Essential Fall Yard & Garden Tips

How to: Prepare Your Bay Area Garden for Autumn

The autumnal equinox is Sunday, September 22! Fall brings a refreshing change to the Bay Area; with the heat abating, we’re beginning to wake to wet and misty mornings. The summer native flowers are fading, leaving brown branches full of seeds, rich in nutrients for native birds and wildlife.

Preparing your garden for this transitional season is crucial to ensure it thrives in the cooler, wetter months ahead. With the Bay Area's unique microclimates, from coastal fog to inland warmth, gardeners face a variety of conditions that make fall prep an essential part of the yearly gardening cycle. Whether you're looking to refresh your flower beds, plant cool-weather crops, or simply tidy up, now is the perfect time to get your garden ready for the season's arrival. Read on to learn how to make the most of your fall garden in the Bay Area, including helpful links to outside sources dealing specifically with native plant care.

Use “the 4 D’s” to deadhead and prune back perennials.

The California Native Plant Society recommends using this handy pruning mnemonic.

Remove the four “D’s”:
(1) Dead branches and leaves,
(2) Damaged or (3) Diseased growth, and
(4) “Deranged” branches (those growing awry).

Perennials to prune in fall include: Bellflower, Daylilies, Salvia, Coneflowers, Catmint, Hosta, Iris, Peonies, and Hydrangeas.

Pruning Hydrangea Macrophylla in late summer/early fall encourages a final burst of growth before the colder and wetter months. For more pruning tips, including plant-specific advice for California natives, visit the California Native Plant Society’s article, “Pruning Tips and Techniques.”

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Clean and organize your tools.

September is a great time to clean, organize, and care for your tools after a summer of heavy use.

• Disinfect, air dry, and oil shears and spades.

• Wash totes and gloves.

• Polish watering cans and tool handles.

  • Pro tip: always use earth-friendly cleansers and oils!

• Organize tools with a pegboard and label system.

For more detailed information on cleaning your tools, including step-by-step instruction, visit The Spruce’s article, “How to Clean Garden Tools.”

There are many interesting garden tools that can help make your gardening more efficient, such as the hori hori knife, a Japanese multi-use garden tool. Read more about this and other tools in The Pioneer Woman’s article, “13 Best Gardening Tools That Everyone Should Own.”

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Create an eco-haven for wildlife.

Heavy garden clean-up is best done in spring. Save time and help wildlife by leaving your autumn garden in a more natural state. Consider eco-friendly, minimalistic grooming:

• Leave dried seeds on native plants for the birds to eat.

• Let piles of dried matter accumulate for animals to shelter under.

• Reuse any garden refuse.

To learn more about eco-friendly fall gardening, read “Why You Shouldn’t Clean Up the Fall Garden” from monarchgard.com.

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Reuse garden waste for healthy soil.

This autumn, instead of throwing away clippings, put your garden waste to work!

• Sprinkle pruning clippings around the base of your plants to make a free, nutrient-rich mulch.

• Remove any spent vegetable plants and compost them either in a thin layer directly on top of existing soil or in a dedicated compost pile.

The latest research suggests that tilling is counterproductive to healthy soil; instead, amend soil with organics. Layer about 2 inches atop existing soil.

Home Composting: CalRecycles offers this amazing webpage, including a downloadable booklet, all about composting. You might also like to watch a video about the perfect composting recipe from SanJoseRecycles.org.

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Get ready to plant California natives.

California native planting season begins in October. In September, order your favorites and plan your garden!

Here are some tips for planting season:

• Remember to keep the final size of the plant in mind - some natives can grow to cover 15 ft or more!

• Plant in LATE fall, and don’t plant wet! If the rains have started, wait for a clear day when the soil isn’t soaked.

• Dig big, plant high! Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, and install the plant with the top of the root ball about 1/2” above the surrounding soil.

• Dig a trench around the plant, add 1-2” of mulch, and water in to establish. Don’t overwater - most natives are drought-tolerant.

Visit cnps.org for more info about native plants. For detailed instructions about native planting in our area, including nine native planting tips, read Planting California Natives: The Time is Now [Fall/Winter] by Linda Carloni.

Enjoy your fall garden!

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More Helpful Links:

• October Planting Tips from UC Master Gardeners

• What to Do in September/October/November from Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties

• The Native Plant Garden in Fall by Pacific Horticulture - a beautiful blog post including lovely photos of a Sacramento Valley native garden.

• Pictures of flowers of a native plant garden in November - a simple and beautiful collection of late-autumn flowering plants in a Santa Margarita garden.

• Bay Area Fall Landscaping Tips from BeeGreen Recycling

Now Blooming: Popular Early Summer Flowers

If you’re looking for inspiration, or can’t make it into the nursery to browse in person, please enjoy the slideshow below of some of the many June & July-blooming flowers that are popular in the nursery right now.

How to view: Scroll down to view images.

For more on what to plant this summer, check out our blog this month - Summer-Flowering Plants to Help Save the Bees - and keep an eye on our Instagram, where we post fresh photos weekly!

Achillea millefolium 'New Vintage Violet' (Common Yarrow)

Grewia caffra (Lavender starflower)

Purple trailing Lantana

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)

Tecoma x 'Sunrise'

Nerium oleander 'St. Agnes'

Lagerstroemia x 'Pecos Dwarf' (Crepe myrtle)

Eriogonum grande var. rubescens (Rosy Buckwheat)

California native

Perovskia 'Little Spire' (Russian sage)

Agastache 'Tutti Frutti' (Hummingbird Mint)

Eriogonum fasciculatum foliosum

California native

Hemerocallis (Daylily)

Multiple colors available

Hydrangea

Many varieties available

Mimulus cardinalis (Scarlet Monkey Flower)

California native

Agapanthus 'Baby Pete' (Lily of the Nile)

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' (Variegated Bower Vine)

Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)

California native

Anigozanthus 'Bush Gold' (Kangaroo paws)

Leonotus leonurus (Lion's Tail)

Hibiscus syriacus 'Arden' (Rose of Sharon)

Bougainvillea 'Pink Pearl'

Gazania 'Kiss Rose' (African Daisy)

Erigeron glaucus 'Cape Sebastian' (Seaside daisy)

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Apricot' (Blanket Flower)

Lantana

Many colors available.

Rudbeckia 'Rising Sun Chestnut' (Black-Eyed Susan)

Penstemon 'Margarita Bop'

California native

Fuchsia tripphylla 'Gartenmeister Bonstedt'

Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon' (Spotted dead-nettle)

Roses

Many forms and varieties available.

Summer-Flowering Plants to Help Save the Bees

Did you know that there are over 1,600 different native bees in California? Unfortunately, sharp declines in their populations in recent years means that several species are being considered for the endangered species list; even the common yellow-faced bumblebee is facing environmental stress (POLLINATORS IN PERIL: CALIFORNIA’S NATIVE BEES FACE AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE; Tahoe Quarterly, Fall 2023).

This is concerning because bees are essential pollinators; their decline has raised concerns about biodiversity and food security. “As bee habitats have been simplified or outright lost, we lose the continuity of floral resources that a diverse community of bees depends on over time,” says Dr. Neal Williams, professor of entomology at the University of California, Davis. Read more here.

However - there’s so much you can do in your own yard to help save the bees! To support a healthy bee population, it’s recommended to plant a wide variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year, providing nectar and pollen to different species of bees as they come out of hibernation at different times of the year.

As we pass through the summer solstice, here are some of our favorite summer-blooming, bee-supporting plants:

Western honey bee on Teucrium cossoni ‘Majoricum’ - While the Western honey bee is not native to California, it does play a n important role in the pollination of California almonds and other crops used for human food production.

Teucrium (Germander)

Teucrium, aka Germander, is a bee magnet. Some varieties such as Teucrium fruticans are fall-winter bloomers, while Teucrium cossoni ‘Majoricum’ - shown here, being visited by a Western honey bee - is a petite summer bloomer that grows to about 2 feet wide and less than a foot tall. Covered in tiny purple flowers, this one is an absolute bee magnet and when you walk by it in the nursery, you’ll sense it buzzing with the many bees who have come to enjoy its nectar.

In this image, you can see a male Valley Carpenter bee enjoying some nectar from a flower on a non-native Salvia.

Salvia (Sage)

While Salvias generally reach their peak in late spring, many continue to bloom into summer. There are many native Salvias including “Bee’s Bliss” that are a wonderful choice to support native bee populations, using minimal water and adapting easily to our Bay Area environment. But even non-natives like the Salvia pictured to the left provide nectar to bees and other pollinators.

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Bee-Friendly Gardening Tips

1. Plant diverse. Plant a variety of flowers to provide continuous blooms throughout the year.

2. Avoid pesticides. Minimize or eliminate pesticide use to protect bees from harmful chemicals. Neocotinoids are especially harmful - go here (it will open a PDF from BeeAction.org) to see a list of specific products to avoid.

3. Create habitat. Provide nesting sites by leaving some bare ground for ground-nesting bees and installing bee hotels for cavity-nesting species.

4. Provide water sources. Provide shallow water sources in or near your garden with stones, marbles, or even old wine corks for bees to land on. (Thanks to Anthony for this tip!)

5. Plant native in 70% of your garden. To learn why pollinators need native plants and vice versa, visit this helpful page from the National Parks Service.

6. Plant in groups. Pollinators prefer clumps of flowers over single flowers. (Source: University of California) Ideally, plant in groups of 3 ft x 3 ft.

