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Ellis Tree Farm Palms and Desert Plants
Founded by Joe Ellis in 1970, Ellis Farms began on ninety acres of abandoned grape fields outside the resort town of Borrego Springs, California, situated in the midst of the striking natural beauty of Anza Borrego State Park, some sixty-five miles east of San Diego. Ellis was attracted to Borrego Springs by the exceptionally hot summers, tough on people, but ideal for the rapid and sturdy growth of palms and other desert landscaping trees. The water at the farm was also something special. Tests revealed that its nitrogen-rich content was precisely suited to growing quality nursery materials. In addition to being a pioneering business venture, for Ellis founding the farm was a challenging reclamation project, based on his desire to "make the desert bloom again." After clearing thousands of grape stakes and miles of wire and renovating the irrigation system, Ellis began with extensive plantings of Washingtonia robusta, the Mexican Fan Palm, and quickly expanded to other varieties of palms and desert trees. The success of Ellis' dream of making the desert come alive again can plainly be seen in the rich green expanse of trees covering the original farm.
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