Gnomes and Smoozies

Looking to add some whimsical fun to your garden? Come see our latest Gnomes, they will bring you luck and make you smile.

Wild colors of mushrooms known as Smoozies work indoors or outside, in your containers or flowerbeds.

Have you seen our pond? It has been redone and is sparkling clear, if you are interested in having one in your yard let us know and we will put you in touch with our master pond builders.

Speaking of ponds, we have floating frogs and mama duck with her ducklings that will swim around in your pond or fountain. Also glow in the dark frogs, that are solar powered.

As I write we are waiting for the big "STORM" and unloading pumpkins. Sizes from mini to Big Max and my favorite, Fairy Tale.

Finish your fall decorating with bales of straw which can then be planted up. Mums in a multitude of colors and shapes, from pom poms to spidery flowers.

Fall Home and Garden Show

This year's Fall Home and Garden Show begins Friday September 14th and runs until 5pm Sunday September 16th. $2.00 off tickets are available at Mission Hills Nursery.
Tiger and his crew did the entry garden, you will see plants that are varigated, touch and smell fragrant plants and get an idea of what you can use in your local San Diego gardens.

Renee's Seeds

Renee's Seeds are now in stock at Mission Hills Nursery. You can't buy them from us on line only in the nursery. What a selection of Sweet Peas, so many varieties to choose from. Also in from Renee's are seeds which are compatible for container gardening, flowers, herbs and vegetables. We are only 1 of 2 San Diego County nurseries to carry her line.

New Products

Last week we went to a trade show here locally and we were able to buy some really fun things. Since it was local we already have the products in stock and ready for you to enjoy in your garden. Hanging wicker baskets, we haven't had these in a very long time and once they were up people began buying them.

Very cute line of hummingbird feeders, along with glass and brass ones. Now is the time to consider buying those Christmas gifts.

Moss lined iron baskets.
Buy one and plant it at the nursery, we'll supply the soil for FREE.

Stop in soon as some of the items are one of a kind and won't be brought in again. Plus you will want to see the largest pot we have ever had at the nursery, unless it sells before you come in.

Preplanted Earthbox. We have an herb one, a tomato one and a flowering one all of which are fully grown.

Summer in the Garden

If the summer heat has taken a toll on your garden you can always have fresh from the grower flowers
I myself have ordered fresh from the grower flowers to be delivered to family and friends, when they receive them for no special reason it is always a treat.

Pink Flamingos, what every backyard summer party needs, just flew in to our nursery and are waiting to go home with you.



Add a little sparkle to your evenings in the garden with our votive candle holders, hang them from tree branches or patios.

Sounds of water bring relief from summer heat, we can help you accomplish this. Fountains in all sizes are in stock and easy to set up. From tabletop bowls to 6' fountains we have something for everyone, or it can be ordered.

2008 rose orders are being placed, if you have a special request contact me right away and I'll see if it will be available.

Watch Tiger this coming Saturday morning August 4, Fox6 News, he will be talking about designing your garden and has a special offer for the viewers.

New at the Nurseries

Moose Creek Nursery is the only garden center in the east county to offer Annie's Annuals and they bring in plants which are suited for the area. Right now budded and ready to begin blooming are an assortment of Sunflowers and Clarkia plus others, with a new shipment due to arrive this week.

Mission Hills Nursery also is stocking Annie's Annuals plus Renee's Garden Seeds. A small selection of Renee's Garden Seeds right now with a larger selection due in for the fall season.

Got Bugs? Stop in to Mission Hills Nursery and check out the touch screen problem solver, but be careful there are some crazy looking insects out there.

Want some good bugs? We have Mosquito Fish to help control mosquito larvae, please only 2 per household while supplies last.

Staying Cool this Summer

You've seen Tiger on Fox6 Saturday mornings, you've seen him at local gardening events and both Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery...but have you "asked him a question?"
Submit your question to Tiger and if your question is read on air you will receive a "Life's a Garden" neck cooler, just in time for the warm days of summer.
Now you've got a product to keep your self cool, how about keeping your potted plants hydrated? Quench will help you in this department by holding moisture in the root zone until your plants need it. Safe for all plants and vegetables, indoor and outdoor.

Bring in this BLOG and receive 20% of your purchase of Quench.

Garden Walk Weekend

This Saturday May 12, 2007 is the Mission Hills Garden Club's annual walk and what a great way to celebrate Mother's Day. You still have time to buy your tickets at Mission Hills Nursery during our regular hours 8:00am - 6:00pm, remember cash or check only!

A special offer to those who read this blog before the walk, bring in a copy of this blog and you can purchase a neck band to keep you cool during the walk for just $3.00, regular price will be $4.99, sold elsewhere for $7.50. Cooling crystals are encased in a cotton fabric which when soaked in water will hold up to 1000 times their weight in cool refreshing water. When worn against your neck they send cooling sensations throughout your body without any dripping.

Come early before the walk and talk with some of our suppliers, you will find answers to your fertilizing questions, native plant questions, and solar lighting for your garden. Or watch from home as we will be live on Fox6 News beginning at 7:00am - 9:00am, well not the whole 2 hours but they will be at the nursery during those hours with our very own Ask Tiger. Stop by and Ask Tiger your garden questions he will be at the nursery all day.

Be sure to read your map booklet as there is a special discount offer which you may use the day of the walk or later.

With the weather warming up now is a good time to think about adding Quench to your container gardens. Quench holds potting mix moisture longer and cuts watering fequency.

New products in stock at the nursery
EnviroTree

Mulch Block which is a premium grade coir mulch that is lightweight, biodegradable, holds and saves water

Say Hi when you are in the nursery this weekend and enjoy your walk!