7. Plant in color. Bees have good color vision and flower colors that particularly attract bees are blue, purple, violet, white and yellow. (Source: University of California)

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Western honey bee on Verbena bonariensis

Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

A popular landscaping plant in the Bay Area, Verbena is also very attractive to bees, blooming with clusters of tiny purple flowers atop tall stems from spring to fall.

Because Verbena can become overly rambunctious in parts of California, you may consider limiting planting to containers or smaller areas.

Western honey bee on Agapanthus ‘Baby Pete’

Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)

You’ll see bees climbing into the center of the Agapanthus flowers, as seen here on Agapanthus ‘Baby Pete.’ Blooming from late spring through the summer, the up to 100 flowers on each flower head of Lily of the Nile also attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They do well in large containers, so a grouping of Agapanthus would look great in a patio garden or on a deck.

Western honey bee on Gaillardia x grandiflora

Gaillardia x grandiflora (Blanket Flower)

This daisy-style, colorful flower is popular with many native bees. Blooming late spring through summer (sometimes even into autumn), Blanket Flower also attracts butterflies and birds. It is also drought tolerant once established and is a great choice for a low-water garden.

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Why to Plant Native

While just a few of the plants on this list are natives, all support native bee populations by providing nectar and/or pollen. In turn, the bees help to pollinate fruit and vegetable plants, increasing our food supply. While all bees pollinate, the California Native Plant Society reports that native bees are 200 times more efficient at pollination than honey bees!

Many California natives are fall- or winter-blooming, so to maximize nectar availability in your yard, one idea is to plant majority California native cool-season bloomers, and mix in other plants, such as those on this list, for your summer-blooming garden.

To learn more about native plants, you may enjoy this article, The Green Switch: Persuading My Parents to Embrace CA Native Plants, from Bay Area designers Smart Yards Coop.

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Leaf cutter bee on Eriogonum fasciculatum foliosum

Eriogonum fasciculatum
(California Buckwheat)

California Native Eriogonum fasciculatum is an earth-friendly, bee- and other wildlife- supporting, summer-flowering shrub that “also provides numerous ecosystem services for humans, including erosion control, post-fire mitigation, increases in crop yields when planted in hedgerows, and high habitat restoration value.” (CalFlora.org)

It’s also drought-tolerant and quite attractive, with white and pink flowers sitting atop tall stems. The variety shown here grows to 3 ft tall and wide. See some amazing photos along with tons of information about this plant here.

Yellow-faced bumble bee on Coyote Mint

Monardella villosa (Coyote Mint)

This California native in the mint family is very attractive to bees (and butterflies, too!). Boasting pretty purple puff-shaped flowers from June through August, this is another summer-blooming California native that is an absolute must for your bee garden! Drought-tolerant; flowers increase with some light irrigation.

Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’

Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Did you know bees see some colors better than others? You may have noticed that many of the plants on this list are blue or purple, which bees are naturally attracted to. The California native Penstemons (including other native varieties such as Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Catherine De La Mare’ and Penstemon spectabilis - Showy Penstemon) are very attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. This is another summer-blooming California native that your summer garden can’t do without!

Penstemons stay somewhat small, growing into a 2-4 ft x 2-4 ft clump of brightly-colored flowers. They are also available in a reddish purple; see Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita Bop’.

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More Resources

California specific:

• The Value of Bees (SaveSFBay.org)

• Bee Friendly Gardening (California Native Plant Society)

• Native Bees in the East Bay (Native Here Nursery)

• Beyond the Honey Bee: Learn More About California Native Bees (UC Arboretum)

General information about saving bees:

• 10 Ways to Save the Bees (TheBeeConservancy.org)

• Resource Library (PlanetBee.org)

• SavetheBees.com

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Female Valley Carpenter bee on Hebe ‘Co-Ed’

Hebe

Bees adore Hebes, New Zealand shrubs that fare well in our climate. Their late summer to fall blooming flowers are stunning and will also attract all kinds of bees to your garden. These easy care little shrubs grow to about 3 ft tall by 4 ft wide and can be grown in sun or shade.

Yellow-faced bumble bee on Rudbeckia hirta

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

Blooming from summer into fall, the large-flowered Rudbeckia hirta produce a lot of nectar and pollen that attract bees and other pollinators. Their oversized, yellow flowers are also attractive in the garden and for bouquets. Despite not being native, Rudbeckia is still a healthy ecosystem addition; it serves as a host plant for butterflies and provides food for other wildlife.

Seven-spined woodcarder bee on Catmint

Nepeta (Catmint)

The pretty purple flower spires of Nepeta attract a wide variety of bees (as well as butterflies and hummingbirds). They bloom through the summer, sometimes into fall. As the name suggests, the scent of this plant is also attractive to some cats!

VIDEO: Nepeta faassenii (Cat’s Meow Catmint), shown in the video below, is a mound-forming Catmint that makes a very pretty effect when in bloom with its light green, almost silver foliage and delicate purple flowers. Bees love it!

Yellow-faced bumble bee on English Lavender

Lavandula (Lavender)

As any herb-lover knows, Lavender is covered with tons of bees all summer long. We have many different varieties at the nursery and encourage you to come visit and see them in person; some Lavenders are more attractive to bees than others. In the meantime, please enjoy two videos below of Lavandula ‘Hicote’ and Lavandula ‘Otto Quast’.

And a bonus photo….

This was actually taken in winter, but it’s my favorite photo I’ve ever taken of a bee, and so of course we had to include it!

Thanks for reading, and thanks for helping to save the bees!

The Magic of Pollinator Plants

Pollinator gardens are attractive to wildlife and humans alike.

Pollinator plants attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other native animals to your garden by providing valuable food, nectar, and shelter. But you don’t need to skimp on appearance while doing good for the environment. Most pollinator plants feature beautiful flowers that are attractive to the eye, and many are also fragrant. Many are easy to care for and will flourish with very little attention (especially the California natives).

Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite May-into-summer-blooming pollinator plants, as well as some helpful information about choosing pollinator plants for your garden, what plants to avoid (and why), and how to design your pollinator-friendly garden. The plants below are currently available in the nursery; please call or email our helpful sales staff for availability and a free quote.

Achillea millefolium - Common Yarrow
While all Achillea are attractive to pollinators, the white-blooming California native form is very popular for its ability to repel pests as well as attract all manner of native insects to the garden. Spreads readily and can be used as groundcover.

Available in #01 pot size; other colors/varieties of Achillea also available.

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Agastache ‘Kudos Red’ - Hummingbird Mint
Agastache attracts hummingbirds, which pollinate the plants while feeding on the nectar. Also attractive to butterflies and bees. Drought tolerant - plant in hot, sunny spots in the garden and water minimally after establishing.

Available in #01 pot size; other Agastache varieties also available.

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Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed
This very popular California native milkweed offers essential support for the endangered Monarch butterfly. It is also attractive, with its broad leaves and showy flower clusters at the top that turn pink in summer. Monarchs lay eggs on the undersides of the leaves, so be careful when tending to your plants! Caterpillars, if they appear, use the leaves as food.

Available in #01 pot size; CA native Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) also available.

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Ceanothus maritimus ‘Valley Violet’
A smaller variety of the California native Ceanothus, ‘Valley Violet’ features attractive lavender flowers in spring and supports native birds, bees, and butterflies. Generally blooms earlier in the spring, but may continue blooming into May.

Available in #01 and #05 pot size; many other native Ceanothus also available.

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Tips for choosing the right plants:

1. There are SO many beautiful and beneficial choices for your pollinator garden in California. Depending on the kind of wildlife native to your area, you can choose plants based on what kinds of butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and bees they support. Xerces Society is a great resource for research. You can also read about which plants attract which insects in this helpful article.

2. You can also choose based on aesthetic preferences or the needs of a specific area of your landscape - pollinator plants come in every color of the rainbow, some are tall, some are short and great for groundcover, some are shrubs, some are vines.

3. If your main concern is ease of care, choose California natives. You can even do region-specific research using resources like CalScape.org. California native plants are already adapted to our climate, and so they require less water and attention than non-natives. (Fun fact: I once let my garden go for two years. When I returned to it, the native plants had grown large and beautiful and full of flowers - with zero attention from me. The habitat was literally buzzing with life.)

4. You can find zip code-specific pollinator plant guides at pollinator.org.

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Echinacea purpurea ‘Pow Wow Wildberry’ - Wildberry Coneflower
This pretty purple Echinacea attracts butterflies and birds to the garden and is bee-friendly. It has an upright habit of growth, and by pruning the spent flowers you can encourage continuous blooming from spring to fall. Great choice for cut flower gardens and windy areas.

Available in #01 pot size; other Echinacea also available.

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Erigeron glaucus ‘Wayne Roderick’
This low-growing, California native coastal perennial is a good nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators. Cheerful lavender flowers with gold centers can bloom nearly year-round if spent flowers are removed.

Available in #01 pot size; other native Erigeron varieties also available.

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Eriogonum fasciculatum foliosum - Southern Flat Top Buckwheat
A California native that supports birds, mammals, and pollinators. Has lavender-like foliage with flowers that spread into a lacy structure. Important nectar source for butterflies and other pollinators!

Available in #01 and #05 pot size; other forms of native Eriogonum also available.

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Eschscholzia ‘Orange King’ - California Poppy
Our state plant, the California poppy is an attractive addition to your pollinator garden, providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Deer and fire resistant and tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions, this California native wildflower is available from the nursery in several colors.

