AUGUST 2010Serving You Since 1955

981 Alden Lane, Livermore, CA • www.aldenlane.com • (925) 447-0280

Announcements• Watch the Valley Gardeneron

TV30forgreatgardeningtipswithhostJacquieWilliams-­Courtrightat7:30amand1:30p.m.Monday-­FridayandrepeatedonSaturdayat7:30a.m.,11:00a.m.and4:00p.m.&Sundayat7:30a.m.,11a.m.,1p.m.and4p.m.,orcatchheronTV30.org.

• Bonsai Clubmeetings:3rdSaturdayofeachmonth–2p.m.atAldenLaneNursery.Comeone,comeall!

• Attention Rose Lovers!TheannualroseshowwillbeheldtheweekendofOctober9&10atAl-­denLaneNursery.Allarewelcomeandencouragedtoenterandsharetheirlovelyroses,somarkyourcalendarsforthisfunandinforma-­tiveevent.Watchthenewsletterforfurtherinformation.

See inside for a special rose feeding recipe.

RemindeR!!It’s Time to Redeem Bonus Dollars this Month

Each spring you earn Bonus DollarswithyourpurchasesatAldenLaneNurseryandinAugusttheyareredeemable.Inordertoaccommodatesummervacations,theredemptiontimewillincludethewholemonthofAugust.Sobringthosegreenbonusdollars in.Theyareredeemableforupto1/2thevalueofyourpurchase.Ifyouearned$20youcouldapplythemtoa$40purchaseandget1/2 Offforinstance.Bonus ­Dollars ­don’t ­expire! ­Ifyoudidn’tparticipatewithusthisspringdon’t ­despair!TheprogramhasbeensowellreceivedwewilldoiteachAprilandMay.

Yourbonusdollarsmaybeapplied to all purchases except sod, sale items,multiplypricedmerchandise and special orders. Not valid with other discounts or coupons. Sales limited tostockonhand.Notredeemableforcash.SeLeCt yOuR BOnuS DOLLAR puRChASeS CARefuLLy, AS theRe ARe nO RetuRnS ALLOWeD.

August Means Backto School

Itisbacktoschooltimewhichmeansourthoughtsturntofalland fall decorating. We havebeautiful collections for theseason. One of my favorites isthe sunflower collection which

includesplates,bowlsandaccentpiecescalledtheSun ­BlossomfromCertified International.Thevibrantcolorsinthedesignwillwarmanyhome.

Ofcoursewewillhavemanyshapesand styles of pumpkins to accentyour home décor. The popularglass pumpkins are back!Besuretostopinearlyforthebestselection.Fall isoneofmyfavoriteseasonsandwewillhaveeverythingyouneedtocompleteyourfalldecorating.

Christmas is approaching fasterthananyofuscanimagine!Iknowthat

IjusttalkedaboutfallandnoonewantstohearaboutChristmasbutIwantedtosharesomeexcitingnews.Nancy ­Claus,afabulouschildren’sauthor,whowritesstoriesaboutSanta’sadventureswillbehereforQuiltShow,September25and26,tosignherbooksfrom9amto4pmeachday.Ifyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutherbooks,pleasevisitwww.Mrs.ClausSays.com.

Herbs can make a familiar dish new or lift an ordinary entrée

to gourmet status. Their subtle magic transforms soups, stews,

salads, breads and even des-serts. With a bouquet of herbs or a scattering of herb flowers as a garnish, your food will look as

wonderful as it tastes.

â  1. Basil–It’swarm,headyflavorlendsitselftoItalianorMediterraneancooking,especiallytomatodishesorwitheggs,cheeseorsalads.Special tips:PestoSauce:blend2c.offreshbasil,¼c.ofparmesan,½c.ofoliveoil,3tbs.ofpinenutsorwalnutsand3clovesofgarlicminced.Useonpastaandvegetables.â  2. Chives–Thesubtleonion

flavorofchivesisperfectinomelets,salads,soups,oronpotatoesandothervegetables.Special tips:Getridofonionlikeodorbychewingonafreshparsleysprig.â  3. Dill–Usedforpickling,

dillisalsowonderfulinsalads,sauc-­es,soupsorbreads,onvegetablesandfish.Special tips:Trypicklinggreenbeans,carrots,newpotatoesorpepperswithabitofdill.

