About Us

Since 2006, we have helped create and maintain 17+ gardens in Avalon. We specilize in plants that thrive in our Mediterranean climate. Our clients benefit from gardens that increase property values and curb appeal, and add beauty to their homes. Our mission is to create organic oases and healthy environments with plants.

Meriam Djelidi
Owner: A desire to grow native plants led Meriam to Catalina Island. Meriam is active in the island community, and always willing to share her enthusiasm for Catalina and the outdoors.  She is a regular participant in beach clean-ups, leads nature hikes and hosts a Weekly Wildflower Update on the local radio station.

• Wildflower Gardener at Cornell University’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum
• Bachelor of Sciences degree from Cornell University
• James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery:  While supervising the care of 15,000 native plants for the Catalina Island Conservancy, Meriam researched fern propagation and perfected seed-germination techniques for several of our native plants.
• Survey and propagation of endangered plant species on San Clemente Island with San Diego State University SERG.
• "Living History" actress portraying Catalina’s first female botanist, Blanche Trask, from the year 1905.

	Micah Phillips Micah came to Catalina on his sailboat from San Francisco and never left. He has been gardening with Island Poppy Plant Care for more than a year. When he isn't gardening, you may find him working at the Inn on Mt. Ada, spending time with his family, or working on his boat. Micah has experience in invasive plant removal, both on Catalina Island and in Oregon, and has also grown native plants for the Catalina Island Conservancy. He is a knowledgeable birder, having worked as a kayak guide and naturalist on the island for many years. His love of the outdoors and his excellent work ethic make him a great gardener.
	Shauna Machado Shauna is new to gardening with Island Poppy Plant Care. She says, "I like it because I don't have the space at home to garden, and now I have the chance to get my hands in the dirt!" Shauna and her husband have two boys and an assortment of unusual pets. Shauna can often be seen photographing weddings as part of her business, Norfleet Photography. Her container gardens at Hamilton Cove show off her natural eye for details.
	Kirk Parsons Kirk has many years' experience landscaping interiors and exteriors in Southern California. His business, Parsons Landscaping, operated in Costa Mesa for eight years. His skill at installing and caring for tropical and semi-tropical landscapes and irrigation systems makes him a great asset to Island Poppy Plant Care. Kirk now lives and works at Catalina Island Marine Institute at Toyon Bay. Kirk's abilities to speak Spanish and keep a work crew motivated are essential for landscape installations.