Newsletter for September 2024

The inevitable change of seasons is about to occur. And the advent of fall seems welcome after a very hot summer. We are ready to offer some great planting suggestions at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero. It’s time to prepare for the bareroot season coming up. We start with the Fruit Tree Sale. We offer: 35% off all citrus and avocado trees – $35 for all 5 gallon apple, pear and stone fruit trees or 3 for $100. Also, 15% off fig, Jujubes, persimmons, multi-budded trees and 15 gallon fruit trees.

Fall vegetables have arrived at Bay Laurel Garden Center – those healthy, cool season varieties. For your planting pleasure you will find broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard and more. For a good crop you seasoned vegetable gardeners know a rich, organic soil is the secret to success. We have the right stuff!

The fall bulb season typically begins with the German bearded iris. These little, somewhat shrunken tubers will bring forth colorful long lasting flowers. During this long life they only ask for some high phosphorous fertilizer and dividing every three or four years. This is a good time to do exactly that for your established plants.

It’s never too early to start planning your bareroot fruit tree order. You can find the current selections online at baylaurelnursery.com and our new catalog is available at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero. Don’t forget berries, grapes and kiwis, plus lots of roses. Items only available at the garden center include tree roses and asparagus.

Here is a striking specimen of the Polygala shrub. One of our growers has turned it into a tree! This evergreen shrub is commonly called “Sweet Pea Shrub” as the purplish-pink flowers resemble sweet peas. Polygala will grow 3 to 5 feet tall. Prune heavily in early spring for the best appearance. A compact form of the plant also exists, reaching only 2 to 3 feet.

Carpenteria is a charming, native, evergreen shrub. These sprays of white flowers appear in June. Carpenteria is one of the most drought tolerant natives. It prefers afternoon shade and will grow 5 to 6 feet. We currently have 1 gallon plants, a rare occurrence. 5 gallons are also available. Why is the plant pronounced CarpenTERia and the city CarpinterIA?

You might be in need of a gift or unusual addition to your garden. Pictured is a rustic bird house. Remember to visit our Garden Gallery at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero – chock full of gift ideas.

Here is a rare and striking member of the genus Sansevieria – boncellensis. The most commonly known varieties often called ‘Snake plant’ have much thinner leaves. All the plants in this genus are known for their toughness. The easiest way to kill them is by overwatering. Check out our selection of unusual house plants at Bay Laurel Garden Center in Atascadero.