Ilex Verticallata is the premier autumn and holiday berry in the floral world. Sun Valley’s ilex is in a class of its own since we have literally been breeding our own varieties since 2007. The season in Willow Creek, California has been phenomenal, due to the very wet spring followed by a dry, hot summer.
The ilex grows in open fields on the edge of the Wild and Scenic Trinity River. The red berries providing a superb contrast to the deep, clear pools that meaner around the property. Old Timers still call this bend in the river The Gardner Ranch, and it was first settled by Native Americans, followed by gold prospectors, then “back to the land” hippies, and now flower farmers.
Today, we grow a combination of ilex, rosehips, viburnum and grapes at The Gardner Ranch, however, the bears, salmon, eagles and ospreys seem to just indulge our efforts, as it is they who truly call this wonderful spot home.
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