Newsletter for May 2026

The merry month of May brings a plethora of color to the garden. Let’s begin with shrubs. The purple leaved Cotinus adds drama to the palate – the dark leaves appear before the whimsical wispy flowers. When established, it’s very drought tolerant. Coleonema sports small pink flowers and dainty leaves. A compact variety, it only reaches about 3 to 4 ft. and as the lowest growing species, depends on its bright leaf color to attract attention.

Who wants to plant all over again every year? Enter perennials. They return! Delphiniums are spectacular. They require good, substantial soil and protection from the earwigs but they’re worth it! Scabiosas and Tulbaghia are less thrilling but they are tried and true performers.

Vegetables are still going strong at Bay Laurel Garden Center. If you’re a bit adventuresome, try the squash ‘Rampicante’ – huge leaves and unusual squash. How about the tomato ‘Indigo Blue Berry’? Also coming this week winter squash – butternut and delicata.

The ever changing selection of house plants at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero. Pictured here is a new variety of Dieffenbachia with an unusual variegated leaf. A favorite is the hanging plant Senecio rowleyanus, commonly known as the “String of pearls”. Some of the more colorful house plants include the Rieger begonia. These are great gifts for Mother’s Day. The flowers last for many weeks and are a great alternative to a bouquet of flowers. Another begonia species, the Rex begonia, relies on colorful leaves for its appeal.

Large areas require heavy duty spreading plants. A couple come to mind. The low growing native salvia, ‘Bee’s Bliss’ certainly fits the bill. The plant is quite drought tolerant – it can spread to a distance of 4 or 5 feet. It only grows about 12″ to 18″ tall and displays light lavender flowers in spring. A taller contender is the rock rose ‘Sunset’. This plant, also quite drought tolerant, can easily spread 5 or 6 feet. The flowers in spring are a bright fuchsia pink.

If you check the Sunset Western Garden Book, you see Nemesia described as an annual. It appears, however, that the new hybrids may be perennial. We have had some excellent feedback on these colorful plants. You might want to give them a try!

We keep our Cordylines in the shade at Bay Laurel Garden Center – they don’t fare well in hot sun during the summers in the North County. They add a vertical touch to the shade garden. There are various shades and sizes among the species. The evergreen grass, Lomandra, also handles the shade.

Here are a few suggestions for Mother’s Day, May 10th from at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero.