Fall Vegetables

I know it still feels like summer yet we are coming upon the time to begin planting our fall vegetable gardens. And how spoiled are we in San Diego to be able to plant tomatoes which will produce during the winter months?

We have begun receiving our winter varieties along with lettuces and kales. Over the next couple of weeks our vegetable area will grow with choices.

Do you know how to prepare your beds for fall/winter vegetables? Or when to harvest your rewards? If not sure or if you want to maybe learn more then join us on Saturday September 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 for a wine tasting and vegetable seminar. The actual talk on vegetable gardening will begin around 4:45. Cost is just $5.00 per person, sign up at the nursery.

Birdbaths

Birds enjoy eating their meals (insects), in your garden along with napping in your trees. Yet not many of us provide them with a place to bath. Yet it can be something quite simple as a terra cotta saucer
to elaborate stone or glazed birdbaths. Just remember not too deep, and they need a ledge to perch on. Keep it clean and your garden birds will sing in their showers.


Visit us at Mission Hills Nursery and we can fill your bird's bathing requests.

Pourpier or Portulaca oleracea

I had a special request for Purslane also known as Pourpier in French and Verdolaga in Spanish this last week and I was able to bring some in from our herb grower Pearson's Gardens. I learned this annual can be enjoyed in stir-fry, salads, and other culinary dishes along with just being enjoyed as a summer flower in the garden.

If you have been looking for this plant it is in stock this week. For more information on this annual visit the link listed above. If you cook with it maybe bring us a sample so we can say first had we've tasted it. I did try it raw but not something I'll be adding to my salads.

Pomegranate Wine Tasting

Mark your calendar for Saturday September 26th.  We are planning a very fun evening of tasting, learning, shopping, and saving.  Tasting begins at 4:00pm and the nursery will stay open until 6:00pm.

TwinPoms will be here to offer you a taste of their newly released Pomegranate Wine.  What better place to taste their new wine then strolling Mission Hills Nursery.

Along with tasting you will be able to learn tips on 

how to plant a fall vegetable garden, shop until 6pm

and save 20% off your nursery purchases, wine purchases not eligible for the 20% discount.

This is an invitation only event so please RSVP to toni@missionhillsnursery with the subject line being Pomegranate, let me know how many will be coming with you.

You must be 21 or older to attend.  The cost for this evening event is only $5.00.

Or register at the nursery.

August 11th Tuesday's Tasting

This Tuesday's Tasting is going to be crisp whites. To compliment these whites your purchase of white flowers from the 5" perennial tables will be discounted 20%. One of our newest white flowers on the tables is the Clitoria double 'white lady'. Double pea like blossoms cover a delicate vine that grows 36", it excels in heat and humidity and will grow in full sun to part shade. Plant it in a container with a trellis or let it trail over a window box or out of a hanging basket. Keep the soil moist. Other white flowers which are blooming now are

Euphoribia Diamond Frost, a continuously blooming flower which enjoys both full sun and shade. Makes a statement when planted by itself but really shines when used in a mixed container.

Bacopa which is considered a perennial here in San Diego gracefully drapes down the sides of containers or spreads across the soil surface in garden beds. Grows well in sun along the coast and would prefer shade inland, requires regular watering.

Tastings are from 3:00 - 5:00, it's not about the taste it's about getting ideas from the displays and spending time with your friends. See you in the nursery.

New Exciting Arrivals

Yesterday and today trucks were unloaded with product we haven't had in stock for awhile and we are excited about. First let me describe for you the wonderful scent you will find when you enter the upper lot. Oil from the Michelia champaca, Alba tree is used in the making of Joy Perfume. Joy Perfume is made by the same company which gives us Channel No. 5. This evergreen tree can grow 10-20' tall and as wide. The white flowers bloom most often in the summer and winter yet also intermittently throughout the rest of the year.

Another specimen which you will see when you first enter is the Allamanda cathartica, Golden Trumpet vine. This evergreen vine can grow thru trees and reach 50'. Or if you pinch it back you may maintain it as a freestanding shrub. The yellow trumpet flowers are 5" wide and 3" long and appear nearly year round. Loves heat and needs it for proper growth and bloom, does not tolerate cold.

Summer time pots in different shapes, sizes, and bright colors.
Orchid pots with the holes in the sides, and self watering pots for African Violets. Plus some really fun small glazed bowls to plant up for your patio tables. Oh yes and speaking of patio tables, we do have umbrella pots in stock.

With the cut backs in water your garden birds are looking for new places to bath so why not give them a new birdbath this summer? We just unloaded blue and green ones which are just the right size for our feathered friends, and if you are worried about wasting water, use the water that would run down the drain while you are waiting for it to warm up.

If you haven't looked at the card rack you will want to stop and see the beautiful photo cards which are done by our local photographer Meredith French. Some gorgeous photos of flowers and insects. Give the card that is worth framing, or pick up a few for yourself and enjoy nature in it's finest show.

Most Unusual Flower

What is that flower growing on the back of your building? I don't know how many times we've been asked this question and every time the person asking either loves the vine or is disgusted by it. Aristolochia gigantea or Dutchman's Pipe. Fast growing vine that can grow 15-20' tall has been spreading across our back building for years, even with repeated cuttings this vine is a conversation piece. Oddly shaped flowers are really petal-less calyces that open about 6" wide and hang nearly 12" long. Hardy vine to about 30 degrees, plant in a sunny spot with summer shade for a more stunning show.

This plant is in stock and sells out quickly, we have the Gigantea and regular to choose from.

4th of July Celebration

What an amazing community we work in, and the spirit really shined thru this last 4th of July. A parade of the neighborhood showed as many people got together to walk, ride, skate, and push their way along the streets, starting at Pioneer Park.






Well we all didn't walk the route we did send a representative from the Nursery. Claudia pushed our "float" and we are proud to say it was the first float entry, watch for more next year.
After the parade there were many fun activities back at the park, from hula hoop contests, to balloon toss, and cake for everyone.

At the nursery Enrique fired up the BBQ and Fernando was our Hot Dog chef. He cooked up hot dogs from Sausage King and everyone really enjoyed them, if you haven't tried them before you need to. They have just the right about of spices, and crispy outside so they crunch when you bite.

Thank you to everyone who helped put this event on, we look forward to the next couple of weeks of concerts in the park, Friday nights. Bring your blankets, chairs, food and friends.

Zinfandel Tasting

This Tuesday July 7th we will be tasting Zinfandels, red and white. Did you know the same grape is used to make both? The difference being the skin is removed from the grape when making the white variety, thus you get a lighter and sweeter wine.
What connection is this week's tasting to the nursery? Grapes of course are on sale, you may not make your own wine but you can turn a portion of your garden into a mini vineyard or Tuscan village.

See you in the garden 3:00 - 5:00 for Tuesday's Tasting

Fruit Sale and Sangria

Tuesday June 30th we'll be celebrating summer and our fruit tree sale at our Tuesday Tasting. Come in and try White Sangria. Remember tasting time is from 3:00 - 5:00 so come early and enjoy your beverage while shopping. Yesterday's tasting we ran out of the crisp La Crema Chardonnay right at 5pm and everyone seemed to enjoy it along with the basil pesto. Crispy and spicy went hand in hand.

Improving your Irrigation System

Looking for ways to improve your current irrigation system? Or do you need to install one? Come to the Mission Hills Garden Club's meeting this Wednesday June 24th and Tiger will have some ideas and answers for you. Come learn about the Irritrol Smart Dial which can help your garden to be more water efficient.

6:30 pm at the Mission Hills United Church of Christ
4070 Jackdaw @ Ft. Stockton (just east of the nursery)

Father's Day Savings

Father's Day is this weekend and if you are looking for a fun gift we have Money Trees in 3 different sizes.  Did he not raise you saying.....

"Do you think money grows on trees?"

Show Dad that you learned from him and the answer is.....

"Yes, there is such a thing as a money tree"

We are putting all in stock fountains and birdbaths on sale just in time for you to save on Dad's gift.  30% off beginning Friday 6/19/09 and ending 7/19/09 or while supplies last.

Tuesday Tasting

This Tuesday's Tasting is all about RED.  Stop by and relax with a glass of something red, be it wine or juice, just take some time out of your afternoon for yourself and a friend.  I picked up a nice red wine just yesterday while out for an afternoon with my husband and friends. I think you'll enjoy a glass

                                                             Tasting is from 3:00 - 5:00 

Half Price Rose Sale

All roses in stock, yes every size color style and fragrance are on SALE.  

We have cut back some but with Enrique's care they are already showing new growth and another round of flowers are budding and blooming.  We are not able to ship any more this year but you can pick up a great bargain by coming into the nursery.  We need to make room for an area of the nursery that has begun to grow very rapidly, California Native Plants.  Watch for this area to expand over the next couple of weeks.  It will be located up by the cactus and succulents which also are getting more nursery space. 

Come in early for the best selections, if you don't think you have space for a rose how about one in a container?  With the right size pot, soil, and fertilizer it's possible.  Come in and ask Enrique for his recommendations.

SALE BEGINS TODAY 6/6/09 and runs until we are sold out or 10/15/09 whichever comes first, I hope the sale ends 6/30/09, that would mean everyone took advantage of these great SAVINGS.

Tuesday Tasting 5/26/09

Tuesday Tasting for 5/26/09 is all about Lemons.

Refreshing ice-cold Lemon water and Lemonade will be served along

 with Lemon Cookies.

Learn the difference in Lemons, save on anything Lemon.

Lemon Meringue Rose, Lemon Cucumbers and of course Lemon trees.

Tasting is from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Sales items limited to stock on hand

Weekend Sale

Purple Petunias, one of our growers grew too many Purple Petunias so we are offering them to you at a discount if you buy a full flat of 6 colorpacks

Not sure if you are capable of growing vegetables?  Let us reassure you that yes you can.  Get a head start by buying a plant which is a little more mature. We have a good selection of Tomatoes, Watermelons, Squash, and Pumpkins in 2 gallon size pots on sale 5/22/09 - 6/15/09 or while supplies last.  Remember you don't pay tax on plants which produce "food"

We will be open Memorial Day, shop while drinking an Icy Cold Soda, just a small token to show our Thanks, we know you have a choice when gardening and we appreciate your business.

