© 2006 Wendy Dager

The LEAF-let spoke with Bruce Berlin, S&S Seeds' Erosion Control Products Manager, to get the scoop on this year's Growing Grounds Tour, which took place April 21.

LEAF-let: How did this year's tour differ from others?

Bruce Berlin: Many years back, we hosted it in Carpinteria. As we increased our production capabilities and become the largest California Native Grass and wildflower producer, we decided to offer our tour every year at Rancho De Las Flores. This year, we expanded our "demonstration trial garden," where we planted small rows of annuals and perennials. Within the 2-acre garden, we had more than 108 annuals and 80 perennials to look at, take pictures of, and learn more about.

LL: Is there a reason the tour is held in April?

BB: April is the month that many of our native grass and wildflower production fields are at their peak. Two-acre fields of solid needlegrass or desert marigold in full bloom are spectacular en masse. April is a beautiful time to see these native plants demonstrating their true colors.

LL: How is the tour site, Rancho De Las Flores in Los Alamos, affiliated with S&S Seeds' main facility in Carpinteria?

BB: Rancho De Las Flores is our production headquarters, where we grow more than 80 different fields of native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. We utilize the production ranch to provide the inventory of native seeds for our own use, for other seed companies, and for the revegetation and restoration market. With our own seed production, we know more about the growth patterns and characteristics of the plants, the horticultural potential of each, and we're able to keep down the costs of native seeds. Since we have been growing native seeds at Rancho De Las Flores for more than 15 years, we have learned a tremendous amount about native seeds. No other company focuses on that like S&S Seeds.

LL: Which S&S employees hosted the tour and what are their duties?

BB: The Growing Grounds Tour is a collaborative effort of many S&S employees. The Ranch Manager and his assistants do the bulk of the work, as it is their duty to keep the ranch well-maintained and productive. A committee of S&S Seeds staff including myself, Paul Albright, Ben Miller, Victor and Susan Schaff, and Jody Miller all contribute in the logistics of hosting the group for the day. It is an informative, fun-filled, and usually quite memorable day.



LL: What was the itinerary?

BB: We have a morning tour, a fantastic Santa Maria Style barbecue lunch, and then a repeat afternoon tour for those who could not make it out in the morning. In about four hours, one is able to see and walk through more than 70 different fields as well as take pictures and explore our demonstration trial garden. The barbecue and scenery are incredible, so people go home quite happy for the few hours they spent with us.



LL: Who were some of the attendees?

BB: They range from CalTrans architects to private restoration consulting firms, hydroseeding contractors, city planners, native plant group members, nursery people and, of course, many landscape architects.

LL: What were their questions and comments?

BB: Usually the questions revolve around where our seeds originated or what conditions the plants prefer. Sometimes it helps to hear about the tribulations we have as growers, and what efforts we have made to learn how to control a certain pest, weed, etc.

LL: Will this remain an annual event for S&S?

BB: Most likely. We are committed and dedicated to native seed production at Rancho De Las Flores and that will not change. The extra effort to host a one-day tour is our way of sharing our experience and excitement about how native plants and seeds work to improve our environment in so many ways. It is still sometimes hard to entice people to come to the Central Coast, since it seems so far for those in San Diego or San Francisco. In reality, it is one of the nicest times of year when the surrounding hills are green and lush, and then to see our production fields in full glory. Most everybody that has been there asks to be invited back. I suppose we will host the event as long as we are able to still get a good turnout. We hope to get feedback from people to see what changes we should make for the event, if any.

LL: Anything you'd like to add?

BB: For those who have never been on one of our tours and want to be sent a reminder, please send an email to info@ssseeds or give us a call at (805) 684-0436 and ask to be invited next year. We'll add you to our invitation mailing list for our April 2007 tour.

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