Newsletter for November 2024

It’s coming – the great Bay Laurel plant transformation. at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero we are getting ready for the Christmas trees and then hundreds of bareroot fruit trees in January. Later this month however, you can wander in for lots of berry plants, figs and pomegranates. We miss the bareroot strawberries but have jumbo packs available.

Winter vegetables are ready for planting at Bay Laurel Garden Center! Try six packs of broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce and lots more. Be a bit daring and go for some endive or escarole or radicchio in 4″ plants. Artichokes are available most of the year, now in 4″ and 1 gallons. Onion starts are here; California garlic should arrive later in the month.

Bulbs for spring, bulbs for forcing. New – the white Amaryllis belladonna (“Naked Lady”). They are just as tough as the pink ones and equally lovely. Ranunculus are perennial favorites and this year we have jumbo tubers – varieties include ‘Cafe’, Flamenco’ and more. ‘Cafe’ was planted in Joaquin’s planter box last year and wowed the crowd! For similar results, use premium soil and fertilize every two weeks. To store tubers for next year, keep them dry over the summer. If you want to force the Paperwhite Narcissus, the time to start is 6 to 8 weeks before Christmas.

This Miscanthus makes a very dramatic statement. There are many species included in the but ‘Yaku Jima’ is unusually outstanding, One of the many features is the late flowering when many garden plants have started to winterize. Other assets include low maintenance – cut back once a year. Water demands are relatively low. The flowing flower stems add grace and movement to the landscape.

Some excellent perennials are still in bloom at Bay Laurel Garden Center. The showy Coreopsis ‘Solanna Golden Sphere’ is one. One of the softest shades of the Garvineas is the pink variety. Should make a nice addition to a cut flower arrangement. Hollyhocks and Delphiniums are here in 4″ containers.

Native California plants are always in season. We have some handsome ‘Dr. Hurd’ manzanitas in stock at the moment at Bay Laurel Garden Center. ‘Dr. Hurd’ is one of the tallest manzanitas. After many years, as the lower leaves tend to disappear, you are left with this striking red/brown bark as a architectural feature.

Searching for colorful annuals for the shade? Try primroses. The varieties of this genus expand yearly. Currently, look for the variety ‘Primlet’. These adorable blossoms resemble tiny rose buds. Many colors are available. Another seasonable shade plant is Cyclamen. The red and white colors are quite fitting for the upcoming holidays.

The chill begins! Once again we offer sheets of row cover to protect your tender plants at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero. The fabric can be used for several years. For low growing fruit trees it can serve as protection from the critters.

A reminder that our rose sale is still on at Bay Laurel Garden Center – 25% off all roses.