From the Fields

Janet Kister
San Diego County nursery operator

Fall has finally arrived, bringing a change of temperatures and the availability of cold weather plants such as garden mums, cyclamen and pansies. This is a welcome change for the nursery industry.

This summer presented a variety of challenges, including extended heat waves that taxed our ability to meet prescribed water cutbacks and introduced invasive pests, creating a patchwork of quarantines. Our biggest challenge continues to be reduced sales and profits due to the recession and dramatic downturn in construction projects. With reported sales volumes ranging from a low of 3-7 percent down (a number we now call flat) to 40-60 percent off from last year for landscape plants, we are very ready for a strong economic recovery.

So far fall seems full of promise, with early rains, cold temperatures that reduced pest pressure, a four-month forecast predicting numerous rain events coupled with little threat of frost, and a hint of renewed interest in building projects and plants for decorating and gift giving. Can't happen too soon.