FOREWORD 
Bridging the old with the new! In years past, as today, Ventura was known as 
a flower center. Our mild climate and ocean breeze make it ideal for flower growing. 
It was the home of Mrs. Theodosia Burr Shepherd who was widely known as one of 
the best women horticulturists in America. She was the proud owner of a large cactus 
collection which included the Epiphyllum, or Phyllo-Cactus as the hybrids were known 
in those days. As far back as 1896 Mrs. Shepherd listed many varieties in her cata- 
logue. Her interest also extended to many other plants. Her daughter, Mrs. Myrtle 
Shepherd Francis, continued in the work after her mother’s demise. Mrs. Francis 
also loves the Epiphyllum family and when the City’s progress took over the nursery 
area these plants were the last to go. It was in her garden in 1920 that I saw my first 
Epiphyllum blossom and was captivated by its beauty. Many of the early varieties 
carried by our nursery came from her gardens. We owe much to her generosity. I 
also wish to thank other friends who have in one way or another contributed to our 
progress. Mrs. Francis spends many hours in our gardens every Spring enjoying the 
flowers and marveling at the development of the new hybrids. 
Our first catalogue, issued in 1937, was the first catalogue published in America 
dealing exclusively with Epiphyllums. In 1939 and 1940 we took part in the San 
Francisco Golden Gate International Exposition. We received Certificates of Awards 
for our participation and the quality of our exhibit in cut flowers. We also partici- 
pated in Garden on Parade at the New York World’s Fair and were awarded a 
bronze medal for cut flowers. This was quite a feat because of the long distance. 
At the Oakland, California Spring Garden Show in 1942 we displayed cut flowers, 
corsages made from single and double blossoms, and sprays, for which we received 
blue ribbons and a cash prize. 100 blossoms a day were sent during the duration of 
the show. We also have received many Special Ribbon Awards for our displays in 
the Los Angeles area. In late years-I have given up show work due to the heavy 
demands upon my time. 
In June 1952, the Sunset Magazine published an article titled “Orchid Cactus in 
Miniature” on our Nopalxochia Phyllanthoides crosses, known as the Empress Hybrids 
and the exquisite Chiapasia Nelsonii Hybrids; this being the first published in America. 
They are truly Epiphyllums in miniature. Naturally, I was most pleased and flattered 
by this compliment to my hybridization work in this field. My only regret was that 
my husband did not live to see it. 
We will be happy to have all who are interested in Epiphyllums visit our nurseries. 
Our flowering season is long; our Chiapasia hybrids usually starting to flower in mid- 
March and continuing through most of the flowering season. The height of the season 
is April, May and June, though many flowers still may be seen in July and August. 
It is impossible to see all the varieties in bloom in a single visit as they come and go, 
but new varieties are opening almost every day during the season. 
The Ventura Epiphyllum Gardens is one of the largest in America at the present 
time specializing exclusively in Epiphyllums. A display may be seen at the home 
gardens, and across the street is the growing and shipping nursery. 
We have come more and more to the realization that it is the new developments 
which contribute to the increasing interest shown in these fantastically beautiful 
hybrids. In all the hybrids we have seen and grown, we have never found two that 
were exactly alike. Such variations in sizes and combinations of colors are not found 
in any other flowering plant. As has been our practice in past years and now, only 
the best are selected for our catalogue. 
On August 23rd I watched a new variety open, an Empress cross—a 3-inch flower 
in Persian rose and pink orchid. I must have made at least a dozen visits to see the 
“painted doll’ as it opened. What a joy! 
With the Lord’s help I will continue with the work, making top quality our motto 
as always. Do not let another season pass without a visit to our gardens. We bid 
you welcome. 
THERESA M. MONMONIER 
