Watermelon Palm

Just a few months ago as we were removing our green house, as I tell everyone, the termites were tired of holding it up, I found some palms not looking very happy. My first thought was to toss them but when I read up on them I decided to cut them back, feed them and see what may happen.
And wow I am impressed. What I have is Chambeyronia Macrocarpa, common name Watermelon Palm.
Within the last couple of weeks new fronds have begun growing and opening up, they are a beautiful color, one you will want to see in person. As the fronds get older they turn green yet in the beginning are beautifully reddish.
I'm so happy I nursed them back, and it didn't take much, just a trimming some organic food and fresh air. I believe there are only a couple left and if I was you and had any interest in unusual plants this is one you will want to put in your collection.

Vegetable Garden Contest

Victory Gardens are making a come back. Have you planted yours? Did you plant yours in unique containers or use a design that makes you smile every time you go out to work in it? Do you want to win organic fertilizer to keep yours going for a whole year? We have come up with an easy contest to enter.

Send us either via email or drop a photo by the nursery with your name and contact information on it. Include a little story about your edible garden. We will judge on creativity, uniqueness, and diversity of edible plants. Get into the spirit of the Old Victory Garden, make it a fun event for the whole family.

Personal information will not be disclosed so please be sure your name and contact information are on the back of your photo not included in the picture. Pictures will be posted at the nursery and on my blog.

Photos and story due into us by May 30th. Winner will be announced the first week in June. For more information please stop by the nursery.

Tomato Smorgasboard

This week we received probably 20 different varieties of tomatoes. From tiny Sweet 100's, one that sounds yummy, Black Cherry to the large Beefsteak and everything in between. Heirlooms in all colors along with the local favorite San Diego. To read about some of the varieties we carry click over on the title above Tomato Smorgasboard, you will be taken to one of our grower's website Doright Growers







To get you started on your vegetable garden we do recommend you plant with E.B. Stone's newest product we've begun to carry called Soil Booster. All organic contains chicken manure, earthworm castings, bag guano, kelp and more. Mix it into your soil and your vegetable garden will produce more vegetables with real vegetable taste. Be sure to also add Sure Start, I consider this a jump start for your roots.

Just in also is our first shipment of Annie's Annuals, poppies, linarias, and more.

Musicians Wanted

If you play an instrument and are looking for somewhere to practice we would love to have you at the nursery. We think it would be enjoyable to stroll around the nursery and hear music played by local artists. If this is something you might be interested in please contact Toni and we can discuss it further.

California Native Plant Class

Are you looking for ways to reduce water usage in your garden without turning it over to cactus and succulents? Interested in California Native Plants but not sure how to plant and care for them? You will want to attend our class April 10th beginning at 10:00am.
A representative from Moosa Creek Nursery, who supplies us with a wide selection of California Native Plants will lead the class. Come and learn from someone who grows them, bring your questions. After you have learned which California Natives will work in your garden we will offer you a first ever discount, buy 4 plants get the 5th one free (equal or lessor value). We have in stock over 40 different plants in one gallon and a very nice selection of larger stock in 5 gallon.

wear your hat as this class will be outside in the sun by the Native plants.

Kate Sessions planted California Natives back in the early 1900's which are still in gardens here in Mission Hills today. One plant found in gardens then and now is the Matilija Poppy, we do have them for sale.

Local Inspirational Author

This year's shipment of Louise Hay roses are beginning to leaf out and we've been shipping them all around the country. In May of this year Hay House is sponsoring I Can Do It, a weekend retreat for your soul, right here in San Diego. I am excited to be able to attend along with having the nursery there to sell her rose to many of her followers. If you haven't read any of her books you may want to check them out, she is a local author who has inspired many with her positive writings.

planting vegetables

Saturday March 13th you can watch Tiger on Channel 6
between 9:00 and 10:00am. He will be demonstrating how to plant your vegetable garden in containers. After his segment he will hurry back to the nursery to put on a seminar for you personally, hands on. Not sure what you can plant together? Not sure what containers you can use?

This is a class you will want to attend. Remember there is no charge for the class, and a bonus is you will be able to save 15% off your vegetable purchases once the class is finished.

Continuation of Herbal Lesson

What a beautiful Sunday we had last weekend, following a rainy and blistery Saturday. It was nice to have some of you come in and ask about the herbs I had written about in my previous blog. Continuing with my findings in this blog I'll cover Flax, Hyssop, and Sorrel. First let me say that I am not trained in herbs what I'm posting is from researching on the internet, please don't read my writings and assume I am recommending any medicinal remedies.

Flax, Linum usitatissimum, also known as linseed. An annual herb with grey green leaves which produce sky blue flowers in the summer. After the plant has flowered you will find capsules which contain shiny, oval and flat seeds. These seeds are dried and used in various ways. Crushed, the flax seed may be mixed into breakfast cereal for the treatment of constipation. When crushed and mixed into a poultice (soft moist mass) it is known to be effective in local inflammations, such as boils, and eczema.
Now how sweet does this little flower look?

Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis. evergreen bushy herb which can grow up to 2', square stem, linear leaves. The flower tops are used medicinally in teas. As a culinary herb it is used in broths and salads.
Look for the blooms to appear June to October, depending on your climate.
Plant in a warm area, keep moist until established then they do better with a dryer soil.

Sorrel, Rumex sanguineus.
Grown as a foliage plant due to it's unusual coloration. Plant in full sun and provide regular watering, do not overwater. The young leaves are the edible parts and you eat them as you would spinach. Cut the flower stalks off and more energy will go into producing larger foliage clumps of sword shaped leaves highlighted by red veining.

This morning I'll be picking fresh basil for tonight's dinner, and if the sorrel plants look big enough maybe pull a few leaves to add to the salad. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit from your own gardens just taste so much better.

Unusual Herbs

As I fill up the Herb tables at the nursery I am learning more and more. This week I brought in some herbs based upon customer request and also because the names were different. One such different one on the table this week is Hamburg Parsley. When I first saw it I thought it was hamburger parsley and I envisioned very large leafs that fit on a hamburger. The botanical name for this parsley variety is Petroselinum crispum Tuberosum. It has been described as a cross between parsley and parsnips. The root is what is used and the taste was described to me as a cross between celery and parsley - definitely tasty. You can slice it raw or cook it in soups.

Parsley is rich in vitamins, minerals and compounds which clear toxins from the body. Theories of how parsley gets its name vary. One says it was named for rocks in the Greek gardens, "petros". It is a biennel but most of us grow it as an annual. It is best used fresh so keep it growing in a pot handy to the kitchen, clip if often to promote new growth. You do know why they put in on your plate in restaurants right? Natural breath freshner.

Another leafy herb on the table this week is Chervil, which when I researched it found it has a family alliance to cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris. Well Chervil resembles flat leaf parsley the aroma and taste suggest tarragon & fennel. If you enjoy French cooking you certainly want Chervil in your herb garden. Use the leaves to enhance white fish, eggs, soups and salads. When adding to cooked foods add it near the end so as not to overcook the flavor.

An herb which you either welcome into your herb garden or dispise the smell of. Epazote, Chenopodium ambrosoides. This Mexican herb has a very strong taste, it has been used in Mexican cuisine dating back to the Aztecs who used it for not only cooking but medicinal purposes. Used in moderation it may help relieve gassiness that comes from eating beans, thus it is cooked in with the beans.

All of these are on the tables this weekend, I'll post more varieties in a few days, but now it's off to work. See you at the nursery and remember we do have umbrellas so you can shop in the rain.

San Diego's liquid sunshine

Went to bed last night without the rains having come, and woke up this morning to the sound of it hitting our bedroom window. Looking out at it now is a welcome sight as we know the rain makes all the plants in the nursery happier. Plus the weather report says it is going to stop raining in about 15 minutes. Since it was a few hours late in coming I'm not sure it will stop on time. But you can be assured when it does stop later this morning the nursery is be ready for you.


And by ready believe me when I say ready. Fausto did the buying this last week and he bought for spring weather. The vegetable table became tables, the front displays are bursting with geraniums in all colors, and varieties. Chamaelaucium uncinatum, botanical name for Waxflower, are budding and showing some color. Plant these in your garden for a hardy drought-tolerant flowering plant which when cut last for a long time in your arrangements.

Right about now you will begin seeing burst of soft pink flowers with a strong fragrance, this is the Pink Jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum. This is an evergreen vine which originated in China. The abundance of flowers is stunning. Plant it where you want an impact of color and fragrance. If pink is your choice in the garden you will want to see the Pink Magnolias, they are budded and flowering. And if you want to know what this plant will look like when mature you can see one just 2 doors west of the nursery in the front yard of a home for sale. I hope the new owners don't take out this tree it helps us sell alot of trees. (no picture attached just drive by for the real thing)

Red Aloe came in yesterday and I learned that if you give it more water than not it will show more green, very pretty specimens available this weekend.

There is so much more at the nursery we hope you'll stop in, and if it is still raining we have umbrellas you can borrow.

Sunshine and your edibles

When walking this morning I actually had to wear my sunglasses, what a welcome change from the last couple of weeks.
We are so fortunate to live in a city with such beautiful weather for most of the year. Once our rain was over everything looked so clean. While the people on the east coast once their snows are done they will still have a mess to deal with.
Wish you could have captured some of our rains? You can with a Rain Barrel, stop by and see Tiger for more information and to save 30% off your purchase this month.

Many of you are looking for basil plants, we hope to be restocked next week, with the cold weather the plants didn't want to leave the warm greenhouses. We do have a good selection of Tomato plants, broccoli, lettuces and brussel sprouts, have you ever seen them growing?





Did you get your antioxidants in your breakfast this morning? Make it easier on yourself by planting a berry bush in your backyard. How yummy do fresh berries with your morning cereal or yogurt taste? We have varieties which are suitable for our mild climate.

Rainy Day Savings

We try and stay open during the rain for those of you who enjoy gardening in it. Yet there are times we close early so always call before heading over. Yet if you are going to come over we want to Thank You with Rainy Day Savings.
Print this blog entry and bring with you on any day this year 2010 that is raining. No it couldn't have rained the night before, or may rain the next day it has to be raining when you come in. By shopping in the rain you can save 20% off your purchase.


