top of page

Meet the Gardenshians at Sims Tree Learning Center

Posted by A. Jordan

A Walk Through the Gardens


It’s hard to slow down and smell the roses in our go-go-go world. Constant pings, dings, and rings bury us in our screens, distracting us from what’s real and tangible.


How much greenery do you see on any given day? You might be lucky enough to unplug on your Annual Camping trip once a year. Or, you might be a plant parent. That’s cool; we’re not judging. 


It’s not uncommon for a Sims staff member to hear that we’re lucky to be around so much green. It’s good for the eyes, you know!


Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: the Secret Garden, also dubbed “The Hippo Pond” by some 
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: the Secret Garden, also dubbed “The Hippo Pond” by some 

We’re in the business of protecting trees. Since 1996, Sims Tree Learning Center, the educational side of Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc., has utilized our 6-acre botanical garden to educate the public about urban forestry and vegetation, wildlife, and nature preservation. 



Keeping Up with the Garden(shians)


The Sims TLC Garden Caretakers tend the variety of gardens we host here, including the Joe Casey Memorial Succulent Collection, the Citrus Orchard, Tropical Plants, Rare Fruit, and one of the largest collections of Palm trees in the Inland Empire. 


Wildlife, including various birds, free-range chickens, garden snakes, beloved pet dogs, stray cats, and animal statues, roam the grounds and require personal care and attention from the Garden Caretakers. 


Proper watering, pruning, weeding, and fertilizing are daily and necessary tasks they undertake. Garden Caretakers also work to propagate the grounds by carefully planning and planting new areas for plants to thrive in. 


Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: The Conservatory where tropical plants are maintained.
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: The Conservatory where tropical plants are maintained.

In addition to all the work they do on the grounds, some Garden Caretakers support our ISA Certified Arborists in the field as Pullers. They visit our clients’ properties, helping to nurse sick trees back to health with specialized treatment plans created by the Arborists. They greet our clients with warmth and enthusiasm when they're out in the field!  


Garden Tours


We don’t hog all this beauty for ourselves. In fact, the opposite! Sims Garden Caretakers help host Garden Tours for the public, teaching them how native and non-native plants can thrive in Southern California. 


Our Garden Tours are offered Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, and can be booked online at https://www.simstlc.com/ 


In October 2024, our Garden Caretakers prepared the grounds to welcome children and families to our first-ever Trick or Tree Garden Tour, hosted by Sims Tree Learning Center. The day was all about hands-on learning about trees and plants—and, of course, candy!  



Pictured: Team Members (from left to right) Michelle and Sherri at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024.
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: Team Members (from left to right) Michelle and Sherri at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024.


Pictured: Garden Guests at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: Garden Guests at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024


Pictured: Garden Guests at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center - Pictured: Garden Guests at the Trick or Tree Garden Tour, 2024

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It


Our Garden Caretakers (humbly) know they’re integral to Sims Tree Learning Center and are excited to share why with you!


Meet Humberto


Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Palm Garden
Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Palm Garden

What drew you to work at Sims TLC? 

“Mainly the Fruit Garden Orchard. I am a part of the California Rare Fruit Growers. Sims TLC has a good amount of rare fruit. Being on the grounds and being able to work around the trees gave me more love for plants and trees.”


What is one thing you’ve learned about trees and plants from working at Sims TLC? 

“I learned that a lot of Ornamental trees require a lot of different watering schedules. Some are more drought-tolerant, and some are able to drink more water than others. Some Ornamentals can’t tolerate wet roots all the time because it increases their risk of getting pathogens.”


What do you wish the general public knew about how to care for plants? 

“Proper irrigation! Many people think that giving more water is good, but that is not always the case.”


How do you envision your future with Sims TLC? 

“I want to become an ISA Certified Arborist. I want to help the company grow. I am currently studying and training to be an ISA Certified Arborist.”

 

What is your favorite part about working at Sims TLC? 

“Being able to learn more about trees and plants for free!”


Meet Luis 


Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Secret Garden.
Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Secret Garden.

What drew you to work at Sims TLC? 

“I come from a farming background. I really like working with plants and animals. I wanted to stay in a similar field. When I saw the Sims Tree Learning Center listing, I thought I’d be a good fit!”



