Newsletter for October 2025
The gardener’s dream – fall weather in fall! We have myriad choices to inspire you. The grass Carex testacea is a perfect example. The plant is evergreen (evercopper?). This Carex will grow to about 3′ x 3′. We currently sell this plant in 4″ pots – a real bargain.
We have many more 4″ perennials for the patient and/or frugal gardener. Some choice items include Scabiosa, Dicliptera, Superbenas (these are among the hardiest of the verbenas) and the return of the Osteospermums – African daisies that thrive in cool weather.
Fall is the prime time for planting California natives. We have some handsome 5 gallon Howard McMinn and Mt. St. Helena manzanitas. Varieties of Ceanothus, desired for their shades of blue, are in stock. The buckwheat Eriogonum grande var. rubescens is a lovely, small plant with rosy flowers. Available in 4″ are two native Asclepias (Milkweed), Salvia apiana and Heuchera maxima.
Our medicinal Aloe veras are very full plants in 4″ containers. This species is not reliably cold hardy but you can keep it indoors during the winter or place it in a protected area outdoors. We do have a good selection of cold hardy succulents as well.
The annuals to tide you over until spring are in full display. Snapdragons are ever popular. Plant dwarf varieties, medium tall or ‘Rocket’, the tallest growing to about 3 ft. They are expected to survive for two years or more. Check out the pansies, violas, calendulas and stock for color to last through the winter.
Fall bulbs are still arriving, We have lots and lots of daffodils, large cupped and charming dwarf varieties. Our selection includes mixed Dutch iris and the more unusual ‘Eye of the Tiger’. You can plant single or double freesias. Don’t forget the tulips.
Attention flower arrangers – Eucalyptus ‘Silver Drop’ is considered to be the best variety for bouquets. The plant can be kept to under 5 feet in a container. To prevent it from becoming a tree when planted in the ground, prune. Another great addition to bouquets are the flowers of Lisianthus, currently in stock. Try protecting them this winter for earlier blooms nest year.
This is one of the more spectacular Salvias – ‘Amistad’. The dark purple flowers are a favorite of the humming birds. To get a long season of bloom, prune back the first flowering and add some fertilizer. The plant will benefit from afternoon shade in the hottest climates. We have some great 5 gallons.
Salvias galore! On the daintier side of the genus we have many shades – white, red, pink and blue. These plants are well adapted to our hot summers. They also fare well with regular pruning. Enjoy them until the frost sets in.
A reminder that our fruit sale is still on. Take advantage of a year’s growth and save money at the same time!
