Focused on Sustainability
Sustainability is a top priority for us. We continually work on our efforts to protect our land, our people, and the environment for future generations to come. In 2022, our focus is innovating more efficient practices that reduce our impact locally and globally.
We have a completed sustainability report that outlines our efforts – click here to access: 2022 Sustainability Report
We invite you to read the latest updates about our sustainability efforts.
Our Growing Team
We consider every member of our team a member of the Por La Mar Nursery family. Some of our team members have been with us for over three decades! The expertise, passion, and smiles they bring to work everyday helps create the perfect environment in which to grow plants that will bring you health, happiness, and joy!
Antonia 
Alvaro 
Elsa
American-Grown for 50 Years
1970s
Setting Roots in Santa Barbara
In 1972, a few years after settling in Santa Barbara, Ron & Pat Caird began selling Asparagus retrofractus prunings at the Los Angeles Flower Market for use in flower bouquets, and so began Por La Mar Nursery (Spanish for “by the sea”). They expanded by growing Baby’s Breath and Daffodils for sale, and soon thereafter hired a production manager, Dan Jauchen, (still with Por La Mar today) to build more greenhouses, and add more new varieties of indoor plants for sale at local stores.
1980s
Growing at a Rapid Rate
After establishing a production facility due to their rapid growth throughout Southern California, Pat and Ron traveled the world in search of plants and flowers that would fit the needs of their growing list of customers. Their son and daughter, Brian and Erin, officially brought their skills to the family business, and a team of knowledgeable, professional growers, managers, salespeople, accountants, mechanics, and shipping experts, joined the team.
1990s
Rootbound and Time to Expand
With growing demand, Por La Mar further expanded into two spacious pieces of property. New greenhouses were put to use, and Por La Mar Nursery continued to grow the list of available plant varieties.
2000s
The Business is Flowering
With business growing steadily over the previous three decades, Por La Mar Nursery added cut flowers to their offerings through the purchase of Glad-A-Way Gardens in Santa Maria, California. Glad-A-Way continues to be one of the only gladiolus growers in the U.S. with its own hybridization program that exclusively grows their own varieties of “glads”.
2010s
Innovating & Growing
During the 2010s, Por La Mar increased their efforts to find new foliage and plants from new locations around the world. Some of which were completely new to North American markets. Foliage now makes up the vast majority of our products and we continue to innovate and seek unique species from around the world.
2020s & Beyond
Five Decades and Another Generation
As they enter their 50th anniversary, Por La Mar continues to grow its footprint, search for new varieties, and stay innovative. Por La Mar now welcomes the 3rd generation of the Caird family with the addition of Ashlynd Williams, Aidan Williams, and Megan Caird.