Island Bush Mallows our Lavatera- Bob Sussman   Lavatera or tree mallows are native to all the continents of the world with the exception of the poles. In North America, California they are native to our Channel Islands. There are[…]

Where Some New Irises Come From   Plants do funny things because they are plants.  We’ve been growing and crosses pacific coast irises for many years. In the western states there are some 11 or 13 irises that are native.[…]

A Distribution of Flower Children from the Same Parents- Bob Sussman (Hardly a scientific peer reviewed article, maybe better) A little over 10 years ago, thanks to a visit from Dr. Richard Richards I learned how to cross or hybridize[…]

Lots Milkweed …Pick Your Favorite (Native)- Bob Sussman Every year the monarchs come to our region, southern California to mate in both spring and again in fall. They lay their eggs on the various milkweed plants in the wild areas[…]

Preparing for fall pacific coast iris production– Bob @ Matilija Nursery This is the time of year when we clean up our pacific coast irises in their “big” pots and take a good inventory, so we can see what to[…]

Growing Humboldt Lilies- Not Overnight! Humbolt lilies are among the most beautiful of the California natives right up there with matilija poppies and pacific coast irises. Had to mention both of these as one can understand we grow a lot[…]