Blog Posts By Category: Plants

Poinsettias, an Encinitas Legend

We love to decorate our homes and offices with the beautiful and vibrant Poinsettia plant each December. But, did you know that today’s popular holiday plants trace their roots back to San Diego?  Encinitas actually.

Native to Central America, especially southern Mexico, the Poinsettia plant with its bright red flowers was used to make dye for clothing and its white sap to treat fevers.

Had it not been for Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851), the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, we would not enjoy the beauty of this plant during the holiday season. He first brought the Poinsettia (named after him) to the United States in the early 1900’s.  It was originally considered that these early plants could only be grown in hothouses but that was until Albert Ecke, was captivated by this plant.

He and his son Paul began growing Poinsettias as part of their orchard and dairy farm business during the off-season in Hollywood. When Los Angeles continued to grow they needed to find a new place to grow their poinsettias and they moved to Encinitas in 1923.  The Encinitas Ranch’s main business from 1923 to the 1960’s was producing field grown poinsettia plants and then shipped to greenhouse growers across the country.  As the demand for poinsettias continued to grow so did the Ecke business. In the early 60’s they began shifting to a greenhouse culture. Today the Ecke Ranch is recognized as the largest poinsettia stock production facility in the world.

So next time you are hypnotized by those beautiful holiday Poinsettias, you can thank the Ecke family of San Diego for helping making this plant a holiday icon. 

You can read more about the history of the Poinsettia on the Paul Ecke Poinsettias website.

For tips on how to care for your Poinsettia visit Poinsettia Care.

If you are in need of Poinsettias, we have beautiful selection available.  

To order call (858) 576-9300

Really Cool Plant Designs

As you know we love plants so when we can share cool and innovative ways people are using them we have to tell you about it.
 

SUCCULENT PURSES BY ARIANE FALKNER Looking for a way to take your garden with you? This beautiful and unique purse designed by Ariane Falkner lets you do just that. These handmade purses use dried moss and a variety of succulents. Get yours online at Wabisabi Green Photo courtesy of Wasabi Green

LIN POD BENCH The Lin Pod Bench designed by Leif.designpark allows you to get closer to nature while lounging on this beautiful upholstered bench.   Learn More Photo courtesy of Mixture Home

PLANTED TABLE = DOUBLE GREEN   This one is a keeper for sure. Designed by Emily Wettstein, this table is beautifully designed and made of reclaimed walnut wood and steel. It also features a removable planter in the center for growing your favorite herbs or other greenery.   Learn More Photo courtesy of Inhabitat.

Take two aspirin

If you have a headache that might be the cure your doctor recommends. But what if you suffer from Sick Building Syndrome? Sick Building Syndrome is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to chemical contaminants such as formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, carpets, paint, and cleaning supplies in which they are exposed to while in the building.

Symptoms include allergies, asthma, and headaches.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency the air quality indoors often has a higher concentration of pollutants than outdoors.  

Since Americans spend 90% of their time indoors this can be a big problem but luckily plants can reduce the impact of these pollutants according to research published in HortScience.   For us, this is good news and of course another great reason to introduce plants into your work or living space.  We love plants.

The complete study and abstract are available on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal Web site, http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/10/1489

Living Wall at Nokia

While some of us were busy finishing up the green roof project, our fabulous Debbie whipped up a living wall for Nokia!

Nice job Debbie - the wall looks fabulous!

Sharp Roof Garden Proposal - CHECK!

We submitted a bid package yesterday for a large green roof project on Sharp Hospital just down the street in Kearny Mesa.Thank you Pari and Todd for your help preparing the very large re4sonse to their RFP. It’s a very interesting 5,000 sq ft design by Glenn Schmidt and company that incorporates the opening notes of “Ode to Joy”. Patient recovery rooms look out onto the roof top and the view of a beautiful garden will speed up their recovery time.

We’re bringing in an expert colleague from Chicago, Greg Raymond, who has installed over a half million square feet of green roof over the last 10 years – and I recently hired a Cal Poly Graduate student as job foreman. Plus we have a new hire for an entry level laborer – let’s get this one!

We can use your help – if you know anyone at Sharp to that has any influence on purchasing, we are dealing with Time Crowe. Decision will be made by Wednesaday the 28th, so make your calls today!