Jan Nelson
Press Banner
I moved to the San Lorenzo Valley from Pismo Beach in the late ‘80s and found the gardening conditions so very different here that I knew if I was challenged then others were also.
I gained so much practical knowledge working at a local nursery that I decided to add to my Associate of Science degree with additional horticultural classes from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, UC Berkeley Extension Design program and Cabrillo College. With this additional education I started my landscape design and consulting business in 1995.
My love of gardening began as a kid when my father bought me some giant pansies. He also grew heirloom tomatoes and I helped tend them.
I’ve gardened in many places in California but the Santa Cruz mountains has been my favorite. From the redwood forest to the chaparral of the sand hills there are so many unique and challenging growing conditions here. It’s been my goal to help fellow gardeners enjoy successful and enduring gardens that benefit our environment while adding beauty to their lives.
I am an Advanced California Nursery Professional and member of the California Landscape Contractors Association.
I’ve been writing for the Press Banner for more than 10 years and love to help fellow gardeners. We are always learning.
My favorite plants to grow are perennials and shrubs that attract hummingbirds and songbirds. Their favorites in my garden are ceanothus, salvia, mimulus, California fuchsia, abutilon and hybrid fuchsias.
