|
Myrtle Creek Nursery
 A
whimsical pair of tin giraffe statues that peer out of the trees are a familiar
landmark at Myrtle Creek Nursery on Reche Road.
The giant garden sculptures—along with a rearing horse, an elephant spouting
water in a pond, and several more pieces—are just part of the appeal that draws
visitors to the family-owned garden center year after year.
A stroll through the lush gardens, which visitors are encouraged to do, reveals
that Myrtle Creek is much more than a place to buy plants. Trails meander past
cascading fountains, blooming flowers, and eccentric garden art…all under a
canopy of live oaks.
“We’re
not just a garden center but an interesting place to visit, a fun place to bring
the family,” says Melissa Clark, one of the three Sherman siblings who own and
manage the second-generation enterprise.
 Under the capable management of Rich, Melissa, and Matt, Myrtle Creek has grown
from a tiny nursery with about a hundred plants for sale in 1978 to its current
25 acres of retail ornamental plants and growing grounds.
Bruce
Sherman had moved his family to Fallbrook from Long Beach intending to grow
avocados. Instead, he turned to nursery plants and his three young children
pitched in. “Our parents raised us to be involved in whatever the family was
doing. It was part of our family duty to help out, water, and mow. We’ve always
gotten along great so it was fun instead of hard work,” Melissa explains of the
family’s success in working together.
 Apparently, Bruce Sherman’s green thumb rubbed off onto his offspring. The
children all graduated from Fallbrook High School in the 1980s, where Melissa
and Matt participated in the F.F.A. agriculture program. All three went on to
attend California Polytechnic; Rich and Melissa earning Bachelor of Science
degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Matt a degree in Landscape Architecture.
After college the siblings returned to Fallbrook to lend their expertise to the
burgeoning enterprise. Someone is always on the property to guide customer’s
choices and offer advice.
With
so much new residential construction taking place around Fallbrook, many of the
Sherman’s customers are homeowners who wish to establish lawns, gardens, and
trees. “We pride ourselves on helping customers with new landscaping. We try to
offer them the right choices for their yard to make their surroundings more
beautiful,” Melissa said.
 In
addition to providing a wide variety of plants and trees, including California
natives, Myrtle Creek offers unique garden accessories—fountains, statues, and
pottery—from around the world that appeal to all sorts of gardeners. Family
members attend trade shows as far away as Mexico, China, and England to gather
new garden techniques and merchandise. Hidden among the trees and flowers are an
eclectic assortment of tools and treasures.
 The gift shop, a restored farmhouse built in 1900 and which served as the
family’s first home, is stocked with seasonal items from fruit preserves and
gift soaps to home accessories and ornaments—many unique and handcrafted. The
ever-changing displays are works of art themselves created by mother, Marilyn
Sherman, and her crew.
Through
their support of local organizations, the Sherman family has contributed to the
greening of Fallbrook. They have donated trees to the Land Conservancy and Live
Oak Park Coalition, and they participate in the Ag Boosters auction and offer
tours to garden clubs. In December, guests are invited to an open house
showcasing Christmas greenery.
 Families are encouraged to explore the grounds
and vintage buildings and enjoy hayrides, hot cider, and music to kick off the
holiday season.
Visit
Myrtle Creek Nurseries seven days a week and come often to see the new
selections, chat with knowledgeable employees, or just relax on one of the
benches in the Sherman’s idyllic setting.
 Myrtle Creek Nurseries
(760) 728-5340
2940 Reche Road
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Text
originally appeared in Sourcebook
2004
|
|
|
|
|
©2005-2006 FALLBROOK.ORG. All rights reserved.
224 N. Main St., Ste. A, Fallbrook, CA 92028-2058 (760) 723-7319 |
|
about fallbrook