â  9. tarragon–Aspicy,sharpflavorwithlicoriceandmint

overtones,tarragonlendsitselftoFrenchcooking,eggdishes,fishandsaladdressing.Special tips:Tarragonvinegar:Pouraqt.ofcoldvinegarover½c.freshtarragonleaves,capandstorefor4weeks.â  10. thyme–Aheavy,spicy

flavorsimilartocloves.Thymeistheperfectherbforpoultrydishesandcreamysoups.Special tips:Sauteapinchofthymeinbutter.Pouroverchickenorcookedvegetables.â  11. Lavender–Theaddition

ofculinarygradelavenderintinyamountscanjazzupdishesasdiverseasgrilledporkchops,toscones,cakesandevencandy.

Cooking With Herbs

CarnivorousPlantsaremiraclesofnature.Theyblurthedistinctionbe-­tweenanimalandplantkingdoms.Theyhaveenzymes.Theymove.Theytrapprey.Thefamousvenus flytrapisnotatropicalplant,assomepeoplebelieve.ItisnativetothepineswampsofcoastalNorthCarolina,growinginanareaonly10x10squaremilesonthisplanet.Itistrulyamiraclethattheyhavesurvivedtheevolutionaryride.Survivetheyhave–and with style.

Recurving“fingers”thatsnapshutaroundflyingpreythathappenstolandinthejaw-­likedigestionchamber,redcoloringtoattractinsects,andglisteningdropsoffragrantattractantoverthetrapsurface.pitcher plantshaveawiderterritory,andarefoundinthewetlandsofMississippi,toFlorida,andonuptheEasterncoastline.TheCobra LilyisactuallynativetoourWestCoast.Droseraandpingulaarefoundthroughouttheworld.

Commontothemallisthefactthatwheretheygrowisnotrichinnutrients.Overtimetheplantswilltosur-­

â  4. Marjoram–Likeoreganobutsweeter,thisflavorisperfectinMediterraneandishes,meatsandvegetables.â  5. Mint–Theflavorof

mintisrefreshing,coolandsweet,especiallygoodiniceddrinksandteas,withlamborinsaladdressings.Special tips:Mintysuntea:Put8teabags,½c.offreshmintleavesand1gal.ofwaterinclearglassjar.Setinsunnyspotforseveralhours.Serveoverice.â  6. parsley–Foracleansharp

andpepperytaste,addtovegetablesandsaladsasagarnish.Includeinsauces,soups,stewsandstuffing.Specialtip:ParsleyishighinVitaminsA,CandB.â  7. Sage–Warm,slightly

bitter,thisflavorisamustforturkeystuffing,aswellaspork,duckandsausageseasoning.Special tips:Driedsageleavesareusedasasubstituteforcoffeeortea.â  8. Rosemary–Theflavorof

rosemaryisboldandpiney.Useitinpickles,jams,preservesandsauces,aswellasmeatsandsoups.Special tips:Useabranchofrosemaryasabastingbrushatyournextbarbeque,orputsomeonthecoalsforgreataroma.

vivewonout,andtheyadaptedtotheirenvironmentbydevelopingmechanismstocatchtheirownfoodsource.

Mostcarnivorousplantshaveafewthingsincommon.TheycomefromdampplacesandliketobeprettymoistALLthetime,andtheyalsodonotlikethechlorineinourtapwater.Theypreferfilteredordistilledwaterinordertothrive.Theyeatmillipedes,earwigs,andmostmediumsizedbugs.

Theylikelotsoffilteredlight,butnohotsun.Theydonotneedanyextrafertil-­izer,astheygetallthenutrientstheyneedbyeatingbugs.Theleavesonvenusfly-­trapswillblackeninthefall–bepatient,theyareonlysleeping(about3months).Whiletheyaredormant,putthemoutside

orsomewherecold.TheywillcomebackintheSpring.WehaveavarietyofcarnivorousplantsforsaleatAlden

Lane,fromlargenepenthes(Monkey ­Cup)tovenusfly-­traps,pingulas,droserasandpitcherplants.Jointhefunandcollectthemallforaterrarium!