Available in 4” size; other varieties available in 4” and #01.

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Plants to avoid in your pollinator gardens:

1. Butterfly Bush may appear to attract butterflies, but actually can cause damage to the local ecosystem by spreading rapidly and crowding out the essential native plants that wildlife need to survive. Instead, plant native milkweed or any of the other plants recommended in this article.

2. Tropical milkweed can actually kill the monarchs and their offspring and are highly dangerous plants for your garden. A better choice are the California native forms of milkweed, Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) or Aslecpias speciosa (Showy Milkweed).

3. When preparing your pollinator garden, avoid pesticides as they are designed to actively kill the animals you are trying to help. At our nursery, while we cannot speak to the practices of our vendors, once plants reach our sales yard, they are treated with nothing but water, fertilizer, and love!

4. For more on what to avoid, including pesticides, visit Marin Master Gardener’s page devoted to the topic.

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Heuchera maxima - Island Alum Root
Great for shady spots or under oaks, this California native Heuchera blooms in spring with tall, lanky flower stems that attract hummingbirds. Mound-forming with attractive, bright green foliage. Can tolerate full sun in coastal areas.

Available in #01 pot size; many other Heuchera also available.

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Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ - Fat Spike Lavender
This fragrant European lavender lends a delicate charm to your garden while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Water until established, then drought-tolerant. Long flower spikes are ideal for making dried lavender bundles.

Available in #01 and #05 pot size; many other Lavandula also available.

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Lepechina fragrans - Fragrant Pitcher Sage
New to the nursery, this highly fragrant California native produces light lavender pitcher-shaped flowers that attract bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This plant is also somewhat endangered, so adding it to your garden is also a boon to the native ecosystem.

Available in #01 pot size.

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Mimulus ‘Changeling’
A familiar California native hybrid in a beautiful muted rose and gold colorway. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while native butterflies use the plant as a larval food source.

Available in #01 pot size; many other Mimulus also available.

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How to Design Your Pollinator Garden

You can design your own garden using tools like the Waterwise Garden Planner. When planning your garden, keep these tips in mind:

• Plant in groups of 3’ x 3’ so the insects have an easier time locating the plants. For example, you could plant one bush that grows to 3’ x 3’ or more, or a single plant like Romneya (see below) that spreads to a colony of 6-8’ wide or more, or plant several Mimulus together to create a larger patch of flowers.

• Leave parts of your garden wild and uncultivated, including leaving raw materials such as straw and other garden refuse. This helps to provide shelter for mammals, birds and insects as well as space and nest materials to raise young.

• Plan for the entire year. Instead of planting only April-blooming flowers, for example, select a wide variety of plants and keep in mind when they bloom and if they create fruit that attracts birds in winter.

• Visit local gardens for inspiration. Visit the Nectar Garden at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Courtyard in San Jose or participate in the Urban Forestry Education Center: Annual Native Plant and Pollinator Day on June 15th.

• Consider outsourcing! You may consider hiring a local designer such as Smart Yards Co-Op who have years of experience creating waterwise eco-gardens.

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Monardella macrantha ‘Marian Sampson’ - Hummingbird Coyote Mint
A sweet little plant that is perfect for rock gardens - it loves hot, dry conditions and its vivid, long, tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds. Foliage is mat forming and low to the ground.

Available in #01 pot size; other native Monardellas also available.

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Romneya coulteri - Matilija Poppy (Fried Egg Plant)
A tall, California native pollinator magnet whose large flowers look like a fried egg and attract native bees. Full sun, no irrigation after establishing. Spreads to a colony of at least 6’ x 8’ - give it enough space to extend its underground runners.

Available in #01 and #05 pot size.

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Salvia officianalis ‘Compacta’ - Dwarf Culinary Sage
This one’s for you and the pollinators! A wonderful culinary sage that adds flavor to your dishes while also attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its beautiful light purple flowers. Grows to 12” tall; a great choice for a small herb garden, a pollinator garden in groupings, or in containers.

Available in 4” size - can be found on the herb table by the front office.

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Salvia spathacea - Hummingbird Sage
This highly popular, fragrant California native pitcher sage blooms in large red flower spikes and attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It spreads slowly underground by rhizomes. In high demand -limit five per customer!

Available in #01 pot size. Many other native Salvia also available in #01 and #05.

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Verbena lilacena ‘De La Mina’
The California native Verbena originates from the Cedros Islands off the coast of California. Growing quickly to 2-3’ by 4’ wide, it blooms nearly year-round and attracts all kinds of butterflies to your yard. Drought-tolerant once established. See them at their full size in the landscaping in front of the nursery!

Available in #01 pot size.

A Blueprint for Monetizing Your Beloved Hobby Farm

By Tina Martin

Owning a hobby farm is a fulfilling endeavor that can also become a sustainable source of income. By tapping into various monetization avenues, homesteaders can turn their passion into profits. Here are some proven strategies to help you get started on the journey of monetizing your hobby farm.

Offer Farm-Fresh Produce

Selling your farm-fresh produce directly to consumers can be a lucrative venture. Set up a roadside stand, attend local farmers markets, or establish a subscription box service to reach a wider audience. Remember, quality and variety are key to attracting and retaining customers. Hobby farmers usually maintain eco-friendly farms, and many consumers prefer organic veggies. Learning about organic and vegan vegetable gardening can be helpful in maximizing your sales.

Let People Stay on Your Farm

Offering farm stays provides visitors with an immersive rural experience. Guests can participate in daily farm activities, giving them a taste of homestead life. This not only generates income but also promotes agri-tourism in your area.

Host Workshops and Classes

Share your expertise by hosting workshops and classes on skills related to homesteading. Topics could range from organic gardening to DIY crafts and sustainable living. Charge a fee for participation to monetize your knowledge.

Host Farm-to-Table Dinners

Curate an exceptional culinary experience by hosting farm-to-table dining events, showcasing delectable meals crafted exclusively from your homegrown produce. Elevate the allure of your offerings by emphasizing the unparalleled freshness and superior quality of the ingredients. This enticing proposition is sure to captivate food aficionados seeking a distinctive and flavorful dining affair worth investing in.

Learn Expert Gardening Advice

If you plan to grow produce, tapping into online resources for expert gardening and growing advice can be incredibly beneficial. Websites and forums offer invaluable tips and tricks from experienced gardeners that can significantly improve your yields and the quality of your crops. Leveraging these resources can make the difference between a mediocre harvest and a flourishing garden that becomes the envy of your community.

Utilize PDF Tools

Leveraging online tools to manage and store important business documents is not just convenient, but essential for efficiency and security. Opting to save your documents as PDFs ensures that formatting, visual elements, and the overall design of your documents remain consistent across different devices and operating systems. Should the need arise to make changes to a document, a PDF editor offers the flexibility to modify your files directly, eliminating the hassle of converting them into another format. Click here for more info on how these tools can transform your document workflow.

Protect Your Homestead

If you have a hobby farm and are concerned about safeguarding your personal assets, you might want to consider registering it as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This legal structure can offer a layer of financial protection, particularly important for individuals who may face the uncertainties and risks associated with farming. Starting an LLC means your business finances will be separate from your personal finances, providing a safety net in case of lawsuits or other unforeseen circumstances that could impact your farm.

Monetizing your hobby farm is within reach when you leverage these diverse strategies. From providing educational resources to selling produce and hosting events, your homestead has untapped potential to generate income while sharing the joy of sustainable living with others. Explore these avenues, adapt them to your unique strengths, and watch your hobby farm thrive as a profitable venture.

Pre-Spring Landscaping Tips

Here’s the action you need to take now to make sure your landscape is ready for planting at the first sign of spring.

• Pre-Spring Soil Prep: Now is the perfect time to test your soil and amend it with the necessary nutrients. A well-prepared soil ensures your spring plantings have the best start.

  • Soil & Fertilizer in the Garden (California Garden Web)

  • Save the Worms! (UC Master Gardeners)

  • Why You Should Test Your Soil (UC Master Gardeners)

• Pruning Guidelines: Late winter is ideal for pruning many deciduous trees and shrubs, as it promotes healthy growth and flowering. Remember, timing and technique are key, so review best practices to avoid common mistakes:

  • Roses (GardenDesign.com)

  • Fuchsias (UC Master Gardeners)

  • Fruit Trees (UC Master Gardeners)

  • Fruit Trees - Big Picture Pruning & Training (The Home Orchard)

  • Native Plant Pruning Tips (CA Native Plant Society)

  • Tool Care Tips (UC Master Gardeners)

• Eco-Friendly Pest & Disease Watch: Keep an eye out for early signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and eco-friendly treatment can save you a lot of trouble as the season progresses. Traditional chemical pesticides damage the ecosystem and are not recommended.

  • Earth-safe pest-management videos & more (MCSTOPP)

• Dividing Perennials: Rejuvenate plants, increase flowering, propagate favorite varieties, control pests and disease, manage plant size, and prevent overcrowding by dividing perennials every 3 to 4 years.

  • Plant Division - Refresh Perennials and Get More Plants (UC Marin)

  • Dividing Perennials (PDF) (Cornell Cooperative Extension)

  • 9 Spring Perennials You Should Divide (Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp for familyhandyman.com)

To check plant availability or get a quote, please email our sales team at cwnsales@gmail.com, call us at (408)239-0589, or text (408)353-0756.

