Nursery so we all got excited that FALL had arrived. Along with Fall temperatures comes Halloween and Thanksgiving so we restocked our Pumpkins and brought in Firewood to help you get into the spirit of the Season.
Mission Hills Garden Club is again sponsoring a Halloween Children's Event at the nursery. Kids can either carve or paint a pumpkin to take home. Click over to their web site for more details or stop by the nursery.
Our Annual Fall Clearance is on now, Citrus are even marked down for this event. Limited to stock on hand - see you soon!

Fall Clearance

Fall is a time for leaves to drop and prices to "fall" at both Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery. Fall is a time for planting so come in and select your trees to get in the ground now before winter rains. Roots will be allowed to take hold in the cool damp soil then come spring they will send new growth to provide you with a show of foliage, flowers, and fruit.
Our ANNUAL Fall Clearance begins the second week in October and is limited to stock on hand. Shop early for the best deals!

Fall Mums

As the weather begins to cool the garden colors change even here in San Diego. We are receiving weekly deliveries of Garden Mums in an assortment of fall colors. Add some to pots outside your front door, enjoy inside at your evening meal to add a festive fall look then plant outside.
Add some to your pumpkin display to carry you through Thanksgiving.

Pottery Sale

Now through September 24, 2006 our in stock pottery is on sale 30% OFF
all unplanted pottery from 2" to 22" in terra cotta and glazed

TREE SALE save 30%

Looking for shade this summer? How about an abundance of color for the spring? Or fresh Stone Fruit right in your backyard? Now is the time to shop for these and many more trees in our annual TREE SALE. click over to Monrovia Growers once you've seen our in stock selections and choose the right tree for your need. 30% off regular prices 5 gallon and larger. Sale priced trees limited to stock on hand, no special orders will be taken. Citrus, avocado and indoor trees excluded from sale. Sale begins September 1, 2006 and runs through September 10, 2006. Remember when purchasing a tree to also pick up EB Stone Planting Compost and check your shovel. Save 20% off any shovel purchased along with your trees if you bring this BLOG page. "Life's a Garden, DIG It!"

Rose Sale

Summer Rose Sale - all roses in stock are on sale August 11, 2006 through August 27, 2006 while supplies last. Buy 1 get 1 FREE of equal or lessor value. Floribundas, Grandifloras, Tree Roses and Climbing Roses.
Along with your rose purchase be sure to buy Bayer 2 in 1 Rose & Flower, feed and protect your roses in one easy step.

Summer Savings

Hot Summer Days are here so now is the time to come into Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery for that fountain you've been thinking about. Beginning July 21, 2006 and running through August 6, 2006 all in stock fountains will be on SALE 30% off regular price.

Design Services

We do more than just sell fun and unusual plants, we work with you to design a garden that is just right for you and your wants. Whether it be a garden to relax in, a garden which produces lovely flowers to cut and enjoy in your home, or a garden which your family takes from the outside to the dinner table, our design staff is here to help.
Installation and maintenance can all be handled by our staff. Email us or call 619-295-2808 to schedule an appointment.

Life's a Garden t-shirts

We listened...
you can purchase a "Life's a Garden, Dig It!" t-shirt, hat, or visor from Mission Hills Nursery, Moose Creek Nursery, or on line. The t-shirts are preshrunk, the hats and visors adjustable.

Outback Chairs

Just in time for Father's Day and Summer we have Outback Chairs and Hammocks. Before the boxes were even unpacked they began selling. If you've ever had the joy of sitting in one you will know why we are excited. Try one for yourself, Moose Creek Nursery has the "airchair" hung next to the koi pond, you may need to kick out the employees. Not all styles will be in our nurseries but we do have a nice selection. The Outback Chair Company stands behind their products, we love their description of the chairs "it is the art of relaxology". Each chair and hammock comes with hanging instructions
What a GREAT present for Dad!

Ducks Flew In

Painted Ducks as seen on "My Name is Earl" and "Guess Who" with Judith Scott and Bernie Mac
have landed at Mission Hills Nursery. They are flying out of the nursery as soon as they are landing. What characters they are....From the parents to the teens and babies each has a personality and name. New flocks will be flying in all summer.

Real Women Paint

Real Women Enterprises will be holding a one day painting seminar at Mission Hills Nursery on Saturday June 24, 2006 from 9am - 3pm. Real Women Enterprises supports women ages 15 and above to identify skills and experiences they want to live a life they love.
No artistic talent is necessary, beginners are encouraged to join in.
Space is limited and reservations are needed. Contact Real Women Enterprises 619-994-4953. Please do not call the nursery for information.

FREE Gardening Journal

The Family of Southern California Water Agencies has produced a gardening journal that you can pick up for FREE at Mission Hills Nursery.
The journal is full of tips on effective watering, what blooms when, and how to get year round beauty by using our region's native plants.

Just print this page of our blog and take into Mission Hills Nursery for your FREE copy. Please one journal per household. Offer valid while supplies last.

