What goes on at our greenhouses?
Syringa vulgaris ‘Thunberg’
Plant propagation at the nursery
A lilac grows in the nursery
Garden treasures grow
What’s happening inside those greenhouses above the lake? All kinds of growing wonders!
The Ruth Borun Nursery and Propagation Center is the backbone of the garden. In the nursery, the horticulture staff propagates the treasures of Descanso and ensures their genetic heritage is preserved.
Rare varieties and hybrids
In the nursery, we create the many plants of Descanso, including prized F.M. Uyematsu camellia varieties, which are practically impossible to locate in the trade. We also grow our famed Lammerts hybrid lilacs, which were bred and developed here at Descanso to perform in the warmer temperatures of Southern California.
Restoration, propagation, and biodiversity
At the nursery, our oak restoration project has gained ground, along with successful efforts at propagating and planting more milkweed and other pollinator and wildlife-supportive plants.
The nursery is still a youngster
Our nursery, which opened in 2022, is 25,000 square feet and includes greenhouses that are 6,000 square feet. The nursery was made possible through a generous donation by the Anna and Harry Borun Foundation.