The Best-Selling Plants of 2023

by Robert Leekley, Capitol Wholesale Nursery

I’m pleased to present our 2023 top-selling plants in ten categories: trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines, succulents, fruit, ferns, and roses.

The 103 plants on this list are popular, tried-and-true landscaping standbys that have been consistently strong sellers for many years now among landscapers and retail clients alike. They are robust, attractive on installation, and exhibit qualities such as versatility, durability, and ease of care. If you’re working to create more eco-friendly landscapes in 2024, these are tough plants that in many cases have been approved by municipalities for drought-tolerant and lawn-replacement use. The plants marked *California native are a great place to start.

I wish to express my gratitude to all who purchased plants with us this past year. It is a pleasure doing business with you, and we look forward to working with you in 2024.

Robert

#1 tree: Podocarpus (Afrocarpus) gracilior

Top 10 Trees

1. Podocarpus (Afrocarpus) gracilior

2. Quercus agrifolia *California native

3. Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’

4. Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki

5. Pistacia chinensis ‘Keith Davey’

6. Prunus caroliniana

7. Prunus laurocerasus

8. Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

9. Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ (‘Senkaki’)

10. Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’

#1 shrub: Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’

Top 10 Shrubs

1. Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’

2. Acacia cognata ‘Cousin It’

3. Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’ *California native

4. Teucrium x lucdrys (camaedrys)

5. Epilobium (Zauschneria) canum/californica *California native

6. Buxus microphylla ‘Green Beauty’

7. Coleonema ‘Golden Sunset’ (‘Sunset Gold’)

8. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’

9. Ceanothus x ‘Ray Hartman’ *California native

10. Pittosporum tenuifolium (P. nigricans)

#1 perennial: Erigeron karvinskianus

Top 10 Perennials

1. Erigeron karvinskianus

2. Eriogonum grande var. rubescens *California native

3. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’

4. Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’

5. Limonium perezii (Statice perezii)

6. Erigeron glaucus ‘Wayne Roderick’ *California native

7. Heuchera maxima *California native

8. Iris Pacific Coast Hybrids *California native

9. Gazania

10. Achillea x taygetea ‘Moonshine’

#1 grass: Carex divulsa (image via www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=208)

Top 10 Grasses

1. Carex divulsa (formerly C. tumulicola)

2. Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’ (‘Tanika’)

3. Carex pansa *California native

4. Lomandra longifolia ‘Platinum Beauty’ (‘Roma13’)

5. Festuca x ‘Siskiyou Blue’ *California native

6. Muhlenbergia rigens *California native

7. Muhlenbergia dubia

8. Festuca mairei

9. Sesleria autumnalis

10. Festuca californica *California native

#10 groundcover: Myoporum parvifolium ‘Pink’

Top 10 Groundcovers

1. Myoporum parvifolium ‘White’

2. Dymondia margaretae

3. Arctostaphylos ‘Emerald Carpet’ *California native

4. Lantana montavidensis (sellowiana)

5. Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’

6. Thymus pseudolanuginosus

7. Rosmarinus ‘Huntington Carpet’

8. Trachelospermum jasminoides

9. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus ‘Yankee Point’ *California native

10. Myoporum parvifolium ‘Pink’

#1 vine: Jasminum polyanthum

Top 10 Vines

1. Jasminum polyanthum

2. Bougainvillea ‘Barbara Karst’

3. Gelsemium sempervirens

4. Bougainvillea ‘Orange King’

5. Trachelospermum jasminoides

6. Ficus pumila (F. Repens)

7. Pandorea jasminoides ‘Variegata’ (‘Charisma’)

8. Clytopstoma callistegiodes (Bignonia violacea)

9. Distictis buccinitoria

10. Solanum jasminoides (S. laxum)

#1 succulent: Senecio mandraliscae

Top 10 Succulents

1. Senecio mandraliscae

2. Calandrinia spectabilis (Cistanthe grandiflora)

3. Senecio serpens (Kleinia repens)

4. Agave ‘Blue Glow’

5. Delosperma cooperi

6. Agave attenuata

7. Aeonium canariense

8. Agave shawii x attenuata ‘Blue Flame’

9. Bulbine frutescens ‘Hallmark Orange’

10. Aeonium canariense

#1 fruit: Lemon ‘Meyer’

Top 10 Fruit

1. Lemon ‘Meyer’ (Citrus limon)

2. Persimmon ‘Fuyu’ (Diospyros kaki)

3. Strawberry assorted (Fragaria x ananassa)

4. Orange ‘Washington Navel’ (Citrus sinensis)

5. Blueberry ‘Bountiful Blue’ (Vaccinium corymbosum)

6. Avocado ‘Hass’ (Persea americana)

7. Blueberry ‘Sunshine Blue’ (Vaccinium corymbosum)

8. Blueberry ‘Misty’ (Vaccinium darrowii)

9. Pomegranate ‘Wonderful’ (Punica granatum)

10. Grapes ‘Thompson Seedless’ (Vitis vinifera)

#1 fern: Asparagus d. ‘Myers’

Top 10 Ferns

1. Asparagus d. ‘Myers’ (A. myersii)

2. Polystichym munitum *California native

3. Woodwardia fimbriata *California native

4. Asplenium bulbiferum

5. Blechnum spicant *California native

6. Aspidium capense (Rumohra adiantiformis)

7. Nephrolesis cordifolia

8. Adiantum ‘Mairisii’

9. Cyrtomium falcatum

10. Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’

#1 rose: Rosa Flower Carpet ‘White’ (more info: tesselaar.com/plants/flower-carpet-roses/)

Top 10 Roses

1. Rosa x ‘Noaschnee’ Flower Carpet ‘White’

2. Rosa floribunda ‘Iceberg’

3. Rosa x ‘NOA250092’ Flower Carpet ‘Pink Supreme’; Rosa x Flower Carpet ‘Amber’; Rosa x ‘Noamel’ Flower Carpet ‘Apple Blossom’

4. Rosa ‘White Meidiland’

5. Rosa ‘Mr. Lincoln’

6. Rosa x Flower Carpet ‘Cherry’; Rosa x ‘NOA831100B’ Flower Carpet ‘Scarlet’

7. Rosa ‘Oklahoma’

8. Rosa ‘Double Delight’

9. Rosa ‘Pope John Paul’

10. Rosa f. ‘Europeana’

Learn more about what our nursery can do for you.

Pests No Longer: Snails & Slugs an Important Part of Garden Ecosystems

You may have heard: the British Royal Horticultural Society recently declared snails and slugs - notorious garden snackers - as pests no longer. “These often maligned garden visitors play a vitally important role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. To that end, we will no longer refer to plant munching animals (herbivore) as ‘pests’ and we’ll be working to encourage gardeners to see these, and other garden animals, as part of the valuable biodiversity that gardens support through our research and advice,” the RHS announced on their Instagram page (emphasis ours).

Now considered an essential part of the garden’s ecosystem, these slimy little fellows help to break down organic matter, which helps to build healthy soil, and serve as an important food source for wildlife, which encourages biodiversity in your garden.

That being said, there are some slugs and snails that may destroy entire crops, so what does all of this mean for your garden, and how can you control these little fellows? If they are creating havoc amongst your crops, try these humane and natural methods of reducing their number.

The most humane (and effective) way to get rid of slugs and snails is to catch them by hand; heading out after dark or before dawn gives you the best chance of catching them in action. If you’re too busy for such detailed work, these other solutions may help:

1. Draw them away from your garden: Try planting other plants nearby that gastropods are attracted to. Consider planting a small strawberry garden (an all you can eat buffet?), or research the diets of specific slug and snail species that are giving you trouble.
2. Encourage predators: Draw lizards and birds into your garden, which are natural slug and snail predators. For more about creating a lizard-friendly garden in California, go here. For more about creating a bird-friendly garden in California, go here.
3. Remove hiding places: Remove old pieces of wood, weeds, and other debris from your garden, reducing daytime hiding places for slugs and snails (just make sure to leave some cover for lizards and other wildlife).
4. Plant species that are naturally repellant in or near your garden: Sage, rosemary, lavender, California poppy, and other highly scented plants repel slugs and snails.
5. Reconsider your relationship to your garden: While we all wish our plants to look their best, they don’t exist in a vacuum. Snails, like mushrooms, birds, lizards, and worms, have an important role to play in our earth’s ecosystem and web of biodiversity. Consider why you are planting a garden - for personal enjoyment? to enrich the local ecosystem? as a food source (just for you?) - and whether you can consider sharing your bounty with some of our garden friends.

Take the time to get to know a snail or slug; watch it go about its little life for a few minutes or hours. Even if you decide in the end you’d rather keep them away from your treasured plants, you may learn something of value about living in harmony with others on our planet, and creating a garden that adds multidimensional value. And if nothing else - you’ll get to know your enemy just a little bit better.

Sources:

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/royal-horticultural-society-rhs-will-no-longer-classify-slugs-and-snails-as-pests/
https://www.pesticide.org/slugs (offers non-pesticide slug-control options; some solutions kill slugs and snails - be forewarned)
https://www.greenthumb.com/lizard-habitats-why-your-yard-needs-them/ (article specifically for California gardeners)
https://backyardbuddies.org.au/habitats/create-a-lizard-friendly-garden/ (article from Australia; great recommendations, but suggested plants differ from our local habitats)
https://scvas.org/backyard-birding (scroll down to see info about bird-friendly gardening)

Snail photo by Filtrovany_Fotographer on Pixabay.