20% valid on your total purchase of regularly priced items, can not be combined with any other offer.

If you aren't going to garden in the rain than at least put on a pair of boots and jump in puddles. Puddle jumping brings out the child in each of us

European Baskets

Join us Saturday February 13th for a class on European Baskets. These may be planted to be enjoyed either inside or outdoors. If you already have an empty basket bring it and see how to bring it back to life, or buy one from our selection.


In celebration of Valentine's Day we will serve Strawberries, Chocolate and Champagne during the class, so bring a friend and make it a fun morning.
Class begins at 10:00 am, you also receive 15% off any plants you purchase for your basket.

Winterizing your Rose Garden

The first in our series of gardening classes will be Sunday January 31, 2010. Class begins at 11:00am and will run about 1 hour, depending on how many questions there are. This first class is on winter care of your roses.
Learn how to prune your rose


and what are the correct tools to use. What to spray your roses with after you have pruned them. And if adding new roses to your garden what to look for in dormant roses.


Bring your own pruners, be sure they are sharp and we'll let you do some hands on pruning.

After learning these simple steps to successful rose growing you will be inspired to buy more roses for your garden, or begin a rose garden so we will offer you a FREE Louise Hay rose with the purchase of any 4 other roses.

Pineapple Talk

Pineapple Talk given to the Bromeliad Society on Tuesday January 12, 2010 by Fausto Palafox, owner of Mission Hills Nursery.

Tell Us Your Experience

This year we are celebrating our 100th anniversary, and Reina dressed up when we told her about it.


The biggest celebration will happen during the spring. Since the nursery was first opened by Kate Sessions there have been many who have walked through our nursery and found just the right plant for their garden. A good many had brought their own children in, who are now bringing their grandchildren in, and taught them the many benefits of gardening. Whether it was done out of a necessity to grow food, to beautify your home, or as exercise we are glad you have chosen us. "Life's a Garden, Dig It!" has been our motto for many years and it really is true. Our newest slogan is Dirt....where it begins. As Fausto tells us without good soil no matter what you plant you will have a harder job getting it to grow.

As part of our celebration we want to hear your story. Please send them to me either via email toni@missionhillsnursery.com, mail, or drop them by the nursery. If you have photos or other memorabilia please include these. If something you want to share is not able to be copied we will return them after our celebration.

Each month we will select one story to post at the nursery and the winning entry will receive a $50.00 shopping spree, winning story will be selected by our staff and our key affiliates.

Send your story in now, everyone has something memorable to share with others. If Reina could only talk I'm certain she would have a great story to tell about how much she and Socks Love living at Mission Hills Nursery. We never know she just may tell me something I can write about their adventures, stay tuned.

Getting There

We are about 70% restocked at the nursery, our upper lot is blooming with winter color, citrus trees some flowering some fruiting. Our pottery department has been moved to make your shopping easier, or maybe harder since you will be able to see more choices in one spot, oh and you thought just running to the nursery to pick up a pot was a simple chore.

We've left open an area to be used as our planting area when bareroot roses and dormant trees arrive. Here is a photo of them in their fields being harvested.

Our first order is due to arrive early January. You can pick up a list of our 2010 rose selections at the nursery or on our website. If you want to know which stone fruit trees and other ornamental trees are coming in just drop me an email and I'll send it over.

Thank you for supporting us over the last 99 years

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from all of us at Mission Hills Nursery.
May your holiday season be filled with the warmth and laughter of
family and friends. May your garden provide you with a bounty
of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Rain and more Rain

Rain has been falling all day and even though not many of you are venturing out to the nursery those brave soles are finding it very peaceful. I've enjoyed walking thru the plants during a rain, they seem to be singing and reaching up as they stretch their limbs. The cats are hiding inside while little boys splash in the mud and little girls scream with delight. Such a welcome sight after so many months of dry. Let's hope the ground is able to absorb most of it instead of having it run off into the drains and out into the ocean.

Now that we've gotten our first rain you may be wishing you had purchased that Rain Tank while they were on sale last month. Many of you did buy and we should receive them in the nursery by the 14th. If you didn't buy last month but still want to get one installed before the winter rains stop you can still order yours, turn around time is about 2-3 weeks, you won't want to wait too long or you could miss out on Mother Nature helping you water your garden this spring.

This is the stream line version which fits flatter against your wall. Our most popular one is round and holds 205 gallons. Stop in and talk with Tiger if you have any questions.

Fresh Christmas Trees

Our first load of fresh cut Christmas trees is on the lot at Mission Hills Nursery. Juan, Enrique, and Fernando have been busy getting them ready to be sent out to homes and businesses this weekend. The fragrance of the season has begun to fill the neighborhood, while the warm cinnamon pine cones fill the inside of our nursery.









This picture gives you an idea of the beauty of our Poinsettias, you will want to come in and see them for yourself. They are stunning and vivid, so clean that more than one customer thought they were artificial. This weekend we have them in Red and White, but in another week you will have more color choices.