We cultivate grass to use as:
•Lawn substitutes
•Meadows
•Slope stabilizer
•Retention basin
•Bioswales
•Borders
•Filler or ground cover
ABOUT US
We are a specialized nursery growing durable, drought tolerant grasses and grass-like plants in the beautiful Carpinteria Valley. Our focus is on selecting and growing CA native and other hardy grasses that are among the best choices for use as ground covers, lawn substitutes, in retention basins, and when creating meadows. Initially, we only supplied the local wholesale market and now with our expanded marketing we are growing more grasses that are noted for their spectacular flowers and plan to continually add new items to our list.
​
The selections are grown in 4” deep plugs which we believe provide an ideal size for planting a healthy start at a very economical price. With a little patience, because of the fast rate of growth of most grasses, a healthy jumbo plug can usually equal a larger 1g. size plant in as little as six weeks of growing time.
​
Thank you visiting our website and please browse our catalog for photos and detailed information on all the plants we are currently growing.
Background
After studying horticulture at Cal Poly SLO, my nursery career started in 1980 helping my father in the family nursery. After 10 years with Abe Nursery, I ventured out on my own and started Chia Nursery, a small nursery that specialized in perennial plants during the height of the cottage garden, perennial borders design craze. For the last several years my interest has been providing different grasses and grass-like plants with a special focus on CA native and other tough, low growing ground cover types.
Site Preparation for Plugs
Before planting, especially the smaller plugs, it is critical to eliminate the weeds and weed seeds as completely as possible. Start by spraying or if working chemical-free, physically remove all weeds and debris. If soil requires conditioning, incorporate the appropriate number of amendments with a tiller. If time allows, it is highly recommended to water sufficiently and wait up to two weeks to germinate any remaining weed seeds, then eliminate again.
Extra care is needed when installing the smaller plugs to plant at the correct soil level. Finish with a light ½” topping of a finer grade mulch to help with both moisture retention and in inhibiting any future seeds from germinating.