Harvesting Beauty: A Comprehensive Guide to Designing an Edible Landscape

In the realm of gardening, a new trend has been steadily gaining traction - edible landscaping. This unique approach combines the functionality of a traditional vegetable garden with the aesthetic appeal of ornamental landscaping. The result? A garden space that is as visually stunning as it is fruitful. This Capitol Wholesale Nursery article will guide you through the process of creating your edible landscape, merging beauty with bounty in your backyard.

Employ 3D Design Tools for Pre-Planting Garden Layout

The first step in creating an edible landscape is careful planning. In order to use 3D modeling software for pre-planting garden layout, a variety of tools and programs are available. These range from easy-to-use drag-and-drop builders, to more advanced options. These tools can help visualize the garden layout before any planting takes place, ensuring strategic placement of plants based on their growth patterns, size, and aesthetic contribution to the overall landscape. This not only aids in creating an aesthetically pleasing garden but also addresses potential challenges such as areas with poor sunlight or drainage issues, ultimately leading to a more successful and productive edible landscape.

Utilize Edible Ornamental Grasses

Edible ornamental grasses are a fantastic way to establish natural borders within your landscape. These grasses not only add texture and visual interest to your garden but also provide a food source. When selecting grasses for your edible landscape, consider varieties that offer both aesthetic appeal and culinary value. For instance, lemongrass is a beautiful ornamental grass that can also be used in a variety of dishes. By incorporating edible ornamental grasses, you create a garden that is functional, bountiful, and beautiful.

Integrate Diverse Colors, Textures, and Forms

One of the keys to a visually appealing edible landscape is diversity. By integrating a wide range of colors, textures, and forms into your garden, you create a vibrant and dynamic space. Consider colorful fruit-bearing trees, textured leafy greens, and a variety of flowering herbs. The contrast between these different elements will create a visually stimulating landscape that is also rich in edible options.

Group Flora Based on Sunlight and Water Needs

To ensure the success of your edible landscape, it's crucial to group plants based on their sunlight and water needs. This not only promotes healthier growth but also makes maintenance easier. For instance, group sun-loving herbs together and shade-tolerant vegetables in another area. Similarly, group plants with similar watering needs together to streamline your watering routine and conserve water.

Maximize Limited Area with Raised Beds and Containers

If you're working with a smaller space, don't despair. Raised beds and containers are an excellent way to maximize your planting area. Raised beds allow for better control over soil conditions and can make gardening more accessible by elevating the plants. Containers, on the other hand, offer flexibility and can be moved around to optimize sunlight.

Enhance Gardening Knowledge with Online Tips

In the digital age, enhancing your gardening knowledge has never been easier. Online platforms are teeming with tips, tricks, and guidance for both novice and seasoned gardeners. A prime example is Home Garden Hero, an online resource that guides individuals on their gardening journey. With comprehensive guides on starting vegetable gardens from scratch, lists of top gardening tips for beginners, and resources on how to improve gardening skills, users can easily find information tailored to their needs. Moreover, online courses for beginning landscapers and home gardeners are readily available, covering essential topics like pruning basics. Whether you're looking to understand the basics or want to experiment with new fertilizers or pruning techniques, online resources like Home Garden Hero are a treasure trove of gardening knowledge waiting to be unearthed.

Creating an edible landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing is not only possible but deeply rewarding. With careful planning, creative plant selection, and a willingness to learn, you can transform your outdoor space into a garden that feeds both your body and your soul.

If you need plants for your new landscaping, get in touch with Capitol Wholesale Nursery, the premier grower, plant broker and re-wholesaler in the Bay Area. Call (408) 239-0589.

Local Color: California Native Flowering Plants

There is nothing like the beauty of a native garden. Knowing that your landscape is contributing to environmental health cultivates a sense of peace and joy over and above the beauty of the garden itself. At the same time, we still want our gardens to be colorful and vibrant, and we may fear that California native plants would produce a similar look to the dry, arid hills around San Jose this time of year.

Fortunately, this fear is totally misplaced. There are many California native plants blooming this time of year in a veritable rainbow of shades. If you plan with care, you can create a thriving, gorgeous and colorful native garden that will be buzzing with life, from the slow and steady flowering of these habitat-supportive species to the many pollinating insects that come to visit them.

Plus, a native garden often requires minimal care, since the plants are naturally adapted to our local climate. This makes choosing native plants a wise decision for the novice gardener and experienced landscaper alike.

Asclepias fascicularis - Narrowleaf Milkweed

If you’re looking to support the Monarch butterflies, this is your plant. The thin stems and leaves of this California native milkweed are instantly recognizable and serve as a host plant for Monarchs and as a nectar source for several other native butterflies. Plus, they flower beautifully in pale rosy pink and white and develop long beautiful seed pods this time of year. If you haven’t planted any yet, what are you waiting for?

Image: Home Ground Habitats

Epilobium ‘Everett’s Choice’ - Everett’s California Fuschia

Vivid red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds to this low-growing shrub, a native cultivar. A host plant for the White-lined Sphinx, it is recommended to deep water this drought-tolerant specimen occasionally in the summer.

Image from Gardenia.net

Erigeron glaucus ‘Wayne Roderick’

Beautiful, large, light purple short-stemmed flowers bloom spring through fall and attract native bees and butterflies. Heat tolerant and will withstand drought, but water occasionally for best performance. A “seaside daisy” with a distinctively coastal feel that is also well-suited to rock gardens, borders, groundcover and more. Toxic to pets.

Eriogonum grande var. rubescens - Rosy Buckwheat

Rosy clusters of rosy pink flowers bloom spring to fall on this small California native shrub atop gray-green foliage. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant, and local pollinators love it - it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds! Not to mention the admiring glances of neighbors.

Monardella vollosa x purpurea - Coyote Mint Hybrid

Look closely and you’ll see the pale yellow butterfly perched on the purple flower of Monardella - Coyote Mint Hybrid. This little shrub is in fact mint scented and attracts butterflies, bees and other native wildlife. It is a host plant for several native butterflies and moths.

Mimulus aurantiacus ‘Jelly Bean Gold’

Bright yellow flowers bloom profusely spring through summer and attract natives bees and butterflies. Thrives in even difficult conditions including drought and less than optimal soil.

Mimulus aurantiacus ‘Jelly Bean Dark Pink’

Hummingbirds and butterflies love this gorgeously dark pink, yellow-throated mimulus with white edging. Large, showy flowers bloom spring through fall. Prefers full sun in coastal conditions, part shade inland.

Read the article ‘Mimulus are exotic natives of California’ from SF Gate for more on the colorful varieties of mimulus.

Image: El Nativo Growers

Penstemon ‘Catherine de la Mar’

Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies - and people - all love the electric blue-purple shades of these tall, tubular flowers. A summer favorite, Catherine de la Mar is drought-tolerant, deer resistant and makes delightful cut flowers.

Sphaeralcea ambigua - Desert Mallow

Native to Southern California and extremely drought tolerant. Requires minimal care and flowers year after year with fuzzy gray-green foliage and small, bright orange flowers on long stalks. Grows into a sizeable bush depending on conditions. Bees love it, and it is a host plant to the common checkered skipper, northern white skipper, painted lady, small checkered skipper, and West Coast lady.

A Guide to Saving Water in Your Home

A Guide to Saving Water in Your Home

by Tina Martin of Ideaspired.com

Water conservation is crucial as the population grows and the climate shifts, especially in areas with limited rainfall or high water bills. Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to conserve water in your home, which will save money on your water bill while keeping your yard beautiful and green all year long. Below are some simple ways to save water in your home and start conserving.

Fix Leaks

Check for stuck spigots and dripping faucets, both of which can waste a lot of water when left unchecked. Fixing hose or spigot leaks is a simple way to conserve water and save money. Check your hoses and make sure you’re not running water when it’s unnecessary. By doing so, you can reduce your water usage considerably without changing your watering habits.

Use Hose Nozzles

When watering plants, it’s a good idea to use different types of nozzles so you can adjust the water pressure. If you have a hose with spray attachments, use them; they conserve water better than standard hose nozzles. If you have an automatic timer or sprinkler system, make sure they only run when needed. Make your watering system more efficient and conserve water for cleaning or laundry.

Address Home Issues Promptly

Addressing home repair and maintenance issues as soon as they arise is a practical way to save money and resources in the long run. By tackling problems early on, you can prevent them from escalating into more significant, costly issues that may also waste valuable resources. To make this process more convenient, give this a try: use an app that offers access to a full range of repair and maintenance services. Such apps can connect you with skilled professionals who can promptly address your needs, ensuring that your home remains in top condition while also promoting efficient use of resources and budget management.

Get a Low-Flow Showerhead or Low-Flow Toilet

One of the best changes you can make is to replace your old showerhead with a low-flow model. Low-flow models use as little as 1.6 gallons per flush whereas traditional toilets use about 7 gallons per flush. And switching to low flow doesn’t have to mean replacing your toilet. Installing a tank bag can severely reduce the amount of water used by a traditional toilet for a fraction of the replacement cost.

Track Usage Data

Tracking your energy and water usage data is a significant step towards conserving resources and promoting sustainable living. By regularly monitoring your consumption patterns, you can identify areas where adjustments can be made to reduce waste and increase efficiency. One effective method to make this process simpler is by transferring content from PDF to Excel, enabling you to work with the data in a more organized and accessible format. This approach allows for easy analysis, comparisons, and visualization of your resource usage, ultimately empowering you to make informed decisions and contribute to a greener future.

