Saturday, February 27, 2010

Unusual Herbs


As I fill up the Herb tables at the nursery I am learning more and more. This week I brought in some herbs based upon customer request and also because the names were different. One such different one on the table this week is Hamburg Parsley. When I first saw it I thought it was hamburger parsley and I envisioned very large leafs that fit on a hamburger. The botanical name for this parsley variety is Petroselinum crispum Tuberosum. It has been described as a cross between parsley and parsnips. The root is what is used and the taste was described to me as a cross between celery and parsley - definitely tasty. You can slice it raw or cook it in soups.

Parsley is rich in vitamins, minerals and compounds which clear toxins from the body. Theories of how parsley gets its name vary. One says it was named for rocks in the Greek gardens, "petros". It is a biennel but most of us grow it as an annual. It is best used fresh so keep it growing in a pot handy to the kitchen, clip if often to promote new growth. You do know why they put in on your plate in restaurants right? Natural breath freshner.

Another leafy herb on the table this week is Chervil, which when I researched it found it has a family alliance to cow parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris. Well Chervil resembles flat leaf parsley the aroma and taste suggest tarragon & fennel. If you enjoy French cooking you certainly want Chervil in your herb garden. Use the leaves to enhance white fish, eggs, soups and salads. When adding to cooked foods add it near the end so as not to overcook the flavor.

An herb which you either welcome into your herb garden or dispise the smell of. Epazote, Chenopodium ambrosoides. This Mexican herb has a very strong taste, it has been used in Mexican cuisine dating back to the Aztecs who used it for not only cooking but medicinal purposes. Used in moderation it may help relieve gassiness that comes from eating beans, thus it is cooked in with the beans.

All of these are on the tables this weekend, I'll post more varieties in a few days, but now it's off to work. See you at the nursery and remember we do have umbrellas so you can shop in the rain.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

San Diego's liquid sunshine

Went to bed last night without the rains having come, and woke up this morning to the sound of it hitting our bedroom window. Looking out at it now is a welcome sight as we know the rain makes all the plants in the nursery happier. Plus the weather report says it is going to stop raining in about 15 minutes. Since it was a few hours late in coming I'm not sure it will stop on time. But you can be assured when it does stop later this morning the nursery is be ready for you.


And by ready believe me when I say ready. Fausto did the buying this last week and he bought for spring weather. The vegetable table became tables, the front displays are bursting with geraniums in all colors, and varieties. Chamaelaucium uncinatum, botanical name for Waxflower, are budding and showing some color. Plant these in your garden for a hardy drought-tolerant flowering plant which when cut last for a long time in your arrangements.

Right about now you will begin seeing burst of soft pink flowers with a strong fragrance, this is the Pink Jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum. This is an evergreen vine which originated in China. The abundance of flowers is stunning. Plant it where you want an impact of color and fragrance. If pink is your choice in the garden you will want to see the Pink Magnolias, they are budded and flowering. And if you want to know what this plant will look like when mature you can see one just 2 doors west of the nursery in the front yard of a home for sale. I hope the new owners don't take out this tree it helps us sell alot of trees. (no picture attached just drive by for the real thing)

Red Aloe came in yesterday and I learned that if you give it more water than not it will show more green, very pretty specimens available this weekend.

There is so much more at the nursery we hope you'll stop in, and if it is still raining we have umbrellas you can borrow.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Sunshine and your edibles

When walking this morning I actually had to wear my sunglasses, what a welcome change from the last couple of weeks.
We are so fortunate to live in a city with such beautiful weather for most of the year. Once our rain was over everything looked so clean. While the people on the east coast once their snows are done they will still have a mess to deal with.
Wish you could have captured some of our rains? You can with a Rain Barrel, stop by and see Tiger for more information and to save 30% off your purchase this month.

Many of you are looking for basil plants, we hope to be restocked next week, with the cold weather the plants didn't want to leave the warm greenhouses. We do have a good selection of Tomato plants, broccoli, lettuces and brussel sprouts, have you ever seen them growing?





Did you get your antioxidants in your breakfast this morning? Make it easier on yourself by planting a berry bush in your backyard. How yummy do fresh berries with your morning cereal or yogurt taste? We have varieties which are suitable for our mild climate.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Rainy Day Savings


We try and stay open during the rain for those of you who enjoy gardening in it. Yet there are times we close early so always call before heading over. Yet if you are going to come over we want to Thank You with Rainy Day Savings.
Print this blog entry and bring with you on any day this year 2010 that is raining. No it couldn't have rained the night before, or may rain the next day it has to be raining when you come in. By shopping in the rain you can save 20% off your purchase.


20% valid on your total purchase of regularly priced items, can not be combined with any other offer.

If you aren't going to garden in the rain than at least put on a pair of boots and jump in puddles. Puddle jumping brings out the child in each of us

Monday, February 01, 2010

European Baskets



Join us Saturday February 13th for a class on European Baskets. These may be planted to be enjoyed either inside or outdoors. If you already have an empty basket bring it and see how to bring it back to life, or buy one from our selection.


In celebration of Valentine's Day we will serve Strawberries, Chocolate and Champagne during the class, so bring a friend and make it a fun morning.
Class begins at 10:00 am, you also receive 15% off any plants you purchase for your basket.