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Featured Quote:
"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."
~Henry David Thoreau
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| Which season is it? |
 We are finally experiencing normal "winter" weather as steady rain falls and I get the opportunity to write a newsletter. Our unusually clear and mild days have been great for business but not for getting projects done. These cool wet conditions should serve as a reminder that although we are in daylight savings time, and spring began on the 20th, it is still too early to safely plant tender young seedlings of heat loving vegetables and annuals. Unless you have a greenhouse or other method of protecting your plants, resist the temptation to plant basil, tomatoes or impatiens until at least April 15th. In fact, most of the vegetables that bear fruit above ground, including peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers, eggplant and melons, would all prefer warmer soil and nighttime temperatures.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of things that you can plant now. For color in your beds or containers we have a great selection of pansies, violas, Iceland poppies, snap dragons, stock, and alyssum. Even petunias and marigolds, which are generally associated with summer, are budded and blooming and safe to plant now.
In the vegetable garden there is still time to plant leafy greens like lettuce, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, Asian greens, mustard, and dandelion greens, as well as head crops including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. It's an ideal time to start some root crops too, so why not plant some gourmet seed potatoes or onions< And, of course, perennial herbs and artichokes can be planted just about any time to provide several years of harvest. |
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| Deciduous is fabulous |
A deciduous plant is one that loses its leaves during a period of dormancy. For most deciduous flowering shrubs and trees this dormant period is in the winter. It is one of the natural mechanisms that allow many plants to survive severe cold conditions without damage, but the benefits don't stop there. Deciduous shrubs and trees offer variety and a perceptible change of seasons in the garden. Winter's end and the approach of spring are celebrated with dramatic displays of flowers. Lush bright green leaves unfurl to welcome the warmer days of spring and summer. Fall often features colorful foliage in warm tones and the tracery of winter's bare branches offer opportunities for appreciating and highlighting the sculptural structure of the plant.
Here are a few of the deciduous beauties in stock now that will soon reach their peak bloom:
Magnolia: These can be large multi stemmed shrubs or small trees. The Stellata hybrids feature white star shaped flowers and are usually grown as large multi-stemmed shrubs 10'-12' tall. Soulangiana hybrids are the typical "cup and saucer" or "tulip" shaped flowers in a range of pinks, purples or even yellow, depending upon the variety. Popular choices include the pink tones of the mult stemmed 'Soulangiana' and 'Alexandrina' or the dramatic dark purple tones of the single stem tree form 'Vulcan' and 'Black Tulip.'
Forsythia: These medium sized shrubs are the first to bloom in late winter, with gracefully sweeping branches cloaked with cheerful golden yellow blossoms along their length. Super easy to grow and maintain
'Golden Flair' Exbury Azalea: This is an extremely hardy and stout variety with large star shaped golden yellow flowers with a reddish orange blotch. It has a medium sized mounding form to about six feet tall and four feet wide.
Lilac: As this upright growing shrub emerges from winter dormancy, the leaves are closely followed by spectacular cone-shaped clusters of highly fragrant flowers. The best varieties for our mild winter area are 'Angel White', 'Blue Skies' and the dwarf Korean lilac named 'Paliban.'
Dogwood: Although many of us may be familiar with the Eastern Dogwood (Cornus florida) the best performers for the Santa Cruz area are the Kousa hybrids or crosses, which are more tolerant of our heavy soils, more disease resistant and generally have larger brachts surrounding the flowers. These are slow growing trees that may reach 20 feet in 20 years. We have varieties with white or pink flowers and even a couple with beautiful green and white variegated leaves.
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| What's up in the garden |
 Be aware that along with our wonderful rainfall there will be an explosion of slugs and snails just as tender new growth emerges from winter weary perennials and recently planted bedding plants or vegetable starts.
This is the time for Sluggo! Sluggo is an earth friendly slug and snail control that is approved for use in organic gardens. It is simply a granular form of iron phosphate that can be safely and easily sprinkled around the base of containers or in between plants in your garden. When slugs and snails come in contact with Sluggo they stop feeding and slither away to die without destroying your plants.
