Rachel Hommel

Name: Tomas Carrillo

Farm: Por La Mar Nursery

Location: 905 South Patterson, Santa Barbara, CA 93160

What They Grow: A wide selection of flowers to match the changing seasons, including the fragrant freesia, sunflowers, roses, calla lilies, gardenias, gerber daisies, lavender, mini poms, hydrangeas, and the long-lasting kalanchoe. The nursery also grows chili peppers in the summer and fall seasons.

Where to Buy: Farmers Market, including Tuesday in downtown Santa Barbara, Wednesday in Solvang, Thursday in Goleta, Friday in Montecito, Saturday in downtown Santa Barbara, and Sunday in Goleta.

In Season Now: Popular spring flowers, such as hyacinth bulbs, tulips, jasmine, and daffodils (yellow, blue, and pink hues for the Easter holiday). White hydrangeas are also top sellers during the wedding season.

Their Story: Por La Mar Nursery has been family owned and operated since 1972. For more than 40 years, the company has been committed to creating high-quality, premium floral arrangements.

“We bring the flowers straight from the nursery, so they are always very fresh,” said Tomas Carrillo. “We change colors based on the season, so customers can enjoy a wide variety of floral for any occasion.”

Located in Goleta, the temperate weather and natural bright light create the perfect growing conditions for both the greenhouse and outdoor plots. Working in the industry for over 30 years, Carrillo is proud to call Santa Barbara home.

“We have ideal weather in Santa Barbara; it’s a perfect place to grow flowers,” said Carrillo. “I couldn’t think of a better place to live and work.”

The 30-acre nursery specializes in seasonal potted plants, offering a wide schedule of plant availability, from tulips in the spring to summer sunflowers and festive poinsettias in winter. While the company grows year-round, spring is the busiest season.

“Spring is definitely the best season to grow flowers,” said Carrillo. “The gardenia has become a very popular market item. It smells great and people just love it.”

Working all local markets, Carrillo is excited to continue to expand the business, selling wholesale to the region’s florists and establishing Por La Mar Nursery as a leader in the industry.

“We love the people; we have a lot of regulars,” said Carrillo. “It feels great keeping selling to the Santa Barbara community.”

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