Hello again everyone!

I am happy to be writing another newsletter for you all. Here we go again with another rainy March! I think we should change the phrase to, "March showers bring April flowers." 

Nevertheless, we are in dire need of every inch of rainfall we can get, so for that I am thankful. I can't help but read about the Coronavirus everywhere and in every other email, so I hope everyone is taking precautions and being safe. Looking on the bright side, while we are asked to stay at home at least we can play in the garden all day!

There is nothing quite like a visit to the nursery to escape from the stresses of life and connect with nature. Everyone has been noticing the local osprey and the beautiful nest they have made on top of the electricity pole adjacent to the nursery. It's quite a site to see and if you're lucky you will even see the osprey bring a fish from the lagoon to the nest! Also be sure to check out our Chameleon (Spock, Jr.) in his enclosure by the shade area. Oh, and I guess take a look at the superb collection of plants we have while you're here, too. ;)

Plant Talk
Let's begin with our indoor plants. What a trending area of gardening this has become over the last few years. We strive to find you all the best selection of locally grown indoor plants. From the more common, sturdy, beginner' type plants like Pothos, Sansevieria, and Dracaena, to the more advanced Agleonema, Ficus lyrata, and Calathea. We also carry rare or difficult to find houseplants when they are available. 

In stock now we have Z.Z. 'Raven', Monstera adansonii, Peperomia 'Raindrop', a few different types of Hoyas, Ficus triangularis, and soon to come more Ficus 'Audrey'. 

Can you say, "Swiss cheese"?

We just restocked our Tillandsias (airplants) and there are quite a few gems. Blooming T. crocata (with the most fragrant orange flowers) and T. Houston 'Red princess' are sure to catch your eye. Spanish moss clumps of three varieties (regular, fine green, and thick form). Plus, a wide variety of others from more common types to larger specimens and more unusual species. There is always something good going on in the greenhouse.

Outside in the nursery, inventory is really starting to diversify. There are tons of plants in bloom but most noticeable now are the Protea, Leucospermum, and Grevillea. We must have over 12 varieties of Protea and Leucospermum with buds and bloom. These plants are worth adding to any garden and are quite drought tolerant. Some important facts to note is that they require moderate to good drainage (dig a hole and fill it with water to check), sun most of the day, and space to grow. Other facts to note are that they don't like their root ball overly disturbed when planted and they definitely do not like fertilizers with phosphorus in them. 

Protea blooming like crazy!

Grevillea Moonlight shining bright

California natives are also becoming even more popular among gardens (yay), mine included. Ceanothus are starting to bloom all over  (east county hills are filled with this beauty!)  as well  as California poppies and Sysyrinchium (blue eyed grass). These types of plants have many benefits including being great for the ecosystem (birds, bees, and butterflies), they require little to no maintenance, they are water friendly, and they are just beautiful plants.

Edible gardening is also a great area of interest for many. Trees and shrubs that produce fruit are a great way to begin a garden that give back. You'll find many types of Citrus, Avocado, Guava, Loquat, Peach, Pomegranate, Nectarine, Fig, and more now and throughout the year. Southern Highbush blueberries grow very well in this area (they require very little winter chill) but do need a very acidic environment to thrive. Repeatedly adding acidic amendment and fertilizer will help them to continue to thrive and produce. Check out our fast-growing vegetable garden at the nursery! (Thank you, Tilly and Jenna.)

In the vegetable and herb section we still have some fall/winter selections such as many types of lettuces, kale, and peas. Slowly we will begin transition into the spring/summer plants, for example tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, etc. However, it is still a little early in my honest opinion as you look at the temperatures - we're still in the 60's and colder at night. Don't worry however, southern California has such an extended summer growing season, if you wait a little while longer you will be just fine.

Our sale this month is cactus and succulents - my favorite! We always carry a nice selection but our cactus varieties have increased noticeably. Most cactus may have spines are incredibly durable and unique looking. Try blue skin Cactus such as Pilocereus azureus and Pilocereus pachycladus, or Pachycereus pringlei (sometimes known as the Mexican saguaro). For those of you who consider yourselves collectors we have Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Elite' which is a stunning crested form, or Lophocereus schlotii 'Monstrose' also known as the totem pole cactus. There is definitely something for everyone from 2" cactus and succulents, to our Aloe selection - over 20 different kinds! Check out Aloe plicatilis x ferox hybrid for something very unique or Aloe 'Erik the red' for an amazing flower display. Also, while supplies last we have Senecio 'Skyscraper' a new sunset introduction of an upright, tall growing form of blue senecio. One-gallon Pedilanthus bracteus (they will go fast) are not always around, and green lithops (oh yeah...) 

Our bedding plants are popping with so much color and selection right now. It's amazing how the landscape of flowers and color changes from month to month. Australian Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw) are looking especially nice right now, as are  Abutilon with their numerous and delicate lantern-like blooms.

All this and so much more at the nursery. Come in and take a social-distance safe stroll. I hope to see you all very soon!