If you also have a problem with crawling insects like sow bugs or earwigs, try using Sluggo Plus. Sluggo Plus contains the added ingredient Spinosad, which is a naturally occurring strain of bacteria that is harmless to birds, fish and mammals but is very effective at controlling several types of insects. Another approach to snail control is with a product called Snail & Slug Away. This is an OMRI approved, organic liquid spray that comes in a pre-mixed ready to use bottle and also in a concentrate form. The active ingredient is cinnamon oil mixed with soapbark, water, soybean oil and sunflower oil. It can be sprayed directly on foliage and on stems near the ground. We have found it to be very effective with no burning of tender leaves.
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If you haven't gotten to it yet, this is the time to cut back dormant grasses like Miscanthus, Pennisetum or Japanese blood grass. New growth should be sprouting from the base so cut the old stems down to just a few inches in height. Many perennials that have been in the ground for a season or two could also use a moderate haircut to induce fresh new growth. Salvias, lavenders, penstemon, lantana, daisies and zonal geraniums all tend to get wild, woody and leggy without some taming.
Perennials and flowering shrubs are about to begin an incredible growth spurt, so it's important to provide proper nutrition with an application of Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Food. This all organic fertilizer blend has the essential primary elements, trace elements and micro-nutrients in addition to beneficial bacteria and soil microbes to activate your soil and fuel spring growth. Fertilizing makes the difference between plants that merely survive and plants that truly thrive.
 Before you replant your flower beds or vegetable gardens for the season, or any time you plant new perennials shrubs or trees, invest the time and effort to improve the structure of your soil. The payback is tremendous. Bumper Crop organic compost is comprised of composted fir bark, 15% chicken manure, earthworm castings, bat guano, kelp meal and oyster shell lime. The composted organic materials maximize microbial activity and retain nutrients while maintaining critical air spaces between soil particles to improve drainage and allow the roots to breath. If your soil is very heavy clay, consider using Black Forest organic compost instead. This soil-enhancing product is made from composted redwood and fir bark with a larger particle size that is more effective at keeping the tiny clay particles from packing together.
If you had worms in your apples last year, you can help reduce the problem this year by hanging Coddling Moth Traps in your trees. The traps are treated with a non-toxic pheromone that attracts male adults before they have a chance to mate. Three to four traps should be hung in the tree canopy at the time of bloom. Starting three to four weeks after bloom, inspect your fruit daily for the first signs of worm damage that will look like tiny mounds of reddish-brown sawdust, called frass, about 1/16 inch in diameter. If you scrape the frass away you will see the tiny entry hole where the newly hatched larvae has just entered the fruit. Immediately remove the affected fruit and spray the tree with Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew. This is an organic product with naturally occurring Spinosad as the active ingredient. It is very effective at controlling all larval stages of insect life cycles. And lastly, remember to pick up any fruit that has fallen to the ground as these may serve as launching points for the next generation of moths.
If you are hoping for blue hydrangea flowers this year, you need to act quickly. Apply Hydrangea Blueing Formula to the soil around the base of your hydrangeas to acidify the soil encouraging blue shades later in the season. If you wait until they are flowering it will be too late.
Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias are starting to bloom, so this is a great time to select your favorite color. We have recently received new deliveries of lush plants that are loaded with buds and this is a great time to plant. If you didn't feed your existing plants in the fall, give them some Dr. Earth Rhododendron Azalea and Camellia fertilizer to sustain their energy through the bloom and spring growth period.
Thinking of growing some fruit trees in your yard? Our newsletter subscribers can save 25% on any remaining apple, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, pear, persimmon, plum or pluot in stock.
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The Gift Shop Gourmet
Section is growing! |
We've had such great response to the artisanal Olive Oils and Vinegars from B.R. Cohn that we've researched and sourced other gourmet food products from local and domestic, independent, family owned businesses.
