Pourpier or Portulaca oleracea

I had a special request for Purslane also known as Pourpier in French and Verdolaga in Spanish this last week and I was able to bring some in from our herb grower Pearson's Gardens. I learned this annual can be enjoyed in stir-fry, salads, and other culinary dishes along with just being enjoyed as a summer flower in the garden.

If you have been looking for this plant it is in stock this week. For more information on this annual visit the link listed above. If you cook with it maybe bring us a sample so we can say first had we've tasted it. I did try it raw but not something I'll be adding to my salads.

Pomegranate Wine Tasting

Mark your calendar for Saturday September 26th.  We are planning a very fun evening of tasting, learning, shopping, and saving.  Tasting begins at 4:00pm and the nursery will stay open until 6:00pm.

TwinPoms will be here to offer you a taste of their newly released Pomegranate Wine.  What better place to taste their new wine then strolling Mission Hills Nursery.

Along with tasting you will be able to learn tips on 

how to plant a fall vegetable garden, shop until 6pm

and save 20% off your nursery purchases, wine purchases not eligible for the 20% discount.

This is an invitation only event so please RSVP to toni@missionhillsnursery with the subject line being Pomegranate, let me know how many will be coming with you.

You must be 21 or older to attend.  The cost for this evening event is only $5.00.

Or register at the nursery.

August 11th Tuesday's Tasting

This Tuesday's Tasting is going to be crisp whites. To compliment these whites your purchase of white flowers from the 5" perennial tables will be discounted 20%. One of our newest white flowers on the tables is the Clitoria double 'white lady'. Double pea like blossoms cover a delicate vine that grows 36", it excels in heat and humidity and will grow in full sun to part shade. Plant it in a container with a trellis or let it trail over a window box or out of a hanging basket. Keep the soil moist. Other white flowers which are blooming now are

Euphoribia Diamond Frost, a continuously blooming flower which enjoys both full sun and shade. Makes a statement when planted by itself but really shines when used in a mixed container.

Bacopa which is considered a perennial here in San Diego gracefully drapes down the sides of containers or spreads across the soil surface in garden beds. Grows well in sun along the coast and would prefer shade inland, requires regular watering.

Tastings are from 3:00 - 5:00, it's not about the taste it's about getting ideas from the displays and spending time with your friends. See you in the nursery.

New Exciting Arrivals

Yesterday and today trucks were unloaded with product we haven't had in stock for awhile and we are excited about. First let me describe for you the wonderful scent you will find when you enter the upper lot. Oil from the Michelia champaca, Alba tree is used in the making of Joy Perfume. Joy Perfume is made by the same company which gives us Channel No. 5. This evergreen tree can grow 10-20' tall and as wide. The white flowers bloom most often in the summer and winter yet also intermittently throughout the rest of the year.

Another specimen which you will see when you first enter is the Allamanda cathartica, Golden Trumpet vine. This evergreen vine can grow thru trees and reach 50'. Or if you pinch it back you may maintain it as a freestanding shrub. The yellow trumpet flowers are 5" wide and 3" long and appear nearly year round. Loves heat and needs it for proper growth and bloom, does not tolerate cold.

Summer time pots in different shapes, sizes, and bright colors.
Orchid pots with the holes in the sides, and self watering pots for African Violets. Plus some really fun small glazed bowls to plant up for your patio tables. Oh yes and speaking of patio tables, we do have umbrella pots in stock.

With the cut backs in water your garden birds are looking for new places to bath so why not give them a new birdbath this summer? We just unloaded blue and green ones which are just the right size for our feathered friends, and if you are worried about wasting water, use the water that would run down the drain while you are waiting for it to warm up.

If you haven't looked at the card rack you will want to stop and see the beautiful photo cards which are done by our local photographer Meredith French. Some gorgeous photos of flowers and insects. Give the card that is worth framing, or pick up a few for yourself and enjoy nature in it's finest show.

Most Unusual Flower

What is that flower growing on the back of your building? I don't know how many times we've been asked this question and every time the person asking either loves the vine or is disgusted by it. Aristolochia gigantea or Dutchman's Pipe. Fast growing vine that can grow 15-20' tall has been spreading across our back building for years, even with repeated cuttings this vine is a conversation piece. Oddly shaped flowers are really petal-less calyces that open about 6" wide and hang nearly 12" long. Hardy vine to about 30 degrees, plant in a sunny spot with summer shade for a more stunning show.

This plant is in stock and sells out quickly, we have the Gigantea and regular to choose from.