NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER
2010
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The "Fabulous Fall Sale" begins!
Most 5 gallon roses are $12 or 3 for $30; others such as special climbing roses, miniatures and tree roses are 20% off.
Most 5 gallon fruit trees are now $19 (regular price of $27) with the exception of Jujubes, Persimmons and Citrus; they are 20% off.
Pomegranates
are only $15!
We also have a selected group of perennials in 1 gallon and 4.5" containers that are 50% off. Don't miss out on these terrific bargains!
We've added some quality hats to our line of Sloggers shoes and boots
.
It seems three seed companies was one too many so we've decided to discontinue the "Renee's Garden" label. The seeds are 50% off as long as they last.
EVENTS
Melinda Forbes has scheduled Cuesta College classes at her home in Garden Farms. "Making medicine with herbs" and "Cycle of Bounty" will be held in September and October. For more info go to www.communityprograms.net or call her at 438-5077.
Another event you won't want to miss is the Atascadero Mutual Water Company tour in October. You can purchase tickets at Bay Laurel after September 20th.
A very useful succulent in the garden is Sedum 'Autumn Joy.' The dusty pink flowers open in September and change to shades of reddish-brown as the fall progresses. It's a very hardy perennial.
The crape myrtle has added some bright new colors to the pallet! "Dynamite" is the brightest red yet - and it is, of course, the most popular! We have just a few left in the tree form and have on order both tree and shrub forms in 5 and 15 gallon sizes. Other crape myrtle colors include purple, lavender, rose-pink and white. Sizes vary as well; the smallest are dwarf varieties which are only 3-4 ft. tall and the tallest grow 20 to 25 feet.
Another new and dramatic addition to the summer scape is the Chocolate Albizza ("Mimosa") The dark, finely cut leaves definitely fit the "chocolate" description!
Aren't we fortunate to have such blue skies!
Succulents are perfect pot partners! Here are two of the new and unusual varieties we recently received.
Crassula capitella "Campfire"
Sempervivum Royal Ruby
All these fascinating succulents allow you to create some amazing combinations in any varietiy of planters.
Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a very attractive perennial with a delicious lemon scent. Give it some protection from hard frosts. Best known as the basic ingredient for lemon tea. Thomas Hill Organics Restaurant in Paso Robles serves tea with leaves of lemon verbena, different varieties of mint leaves and a caffeine-free tea, Tridosha; they report it's very popular.You can find some more exotic recipes for lemon verbena on the internet. We currently stock the plant in 4.5" and 1 gallon containers.
Zauschneria (renamed Epilobium) or the "California fuchsia" as it is commonly called is in its full glory right now. It's a favorite with hummingbirds; the plant returns year after year, benefits from a trim after bloom but requires minimal water or attention. There are several varieties with variable heights, leaf color and flower color, although most flowers are a bright reddish-orange.
The days grow shorter and fall officially begins but September can be a very summer-like month
We've had an unusually cool summer but tomatoes should finally begin to ripen! Here's a delicious recipe for gazpacho from the Victory Garden Cookbook. The authentic recipes from Spain are usually pureed and would be used as an appetizer. This recipe makes the most of your homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes. Warm up some crusty sourdough bread and you have a tasty meal!
Gazpacho
Peel, seed and chop in 1/4" dice 4 large tomatoes and 2 cucumbers. Do the same with1 large green pepper and 10-12 scallions. In a mortar, mash 1-2 cloves garlic and 1 t. salt. Beat in 1/4 C. vinegar and 1/3 C. oil. Add to chopped vegetables and stir in 3 C. tomato juice. Add 1-1/2 C. beef broth or water. Season with a dash of hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Chill. Can slice 1/2 cucumber on top for a garnish.
This month we'll be carrying onion starts and cool season vegetable plants so you can prepare for the great fall planting!
Trachelium is a durable perennial which has been in short supply. The flowers are found in shades of white, blue and purple. Besides being an attractive addition to the perennial garden, the flowers are lovely in arrangements.
An extremely versatile perennial is Glechoma variegata. It can be used as a ground cover or a very long-lasting addition to any container, including hanging baskets.
No longer do you have to choose between white or medium blue Agapanthus - the lovely, dark shade is now available in tall and dwarf plants. Currently on sale here are "Mood Indigo" and "Petite Blue "