Plant Native or Drought-Tolerant Plants

Adding a few new trees or bushes will do wonders for your home’s appearance, as well as help keep your outdoor spaces shaded in summer. Just remember that some types of plants require more water than others, so be sure to choose plants tolerant of drought conditions. Native plants, which can grow without much maintenance or watering, are a great way to save water. These varieties need minimal help from you because they’re accustomed to local climate and soil conditions. Plus, native plants help preserve a biodiverse environment for animals and insects that live around your home. For assistance choosing the best native and drought tolerant plants for your landscape, visit Capitol Wholesale Nursery today!

Harvest Rainwater With Barrels

In arid areas, large barrels or cisterns can collect rainwater. This water can be used to water gardens, lawns — or even washing cars. The cisterns often come with filters and other components that make it easy to store water without causing any contamination.

Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

When you buy a house or make changes to an existing one, you may want to make it more energy-efficient. You might be able to do this with the help of the Federal Housing Administration Energy Efficient Mortgage Program. This program helps you pay for things to make your house more energy efficient by tying those costs into your new or refinanced mortgage. You can use this to add water conservation features, irrigation systems, and rainwater barrels.

If you are a first-time home buyer, it’s important to understand a little about mortgages before obtaining one. A mortgage is simply a loan taken out to pay for a home. Your lender will do a credit check on the borrowing parties first to ensure their loan will be repaid. Passing this step will get you qualified for a loan, but you’ll still have to choose between fixed and variable interest rate loans before getting pre-approval. It’s best to speak with your lender before deciding on the specifics.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

If you are trying to make your outdoor space more sustainable and eco-friendly, there are many things you can do, whether it’s planting native plants that thrive on little rainwater or letting your grass grow higher. Look for small upgrades that can make a big difference, like fixing leaky faucets, buying a sprayer attachment for your hose, and converting your toilet into a low-flow system. Every act of conservation makes a difference!

We Are Hiring!

Update, 6/28: We have filled all available positions, but we are still accepting resumes for future consideration. Send your resume to: cwnemployment@gmail.com.

Are you interested in working with plants and people? Capitol Wholesale Nursery is the leading wholesale plant nursery in the South Bay, and we are looking for energetic, hard-working self-starters to learn and grow with our team.

Position duties include:
- Shipping/receiving
- Stocking/watering/maintenance
- Fulfilling customer orders
- Customer service

Full time/Part time positions available for immediate hire.

Requires working outdoors and ability to lift moderately heavy material.
Spanish/Bilingual helpful.
Some nursery experience preferred.

- Advancement Opportunities
- Medical Benefits
- Vacation Pay

To apply:

Email your resume to cwnemployment@gmail.com AND call (408)239-0589 and ask to speak to Gail or Robert.
View this ad on Craiglist

Planting a Flower Garden

Here in San Jose, we are lucky to enjoy a mild climate and diverse ecosystems that constitute an ideal environment for a wide variety of flowers. Whether you’ve been landscaping with flowers for many years or are just starting out, there is always more to learn about the art and science of crafting a beautiful, climate-appropriate flower garden.

Below, please find some helpful tips to make the most of your efforts:

• Know your microclimates: The Bay Area has a range of microclimates due to variations in topography and proximity to the ocean. Research the specific microclimate of your location to determine which flowers will thrive. Coastal areas are generally cooler and foggy, while inland areas can be hotter and drier.

• Choose native and drought-tolerant flowers: Native flowers are well-adapted to the local environment and require less water and maintenance. Consider planting species such as California poppy, Douglas iris, seaside daisy, or lupine. Incorporating drought-tolerant varieties like lavender, yarrow, and succulents can help conserve water.

• Plan for year-round blooms: Select a mix of flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure your garden remains vibrant throughout the seasons. Research which flowers are in bloom during each season and create a planting schedule to maximize color and interest.

• Consider sun exposure: Pay attention to the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some flowers prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Place sun-loving flowers such as sunflowers, marigolds, or zinnias in areas with ample sunlight and shade-tolerant plants like impatiens or begonias in shadier spots.

• Provide proper soil conditions: Soil quality is crucial for healthy flower growth. Conduct a soil test to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Most flowers prefer well-draining soil, so amend it with organic matter like compost to improve its texture and fertility.

• Mulch and weed regularly: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your flowers to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching also enhances the visual appeal of your garden.

• Water efficiently: Water your flowers deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Use a drip irrigation system or water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Consider installing a rainwater harvesting system to collect and use rainwater for your garden.

• Prune and deadhead: Regularly prune your flowers to promote healthy growth and shape them as desired. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and prevent the plants from putting energy into seed production.

• Attract pollinators: Flowers play a vital role in supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plant a variety of flowers with different colors, shapes, and scents to attract these beneficial creatures to your garden. Avoid using harmful pesticides that can harm pollinators.

Gardening is a creative process, so don't be afraid to try new flowers and experiment with different combinations and arrangements. Enjoy the process of working with nature and appreciate the beauty, color and exuberance that your flowers bring to your landscape.

Ride Harleys, Work with Plants! - An Interview with Terri

This month, we had a chance to sit down with longtime nursery employee Terri A. (pictured on the right, above, with fellow nurserywoman Dana) to talk about the nursery’s history, riding Harleys, and the best way to shop our nursery.

So when did you start working for the nursery, Terri?

Eight years – December will be eight years. I came in, I didn’t know anything about plants – I could tell you what a palm tree was, but I had no clue. I was going to only be here for a few months, get out of the house until I found another job. But one foot in front of another – in the very beginning, it’s really hard – I never make the new people answer the phone. If you don’t have a clue what a loropetalum is, it’s like a foreign language. But once you get some of the names, you start really learning – I never in a million years thought I would be able to learn – at my age – then I thought, no way I’ll be able to identify the plants!

When I started, the plants weren’t even labeled – the labeling was something we always wanted to do, but it was one of the trade shows – we brought stuff back to show [nursery owner] Robert, and he was like yeah this is cool! [Fellow nursery employee] John has really nice penmanship, so that was his job back in the day – handwriting the labels.

How has the nursery changed?

There’s so many people! Back in the old days, Saturdays were task days, stocking, we’d get it all done on Saturday. It was a tough adjustment having the customers all the time – it started before COVID, but with COVID it exploded. You get in the wholesale zone with the contractors; when you start getting 35, 50, 80 customers a day coming in – it’s an adjustment.

Are you adjusted now?

Yes, of course! When I first started, for the quotes, Robert would make notes on an email, or we would just type them in as they came, then print out a quote, then put it in a box, then he and Gayle would pick it up, bring it over here, make notes if we could get the plants, and then bring it back to us to see if we could adjust it – back then nobody did sourcing, just Robert and Gayle. Now everyone does it.

The biggest blessing – the most awesome thing – is the online pricing. We used to spend 30, 45 minutes standing at the counter – there used to be just 2 doors where the counter sits, and we had an island in the middle, and we would stand up against the wall and type on our computers against the wall, and customers would look over our shoulders – so we made the office bigger. We used to spend forever giving people prices. That’s how we always did it. There is no way we could do that now – we are so much busier. It’s been a tremendous tool.

What’s your favorite thing about working here?

There’s many things. I really enjoy when we get new employees, watching them get all excited and learn – Dana really gets a kick out of learning new things – there’s always something to learn! The hours are nice. And the people in general! After 23 years in a grocery store [where I worked before this], a can of green beans is a can of green beans - you’re there because you have to be there, you need your groceries. But people come to the nursery because they want to! They’re trying to make their yard pretty, they’re looking for something special, and it’s still super nice – guy called me for an Irish yew, in a 36 inch box – then I remembered – I have one across the street! It’s planted up, ready to go! Finding that one plant that people have looked all over the place for – that’s the best – when we find it they get so excited!

This was never a passion for me, necessarily, but I’ve learned respect for the plants. And I do actually miss going out and working directly with the plants. But I get the time sometimes.

It’s fun! For the most part, except when it’s 110 degrees and I wimp out!

What do you do when you’re not here?

I watch tv! (laughs) I listen to very loud music and clean my house – my poor neighbors, but my stove is sparkling clean! (laughs) Ride Harleys—love my Sunday rides with my son!

Not everybody appreciates when you’re taking a walk and pointing out all the plants by name – not everybody else gets excited about that. I’ve kept what I do to myself mostly – but my next door neighbors, they know. Everyone else? Zip it! You learn to kind of keep quiet about what you do – otherwise everybody’s got a question. But it’s cool though.

What would you tell customers?

Get the information before you start your search. When you shop here, you have to do it yourself. Let us know when you want the plants.

I wish customers would do more research on their own before they come to the nursery – or have some idea – I tell them, just go take a look around – you are in the beginning phase. You’ll get overwhelmed. Walk the nursery, take notes, take pictures, then go home and do your research, because these plants are babies. You may not want to pay for the 5 or 15 gallon, but go look at the full size first to see what it’s going to do. Then you can buy the one gallon. What you see out here – it’s a baby. Do some research. Google is your best friend.

Thank you so much, Terri, for taking the time to share your insights and memories with us! We love working with you.

We’ll Miss You, Charlie!

This month, we had a chance to talk with one of our favorite folks, Charlie! Charlie has been with CWN for two years now — completely, she tells us, by accident! — and will be heading off to college this year.

How did you get started working for the nursery, Charlie?