Garden Walk 2006

Thank You to Mission Hills Garden Club for another wonderful Garden Walk. The homes were again enjoyed by all who passed through their gates. Weather was on everyone's side this year, no rain, not too hot. Maps were picked up at Mission Hills Nursery and you headed out on a leisurely self guided walk of about 3 hours. If you missed this year's you will want to mark your calendar for next year's. It is always scheduled for the Saturday before Mother's Day. Such a fun way to celebrate with your Mother. Some groups make a day of it, beginning with Champagne breakfast. Great Job Martha and Mary Ann!

Burgundy Iceberg Rose - Exclusive

Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery are excited to have been selected by Weeks Roses as two of San Diego County's exclusive garden centers to be able to offer to you Burgundy Iceberg. You can prebuy at either location for pick up this summer. (sorry no mail orders this summer) The actual release of this rose is scheduled for 2007.
Stu Miller, our representative from Weeks Roses will be at Mission Hills Nursery on Saturday May 13, 2006. Stop by before or after the Mission Hills Garden Walk see this beautiful rose and ask Stu any questions.
We will have a limited number of roses this year, so buy early.
Burgundy Iceberg is a Floribunda which was inroduced in Australia. The flowers are a true burgundy color with a lighter reverse. Parentage 'Brilliant Pink Iceberg'

SD Rose Society Show

The San Diego Rose Society is holding its 79th Annual Rose Show on Saturday, April 29th, and Sunday, April 30th at Murphy’s Pub in Qualcomm Stadium. This year will also include the introduction of an all new Rose Fair.

The Rose Show will feature hundreds of beautiful blooms in every color, gorgeous rose arrangements, created by local amateur gardeners. American Rose Society Consulting Rosarians will also be on hand to answer rose growing questions absolutely free.

The Rose Fair will include garden and rose related products and merchandise on display and for sale. An excellent selection of miniature rose plants will be for sale and a rose auction will be held on Sunday at 2:30 PM.

Adult admission is only $4.00, and includes the rose show and rose fair. Children 17 and under AND Military in Uniform get in Free. Parking is also Free. The hours are:
Saturday, 1 PM - 5 PM and Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to see examples of beautiful roses and rose arrangements. Visitors to both the rose show and rose fair can get one-on-one advice on growing and caring for new roses bought at the fair or roses back home in the garden. See the San Diego Rose Society website for more information or the rose show schedule: www.sdrosesociety.org

Kid's Spring Event

Saturday April 15th, 10:00 am come to story time and hear "A Trellis for Mr. Ellis", do a craft project and participate in an Easter Egg hunt. Children must be accompanied by an adult and able to look for eggs on their own.
Sponsored by the Mission Hills Garden Club
contact the Garden Club for age limits or any other questions.

Very Hardy Plant

What is this growing out of our storm drain?
Impatien....and some people say it is a difficult plant to grow.

Tomatoes and Herbs

We are still getting winter rains and cold temperatures but our tomato and pepper tables at Mission Hills Nursery are full of wonderful selections. Everything from Lemon Pear tomatoes, Sweet Cherry tomatoes, heirlooms and the constant San Diego tomato are available. Watch for Moose Creek Nursery's selection to increase as their weather warms up.
Speaking of Moose Creek and tomatoes, they will be hosting a tomato clinic on Saturday March 25th at 10:00 am come over and learn all there is to learn about growing tomatoes.

Herbs are plentiful with a wide selection of Basils and Mints. Lettuces to make any Salad stand up and Shout SPRING! If you are looking for anything special please just ask and we will do our best to get it for you.

Rose Tips

We have stopped shipping roses for this year but here are a few tips on how to care for your new roses, and older roses.
Downy Mildew occurs in early spring after substantial amounts of rainfall. Downy Mildew is an air-born fungus and the first signs are irregular shaped purple to purple-brown spots on your rose leaves. To help prevent and control Downy Mildew keep your rose beds clean of organic matter. Give your roses good spacing and spray with a fungicide at first signs of mildew.
Black Spot symptoms are circular black spots surrounded by a yellow halo. Spores are spread by rain or irrigation water. Irrigate at the time of day that allows the most rapid leaf drying. Remove all infected leaves that have dropped and dispose of, do not compost them. At first sign of Black Spot begin spraying according to your fungicide label.
Bayer has a product out that covers 3 important systemic products in one for complete rose care.

Tomato and Pepper Tips

Tomato and pepper plants and seeds are the vegetables most purchased by home owners according to a national company. We have a very nice selection of both in stock along with products to help you keep them healthy. These products are not listed as available for shipping from our website so come in to pick them up. If you are not in the area visit your local garden center, if they do not have them send me an email and I'll see about shipping to you.
To keep insects away you can spray with Spinosad, it is safe and can be used up to a couple of days before harvest. Keep snails and slugs at bay with an early application of Sluggo, then again when fruit has set. Can be used up to the day of harvest and is not harmful to pets or children. Our new line of Organic fertilizers has one formulated for vegetables, look for E.B. Stone on our shelves.

Composting Workshop

Free Composting Workshop and Low Cost Bin Sales for unincorporated San Diego County Residents to be presented Saturday March 18th from 10:00 am - 12:oo pm at Moose Creek Nursery.
Register Now by emailing your request to Cindy@solanacenter.org Space is limited.

