High-Hand Nursery: Flowers, Olive Oil and Placer County History
The hills of Placer County are rich with history, and the story of High-Hand Nursery is no exception. We chatted with High-Hand’s owner, Scott Paris, to learn more about how he’s honoring the past while showcasing modern-day Gold Country agriculture.
Rooted in Placer County’s Agricultural Legacy
Scott Paris grew up in Loomis, across the street from the High-Hand Fruit Packing Sheds – the building where High-Hand Nursery is now located. The small town of Loomis was once a thriving agricultural area, and most locals had fond memories of spending summers packing and shipping fruit in that very shed.
Scott was intrigued by their stories and always felt a connection to the run-down shed. He muses, “I had amassed decades worth of ideas on how to revitalize High-Hand to be a destination of local food, plants, artists, and entertainers.” When an opportunity to purchase the historic property arose, Scott eagerly pounced.
Starting in 2003, Scott gradually transformed the historic space into a nursery. As time passed, his vision expanded to include different retail spaces within the shed. In honor of High-Hand’s rich agricultural legacy, visitors can shop a selection of local honey, canned fruits, vegetables, olive oil, vinegars – along with hand-made items from local artisans. There’s even an on-site cafe and brewery!
As the initial enthusiasm from California’s Gold Rush died down, many prospectors turned to farming – and Gold Country’s hills were dotted with orchards. Around the turn of the century, many of those growers joined forces to market their produce nationwide, forming the Loomis Fruit Growers Association in 1901 (or the LFGA). Demand for their “Mountain Grown” fruits grew, and in 1926, the LFGA constructed the High-Hand Fruit Sheds to pack and ship produce worldwide. During High Hand’s heyday, the Loomis fruit shed employed up to 100 people throughout harvest season!
Showcasing California Grown plants and produce
Scott is serious about growing plants and produce in-house – and then sourcing the rest from farms within California. He explains, “About 50 percent of the plants that we sell to our customers are grown at High-Hand. We grow lettuce for our cafe and brewery 365 days a year in our climate-controlled hydroponic room. All of our produce in our cafe and brewery, that we don’t grow ourselves, comes from farms within California.”
When asked why he feels it’s important to choose California Grown nursery plants, produce and goods, Scott simply states, “If you care about local farmers and high-quality products, I don’t see why a consumer wouldn’t choose California Grown.”
Spend the afternoon at High-Hand Nursery
It’s easy to spend an afternoon in Loomis and at High-Hand Nursery! Here’s a sample itinerary:
Grab a bite (or a sip) at High Hand Cafe and Brewery
There are plenty of fresh and fabulous dishes to choose from at High-Hand Cafe! We suggest the Peach Salad – think High-Hand–grown spring mix paired with locally sourced onions, olives, and juicy peaches. California walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the housemade Pear-Cranberry Vinaigrette delivers tangy-sweet notes that bring every bite into perfect harmony.
Sample local olive oil
One of the highlights of a visit to High-Hand nursery is sampling their eponymous olive oil! Start with High-Hand’s three unique single varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils – they’re perfect for dipping, drizzling and even baking. Then, sample an array of infused and flavored olive oils that easily imbue every dish with extra flavor!
Stock up on honey, vinegar, pickled vegetables and more!
There’s nothing wrong with grocery store selections – but the small batch vinegars, honey and pickled vegetables you’ll find at High-Hand nursery will take your culinary creations to the next level. Take our advice and fill your basket to the brim.
Shop for nursery plants
Every true plant lover knows there’s no such thing as too many plants – and at High-Hand Nursery, you’re truly spoilt for choice! Choose from a stunning selection of annuals, perennials, fruit trees, succulents and more. The only wrong decision is heading home empty-handed.
Explore Downtown Loomis
When you’ve finished sampling, sipping and shopping at High-Hand, drive or take a stroll through Downtown Loomis. You’ll find beautifully preserved vintage signs harkening back to High-Hand’s heyday. Park the car and take a stroll down the quaint small town streets to get a better look.
Visit High-Hand Nursery
3750 Taylor Rd, Loomis, CA 95650
High-Hand Nursery is open daily but High-Hand Cafe is closed on Mondays. Check the website for updated hours.
Explore Placer County and the surrounding area!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier.