Newsletter for March 2026

The “jewel” of California natives! ‘Dark Star’ is among many of the colorful Ceanothus. This genus varies in both color and size. ‘Ray Hartman’ is the tallest and the low growing, ground cover types include hearstiorum and ‘Carmel Creeper’. Ceanothus are great accents – they are not known to be very long-lived, 7 to 10 years.

Gelsemium or Carolina jessamine is a very early blooming vine. It’s quite valuable here in the San Luis Obispo North County as one of the few evergreen vines. It’s also quite vigorous and considered to be deer resistant probably because all parts of the plant are toxic. Another early bloomer is the very fragrant Jasminum polyanthum. The vine requires afternoon shade and can be a bit sensitive to cold.

We still have quite a few summer blooming bulbs at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero. Pictured here is a new tiger lily, ‘Pink Giant’. Another new variety is a double yellow variety considered to be pollen free. This quality is considered beneficial as a cut flower as it reduces allergic reactions and extends vase life.

March is the last month for the bareroot season at Bay Laurel Garden Center – better hurry! This is also a great month to fertilize – almost everything. Feed your fruit trees, your roses, shrubs. etc., etc., etc. We have the stuff! Down to Earth is an organic fertilizer, Master Nurseryman is organic based. Many other available products include fish emulsion, chelated iron and more.

Vegetables are always in stock at Bay Laurel Garden Center but we try to adjust to the season. Lots of cool season varieties still available including some very ample artichokes. We just received packages of asparagus, Jersey Knight and purple as well as Red Crimson rhubarb. Tomatoes are coming soon!

Potatoes have arrived at Bay Laurel Garden Center! Unfortunately the supply is limited – the first shipment froze en route! We have German Butterball, Huckleberry Gold and Purple Majesty. You can cut the potatoes into pieces each containing an eye. The soil should be well draining. Plant in containers or in the ground. Bon appetit!

New shrubs are arriving daily at Bay Laurel Garden Center. A large showy specimen is the Sweet Broom which can eventually grow to 15 feet or more. The plant is covered in bright yellow blooms in spring. The Breath of Heaven (Coleonema) in both traditional and compact sizes have been very popular.

Color for the garden! If you missed Ranunculus tubers we are stocking plants in 4″ and 1 gallon pots. They are great cut flowers. To provide next year’s return, keep the tubers dry in summer – either in pots or remove and keep in a dry, cool place.

The Columbine is a lovely perennial requiring afternoon shade. The plants have hues of white, yellow and many bi-colors, including rose and pink and blue and white.