The first day of autumn is not far off but the temperatures say otherwise. If this year is similar to years past, we've got warm summer weather until mid-late October. The days are progressively becoming shorter though, so even though temperatures are warm, plants are beginning their dormancy cycle. Pomegranate trees and stone fruits are usually among the first trees whose leaves turn yellow and fall. Meanwhile, heat loving plants such as Plumeria, Hibiscus, Pentas, Lavender, and more continue their flowering cycles. 

Make sure you take the time to enjoy your garden throughout the year. All that work will pay off. I realize that I notice or appreciate something in my garden/greenhouse almost every day. This time of the year I find myself weeding, doing pest control, deep watering, and pruning most often. The weeds will never stop appearing so I just keep going at it little by little. Pest control this time of the year can be frequent. Caterpillars are abundant this time of the year whether they are on your vegetables and herbs, bougainvillea, brugmansia, roses, or almost anywhere in the garden.

The key to controlling these types of pests is using either B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) or Captain Jacks (Spinosad). The most effective way to use these products is when you first start to notice the damage caused by caterpillars, spray the plant(s) thoroughly in the evening, and repeat every few weeks. Other pests include spider mites, aphids, scale, whitefly, and mealybug which are most effectively treated with a contact insecticide such as Orchard spray or Bon-Neem (Pyrethrin). Also apply in the evening and every few weeks as needed. As a precaution, try to avoid spraying flowers and spray in the evening when bees aren't active to avoid unnecessary damage (we love our bees!) I really only use insecticides for pest control when certain thresholds are met, if I just notice some small damage I will monitor it and see if it develops any further. 

Deep watering in the evening or early morning can control the frequency in which you need to water, especially in established landscapes. Conserving and not wasting water during these times of severe drought is important. Knowing your soil type is important, too because there is no need to deep water a heavy clay soil. Pruning this time of the year helps remove any excessive growth from spring and control certain plants you don't want to outgrow their space. Cleaning your tools after pruning is important to keep from spreading bacteria or disease to other plants in your garden unknowingly. Finally, I begin thinking about or prepping any plantings I will be doing in fall. 

Plants are still abundant this time of the year. Asclepias (milkweed) for the monarch butterflies are still in stock for one last push. They will be migrating south soon enough. We've got some beautiful hibiscus in stock, a new series called the Hollywood series with 6 different colors. 

Tecoma hybrids are loving the warm weather, 'Bells of fire' and 'Sparklette'. A new Tecomaria series by Sunset magazine introduced three new colors in a more compact growth habit (great for attracting hummingbirds).

Other Sunset magazine plants we have include Lomandra 'Platinum beauty', and Lavender 'Meerlo'. Some beautiful Abutilons for shady areas 'Nabob', 'Victor Reiter', and 'Sunset Reiter'. 

We've been growing and receiving some very unusual indoor plants such as Philodendron micans, Monstera siltepecana, Jewel Orchid, Peperomia 'Watermelon', three types of Carnivorous plants, String of turtles, and even a few very rare plants: Philodendron Billietiae, Alocasia alzlanii, and Monstera dubia (but you must see me to view them). 

Enjoy our indoor/outdoor Ficus Sale as well as 20% off all Sanevierias. Ficus 'Audrey', alitissima, lyrata, elastica, are included in the sale. 

In our outdoor specialty section under the shade, you will find Ficus petiolaris (Sonoran Rock fig), religiosa (Bodhi tree), menabeensis, Virens, Autralia and more, also on sale now. 

There is so much more to mention in lots of different categories: natives & drought tolerant plants, cactus & succulents, lots of color for sun and shade, ornamental grasses, beautiful outdoor bromeliads, plus we are well stocked with veggies, herbs and fruit trees (avocados are 20% off). 

I hope everyone is staying cool as we head into early fall. Please stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you at the nursery soon!