Pat Hammer


Patricia Riley Hammer (Pat) literally wrote the book on topiary--one of her several specializations during her fifteen-year career at the famed Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. While at Longwood she wrote the “bible” of topiary, The New Topiary, now a classic in the field. She has authored many articles on the subject.

A leading expert in the art, she created or consulted on many major topiary projects throughout the United States and even in Japan. Her figures were the centerpiece for the feature display of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Her work has been displayed coast to coast including Universal Studios, Dallas Arboretum, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

She is a sought-after speaker at leading horticulture venues from Disney World in Orlando, to the Denver Botanic Garden in Colorado, to the Garden Clubs Convention in San Diego, to name a few. Her television credits include: This Morning, Gardening America, Cox Cable TV, KNSD News, and the Christopher Lowell Show.

A world-expert on Ivy (Hedera helix), Pat presided as president of the American Ivy Society for over a decade.

Samia Rose Topiary was put on hold for over a decade as Pat served as Director of Operations for San Diego Botanic Garden. However, she is now back in the field she loves bursting with new energy and creativity.

Maria & Loreto Ramirez

Maria and Loreto Ramirez have been with Samia Rose Topiary since 1993. They have been involved in every major project we have created over the years. They bring to Samia Rose Topiary years of experience. Maria has been managing a major greenhouse range for more than 20 years. Loreto also has more than 20 years’ experience in the horticultural business.