What is one thing you’ve learned about trees and plants from working at Sims TLC? 

“Don’t just fertilize a tree around the trunk. Broadcast spread the fertilizer to the drip line.”


What do you wish the general public knew about how to care for plants? 

“Do the research to learn about a plant’s native habitat and country of origin. Like, an Olive tree won’t need as much water because its native country of origin doesn’t get as much rainfall.”


How do you envision your future with Sims TLC? 

“I want to become an ISA Certified Arborist to help steward the plants in California’s Urban Forests. At the core of everything that I do, I want to be a good steward of the planet.”


What is your favorite part about working at Sims TLC? 

“I like learning about tree care and teaching the public about how to care for their trees.”


Meet Odessey


Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Propagation Station. 
Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. The photo was taken at the Propagation Station. 

What drew you to work at Sims TLC? 

“When I interviewed! Especially after seeing the grounds, the potential, and the beauty that was already there, Sims TLC made me feel like I could be a part of something that could inspire me to do more for nature. Sims TLC inspired me to give back to nature.”


What is one thing you’ve learned about trees and plants from working at Sims TLC? 

“Plants need water. It’s important to get to know each plant, what it likes, its bloom time, its soil requirements, and whether it’s native or non-native to California. I learned to get to know the plants on a personal level.”


What do you wish the general public knew about how to care for plants? 

“Some plants require special care. It’s not rocket science to take care of a plant! You just need to know the plant’s special requirements and be dedicated to understanding them.”


How do you envision your future with Sims TLC? 

“Somewhere along the lines of becoming the Lead Gardener or Lead Project Manager of the garden layout and landscape design.”


What is your favorite part about working at Sims TLC? 

“Getting here early in the morning and seeing all the different birds! We have Western Scrub Jays, Red Tail Hawks, Western Blue Birds, and Egrets. I love finding all different kinds of feathers!”



Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. (from Left to Right) - Humberto, Odessey, Luis. Taken in front of the entrance gate. 
Photo courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center. (from Left to Right) - Humberto, Odessey, Luis. Taken in front of the entrance gate. 

The Chickens - the Unofficial Mascots of Sims TLC


Also known as “the Girls,” the chickens are the unofficial mascots of Sims Tree Learning Center. The Girls play an integral role in the gardens, helping aerate the grounds when they putz around, and their poopies provide excellent fertilizer! Farm-fresh eggs from the free-range chickens are available for purchase at $5 a dozen. 



Chickens
Photo Courtesy of Sims Tree Learning Center

The chickens’ favorite fruits from the gardens are the Jujubees, Guavas, and Mulberries. They love all of the special attention, treats, and deep, personal conversations from all Sims TLC and THS staff.


Summary


It’s always a good day with the trees! Come learn why by booking a Garden Tour at Sims Tree Learning Center in Jurupa Valley, California, by going online at https://www.simstlc.com/ or by calling the office team at 951-685-6662.


Sims caretakers showing their logo on the back of their jackets


About Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. 


Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation, education, improved health, and safety of trees. Sims THS has provided California’s Urban Forests with premium healthcare since 1972. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.simsths.com/


Sims THS offers services with our ISA Certified Arborists in the following: 


Diagnosis and Disease Management, Pest Suppression, Organic Solutions, Fruit Suppression, Drought Protection, and Arborist Assessment Reports and Preservation Plans. 


In addition to providing quality tree health services, the Sims family is known for their educational pursuits. In 1996, they started the Sims Tree Learning Center (TLC), a 6-acre botanical garden and research facility sponsored by Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. The facility houses multiple types of gardens including a cactus and succulent garden and one of the largest collections of Palms in the Inland Empire. Learn with us! 







Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Get In Touch

S. CA

6111 Appaloosa Ave.

Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

N. CA

7441 Lower Wyandotte

Oroville, CA 95966

(951) 685-6662 Call or Txt

ISA Certified Arborist Logo.png
ISA Master Arborist Logo.png
ISA Tree Risk Assessor Logo.png
Sims TLC -Wildlife Aware Graduate- logo (no baclkground).png
bottom of page