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Your Independent Neighborhood Garden Nursery
Beautiful Plants and Inspired Designs since 1954
| | Dear Friends of Anderson's La Costa, | | |
Happy August!
Welcome to the height of summer. There is no fooling around this summer- this is a hot one! The ocean water temperature has stayed around 75 degrees (and higher) for several weeks now, keeping our days mostly sunny and very warm. It is a good time to make sure your plants are deeply watered, and best to water them in the early mornings and later evenings when there's less evaporation.
We are staying cool over here at the nursery. The coastal breeze is delightful, and the shade of the big Ficus trees gives us coverage when we need it. Please stop by and visit when you find the time. We would love to see you. On to our mid-summer specials...
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August Nursery Specials
20% Off
Mandevilla, Dipladenia, Alocasia, Colocasia, and
In-stock Fiber Clay Pottery
The main difference between Mandevilla and Dipladenia is that Mandevilla is typically a climber and produces larger flowers, while Dipladenia tends to have smaller flowers and a bushier growth habit.
Alocasia and Colocasia are both tropical plants commonly known as "elephant ears," but the new leaves on Alocasia plants face upward, with the stem located at the edge of the leaf, while Colocasia's leaves face downward, with the stem located farther in on the leaf. Also, Colocasia can withstand wet, marshy conditions, while Alocasia prefers to dry out between waterings.
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In the next section, you'll find Steven's nursery and garden write-up, followed by our Summer Gardening Tips.
Hoping you're having a wonderful summer and enjoying some travel or days along our gorgeous coastline. Please let us know how we can help you with your garden. We look forward to seeing you at the nursery soon.

Best wishes,
Your Anderson's La Costa Team ~ Marc, Mariah, Steven, Hanna, Tandy, Julie, June, Josh, Mo, Zoe, Madeline, Ella, Gabe, and Alvaro
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What's New at the Nursery by Steven Froess
Hello Everyone!
The August newsletter is officially here. The much warmer summer weather has finally arrived. Along the coast, it still feels quite nice, and there is a fantastic ocean breeze. The days are long, and the sun feels intense. Fun fact: some plants, such as zucchini, fold up their leaves on bright, warm days to conserve water and avoid overheating. This doesn't mean they are wilting, and it's actually best not to water them during this time, but to water them early in the morning. Plants are fascinating in the ways they can adapt and survive.
I'm beginning to harvest some excellent tomatoes from my mid-April planting. Among my favorites are the Aiko Orange and Hawaiian Pineapple. Mia McCarville first introduced me to the Aiko Orange as a Japanese favorite. This torpedo-shaped cherry tomato is very flavorful and an excellent producer. Some of you may have gotten plants I started from seeds this spring, and I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am.
The heirloom-type Hawaiian Pineapple has been on my list to try for a while, and this year I finally did. The plant did not disappoint, producing numerous large fruits that are yellowish orange when ripe. These tomatoes went on my first BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado) of the season, and wow. Of course, I had to taste a slice on its own, and it reminded me how much better homegrown tomatoes are.
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I've heard from multiple people, including from my own experience, that certain pests are numerous this year, including squirrels, rats, mice, rabbits, and gophers, to name a few. These pests are difficult to eradicate and usually require traps or relying on natural predators. There are a few deterrents, such as planting nearby strong-smelling plants, like society garlic, rosemary, or scented geraniums, to deter rabbits. It's best to plant a border near where you think they are coming from.
I've started wrapping my tomatoes in aluminum foil just as they start to turn color to protect them from being nibbled by squirrels or rats. Apparently, they also sell small reusable nets that you can put over your fruit to protect it from birds, squirrels, rats, etc.
