FAQs
What is your process for working on smaller landscape makeover projects?
At Fischer Farms, we bring the same care and expertise to smaller yard makeovers as we do to full-scale transformations. Our process begins with understanding your vision, evaluating your space, and identifying opportunities to enhance beauty, function, and ecological purpose. From there, we provide thoughtful design guidance, plant selection support, and project management tailored to the scale of your yard. Every landscape—large or small—is an opportunity to create a meaningful, resilient outdoor space that enriches your home and supports the natural world around it.
What inspired Fischer Farms and your approach to landscape makeovers?
Fischer Farms began with a deeply personal journey. When Mike and Lilly first combined their homes in Simi Valley, they envisioned transforming their urban yard into a thriving, organic garden that could nourish both their family and their community. What started as a simple project quickly grew into a passion—one rooted in sustainability, education, and giving back.
Lilly, a UC Davis Ventura County Master Gardener and dedicated volunteer at the Oxnard Historic Farm Park, brings decades of horticultural knowledge and a love for nurturing living things. After retiring from a 30-year career as a commercial banker, she now devotes her time to helping neighbors and local organizations create healthier, more climate-wise landscapes.
Mike, a CPA with over 40 years of experience, brings structure, integrity, and thoughtful planning to every project they take on together.
With their combined expertise, Fischer Farms now serves as a guiding resource for homeowners wanting to reimagine their outdoor spaces—whether through Mediterranean-inspired design, California native plant conversions, or edible gardens that support pollinators and community wellness. Their work blends beauty with purpose, always anchored by the belief that every yard has the potential to enrich the world around it.
I’d like to get to meet fellow gardeners, how can I do that?
We encourage everyone—gardeners, families, and curious beginners—to explore Ventura County’s many free botanical and community garden spaces. Local treasures such as the Ventura Botanical Gardens free days, Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, Oxnard Historic Farm Park, Doug Thompson Garden at Cal Lutheran, Santa Paula Botanical Garden, and numerous neighborhood demonstration gardens offer inspiration, education, and volunteer opportunities for all ages.
🌿 Community Garden Resources of Ventura County
Connecting Neighbors Through Plants, Purpose & Local Nature
At Fischer Farms, we believe gardening grows stronger when shared. Ventura County is home to inspiring botanical gardens, historic sites, and volunteer programs where residents can learn, explore, and contribute to a healthier environment.
Below is a curated list of free or low-cost places to visit, volunteer, and get inspired.
🌼 Botanical & Demonstration Gardens (Free or Donation-Based):
🌱 Conejo Valley Botanic Garden — Thousand Oaks (Free)
A 33-acre hillside garden featuring native plants, a butterfly garden, rare fruit orchard, and kid-friendly spaces.
🔗 Website: https://www.conejogarden.org/
🌾 Ventura Botanical Gardens — Ventura (Free Fridays)
Mediterranean plant collections with ocean views. Free admission every Friday.
🔗 Website: https://venturabotanicalgardens.com/
🌿 CSU Channel Islands Native Demonstration Garden — Camarillo (Free)
A peaceful garden showcasing drought-tolerant and California native plants for home landscaping.
🔗 Info: https://www.csuci.edu/
🌸 Doug Thompson Garden at Cal Lutheran — Thousand Oaks (Free)
Educational plant collections and demonstration beds, open to the public.
🔗 Info: https://www.callutheran.edu/
🌼 Santa Paula Botanical & Historic Park Gardens — Santa Paula (Free)
Charming garden spaces and heritage plantings across historic grounds.
🔗 About: https://visitsantapaula.com/
🐝 Historic Farms, Community Gardens & Volunteer Sites:
🌾 Oxnard Historic Farm Park — Oxnard
A living heritage farm with orchards, lima beans, gardens, and historic buildings. Volunteers welcome.
(Lilly volunteers here as a UC Master Gardener!)
🔗 Website: https://oxnardfarmpark.org/
🌻 Ventura County Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens
Educational gardens and volunteer programs run by UC Cooperative Extension. Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
🔗 Learn more: https://ucanr.edu/sites/VCMG/
🌿 Simi at the Garden — Simi Valley
A community garden offering garden beds, workshops, and volunteer days.
🔗 Website: https://www.simiatthegarden.org/
🍅 Growing Works Nursery — Camarillo
A therapeutic horticulture nursery offering volunteer opportunities while supporting mental wellness.
🔗 Website: https://growingworksnursery.com/
💚 Why Visit or Volunteer?
Exploring these gardens helps you:
- Learn sustainable gardening techniques
- Support local pollinators & native ecosystems
- Find endless inspiration for your own yard makeover
- Connect with the gardening community
- Strengthen Ventura County’s green spaces
🌱 Join the Fischer Farms Community
Whether you’re dreaming of a landscape transformation or simply want to spend more time in nature, these community resources offer countless ways to grow, learn, and give back.
Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?
email us at Lilly@Fischerfarms.net