Mellano Farm Stand celebrates 1 year anniversary with Mother's Day Festival

OCEANSIDE – Mellano & Company, a family operated flower farm just west of Bonsall, has been around for nearly a century, ever since Italian immigrant Giovanni Mellano started it in 1925. Over the years, they have become one of the most trusted families in the industry.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it devastated the flower industry and hit Mellano & Company hard.

"After the stay at home order, flower sales went to zero," Michelle Castellano Keeler, Giovanni's granddaughter and a Fallbrook High graduate said. "With no weddings, funerals, special events, etc., every order was cancelled. We...