Iveta Scone Mixes - made in Santa Cruz! Wonderful, moist and flaky scones made easy - just add 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream for a tea-time treat in 20 minutes. Delicious flavors include Cinnamon Chip, Chocolate Chip, Apricot, Vanilla and Cherry.
 Heritage Shortbread - made in South Carolina from an age-old family recipe. Maria found this irresistible shortbread at the 'Fancy Food Show' in San Francisco, so you know it's good. Passed down through generations, this recipe has withstood the test of time. Perfect as a gift for teachers, coworkers and Mother's Day or a self-indulgent treat. Available flavors include, Original, Lemon Infused and Chocolate Dipped.
 Happy Girl Kitchen Company Jams and Marmalades - locally crafted in Monterey with all organic fruits, these products capture the essence of our central coast produce. The small batch jams and marmalades are handcrafted with all local ingredients sourced directly from certified organic farmers. Current flavors include: Strawberry and Meyer Lemon Jamalade, Pink Grapefruit Marmalade, Orange rosemary Marmalade, Quince Jelly, Membrillo Quince Jam, and Plum Cinnamon Jam.
 Wine Forest Wild Foods of Napa - Connie Green has foraged the forests of Northern California for mushrooms and other wild edibles for years. After selling to San Francisco chefs for more than a decade, she has branched out to the public with Wine Forest Wild Foods. We are excited to offer an array of these products including dried Porcini, Chantrelle, Black Trumpet and Morel mushrooms, Porcini salt, Mushroom Alchemy seasoning, Fennel Pollen salt, and 'Good Food Award' winner, Wild Elderberry Shrub (an elixir best used as a base for cocktails, sodas salad dressings and sauces). For extra inspiration, we also carry Connie's visually stunning cookbook, The Wild Table.
Harvest Sweets - Cape Cod Massachusetts - We are excited to bring in these diverse treats from the northeast. Another great find from the Fancy Food Show, these all-natural, chocolate covered, dried fruits are perfect as gifts or just to have on hand for a sweet snack. Choose from dried Strawberry, Key-Lime Mango, Cherry, Orange or Blueberry dipped in either Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate. |
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This is wonderful served with vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients:
- 2 large bananas
- 8 (7-inch square) spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste
- 1 quart oil for deep frying
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Step by Step:
- Preheat the oil in a deep-fryer or large cast-iron skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Peel bananas, and slice them in half lengthwise, then crosswise into fourths.
- Place one piece of banana diagonally across the corner of a spring roll wrapper, and sprinkle with brown sugar to taste.
- Roll from the corner to the center, then fold top and bottom corners in, and continue rolling. Dip your finger in water and brush the last edge to seal. Repeat with remaining banana pieces.
- Fry a few banana rolls at a time in the hot oil until evenly browned. Remove to paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot or cold.
Yield: 8 servings
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Contact Information
E-Mail:
Click to email us.
Address:
2218 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone:
(831)429-8424
Fax:
(831)429-8477
Hours:
Winter Hours
(Nov. through Feb.)
Mon - Fri:
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday:
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Scone and Jam Tasting
Saturday, March 31st
11:00-3:00
Savor the flavor of fresh baked Iveta Scone Mix combined with the intriguing, delicious certified organic jams and marmalades from Happy Girl Kitchen.
Find us on Facebook
We just launched The Garden Company Nursery and Gift Shop Facebook Page. Check it out and if you like us, well, Like us.
On the Radio
Charlie of The Garden Company is now doing a 10 minute radio garden program with Rosemary Chalmers, host of Good Morning Monterey Bay on KSCO. Tune in to AM 1080 every Friday morning at 8:15 and join us for a walk in the garden.
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Gift Certificates
Can't decide what to get that special person in your life? A Gift Card from The Garden Company is a gift of a thousand possibilities. Available in any amount, for any budget.
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Special Orders
Our Special Order Program can help you find that special plant or product you are looking for. We will gladly try to track it down and call you when it is available. Of course, specific plant availability is dependent on production cycles, but if it's out there, we'll try to get it for you.
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