City Farmers Nursery – photo courtesy Bill Tall
What separates the average from the extraordinary? Perhaps you think it depends on the context or subject matter that is being considered. I disagree. In all things and all people the extraordinary distinguish themselves by seeing what can be – not just what is. Moreover, the extraordinary have confidence in their own judgment and the strength to follow their convictions, regardless of what may be the norm.
City Farmers Nursery, nestled in the urban San Diego area, is an extraordinary business which has grown and prospered through the vision of it’s owner/manager, Bill Tall. This unique store is more than just a business – it is a source of inspiration and support for urbanites who want to learn about urban farming, backyard chicken-keeping, canning, beekeeping and many other permaculture skills and techniques.
Bill Tall Owner of City Farmers Nursery – photo courtesy of Bill Tall
Bill Tall, who is more commonly called “Farmer Bill,” founded City Farmers Nursery when he was sixteen years old with his savings of $200. Bill invested his start-up funds into a load of manure and a truck bed of dirt to begin blending his own potting soil. His business began on a small piece of land that his father rented to him. Where others saw an empty dirt lot, Bill could envision a thriving, diverse plant and garden supply store. Through the dedicated hard work of Bill and his entire family – City Farmers Nursery is a truly special place.
Plein Air Classroom at City Farmers Nursery – photo by Jen Pitino
This urban nursery is more than just a plant and tool store. It is an educational center teaching classes on various subjects related to gardening, urban farming and other sustainability and self-reliance topics. Classes are regularly taught on the premises in a plein air classroom tucked between pots and plants. City Farmers Nursery teaches two classes annually on raising backyard chickens. The spring class is on the topic of getting started in chicken-keeping. The autumn session teaches how to humanely kill, clean and eat one’s own birds. Both of these chicken classes draws large numbers of interested city dwellers who want to learn and take more control over their food sources.
Chickens living at City Farmers Nursery – photo courtesy of Bill Tall
In the heart of the City Farmers Nursery grounds is a large poultry coop and run. Housed inside are several dozen chickens, turkeys, ducks and even a few Bobwhite quails. Almost all of the chickens and other fowl living at the nursery are rescued birds. Bill has welcomed unwanted birds for many years giving these creatures a comfortable and well-cared for life.
Goats in Milk Cooperative – photo courtesy of Bill Tall
In truth, there is a bit of a menagerie residing at the nursery. In addition to all of the poultry, Bill keeps a horse, two rabbits, fish, turtles, cats, a dog and a small herd of milking goats all on the property. The milking goats are actually owned by a collective of families who wanted fresh, raw goat’s milk. These families keep their goats at the nursery and take turns milking them. Without the assistance and cooperation of Bill and his business, it might not be possible for these families to keep their own goats and provide their own source of wholesome milk.
City Farmers Nursery in San Diego – photo courtesy of Bill Tall
The nursery is simply beautiful. There are foot paths to different corners of the property that display vegetable gardens, succulents, gorgeous flowering plants and fruit trees. The grounds exude a charming mixture of the practical and whimsy with a delightful result.
As one talks to and gets to know Farmer Bill, it becomes clear that City Farmers Nursery is simply and an external extension of his beliefs and lifestyle. His home is located on the property and his children grew up at the “farm” in the city. Through the years, as Bill’s knowledge and interests expanded to new concepts and techniques in sustainable living, the business has grown to reflect those fresh ideas. For example, a wood-burning cob oven, an aquaponics fish pond and a self-sustaining, fully off-grid, green model tiny home have all been added to the grounds.
When discussing City Farmers Nursery, what Bill is most proud of is that the farm is valued part of the community. Yes – the nursery offers organically grown plants and
City Farmers Nursery Seedlings – photo courtesy of Bill Tall
hard to find gardening and homesteading tools and supplies, however it is the relationship that Bill and his staff share with his customers that makes this business unlike other nurseries and dear to his heart. Perhaps Bill enjoys such loyal patronage from the community because he offers services and help that no other nursery provides. One example of this unusual relationship is the tool lending program that Bill offers. For his customers who often have limited yard space, he makes available certain gardening tools (e.g. wheel barrows, etc.) that can be borrowed and returned after use. This is a valuable service for those who do not have the space to house or funds to buy such gardening implements. Moreover, Farmer Bill is happy to have people stop by and visit the nursery, even if it is just to see the animals and enjoy the ambiance. There is never any pushy salesmanship here.
City Farmers Nursery has been part of San Diego for the past 41 years and continues to grow and develop. This truly extraordinary nursery is a destination worth visiting the next time you happen to be in the San Diego area.
Here is a video of Farmer Bill discussing City Farmers Nursery:
MAIN SEGMENT:
- City Farmers Nursery Website LINK
- You Tube interviews of Bill Tall & Tours of Nursery VIDEOS
- City Farmers Nursery’s Facebook Page LINK
- Examiner – City Farmers Nursery – Best in San Diego ARTICLE
- SD Free Press – City Farmers Nursery – Plant Paradise ARTICLE
- Gidget’s Garden – Blog post about City Farmers Nursery LINK
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