Where the Unusual is the Usual

In our earlier days we would always describe our nursery as 'where the unusual is the usual' while that hasn't changed, we still pride ourselves on having unusual and unique plants and other gardening items. This month I've brought in something very 'unusual' because it's not gardening related. Yet because of the uniqueness I wanted to make it available to all of you. The photos don't do the necklace/bracelet/belt justice, you need to pick it up and try it out for yourself. What you leave your home with may not be what you come back with in regards to the design and how you are wearing it. We found this item on our trip to South Africa last year and our friend was able to get some sent over, we have seen them in jewlery stores and craft shows for much more than what we are offering them to you for.
Pick up more than one for yourself or as a gift, $25.00 each or $20.00 each if you buy 2 or more.

Exciting New Book at the Nursery

We received a phone call late last week from Bunny Henderson, the author of "Digging It" How to garden your way out of the recession. Bunny's son lives in Mission Hills so she was familiar with our nursery and realized our saying of "Life's a Garden, Dig It!" seemed to fit perfectly with her book. Josh dropped by with a copy of the book and we all found it to be a great item to bring in this week for Garden Walk. Learn how to plan your vegetable garden, gather the right tools, build raised beds or garden in containers. The book will teach you how to fertilize, water, and most importantly 'harvest' the rewards of your labor. We are expecting the book to be in stock on Saturday, just in time for Mission Hills Garden Walk. Next time Bunny is in town we will arrange for her to come into the nursery, you can bring your book back in and have her sign it.

Rose Sale

Have you seen the beautiful roses blooming at the nursery this last week? It seems as if they have all come to life, the colors are vibrant. Enrique is doing a great job of keeping the pest at bay, he keeps them clean and moving around to showcase those with the most blooms.



When he sees blooms that are almost done he clips them and brings them inside where we are stripping them down to just the petals.
If we have a basket full you are welcome to take a handful
and spread them across your bed, how romantic is that?


Tree roses planted in containers are perfect to line a walk way or accent an area of your garden where you escape to. Just position a small seat by your rose tree and sit back with a good book and a refreshing beverage. Life is good.
To share this beauty with you we have all roses in stock on sale at 33% off, that is like buying 2 and getting the 3rd one FREE. So if you have been considering a rose garden now is the time to buy one of each color. Or just one special rose in remembrance of someone.

sale prices valid on in store purchases only, can not be combined with any other discount. we are no longer shipping new rose orders.

Happy 20th Anniversary

April 1, 1989 we became the proud owners of Mission Hills Nursery.

As I reflect back on those first years, my husband was coming home physically tired but ever so happy as he had fulfilled one of his dreams, to own his own nursery. The community welcomed us and taught us what they were looking for in a nursery. I believe we have all grown to love each other and respect each other. We could not do what we do day in and day out if not for the support we receive from every one of our customers. Some days can be quite challenging but then a small child will come in holding their grandfather's hand and buy a package of seeds. The joy in their eyes knowing they will be "gardening" is as the commercial says Priceless.

Many of you have watched our own children grow into adults, just as we have watched yours. Gone are the days of Tiger jumping around on the bags of soil, now he drives the forklift full of soil and Kristi pulling all the pretty flowers to bring me a bouquet. In place are the days in which Fausto and I don't have to show up every day, Tiger is there working with you now and putting his own style on the nursery. Kristi gives me moral support when I need it and still brings me bouquets.

We truly are blessed to be in the community we are in. We appreciate each day talking with those who drive from all parts of San Diego county to garden with us. We have some of the best employees who also love sharing their experience and knowledge with each of you. For those of you who work a stressful job every day, just stopping by and wandering around the nursery is a form of therapy, we are glad to be here for you.

As we have in the past we will be celebrating our anniversay all week in different ways. The biggest and best though happens on Wednesday April 1st, No joke. Every purchase will be reduced by 20%, no coupon needed. Thinking of a fountain? Wednesday is the day to buy it. Thinking of redoing your containers with new vegetables? Wednesday is the day to do it. Here's the small print, limited to stock on hand, no special orders, can not be combined with any other offer or sale.

Thank You for helping us to be here 20 years, come out and celebrate with us.

Garden Walk Season

Garden Walk Season and the choices are growing each year. The one event we are proudest to partner with is Mission Hills Garden Club's. Their annual walk this year is on May 9th. An easy way to remember their date is each year it falls on the Saturday before Mother's Day. What a fun way to spend time with your mother and or friends who are mothers.

But if one is not enough there are many more, from Pt. Loma and the beach areas, to the South Bay and East County. With every event having a different theme and different gardens you can be assured you won't see any 2 alike. Some homes are professionally landscaped while others are done by the homeowners.

We do have tickets on sale at the nursery for the Mission Hills and Pt. Loma walks, information for all the others can be found on line. Your booklet from the Mission Hills walk holds a valuable coupon for the nursery so remember to look for it.

Get out your walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and grab your fellow gardeners the next 6-8 weeks will keep you inspired.