Coming soon to a community near you. Garden walks - gardens of all sizes and shapes, from perennial gardens to zen gardens to estates all will be opening soon for you to go through. For dates and communities keep reading your blogs, I will post them as soon as I have details.
Mission Hills Garden Club presents Restful Sanctuaries, Gardens of Tranquility
Pt. Loma Garden Club presents Gardens on the Point
San Diego County Orchid Society presents Orchids on Parade

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you ...stop by Mission Hills Nursery and purchase a little pot of Irish Luck.

Spring is in the Air

Mark your calender for the Spring Home Garden Show which opens Friday March 3rd and goes through Sunday March 5th. Our display garden this year will feature 3 decks made of different materials, and beautifully planted containers. We want you to see what you can do without a yard. With all the growth of downtown San Diego, container gardening can be fun.

If you've been in the nursery lately you've surely seen the pots filled with plants which have brightly colored stems, this is Swiss Chard, Brite Lights.
We have this plant in stock along with seeds to start your own, or we can mail you seeds for this striking plant. Weekly our inventory is growing as we head into Spring. I'm seeing very nice selections of Heucheras (pictured above) and Ornamental Grasses (Carex Testacea pictured).

Our houseplant department has been revamped and you will find some very unusual ferns, like the Caterpillar Fern which is pictured above. The stems look like little caterpillars. You also will find Tiger Fern, Rabbit Foot Fern, Maidenhair Fern, and a most unusual Suzi Wong. Suzi Wong is one of Nicole's favorite ferns, and she is doing a wonderful job bringing in a great selection of ferns for you. To view some of the other ferns available click over to one of our suppliers Ades & Gish Nurseries

As I write this we are hearing that rain is on the way so you may want to check your sprinkler systems, turn them off if we get the rains, but remember to turn them back on once the rains are over. New tomato plants will want to be protected if the rains are hard and cold. Established trees, lawns, and shrubs will benefit from Mother Nature's watering, but watch for areas of puddling if your yard doesn't drain correctly and be sure your potted plants aren't setting in trays with collected water for extended periods.

If you've been thinking of rejuvenating your soil now is the time John & Bob's applied with the rains gives you 2 kick starts for the price of one. John & Bob's plus natural rain water = very happy soil.

See you soon in the nurseries "Life's a Garden, Dig It!"

Design Consultations

Not sure what to do with your garden? Do you just need a few "ideas" or everything from soil amendments to plants, irrigation, decks, and walls. We can work with you to design and install your garden, turning your yard into your "paradise"

What you don't have a yard to dig in? Not a problem we also do wonderful container gardens, from flowers for full sun, to shade gardens, vegetables and herbs, fruit trees you can have it all.

For a consultation please email our design team or call 619-295-2808.

Spring Flowers

With the sunny weather we are having in San Diego our nurseries are filling up quickly with wonderful plants and color for your gardens and containers. Coming in this week are Wax Flower "Chamelacium" in a variety of colors. And what better way to say I Love You this Valentine's Day than with a Rose Garden or a blooming Clerodendron (pictured above). With just a few clicks of your mouse you can order your Valentine fresh cut flowers from the grower.

Come in soon to see the changes at both nurseries, new tables for more color, pottery in a wide selection of colors, shapes, and sizes. Bamboo fencing, indoor blooming Azaleas are gorgeous at Mission Hills. Stone fruit trees at both Moose Creek Nursery and Mission Hills Nursery are waiting to be planted in your garden along with Wisterias, Weeping Mulberries, and the stunning beauty Flowering Cherry. If you've seen it in the past in full glory you know you want to get it early as they sell out quickly.

January in the Garden

If you aren't able to get out in your garden this month and enjoy the birds, bring them inside with you. We have Breezy Singers in stock and ready to ship, they will live in all climates.

For those who are lucky enough to be out in your gardens this month here are some areas to be sure and work. Prevent snails by cleaning debris and fallen leaves, don't give them places to hide. Clean and sharpen your tools, bring them into either nursery on Monday and you will usually be able to pick them back up by Friday. Internet Special bring in 4 tools and pay for 3 to be sharpened, must bring this page when tools are brought in, valid during the month of January 2006. Maybe now is the time to buy new ones before you begin to Prune deciduous fruit trees, along with grapes and berries. Plant deciduous fruit trees. Get them in the ground now so they may benefit from the winter rains. Plant in a sunny location in a hole twice as wide as the container it is in but no deeper. Water deeply and twice a week if we don't get rain, or more often if we get hot weather. Dormant Spray your stone fruit trees this month to help prevent insects next spring. Have you always wanted a Rose Garden? In stock we have the Garden Compass Essential Guide to Rose Care, stop by Mission Hills Nursery and watch it then pick one up for yourself.

Moss Baskets

Kristi Palafox will be giving a Moss Basket class for the Master Gardeners of San Diego, sign up before February 28, 2006 on their website.
Learn how to turn different items into containers with the addition of moss, soil, and flowers.