“We’re standing in a historic spot. Sixty-seven years ago my parents began selling pansies along the road to passersby,” said Earle Eisley, owner of Eisley Nursery in Auburn, California. 

What started out as a little casual thing turned into a landmark business—thriving to this day. Earle and his brother Harvey took over the business from their parents in the early 50’s. Harvey has since retired.   Today it’s a far cry from that original, little roadside stand of the depression. Besides, Mom and Pop didn’t serve free popcorn! 

The nursery is operated on 13 acres with about 140 thousand square feet of greenhouses…many containing pansies. The hearty flower can last from season to season and is now being hybridized to be heat-tolerant. 

Earle’s wife, Linda, enjoys putting together what she calls the “color baskets.” She said that historically they were larger and darker in color but that today’s newer varieties are smaller and light in color—showing up better in the garden. 

Whether it’s pansies or other types of flowers, the Eisleys do it all from mixing their own soil to planting  and transplanting. The current energy shortage is driving up costs for the business and Eisley hopes it doesn’t  adversely affect his operation too much. 

“When people come in and they buy flowers they go home happy and that makes me happy,” Eisley said. 

Eisley Nursery is located at 380 Nevada Street, Auburn, California. The phone number is 530-885-5163.