Everything’s Coming up Roses in Fillmore
Otto and Sons Nursery is the go-to spot for roses and all things garden
Story and photos by Adam Nuñez
Just a few miles outside of downtown Fillmore you’ll find the largest selection of roses this side of the Rocky Mountains. This is Otto and Sons, a nursery specializing in all sorts of roses – more than 800 varieties, in fact. Two acres are open to the public for perusing, and 36 additional acres are for growing a variety of fruit trees, perennial flowers, and of course, roses. Founded in 1975 by Otto and Jeanne Klittich in Chatsworth and relocated to Fillmore 3 years later, this is a true family-run business. Scott Klittich began working here in high school, and he and his family still diligently operate the nursery.
I’m continually trying to improve my own home garden, so about a year ago I was on the search for a climbing rose. After contacting a few Ventura County nurseries, I was told emphatically by those other nurseries there was no better place for roses than Otto and Sons.
They have welcomed customers from all over California and even Las Vegas. There was even a buyer all the way from New York! They sell wholesale to businesses and companies, but they haven’t lost touch with individual customers either. Every employee is helpful and knowledgeable about how to plant, feed, water, and care for your roses. There is a gift shop as well selling a wide variety of tools, fertilizers, seeds, pots, cacti, fountains, trellises, and much more. There is absolutely everything you need to work on your home garden.
On a recent visit, Scott shared some general tips and tricks for caring for your roses in the winter. First, roses need a lot of trimming in mid-winter. Cutting them down about 50% will help ensure healthy growth come springtime. And during winter along the Central Coast, roses need very little watering. Natural rainfall is usually sufficient unless there are multiple weeks of heat and dry weather. At the beginning of spring, just make sure to prune any dead leaves, water weekly, and ensure they receive full sunlight.
Since there are literally hundreds of roses to choose from, it’s difficult to highlight just a few. However, I have learned that roses come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. One in fact, doesn’t even have petals! This is the Rosa Viridiflora, commonly known as the Green Rose. It produces green sepals which are leafy and petal-like but, although they do bloom in a similar manner, are not true petals. They are commonly used in bouquets to accentuate brighter colors. Then there are Iceberg Roses, which are oftentimes found around office buildings or schools because they’re pretty but still hardy and drought resistant. And there are the fan-favorite Boscobel Roses, which produce large fragrant pinkish-orange petals. They are perfect for a home garden or a gift. Beyond the hundreds of varieties of roses to choose from, you’ll find every type: bush roses, climbing roses, rambling roses, groundcover roses, and more.
The standout feature of Otto and Sons Nursery is its immaculate garden — a truly perfect place to take a slow stroll, spot butterflies and hummingbirds, or even enjoy lunch. Who doesn’t love eating a snack surrounded by lush rose bushes? There are tables and chairs located throughout the garden space, summoning visitors to sit back and enjoy the sights and scents. There is even a play area for young children to enjoy while families lounge nearby. Adding to the picturesque setting are the beautiful mountains surrounding Otto and Sons. The nursery is located in the middle of what has been deemed Heritage Valley, the long, fertile valley stretching from Santa Clarita in the east all the way to Santa Paula in the west.
The Klittich family has worked hard to create an environment where visitors can take their time and soak in the beauty. Many people glean ideas of what they’d like to do with their own gardens. With multiple water fountains, rose-filled trellises, streams, wind chimes, and even a produce garden, there are plenty of ideas of how to beautify your own garden.
The main attractions of Otto and Sons are the huge selection of roses, other perennials, and the peaceful environment.
But there also are a few organized events throughout the year. Twice a month there is Yoga in the Garden with a Fillmore yoga instructor. Once a month, a local teacher comes to do a children’s Story Time in the garden (I can’t really think of a better place in the world to read Winnie the Pooh). And every Saturday in January, there are classes on caring for roses. Make sure to check out the website to see more events and view the plant catalogue: ottoandsonsnursery.com.
Otto and Sons Nursery is a mainstay family-run business of Ventura Country, servicing customers from all over California. You’ll visit to purchase exquisite roses, but you’ll stay longer to relax and stroll through the gardens. You’ll definitely want to make time to stop and smell the roses.