You may have noticed in our edible plant section an enclosure over our lettuce table, and now there is another one over cucumbers, since persistent squirrel activity is making it difficult to keep plants uneaten. If anyone has great ideas for keeping pests out of their garden, I would love to hear them!
| | Warm weather brings tropical plants to life. They enter a very active growth and flowering cycle. I know it's well into summer once the plumeria begin flowering. Our first shipment of assorted sizes and varieties has arrived. We also have some assorted hibiscus varieties in stock that are starting to come into bloom, as well as Ixora Maui orange. Both are great plants that add a bright, flowering, tropical feel. | |
| Croton adds colorful foliage to shady to sunny areas (along the coast). Hawaiian snow bushes are finally pushing out growth and looking colorful. This delicate-looking shrub can take a good amount of sun along the coast, and to get the maximum foliage color, I recommend pruning it regularly, as the new growth has the most color variation. | | |
Mandevilla and Dipladenia are great tropical flowering plants for containers. They offer a wide range of colorful flowers in many varieties. The main difference is that Mandevilla is typically a more vigorous climber and may have larger flowers, while Dipladenia tends to have a bushier growth habit. Both are included in our August sale at 20% off.
Also included in this month's sale are Alocasia and Colocasia, which are featured under the outdoor shade cloth and in our indoor houseplant section. Plus, the whole line of lightweight fiber clay pottery in tan and gray located in the Pottery House.
| | Outdoor bromeliads are a great way to add color and texture to shady or sunny spots in your garden or containers. Remember, bromeliads are epiphytes, so they absorb water through rain or irrigation on their leaf surfaces and in their leaf cups. No need to water the soil excessively. Instead, keep some water in the cups and replace it occasionally to prevent stagnation or mosquito development. | | We also got a new variety of edible passion fruit called Sweet Sunrise. This variety differs from most because it has yellow fruit when ripe and less acidic pulp on the inside. Lots of fruit, veggies, and herbs are available weekly. Our shipments usually arrive by Thursdays, so the best selection will be before the weekend begins. | | In other plant findings, Phyla nodiflora is a popular choice for a groundcover that spreads, stays low, is durable enough to handle human and pet traffic, and requires little maintenance. Grevillea 'Kings Celebration' offers feathery silver foliage and cherry-red flower clusters that hummingbirds won't be able to resist. | | We just received an order of some good-looking cacti and succulents. Trichocereus (San Pedro), Pilocereus (blue skin), Euphorbia 'Ammak' (variegated skin), and Allaudia (Madagascar ocotillo) make great accents in pots or in the ground for a very low-water garden. There is always something new coming in, so be sure to come by and check it out. | | |
I hope you all are enjoying your summer. Stay cool, and please stop by the nursery and say hi soon! Until next time-
Your Local Horticulturalist,
Steven
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As we find ourselves in the middle of summer, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your garden. Take a peek to see if there's anything that might need some attention, or simple chores like watering and deadheading, that can be done in the early, cool mornings or later into the evening. Regardless, now is the time to reap what you've sown - if not literally, then figuratively! Enjoy the fruit of your labor. However, if you are inclined to poke around in your garden, here are a few midsummer reminders:
Watering and pest control will be your main tasks this month. Remember the basics: Water in the early morning, and water the soil to the extent of the radius of the leaves, and not the leaves themselves. Water deeply and occasionally, rather than shallow and frequently.
It is important to water plants deeply during the hottest days of summer. If they are merely sprinkled, their roots tend to reach up toward the soil surface to access the water rather than extending downward as they should. Shallow roots will perish during hot weather. One deep watering a week utilizes less water, is better for plants, and requires less time than a daily sprinkling. Water thoroughly each time, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Deep-water trees as needed, depending on the tree species, age, and weather.
It's also a good time to ensure your irrigation system is performing at peak efficiency. Flush filters and header lines of drip systems. Also, check drip emitters and clean or replace those that aren't working properly.
To continue reading Summer Gardening Tips, click here.
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Welcome to Anderson's La Costa Garden Design Services. Our talented staff has designed hundreds of gardens for Southern California homeowners. Having a dedicated garden designer visit your home or office will help you create the beautiful outdoor space you've always dreamed of.
Our experienced Garden Designers can assist you with:

- A garden designed to your preferences
- Optimal plant selection and options for your unique setting and microclimate
- Advice on drought-tolerant and California native designs
- Recommendations on soil amending
- Plant problem identification and resolution
- Address maintenance needs
- A scheduled nursery visit to view the recommended plant materials
- Professional garden advice as needed
We hope you stop by to learn more about how we can help with your garden. Our Garden Design team is talented, creative, passionate, and professional. Please call, visit us at the nursery, or visit our website:
andersonslacostanursery.com/garden-design-services
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