A Grower Perspective

Leylandii cypress is the unlikely union between a Monterey Cypress and a Nootka or Alaskan Cedar. This occurred in England on the Leyland Estate in 1888. The two parent plants were collected from far corners of the world and planted within proximity on the estate, and the bond resulted in the offspring of what we know as simply "Leylandii" today. Propagation of this hybrid began in 1925 as the result of a search for a fast growing, salt and wind tolerant conifer.

Comment (0) Read More...

Known as a gas station plant in California because they are so common and tough, Hollywood juniper is one of those plants I have dismissed for years, just looked beyond it, thinking that it was just a big green blob, no flowers or fall color or fragrance. Upon closer examination and with maturity in my gardening I see a sculpted beauty in its form and relief from color and an emphasis on texture and movement in its shape. Hollywood juniper is a twisted, upright small tree growing to 15 feet high by 10 feet wide. The foliage is deep green with dense irregular growth; it has gray berries which are tasty for birds. This tough plant has a rustic look and is suitable to all soil types as long as there is drainage. Junipers like full sun and can survive on little water once established. Plant with lavender, rosemary and thymes and other drought tolerant plants, also can be planted in a container or as a specimen plant.

Comment (0) Read More...

A month or so ago I went hiking to a beautiful waterfall not far from where we live. Besides the stunning waterfalls every plant, every rock, every piece of moss looked perfectly composed, creating a landscape nearly impossible to recreate. How is it that we work so hard in our gardens to create great beauty and out in the untouched world it is splendid without a finger being lifted? I notice that in my rural setting where I live, I am busy around my home toiling away to make a garden I find satisfying and then with a brief walk up the trail into the woods I find perfection, tranquility and rest in the natural landscape around me.

Comment (0)

Here is a photo of Ted and his beautiful pumpkins. Ted heads up the Youth Farm in Springfield, a part of Food for Lane County. On a precious piece of open land in the middle of apartments and houses, not far from the new hospital or Gateway Mall is a farm, an oasis for birds, kids learning to garden and work, volunteers who want to get their hands on some great soil and Ted who runs the whole show. How are we connected to Ted and the Youth Farm? Ted has a fundraising (seed money) plant sale in the spring which we donate some of our healthy, beautiful plants to and Ted is on my husband's softball team, that is how we know Ted.  Tuesday I went to the farm to pick up our fall food order.  The farm is offering potatoes, onions, tomatoes, squash and more for folks that want to stock up for the winter, lovely produce and a very reasonable cost. I got boxes for Josh, Ashley and me.  Ted sent along the most beautiful bright orange Cinderella pumpkin, lovely to look at, tasty to eat, for Amy.  That is the best connection ever, sharing our best with each other. For more information on the Youth Farm and their produce check out the Food for Lane County web site www.foodforlanecounty.org or call 343-2822.

Comment (0)

I want to sincerely thank all the folks who have come by and announced that they are planting ornamental and blueberry gardens now and throughout this fall. Why? Because fall is the best time to plant, (in my gardening opinion) and they are volunteering to do it without me forcing my way on them. Late summer and autumn are great times to plant because it allows the plant to go in the ground just as the rains begin (today) and the roots have a chance to reach down and establish the plant during the winter. As the spring sun returns the fall planted plants are off and running rather that just starting out. If you are skeptical or have never done it that way give it a try and see how it goes for you. I planted a friends lavender garden in the fall and it looked like dots on a mulched landscape yet by March everything was pushing growth and she was so happy the job was done and the lavender well on its way. Another reason to plant now is that Pleasant Hill Nursery has a wide selection of very full, very healthy, high quality plants. Visit us and see.

Comment (0)