Proven Winners PAC Trials

At Proven Winners they are at the cutting edge of plant development and growing techniques. Every time I visit I learn something new and see new plants that are being grown for Southern California gardens. Their goal is to make gardening easier and more colorful with unique and interesting plants.
If you want to find the most recent releases from Proven Winners I suggest you go into your local nursery, they are going to be the ones that always carry the different and new plants because after they have been proven there the larger garden centers will start bringing them in to stock.
Also, when it comes to creating containers Proven Winners has some of the most amazing designs. On their website check out the department for containers and they have blueprints to use whenever your putting together a pot. All you have to do is take it in to your local nursery, purchase the plants on the design and plant them where the blueprint says and walla, you have a profesionally designed container.
If your looking for more information about Proven Winners click here . Dont Forget, Life's a Garden, Dig It!

Garden Walks

We have tickets available at the nursery for two upcoming garden walks. Mission Hills Garden Walk. This year the club has once again selected houses on the south side. The theme Castles and Cottages will surely have you oohing and aahing!
Another fun one is Point Loma Garden Walk .Both events are scheduled rain or shine.
At the end of the month head over to Coronado for their annual flower show. Not only do you get to see spectacular floral displays but you can make purchases at the floral market.
From the coast to the inlands, you will want to take a drive to Alpine for Chirps Sage & Songbird Festival

There are many more Spring Gardening Events throughout the county so get out there and see what your fellow gardeners are doing. Even after our cold winter the yards are looking wonderful.

Remember to take paper and pencil so you can write down your favorite plants, bring your list back to Moose Creek Nursery or Mission Hills Nursery and we can help you get planting.

Roses in the Garden

I was walking through the nursery yesterday and stopped to smell a rose which doesn't look like a rose. The leaves are small and crinkled. But what a wonderful aroma, and the bush is full of buds. This rose is called BLANC DOUBLE de COUBERT, it is a rugosa rose and true white.
Also amongst our roses as well as many of yours in your gardens are aphids, pesky little creatures which love the rose buds as much as we do. Now is the time to get out there and stay ahead of them. You can wash them off regularly with a strong spray of water from your garden hose, apply a mild solution of Insecticidal Soap, spread Ladybugs through your garden (we should have them in stock next week). Remember a healthy rose can fight insects and diseases so begin by feeding your soil. Use GroBetter Organic Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner, made with composted chicken manure, no fillers. Plus it is almost odor-less.
By coming in weekly you will be able to select a rose based upon the true color and aroma, but remember they sell fast when they begin blooming.

Spring is in the Air

Spring is knocking at our garden gates and now is the time to get out in your gardens and prepare them. With winter rains still on the forecast you will want to use them to your advantage. Apply John & Bob's Soil Optimizer and your plants will be healthier and happier. Pull weeds after the rains and apply Amaze to keep them from coming back. Also watch for slugs and snails. You can keep them under control with pellets, meal, and copper tape.

We will have a Backyard Retreat at the Spring Home & Garden Show March 2-4th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Pick up your discount ticket at Mission Hills Nursery while supplies last.

Tiger will be giving a seminar on Saturday March 3rd at 11:45 am at the home show on Common Landscape Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Want to give your Valentine roses throughout the year, not just on Valentine's Day? How about giving him or her a Rose Garden.
Buy 3 or more roses to be shipped to one address today through February 24, 2007 and receive a FREE pair of Rose Gardening Gloves.

Or for those who live within 10 miles of Mission Hills Nursery we will deliver to your Valentine your gift of a Rose Garden. Buy 3 roses and we will deliver them for FREE with a bag of EB Stone Rose Grow. Offer valid February 12, 2007 - February 24, 2007. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Purchase must be made in the store, not on-line. Print this Blog page and bring with you to receive this offer.

HELP WANTED

Mission Hills Nursery is looking for a sales person. Horticulture background and customer service required. You will work weekends and holidays. Email your resume and identify this photo to schedule an interview.

Plant Now for Spring Show

Once the threat of cold cold days and nights are over you will want to get out in the garden and begin preparing for a spectacular spring. First weed now while the soil is moist, then feed your soil with an organic compost EB Stone Planting Compost. Select plants which are suitable for your garden's light, is it sunny or shady? How about the height requirements? Be sure to plant taller varieties in the back and work forward.

We recommend GroBetter by Jongs when you plant, this organic fertilizer is derived from chicken manure, it will not burn your young plants.

Some flower choices for this coming spring are California Poppies most definitely, Clarkia, Foxglove, Delphinium, Aquilegia 'Columbine', Scabiosa, and Verbascum. More varieties coming to us from Annie's Annuals & Perennials visit her website and let us know what you would like to have us carry.

By getting your plants in now they will benefit from our winter rains, but remember if the rains don't come you will need to water. Just don't overwater as the plants are still resting.

Keep weeds down by applying a preemergent when you plant, this sterilizes seeds but doesn't hurt the roots. Ask for Amaze, it really is AMAZING!

Ask Tiger

Saturday January 20, 2007 will kick off the morning segments of Fox 6 Morning News with Tiger and his gardening advice. This week will cover Roses, selection and care of bareroot roses. Segment sponsor is GroBetter. Jongs organic fertilizer which is available at both Mission Hills Nursery and Moose Creek Nursery. Stop by and visit either location this weekend, mention you saw Tiger and receive a free sample of GroBetter.

Exciting News

We are excited to begin working with Fox 6 News doing a gardening segment co hosted by our very own Tiger Palafox.

Be sure to watch this Friday January 12th. The news runs from 7:00 am - 9:00 am. There may be something special you can receive after watching this first segment. Plus give us your feedback, we want the segments to be reflective of your gardening needs. This first segment will focus on Winter Color for the Garden.

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.