“My mom, who’s into plants, said to me, ‘I know this nursery that has golf carts.’ I thought, Golf carts? That’s crazy! It’s nice that it was the summer of COVID, because I’d just graduated high school and we weren’t supposed to be around other people.”

Charlie tells us that when she started, she weeded plants for 8 hours and had, shall we say, a resistance to the work – “I wanted to quit a month in and go to college. But then I said to myself, meh, maybe I’ll just work 2 days a week - then 2 days became 3 days, and 3 became 4; and a month became 2 months, and a year became 2 years – and now I’m going to miss it!”

What is your favorite part about working for the nursery?

“When I started here, I would do the same thing for hours and had no social interactions. Then I got moved over here [to the office] and got to meet people, and then I started making friends! And now I like it!”

What do you do when you’re not here?

“I play lots of video games, and I read a lot. And I paint my nails. I like to hang out with my sisters and parents whenever I can!”

 So what are you studying in college, Charlie?

“College? I’m a history major! which is hilarious because every time someone asks, Are you in horticulture? I say no, I’m in the most useless major ever – and I love it! Fun fact about me: My eldest sister also studied history, so I studied psych for a quarter because I didn’t want to take the same as my sister! That’s another reason I didn’t go to Berkeley. So I stuck with history and I really enjoy it. The college classes are so much fun. They’re so focused.”

Do you have a favorite plant?

“One favorite plant? No – I’m a Libra, I can’t make choices. Although Coprosmas, the mirror plants! — they were one of the first I really liked. When I started this job, I didn’t know a Buxus from a Lonicera. I can’t pick a favorite anymore because being here for a while, you kind of just see things that come in, some are beautiful always, some never look beautiful, some look beautiful some times but not others. I’m too indecisive!”

What are you gonna miss the most about working here?

“My coworkers. And people asking me funny questions! One story is during January, a lady came in and said I’ve been looking everywhere for this pear tree and you have it, but it has no leaves! I said, yeah, it’s January. And she said, I want this one, but I want it to have leaves! Can you get it from Southern California? I said yeah, but it’s January there, too! When trees don’t have leaves!”

How has the nursery changed you as a person?

“I have a really bad habit when I walk near any garden or landscape – I’m like, ‘I know what that [plant] is!’ And it annoys my friends because I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s a Coleonema ‘Golden Sunset’!’ The only person who’s ok with it is my mom because she works with plants. I went on a hike with my sisters and kept calling Calla lily by its scientific name and my sisters got mad!”

Do you have any advice for people buying plants?

“If you buy milkweed, buy narrow leaf milkweed! If you buy tropical milkweed, it makes the butterflies come earlier, which messes with the migration patterns. Also don’t buy ornamental grass for your yard, because I don’t like it and you’ll make me sad if you do!”

What makes us sad is that Charlie will be going off to school in just two weeks. More so, though, we’re super excited for her next steps in life – we know that with her amazing, dry sense of humor, encyclopedic intelligence and people skills, Charlie will go far! Thank you for everything Charlie. We will miss you!

A Talk with Vanessa

If you’ve been to the nursery and seen the beautiful plant displays by the front office, you’re already familiar with the work of Vanessa Rogier, nursery employee, conservationist, landscape designer, podcast creator. This month we had a chance to sit down with Vanessa to discuss some of her many interests and talents: her role at the nursery, her years doing conservation work in the Congo (read: gorillas), her new podcast, and what you should and shouldn't plant during a drought.

CWN: What have you been up to lately, Vanessa?

V: I recently did my third podcast. It was about how bees make honey. It was amazing, I was totally fascinated. The podcast is called ‘2 Chicks and a Ho’ and we are getting ready to launch it.

CWN: Please let us know when it launches. So let’s talk some about you and the nursery. What brought you to work here?

V: I had a career in animal conservation and love conservation, period. I started a landscape design business and I really like it – I have clients here and there – but during the COVID pandemic I recognized that I really had isolated myself, not only because of COVID [protocols], but even after the lockdown I was still working doing yards, but I was by myself all the time. 24 hours a day I was with my dog, Roxy – I needed to chat with people, to be with people, so I thought coming to the nursery would be good idea. It truly has been - not only in terms of getting to be with people again, but also, I have learned a tremendous amount about plants – for me it’s one of those things like [learning about] the bees where you think you know a lot, then you talk to the experts and you’re like whoa! There’s so much to know!

CWN: What are your favorite things to do here at the nursery?

V: I’m responsible for many things - from stocking, to watering the plants, to trimming them and making them look beautiful – but truthfully, my favorite part is talking to the customers. I love it when they’re looking for something specific and I can draw them towards pollinators – I truly believe we need to build corridors for our pollinators, for their survival, and of course for our survival – we are linked. Without the pollinators we cannot survive.

CWN: What are your interests outside the nursery?

V: Developing this podcast has a lot to do with my other loves, conservation and environmental awareness – it’s about providing solutions and getting involved. How can someone get involved with the bee issues? They may not be a scientist but if you have an idea of what’s going on – “once you know, you do better.” Maybe you will pick a more pollinator friendly plant that provides food for bees and pollinators. That’s a huge passion of mine. And animal conservation of course – I worked for years in mountain gorilla conservation in the [Democratic Republic of the] Congo. I was there on and off over the years. That was my job at Happy Hollow Zoo – animal conservation. My role was getting our community – the Northern California zoo community – involved somehow in conservation, understanding what’s going on [with the gorillas and the environment]. No other zoo in the world has mountain gorillas! They are an umbrella species – by protecting them, you’re protecting an entire environment and ecosystem. If you take care of them, everything underneath them [in the ecosystem] thrives. That has always been the driving force in my life – animals, insects, plants, the natural world. And I love gardening! I create my own sanctuary, so when I go home from the craziness, I sit and I have amazing – well I’ve been feeding the birds for 25 years, and the stuff I planted for all the bees and the butterflies – and squirrels and possums and racoons.

CWN: What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned working here?

V: When a plant is labeled drought tolerant, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require water. It requires less water, but [at the nursery I learned about] the idea that it needs an entire season of TLC, and then it becomes more established and drought tolerant. In particular in our severe drought that we are having here, I don’t think people should stop planting – it’s important as communities that we have plants around us. It brings calm and peace – there is a balance there [that we get from nature] – but plant the RIGHT plants. Make sure we have plants for our native pollinators – we need to take care of them. Put water out for birds and beneficial mammals that come visit – skunks, possums, squirrels – they all have roles they are playing in our garden. We are all in this together. Continue planting – just pick the right plants for whatever purpose it is that you have. Just because we are in a drought, it is still important to keep planting.

Not to mention the joy, the aesthetics of gardening – we need things that make us happy. During the pandemic as well, the turn to gardening was huge, and there’s a reason for that. There was a study done that said that being in the dirt and touching it and breathing it in – you breathe in all these microbes that actually calm you down and bring you joy. There’s a happiness involvement with getting your hands in the dirt. That thing about going out in the garden – it's crucial. There’s a connection back to the earth. Touching it – being a part of nature is critical for our happiness, for so many of us. I think that’s why the popularity of gardening jumped so much in the pandemic – first people thought, I have some time, let’s spend it fixing up my yard – then once they get started, they realize the joy it brought.

CWN: Thank you so much, Vanessa, for taking the time to speak with us today. I’m sure our readers will be absolutely thrilled.

V: Thank you Jane!

Going Green: How Gardening Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health

by Tina Martin

If you’re looking for new ways to improve your physical and mental health, you might want to consider gardening. Getting into the yard is a great way to exercise, soak up the vitamin D, eat healthier and recover your mental health. And today, Capitol Wholesale Nursery is here to help you get started.

Physical Benefits

Whether you’re planting, picking, or pruning, time spent in nature is time spent physically and can help you to develop hand strength and dexterity. It can also double up as a form of light cardio, especially when you’re trimming bushes, carrying mulch, or lawn mowing - in fact, the CDC considers gardening as an official form of exercise, as just 30-45 minute sessions are believed to burn up to 300 calories. Just make sure to take breaks from repetitive exercises as it can be easy to pick up stress injuries, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel.

The physical benefits extend beyond just exercise - a 2013 study found that DIY gardening can cut heart attack/stroke risk by 30% prolonging life for those over 60. Not only are you moving your body in a healthy way but you’re also soaking up valuable Vitamin D, which can help you fight off cold and flu, increase bone strength, and feel more positive throughout the week.

Mental Benefits

Speaking of feeling positive, gardening has also been shown to provide major benefits for mental health, relieving stress, releasing endorphins, and even reducing the chance of Alzheimer’s. Getting hands-on is a surefire way to feel better about yourself and make yourself more pleasant to be around for others.

It can also be an excellent way to get closer to others in your household. If you have a partner, kids, or friends you live with, dedicating some time to gardening vegetables can become quality time as well as giving you food to prepare, cook and eat together later. You can benefit mentally from the healthy diet provided by a well-cultivated diet, as well. In fact, studies show fewer symptoms of depression, stress, and overall negativity in those who regularly eat fruit and vegetables.

Beginner Tips

Getting started with gardening is a lot more straightforward than you might think. All you need is a few key components:

●      A garden patch (at least 3 by 4 feet across) with exposure to 6-8 hours of full sun every day

●      A plan that corresponds with your regional climate

●      Basic garden tools, including garden & shuffle hoe, dirt & leaf rake, garden shovel, and hand tools

●      Good soil with basic nutrients and a PH of around 7 (neutral) benefits most common garden crops

Once you’ve created the conditions for growing, it’s then a question of picking vegetables or plants that you like the taste of or that are easy to grow. Recommendations include beetroot, bush tomatoes, salad leaves, potatoes, and peas but there are plenty of other options if you want to get experimental.

