Friday, July 30, 2010

New & Fun


Today our garden patio furniture builder brought in a new set, perfect for those who live in high rises and have smaller patios or balconies. The chairs are strong and sturdy, no need to worry about them blowing over. We have been selling furniture from Jack & his wife for years, not once have we had any problems with the craftsmanship. Many times Jack has worked with our customers to build custom pieces, so if you have something you've been looking for get me a sketch and I'll see what magic Jack can do.

This is the original 4 piece Garden Set, you really need to sit in it to appreciate how well it feels. The pieces are unfinished, you may either stain, paint or let Mother Nature add her own patina to them.


Imagine, sitting outside on your new furniture while enjoying a soft breeze. Soft sound of water trickling from your new fountain (still on sale) and music filling the air from your precision-tuned wind chime.
Unpacked and ready for you to hear the sounds from Grace Note Chimes, we have different sizes and tuning options.
All chimes are tuned in the key of C, with the corresponding notes and chords engraved on one side of each aluminum windplate. Classic wind chimes are handcrafted from thick-tempered aluminum tubing, with a soft brushed finish. Each chime now features recycled composite lumber strikers - composite lumber is not only environmentally friendly but it also creates a softer contact sound when applied to wind chime tubing. These strikers are not subject to drying or cracking and require no maintenance

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Our Monarchs


I felt like a mother last week watching her children go off to school. When I went to work the chrysalis' were still hanging wrapped up, by the middle of the day they emerged as beautiful butterflies. We watched as the first one crawled up the side of their temporary home and fell back down. After a few attempts he/she reached the outside top and began to test his wings. Within a couple of minutes he felt confident enough to fly away, and out of the greenhouse he went.

Our second one seemed to be a little less confident in how to climb out, yes I know eventually she would be able to, so I helped by lifting the branch up and laid it on top of their home. She then tested her wings yet didn't seem to be in too much of a hurry to leave the nest. We enjoyed watching her, something like watching your youngster take that first ride without training wheels. I felt proud when she flew away. Later in the afternoon I want to believe she came back and hung around the greenhouse for a little while, then off to begin the next cycle.

As I write this posting we have 2 more chrysalis inside and I'm sure others throughout the nursery. Please remember to watch before you spray if you think your plants are being eaten by worms, we need to give up a little foliage to be rewarded with beautiful butterflies.

Monday, July 19, 2010

The Life of a Monarch


We sell alot and I mean alot of Asclepia Plants, also known as Milkweed. People put this plant in their yard knowing it will be devoured by the caterpillars. Early this month we found 2 such caterpillars on one of the plants and decided to watch them. Fausto was able to capture the second one as it turned into the green chrysalis doing what is described as the wiggle-jiggle dance.

I believe we may be watching the 3rd generation of 4. Each of the first 3 generations live from two to six weeks as an adult. With the 4th generation living six to eight months here in Southern California. They then begin the whole generation cycle over.


When researching more about this total body change I came across a really fun and informative website on the magical metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly


In about 3-4 days we should be seeing the next stage, if you want to view them as a chrysalis you should stop in soon.

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Annie's Annuals on Sale


We have a mix of Annie's Annuals which need to get planted into new homes, and your garden would be a perfect home. All Annie's in stock will be discounted 35% when you bring in this blog.
Today I remember seeing Echium gentianoides "Tajinaste",



Dianthus barbatus nigrescens "Sooty"

and an assortment of Verbascums.




This offer is valid on plants which are currently on the tables and valid thru 7/18/10 or while supplies last.

Summer time we spend more time in our gardens, harvesting, entertaining, and simply relaxing. A simple and quick way to spruce up your garden is with containers. Look around your yard and see if you have any old pots, boots, boxes or other unusual items which can be planted up, load them into your car and bring them into the nursery. Walk around and be inspired, select plants to see what works with your containers and for your area. Plant them up by yourself or with the help of one of our employees. Why take home more plants than you need, or not enough, and for those who live in apartments or condominiums and don't have extra space to make a mess we let you make your mess here.

Freshly picked Strawberries added to your breakfast cereal, tonight's dessert or just as a treat while working in the garden. Easy as 1 - 2 - 3. We have the pots, plants, soil and will show you how to grow your own bits of sweet sunshine.