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Your Independent Neighborhood Garden Nursery
Beautiful Plants and Inspired Designs since 1954
| | Dear Friends of Anderson's La Costa, | | |
Happy Autumn!
We hope you are enjoying our dramatic approach to the fall season. El Niño has certainly kept us on our toes this year, and it looks like there is still more to come. It's nice to enjoy some seasonal temps between the drastic swings from record heat to rain to heat again.
Thanks for your patience with the newsletter this month. We had some trips and colds going around, which delayed getting it out sooner. Before the month is over, we are featuring a pair of awesome plants for our newsletter specials...
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20% Off
All Ornamental Grasses
& Indoor Philodendron
Ornamental grasses tend to have extensive fibrous root systems that act as a net for the soil and can absorb more water. Please read more, including varieties and pictures, in Steven's section below.
Philodendrons are among the easiest houseplants to grow, but you can also keep them outside in indirect sun if it doesn't get too cold. There is a wide variety to choose from, and we have plenty in the greenhouse now.
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Please keep reading for Steven's awesome monthly update, followed by October Gardening Tips. We hope you have a fun, safe Halloween, and we look forward to welcoming you to the nursery as we enter the year's best planting season.
Warm wishes,
Your Anderson's La Costa Team ~ Steven, Hanna, Tandy, Mo, Julie, June, Zoe, Alvaro, Gabe, Madeline, Ella, Marc, and Mariah
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What's New at the Nursery
...by Steven Froess
Hello Everyone!
Time flies, and we're already in mid-October. This is the first full month of fall, but it still feels like summer. The days are getting shorter, and I find myself waking up to near darkness. What a summer we've had, one of the warmest I can remember with lots of tropical weather, which I hope doesn't become the norm for us. All in all, I can't complain too much as we live in one of the best climates in the country.
Even though temperatures may be on the warm side, the next few months are ideal for planting or tending the garden. El Niño is in effect, and the forecast is for record rainfall amounts through this fall/winter season. We need the rain, and most areas will benefit greatly (except places that have had recent fires or are at risk of mudslides). Here are a few things you can do to stay prepared, especially if you have sloped areas. First, make sure the drains around your landscape are clear and unclogged. This will ensure any excess water is channeled away properly (if you don't have drains or think you might need them, now is the time!)
It's always good to do regular maintenance in areas we otherwise mostly ignore. If you can (and have the space), rainwater barrels or catch basins will ensure you have rainwater available for your garden throughout next year's dry season (plants love this). Plants, especially their root systems, help retain water and hold soil in place (preventing erosion). One of the best plant categories for this purpose is ornamental grass, which ties in with this month's sale!
| | Ornamental grasses tend to have extensive fibrous root systems that act like a net in the soil, absorbing more water. Here are some varieties that I recommend, starting with some native types: Carex divulsa and Carex flacca (blue sedge) will give you that lush-looking, low-growing grass that spreads slightly. Muhlenbergia rigens and capillaris (blooming soon!) will give you a bulkier look with more distinct flowers. | | Other great grass choices include Sesleria (autumnalis, caerulea, or hybrids)- these low-growing grasses do well in this climate; and Lomandra, which is low-maintenance, lush, and durable (Platinum Beauty and Shorty are two of my favorites). | | Condrapetulum (cape rush) is an attractive, upright grass, and Pennisetum 'Eaton Canyon' has that true autumn feather-grass look. | | |
Grasses are a top choice, but plenty of other plants can help with soil retention (I would say any plant is better than none!) Groundcover types such as Juniper Point St. George stay very low to the ground and are durable; Grevillea Coastal Gem or Mt. Tamboritha also blooms and attracts hummingbirds; Westringia Low Horizon is a Mediterranean alternative with white flowers; Dorycnium hirsutum (Hairy Canary Clover) is a small shrub that grows 1-3 ft.
Consider California natives as well, especially Eriogonum (buckwheat), Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos, Achillea (yarrow), and Baccharis (coyote brush), and feel free to sprinkle in some wildflower seeds. I'm hoping we get plenty of steady rain, as we surely need it whenever we can get it.
| | As you visit the nursery this time of year, you will start to see some fall and winter plants becoming available. Bedding plants such as chrysanthemums, cyclamen, pansies, violas, and snapdragons. | | |
Camellias are starting to bud up nicely (some great japonicas like Nuccio's Gem, Nuccio's Jewel, and Nuccio's Pearl).
Cool-season vegetables and herbs are coming in regularly now, including broccoli, cauliflower, Asian greens, beets, lettuces, kale, peas, and more!
| | A few other plants I recommend at the nursery right now are Erica verticillata (South African native, hummingbird favorite), Chamelaucium 'Jupiter' (wax flower), and Leucadendron uliginosum (beautiful upright with soft silvery foliage). Ornamental peppers, rust-hued Coprosma 'Eclipse', and Leonotis (lion's tail) will add great oranges, reds, and yellows for fall color. | | We also just got a great shipment of outdoor bromeliads in all sizes and colors. They make great plants for containers or in the ground, especially around those tricky palm tree roots. This and much more at the nursery, and some nice grafted grevilleas just arrived, too! | | For a little while longer, all indoor greenhouse philodendrons are 20% off. | | |
Seasonal plants and decor arrive weekly, including Día de los Muertos figurines and ceramic pumpkins, marigolds, blooming grasses, purple-leafed plants, new pottery, and many other eye-catching items for autumn.
All this and more as we eventually enter the cooler season. Happy Halloween, and I hope to see you at the nursery soon!
Your Local Horticulturalist,
Steven
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October marks the beginning of our first genuine days of autumn. We have already felt some cooler temperatures at night and in the mornings between our summer-like hot spells.
In Southern California, our mild Mediterranean climate allows for year-round planting, but fall is one of the best times to garden. The soil remains warm, and the cooler season is approaching. As the temperatures begin to drop, gardening becomes even more enjoyable.
October is the prime month for planting cool-season flowers and vegetables. While you won't see their colors until next spring, October is also an ideal time to plant perennials. By planting now, they will build a strong root system during the cool weather and then bloom with vibrant color in the spring.
To continue reading October 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
Please 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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N E W S L E T T E R
S P E C I A L S
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20% Off
Ornamental Grasses
& Indoor Philodendron
Offer valid through November 1, 2026
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