Pistacia chinensis

Fall Color 

Time to look for that leaf color you have been waiting to plant in your yard. Fall is around the corner and leaf color change will be starting soon. I am seeing it with trees and shrubs that are under stress in existing landscapes.  When plants are changing color at your favorite retail nursery, be ready to purchase when you see the color scheme appear on the plant. This is especially true with Pistacia, Nyssa, Maples and even Crape Myrtles.Most plants in containers tend to change color a few weeks later than when in the landscape.This gives you time to determine which fall color plant you want after seeing it in existing landscape designs.

Fall Leaves

Worm Composting

 Couldn't believe how fast the worms can eat and make worm compost. 
                    Too easy to do. Check out the UC Sonoma site:
http://ucanr.org/sites/scmg/Workshops/

California Poppy

Berberis x Aurea

Berberis Aurea in #1 cans

Berberis 'Aurea' has eye catching bright golden yellow leaves. It is slow growing to 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall and wide.  In the hot valley heat of Summer, likes some afternoon shade.  Can be planted in full with coastal influence. Also great in container pots with other purple foliage plants.

Patio Tree Crape Myrtle

Limited Time. Offering Lagerstroemia 'World's Fair' patio tree. Grafted at 3' in #15 can. Currently 20 available for 2012 season.



Flower of Crape Myrtle"World's Fair'



Thuja x 'Green Giant'

Thuja x (standishii x plicata) Green Giant

Thuja (aka Arborvitae) 'Green Giant' has been gaining popularity as an evergreen screen. A good replacement for the Coastal Redwood that needs more water and the Leyland Cypress that can have die-out. A fast grower when young with proper irrigation. Waterwise when established in the landscape. Has no obvious insect problems. Average height is 35' to 40' in 25 to 30 years.
Will grow from the Bay area to the Valley and Lake Tahoe. Tolerates most soil types.

What a difference a year makes with the Weather

Spring 2012 is off to be a better start than 2011. Given what we all had last year, this is a good sign for the nursery industry. Precipitation is slowing catching up to average. A good thing. The ground was getting too dry. Becoming too difficult to dig in.