You should also pay close attention to the surrounding environment. High winds can make it difficult for crops to grow, as can pollution or contamination from nearby sources. Animals are another factor, especially in areas with large populations of groundhogs, rabbits, or deer and you may need to take measures to protect your produce or else lose them to a hungry herbivore.

Gardening can have extraordinary benefits for mental and physical health, it’s also a lot of fun (especially with a partner). And who knows? You might even decide to turn this into a side business! To get started, all you need to do is grab a shovel and head out into the yard with the right knowledge. I promise you won’t regret it.

Capitol Wholesale Nursery has been servicing the Bay Area for over 40 years as a premier grower, plant broker, and re-wholesaler. Need landscaping or wholesaling services? Call (408) 239-0589.

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Best-Selling Plants of 2021

Fruit Trees

Fruit Trees
#10 Plum 'Santa Rosa' (Prunus salicina)
#9 Pomegranate 'Wonderful' (Punica granatum) multi
#8 Orange 'Washington Navel' (Citrus sinensis) semi dwarf
#7 Avocado 'Hass' (Persea americana) Type A
#6 Blueberry 'Sunshine Blue' (Vaccinium corymbosum)
#5 Blueberry 'Peach Sorbet' (Vaccinium corymbosum)
#4 Blueberry 'Bountiful Blue' (Vaccinium corymbosum)
#3 Strawberry 'Tristan' (Fragaria x ananassa)
#2 Persimmon 'Fuyu' (Diospyros kaki)
#1 Lemon 'Meyer' (Citrus limon) semi dwarf

Groundcovers

Groundcovers
#10 Vinca minor 'Alba'
#9 Gazania assorted
#8 Epilobium (Zauschneria) 'Everett's Choice'
#7 Myoporum parvifolium 'White'
#6 Rosmarinus 'Huntington Carpet'
#5 Verbena 'Tapien Blue-Violet'
#4 Lantana 'White Lightning'/'Alba'
#3 Thymus pseudolanuginosus
#2 Dymondia marguerite
#1 Satureja douglasii (Clinopodium)

Shrubs

Shrubs
#10 Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'
#9 Rosa x 'Noaschnee' Flower Carpet White
#8 Lavandula intermedia 'Grosso'
#7 Coleonema 'Golden Sunset'
#6 Acacia cognata 'Cousin It'
#5 Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
#4 Coleonema 'Golden Sunset'
#3 Lantana montavIdensis (sellowiana)
#2 Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'
#1 Trachelospermum jasminoides

Trees

Trees
#10 Pistacia chinensis 'Keith Davey'
#9 Syzygium paniculatum 'Monterey Bay'
#8 Myrica (Morella) californica
#7 Quercus agrifolia standard
#6 Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga' standard
#5 Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' ('Senkaki')
#4 Prunus caroliniana column
#3 Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea'
#2 Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca'
#1 Podocarpus (Afrocarpus) gracillior

Bamboos

Bamboo
#8 Phyllostachys nigra
#7 Bambusa multiplex 'Golden Goddess'
#6 Phyllostachys nigra 'Hale'
#5 Phyllostachys aurea
#4 Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'
#3 Fargesia robusta
#2 Bambusa textilis gracilis
#1 Borinda boliana

Ferns

Ferns
#10 Dryopteris pseudo 'Crispa Christa'
#9 Dryopteris erythrosora
#8 Asplenium bulbiferum
#7 Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Banksianum'
#6 Athyrium filix-femina
#5 Woodwardia fimbriata
#4 Aspidium capense (Rumohra adiantiformis)
#3 Woodwardia fimbriata
#2 Polystichum munitum
#1 Asparagus d. 'Myers' (A. myersii)

Grasses

Grasses
#10 Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
#9 Muhlenbergia rigens
#8 Carex pansa
#7 Carex praegracilis
#6 Festuca glauca 'Beyond Blue'
#5 Festuca cinerea 'Elijah Blue'
#4 Calamagrostis foliosa
#3 Sesleria autumnalis
#2 Lomandra longifolia 'Breeze' ('Tanika')
#1 Carex divulsa (formerly C. tumulicola) - #1 best seller

Perennials

Perennials
#10 Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Biokovo'
#9 Eriogonum grande var. rubescens
#8 Gaura lindheimeri
#7 Limonium perezii (Statice perezii)
#6 Geranium 'Rozanne' ('Gerwat')
#5 Heuchera maxima
#4 Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita Bop'
#3 Achillea x taygetea 'Moonshine'
#2 Iris douglasiana
#1 Erigeron karvinskianus

Succulents

Succulents
#10 Echinocactus grussonii
#9 Agave shawii x attenuata 'Blue Flame'
#8 Echeveria cv. 'Perle Von Nurnberg'
#7 Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'
#6 Echeveria 'Afterglow'
#5 Echeveria x imbricata
#4 Delosperma cooperi
#3 Senecio serpens (Kleinia repens)
#2 Agave 'Blue Glow'
#1 Senecio mandraliscae

Vines

Vines
#10 Clytostoma callistegiodes (Bignonia violacea)
#9 Bougainvillea brassiliensis (spectabilis)
#8 Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'
#7 Bougainvillea 'Orange King'
#6 Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red'
#5 Distictis buccinitoria
#4 Solanum jasminoides (S. laxum)
#3 Pandorea jasminoides 'Lady Di' ('Alba')
#2 Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'
#1 Trachelospermum jasminoides staked

Fall Yard and Garden Tips

by Tina Martin

In late Autumn, many changes appear in the garden. Leaves fall, and some smaller bushes, shrubs, and plants can start to shrivel. While some plants may be dormant during the winter, that does not mean you are left with no action or directive for November. The cold season is the season your yard and garden is at the most risk. Mold, compaction, and a lack of nutrients are but a few of the things that can hinder growth in your yard.

In order to keep the plants in your yard and garden healthy going into next spring, we suggest you try a proactive approach in the fall.

Garden Tips

In the fall, venturing out early into the garden is essential if you want to avoid the dreaded spring restart. As you already know, each plant rooted in your garden has its own seasonal lifespan. Identifying and maneuvering different sorts of plants in cohesion with the season they thrive most in will help your overall garden’s health.

●        Assess where you stand. Go over each area and determine which summer plants were successful. Trim any that have overgrown. Find any patches of soil that seem bare.

●        Add healthy mulch. Add a healthy, moist mulch around the base of each area. Check for any discoloration, as this may be a sign of harmful mold.

●        Replace summer annuals. The winter will likely bring an end to any summer-season plants that can’t hold-up. Try potting them and placing them in windows. For easy replacement ideas, pansies, mums, and violas look beautiful and are hardy enough for the winter.

Yard Ideas

Apart from your garden, the rest of your yard will need careful attention before winter. Similar to garden health, your yard can easily fall victim to smothering by mold, and overbearing leaves. While you tend to the garden, make sure to keep a keen eye on the status of the other plant life surrounding you.

To begin the process of prepping your yard, rake the leaves. Raking leaves and other debris is directly connected to the vitality of your yard. When grasses, bushes, and shrubs are faced with matting layers of dead leaves, bad outcomes tend to occur. Sunlight does not reach the bottom plants, depriving them of vital nutrients. Also, stagnant water that lies upon dead material develops mold. That mold eventually filters down into the soil which can inhibit all other plant growth.

Raking your leaves and composting them is the best option during the winter. Composted leaves can be applied to both gardens and yards and can aid nutrients in the soil.

Lawn Care

Good news! Not only can your lawn be salvaged, but it can also thrive and be ready for the return of spring. A majority of North American types of grass grow the most between the months of September through November. Because of this, tending to your lawn in the fall enables a more productive seed life going into the winter. To keep your lawn healthy, perform the following:

●      Aerating: Aerating your lawn is a process every lawn enthusiast should go through during the fall. By opening up solid spaces in the soil, the soil is allowed to breathe and receive nutrients more easily. Also, water and sunlight can pass through making life easier for new seeds.

●      Trimming: Set your lawn mower lower than what you normally would during the summer. Longer blades of grass tend to get matted by heavy frost, which can potentially kill them.

●      Fertilizing: Most seeds, in response to drought, go into a mild dormancy during the hot and dry summer months. Once fall hits, however, seeds and plants exhibit higher growth rates. This means that one of the best times to add fertilizer is during the fall when lawns need it most.

●      Remove dead or dying trees: Diseased or dead trees pose a hazard, and before winter sets in, it’s wise to connect with a tree removal service. These specialists can assess the health of your trees and determine what needs to be removed and what can be saved. Only consider professionals with strong reviews and top ratings.

Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of important work to do in your garden and yard. By using the above tips, you can make sure your lawn and plants are healthy and protected over the winter.

Drought: How You Can Help

Sources (clickable links): Public Policy Institute of California; CBS News; CA.gov

Sources (clickable links): Drought.gov

Article Links (clickable links): Plant Native & Drought Tolerant Plants; Learn Proper Care Techniques for a Drought Landscape; Learn the Official Santa Clara County Dos and Don’ts; Use the Landscape Rebate Program

Additional resources (clickable links): Save Our Water; SCC.gov Newsroom; San Jose Water Restrictions