Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Nursery in Santa Barbara, CA
La Sumida Nursery has been a cornerstone of Santa Barbara's gardening community since 1958. Founded by Harold and Ethel Sumida, our nursery has grown from a single location to become the South Coast's largest retail nursery while maintaining family ownership and personalized service. Our 1-acre rose field featuring over 200 varieties from top growers like David Austin and Weeks Roses has made us a regional destination for horticultural enthusiasts. With 20 expert staff members averaging over 20 years of tenure, we combine generational knowledge with hands-on experience to help customers create thriving outdoor spaces.We cultivate many plants on-site, including pesticide-free milkweed for butterfly conservation and bare-root fruit trees adapted to local conditions. Our commitment to quality extends to carrying specialized rose care products and offering practical gardening advice through monthly planting guides and care sheets. As a three-time Best Nursery award winner in the Santa Barbara Independent's Readers' Poll, we continue to serve multiple generations of customers with the same dedication to excellence that defined our founding principles.
Services
Landscaping Plants
Certified Roses
Bare-Root Fruit Trees
Seasonal Bedding Plants
Gardening Advice
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- 67 years of continuous family ownership and local expertise
- 20 experienced staff members with decades of combined experience
- Weekly seasonal specials and curated plant selections
- Certified roses from premier growers like David Austin and Weeks
- Multi-generational customer relationships built on trust and quality
What people say
Expert staff knowledge
Beautiful rose field
Generations of service
Quality plant selection
Helpful gardening tips
Services
Certified Roses
Our 1-acre rose field showcases over 200 varieties including Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, and Climbers from top growers like David Austin and Weeks Roses. Certified stock ensures disease-resistant plants that thrive in local conditions. Seasonal availability from spring through fall makes us a premier destination for serious rose enthusiasts.
Bare-Root Plants
We cultivate bare-root fruit trees and roses on-site, ensuring optimal adaptation to Santa Barbara's climate. This method produces stronger root systems for better establishment in home gardens. Available seasonally with expert guidance for proper planting and care.
Gardening Education
Monthly planting guides and care sheets help gardeners succeed with local conditions. Expert staff provides personalized advice on pest control, fertilization, and seasonal planting. Resources include specialized rose care products and environmentally friendly gardening solutions.
Seasonal Bedding Plants
Rotating selection of color baskets and bedding plants features Geraniums, Fuchsias, and Begonias. Seasonal availability ensures appropriate choices for Santa Barbara's climate. Staff assists with creating vibrant displays for residential and commercial landscapes.
Organic Products
We offer organic soil amendments, fertilizers, and pest control solutions. Pesticide-free milkweed supports local butterfly populations. Our environmentally conscious product selection helps gardeners maintain healthy ecosystems while achieving beautiful results.
People
Harold Sumida
Founder
Established La Sumida Nursery in 1958 with a vision to provide quality plants and exceptional service. His legacy of community service and horticultural excellence continues through the family-owned business.
Ethel Sumida
Founder
Co-founded the nursery with Harold, establishing its reputation for superior customer service. Her commitment to quality plants and personalized advice remains foundational to the business.
Hilton Sumida
Current Leader
Third-generation nurseryman continuing the family tradition since 2007. Oversees operations and maintains the original commitment to quality while adapting to modern gardening needs.
Travis Weber
Nursery Director
Nephew of Harold Sumida, contributing to the family business since 1972. Brings decades of experience in horticulture and retail operations to daily management.
Questions
What makes La Sumida Nursery unique?
We're Santa Barbara's largest retail nursery with 67 years of family ownership, featuring a 1-acre rose field and 20 expert staff members with decades of experience.
When is the best time to visit for rose selection?
Our rose field is open from spring through fall, showcasing over 200 certified varieties from top growers in optimal blooming conditions.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Yes, our experienced staff provides personalized advice, monthly planting guides, and care sheets for all your horticultural needs.
Are organic gardening products available?
We carry a complete selection of organic soil amendments, fertilizers, and pest control solutions to support environmentally conscious gardening.
What are your current business hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 8AM-5PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM. Reduced hours on Veteran's Day: 10AM-4PM.
How can I get directions to your nursery?
We're located at 165 S. Patterson Avenue, Santa Barbara. Detailed directions from all directions are available on our website.
Reviews (3)
M. K. Clayton
Jul 01, 2018
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Thank you everyone at la Sumida, for a wonderful shopping experience! Our pups and I really enjoyed your attention, treats, and exceptional customer service!
Jorge Cortez
Aug 29, 2017
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As a landscaper, I come to La Sumida Nursery for the array of plants and roses! Just magical. Staff are always kind and helpful when I need help or have questions. Easy access and parking makes it the perfect nursery to enjoy choosing plants and for my breaks; They have a wide selection of products, so this makes it a one stop shop for all of your gardening needs. The rose garden. Stop reading this and see it. Thank you!
Vittorio Grieco
Jun 29, 2014
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A truly wonderful selection of plants, flowers & trees to fit any gardeners dream. The staff is extremely helpful to both novice & experts alike. Quick Tip: This place is perfect to find a special gift 4 that special someone that will grow with time.
