Nuccio's Nurseries | The Kings of Camellias

Nestled in the foothills of Altadena, California, a pair of modest brothers continue their family's ever-blossoming legacy, enriching the landscape, creating new flower breeds, and spreading their beautiful endeavors far and wide. Since 1935, the Nuccio family has provided flowers to their community and beyond. In 1946, they purchased the land where they have since hybridized over 150 different types of camellias and nearly as many azaleas.

Watch the video below as Tom and Jim, the owners of Nuccio's Nurseries, share the rich history behind their exquisite nursery:

Like bees gathering pollen from flowers, the Nuccios are constantly bustling from one location to another within their nursery. Jim even rises at 4:30 AM to begin work. Apart from our interview, it was difficult to catch a glimpse of them as they busily navigated their 6-acre lot. Both friendly and charming, they are always willing to pause for a chat and consistently smile throughout their hectic day. These men have genuinely found daily joy in their craft.

Tom Nuccio of Nuccio's Nursery.jpg

Tom Nuccio

Jim Nuccio.jpg

Jim Nuccio

If you're in the area and looking to add more color to your garden, don't hesitate to visit Nuccio's Nurseries. You might also consider stopping by The Huntington Library for inspiration, as they are cultivating approximately 100 of the brothers' flower breeds.

For more information please visit the Nuccio’s Nurseries website: https://www.nucciosnurseries.com/

Or visit them at their location: 3555 Chaney Trail, Altadena, CA 91001

 

Video Feature | Supersizing Your Impact with Science 37

Working with Science 37 provides the opportunity to connect with medical professionals from all corners of the medical community. The kind and humble Dr. Chris Reist shares his wealth of knowledge and experience on where he’s been, what he’s learned, and where he’s heading to help virtual clinical trials excel into the future in this short doctor vignette.

We’ve all had to make difficult changes to adapt to living in this pandemic. I was fortunate to be able to direct, shoot and edit this video during a challenging time where many media professionals were losing their jobs or unable to work. During this shoot we followed all CDC guidelines and Los Angeles safety protocols. Throughout COVID-19, running a small yet strong operation has provided me with the ability to continue to help individuals and companies share their stories through multimedia. I’m forever grateful for the ever-growing connections I’ve made throughout the medical community. My constant hope is that the work that we do together leaves a greater impact on this world.

This project was shot on two Fujifilm X-T3s with the powerful XF18-55mm kit lens and the XF55-200mm. They are two of the cheapest lenses you can buy from Fujifilm but the results honestly have been beyond satisfactory. For more videos be sure to check out my other videos HERE.

Source: https://youtu.be/Q0Auuln6C2g

Wildlife Feature | California Ground Squirrels

We live in a wild world filled with curious creatures large and small. One of the greatest things that nature does for us is provides free entertainment day in and day out; if you’re willing to take the time and sit back and observe. It can be at peace or chaotic, filled with noise or completely silent. When you do take your time to stop, look, and listen - there’s always something going on in the wilderness and outside our personal bubble that is worth while.

California ground squirrels, also known as Beechey ground squirrels (named after ship captain Frederick Beechey who explored much of California in the 1820’s), are everything you want out of nature. They’re cute, energetic, silly, and have so much character. It’s not just the same character over and over - each one has a different personality; kind of like dogs.

Enjoy this compilation I shot and put together on the California Ground Squirrel.

California Ground Squirrel Facts:

  • California Ground Squirrels are found in Washington, Oregon, and California.

  • They can live up to six years in the wild.

  • They prefer to live in self-dug burrows located along plains, small meadows, tree-covered hillsides, rocky outcrops, and granite taluses.

  • While some burrows may be occupied communally, each individual squirrel has its own entrance.

  • They tend to stay within 100 feet of their burrow and primarily feed on seeds like oats, but also go after insects like crickets and grasshoppers, as well as various fruits.

  • California Ground Squirrels use their cheek pouches to store more food than they can consume and will eat it at a later date.

  • Females are promiscuous and can mate with multiple partners in one litter, which consists of 5 to 11 young and only takes one month of gestation.

  • Female squirrels will chew on the shed skins of rattlesnakes and then lick themselves and their pups to disguise their scent.

  • When they touch noses, it's a way to determine friend, family or foe, and decide if they are worth protecting.

  • California Ground Squirrels use a variety of sounds, including a high-pitched alarm call when they feel threatened that can last several minutes.

  • They are preyed upon by a range of animals, including red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, coyotes, foxes, badgers, weasels, house cats, dogs, and snakes.

Featured Photos


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