Since 2006, we have helped create and maintain more than 35 gardens in Avalon, Catalina Island. 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.
• Marine Science Instructor at Emerald Bay.
• "Living History" actress portraying Catalina’s first female botanist, Blanche Trask, from the year 1905.

What is an Island Poppy?

The Island Poppy is a Catalina native wildflower that blooms throughout the spring. It can be seen in abundance on the eastern slope of Chimes Tower Road. Island Poppies are closely related to California's state flower, the California Poppy. One way to tell them apart is by looking for the orange spot at the base of the Island Poppy's four petals. They also bloom earlier in the season than California Poppies.

The Island Poppy is one of Meriam's favorite wildflowers. It has been a target species for seed-collecting in her botanical work on both San Clemente and Santa Catalina Islands.

The Chumash people (Native Americans of the Channel Islands and coastal southern CA), say that Lizard told Coyote about the bright yellow and orange Island Poppies. He claimed, "When you see it, it is as if the sun itself is on the ground, so beautiful is the flower."

There are several species in the Poppy Family found on Catalina Island. In addition to the Island Poppy, they include the California Poppy, the Island Tree Poppy, and the Fire Poppy.