Nestled between asphalt roads and concrete sidewalks in north Stockton lies In Season, a local market and nursery. At first glance, it appears to be a small café and plant shop, but then it continues to expand. Doorway after doorway, path after path, the shop is much larger than it seems.
“Right out front is just concrete, fast traffic and sirens,” Caleb Mize, co-owner of In Season, said. “As you move towards the back, it just gets lusher and lusher and turns into this almost little secret garden.”
From gardening advice to dog treats to soap, In Season has it all. The versatile nursery/market/café sells organic produce, rare plants, coffee, artwork, gardening tools and, somehow, more. This one-of-a-kind gem is just a stone’s throw away from Oak Park.
In Season started in 2016 when native Stocktonians, Eric Firpo and Julie Morehouse, shared a vision. They wanted to provide organic produce and live plants at the same location. Both parties were master gardeners, experienced in the world of plants.
Morehouse and Firpo are beloved community members who co-owned the business for many years. Firpo unfortunately passed away in 2023 from cancer complications, but his legacy lives on through In Season. He is survived by Morehouse, who owned the business until 2024, when she decided it was time to move on.
“Julie shared at Eric’s memorial that she was ready to transition out of the business,” Tina Mize, a co-owner of In Season and expert horticulturist, said. “I just felt like maybe that was for us.”
Tina and Morehouse were old “plant friends,” according to Tina. They both attended the horticulture program at Delta College. Later on, Tina became a teacher in the program and often brought students to In Season for field trips.
“It’s such a community treasure,” Tina said. “We just really wanted to see the vision continue.”
Tina, 42 (left) and Caleb, 39 (right) Mize pose for a photo in the back garden with their dog Bowie, 6, on June 16, 2025. (Photo by Hope Munoz/Stocktonia)
Now, In Season is a family business for the Mizes, a married couple who have been together for nearly two decades. They enjoy connecting with the community and involving their two children, who also work at the shop. Even the family dog, Bowie, visits on Mondays, when the store is closed to the public.
“Most people are in a really good mood when they’re plant shopping and a lot of people call this their happy place,” Tina said. “It’s just really cool that we get to be a part of people’s lives in that way.”
Since taking the reins, the Mizes have expanded the store’s supply of native California plants. Caleb, who gets the plants, says he usually orders around twelve varieties.
“As for California natives, there aren’t any retail-specific plant native nurseries around. I think the closest one is Sacramento,” Caleb said. “So we’re really ramping up that stock right now.”
The Mizes like to spice things up when it comes to plant offerings, but they always try to keep the most popular species on hand. For example, California poppies and sticky monkey flowers are fan favorites.
90% of In Season’s plants have one thing in common: they don’t need much water. This makes it easier for them to survive in drier areas, such as California. In Season also carries rare plant species.
“We try to carry things that other people don’t,” Caleb said. “Every time I order plants, I’m looking for something I don’t recognize and then I’ll do my research on them.”
Tina shared that the store’s house plants are often difficult to find in other places. She recalled once carrying a black ZZ (zanzibar gem) plant, which generally comes in green. Currently, the store has a rare lava red rex begonia.
For those looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Stockton, the back garden seating area is open to all. It’s a great spot to get some work done, enjoy the outdoors or sip on a latte from the espresso bar.
In Season staff are happy to whip up a coffee drink for customers to enjoy. Currently, beans are sourced from a local coffee roaster. The store supports plenty of local businesses and has many moving parts.
The store also has a “gift shop” area where local soaps and artisanal goods are sold. In the market area, they sell food items including relatively local jams, salsas, flavored olive oils and more.
“We are always interested in sourcing from local artists and local makers,” Tina said.
The back of the store (open to customers) is where the magic happens. One side is filled with plants of all kinds. On the other side, crops dominate the landscape. Tall corn stalks and abundant purple plums are some of this season’s produce offerings. The store also sources from local growers.
“It just depends on what’s available seasonally and what’s going to do well in our climate and region,” Tina said.
While completing daily tasks, Tina and Caleb snacked on fresh, organic cucumbers. In their gardening methods, the couple goes through many steps to foster healthy soil. They create a system supporting a plant’s life cycle, without using pesticides.
“I feel like the plant just produces as much flavor as possible when it’s done organically,” Caleb said. “They may grow a little bit slower, but they’re always a little tastier. There’s something really special about being able to go out to your garden, pick something off a plant, pop it in your mouth and not have to worry about it.”
The front entrance of In Season, pictured on June 16, 2025. (Photo by Hope Munoz/Stocktonia)
Tina, who works as an associate professor of horticulture and plant science in the Department of Agriculture at San Joaquin Delta College, recently hired two interns. She’s excited to see her students benefit from the experience.
“Every second of it, every little task I’m given, I make the most of it,” Anthony Moscorro, Tina’s student, said. “I try to learn as much as I can.”
Love news? So do we.
Keep up with the latest news and information about Stockton and the surrounding area. Sign up to receive our Morning Briefing – and get our newsletter sent to your inbox three days a week. By clicking sign up, you agree to the terms.
Moscorro, 26, started down the path of horticulture over the last year. He shared that he feels lucky to have the experience, like he’s “won the lottery.”
Moscorro has had the chance to teach a class at In Season. The business holds free or low-cost classes every Saturday and posts the monthly schedule on its Facebook page. Topics can range from gardening advice to pottery making.
“Anyone’s welcome to just take the class – kids or adults,” Moscorro said. “If you want to learn, we’re here to teach.”
“The garden sitting area, specifically, is so lovely. I want people to know that they can treat this like it’s ever a public space,” Caleb said. “You don’t have to come here and buy plants or buy a coffee to hang out in this garden space.”
Tina Mize holds a rare lava red rex begonia on June 16, 2025. (Photo by Hope Munoz/Stocktonia)
Oftentimes, customers stop at the back garden/production area because they are unsure if they’re allowed to continue. The Mizes want to bridge this gap by encouraging the public to explore.
“We want to make it to where people can come here to get ideas on what to do in their own backyards,” Tina said. “We want to make it more open and engaging.”
Going forward, the Mize’s hope to increase their availability of native California plant stock and share it with the community. They also want to engage with more local schools. The store is located at 215 E. Alpine Ave. For more information, those interested can call (209) 949-2499 or visit the store’s Facebook page.
Related
Want more? Sign up to get Stocktonia delivered to your inbox three days a week.