Carnivorous Plants

Notes for August Gardeninge

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Keep after tomato hornworms and petunia budworms with another application of Safer’s Caterpillar Killer.It’saneffective,safeenviron-­mentalcontrol.

Don’tforgetyourcitrus!Inordertogetbumpercropsfeedlemons,orangesandothercitrusmonthlywithMaster’s Citrus food. Remember to water thedaybeforeapplying fertilizersorotherplantcareproducts. Also avoid feeding or treating on extrahotdays.

Is your garden suffering from the summer blahs?Perkitupwithcolorfulpetunias,marigolds,vincaanddahlias!

treat compacted soilsandlawnswitheZ Wet.Noamountofwaterorfoodwilldothelawnanygoodifitisn’treachingtheroots.Thissoilpenetrantopensthesoiltowater,airandfoodforlushgreengrowth.Aerating your lawn is most helpful in improvingwaterpenetrationtoo.

Keepthoseflowerbedsneatandblooming!Deadhead(removeallold flowers).Cutback leggypetunias.FertilizewithMaster Bud & Bloom tohelp setnewflowers.

Augustisagreattimetorefresh summer scorched Japanese Maples.Snipoffcrispyleavesevenifitmeans deleafing the plant. Feed with Dyna-Gro protekt.InfourweekstothedayyourmaplewilllookSpringrefreshed.Justintimeforthenewleavestocolorupforfall.

Sow flower seeds.Manywildflowersandspringbloomingannualsgrowfromseedsscatterednow.Try California Poppy, Bachelor Button, AlyssumandGodetia.Alsoplantbiennialssuchashollyhockfromseednow.

Cleanuparoundfruittreesandpickanyleftoverfruitthatcanharborinsectpestsandsoftrotfungus.Alightpruningtoshapecanbedonenow.

Hardtobelievebutitstimetostartplantingwinter vegetables! The cabbage family members, rootcrops,andleafyvegetablessuchasbroccoli,beets,carrots, radishes, onions, spinach and chard areready to be planted this month from seed.(Farmersinthevalleyareplantingwintervegetablecrops fromseedthismonth.) Plantingfromseednow allows for a deep, established root systemandaverylonggrowingseasonresultinginlargerharvests.Starter plants are available in mid September.

Startworkingnowtoprevent fall weeds.ApplyMaster’s easy Living Lawn food plus weed preventer.Thisproductdoesagreatjobofcreatinga protective barrier to prevent the pesky annualbluegrass. If you plan to reseed your lawn nextmonth,delaythisapplication.

Sunflowersareextremelyeasytogrowfromseedinourareaandthoseplantednowwillsproutandbloombyfall.Thisisoneofthesecretsofsunflowers.Theymakeagreatfalldisplay.Choosefromseveralvarieties.

ATTENTION ALL BACKYARD FRUIT ENTHUSIASTS

Bumpercropsandheavyharvestsawaitthosewhoattendour“Summer ­School”.Getindepthinstructiononadifferentfruiteachmonth,aswellastechniquesinpruning,diseasecontrol,andmuchmore!Wewillcovertheentire“backyardorchard”overtheyearincludinggrapes,berries,andcitrusfruits.

Wewantyoutobethemostsuccessfulyoucanbeinachievingyourgoalsofafruitful,nutritiouslifestyle.Attendmultipleclassestoearnatickettothe2010 ­Fall ­Harvest ­Recipe ­Party,andget“AldenLaneCertified”asanofficialBackyardOrchardspecialist!Giveawayitems,informationhand-­outs,andraffleprizeswillbeavailableateveryclass.Allclassesrunfrom11–12noonwithextratimeforQ&Aandwillcost $5(bring a friend for free!)Callaheadtoprepayandreserveaseat.

Here’swhat’sbeingofferedoverthesummer:

Saturday, August 21st • Apricot, Plum, & Nut Trees

Dave’s Rose Program Gives Your Roses Autumn Beauty

Catapult your roses into fall bloom with this feeding recipe.LivermoreroseexpertDaveLowelldevelopedthisfeedingprogramanditworkswonders.First,useonlyifyourrosesarewellestablished(plantedforatleastsixmonths).ALWAYSwateryourplantsdeeplyandthoroughlythedaybeforefeeding.Feedduringthecooloftheday.Avoidfeedingonanextrahotday.Lightlyworkingredientsintothesoilaroundtheroseifpossible.Sprinklearoundeachrose:1/2cupbonemeal................. (5poundsfeeds18roses)

1/2cupE.B.Stoneorganics5-­5-­5.......................................................... (5poundsfeeds18roses)1/2cupIronSulfateorGreenAllSoilSulfur(GranulatedSulfur)...... (5poundsfeeds18roses)2tablespoonsEpsomSalts(magnesiumsulfate).................................. (1.25poundsfeeds18roses)1shovelfullofchickenfertilizer............................................................ (1cubicfeetfeeds9roses)

Afteryou’vefedtheroses,besuretosoakthem.Never ­use ­in ­conjunction ­with ­systemic ­rose ­foods.Thecombinationofbonemealandsystemicrosefoodsposeaserioushealthrisktopets.

Join Us For The Third Annual Tomato & Salsa Party

September 18 & 19th 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. each day

OurpartywillfeatureSalsamusic,chipsfordipping,andtheoptionalsombrero.We’llprovidedozensoftomatoestotantalizeyour

tastebuds,you’llfallinlovewithalltheflavors!Youcanjotdownyourfavoritesfornextyeartobesureandgetwhatyoulike.

Wewanttotastewhatyou’vedonewithyourhomegrowntomatoes,andrewardyouforyourefforts!Bringinaquartofyourhomemadesalsaandcompeteforhighhonorsas“Top ­Rojo ­with ­the ­Mojo”.Socomeondownandenterthecompetition.YoursalsawillbejudgedbyAldenLane’sSalsaLovers.Criteriawillbe:theuseof

spices,flavorcomplexity,andallaroundgoodtaste.

tOp WInneR brings home:PA$100.00AldenLaneGiftCertificatetostartyournextsalsa

gardenPYournameontheperpetualSalsatrophyandPYourrecipeandpicturewillbepostedonthenurserywebsite.

Fame ­and ­fortune ­will ­follow ­you ­always.SeCOnD pLACe WInneR:

PWillreceivea$35.00giftcertificateforAldenLaneNurserythIRD pLACe:

PA$25.00giftcertificateforAldenLaneNursery

HomemadesalsamustbeatAldenLaneNurseryby12:30 on Saturday, September 18th.WinnerswillbeannouncedonSunday, September 19that3:00p.m.Wehopeyou’llcomeandjoinusforthisfunandfestiveevent.

KIDZ CLUB NEWS

OWLSWednesday, August 25

2:00 - 3:00 pm • Cost: $10.00KidzClub

isanhourlongexperi-­encepackedwithfunandgardeningprojectsforages5-­10.Welovetoexciteandenergizeyourkidsaboutplantsandnature,andthislastsummersessionof

KidzClubfeaturesouroftenmysteriousgardeningbuddy,theOWL.WewillbeginbylookingafterourprojectsattheAldenLaneFarm,andthenit’sbacktotheAldenLaneDecktodiscoverlotsofinterestingowlfactsaboutthesesilent,nighttimehunters.Wealsohaveagreat“makeandtake”owlprojectplanned,justforfun!Pleasereserveyourplaceatleast5daysinadvancebycominginorcallinginyourreservationtoourAldenLanecashiers(925)447-­0280.

– 2010 Presented by Alden Lane Nursery & In Between Stitches

September 25 & 26, 2010 for the 13th Annual Eventfeatured Artists

Sue nickels: Sueisaprofessionalquilterwhohasbeenteachingmachinetechniquesforover20years.Sheisrecognizednationallyandinternationallyasateacherandlecturer.Collaborationwithhersister;PatHollyhasresultedinmanymajorawardwinningquiltsincluding“TheBeetlesQuilt”.WhileteachingSueemphasizesthebestqualityworkmanship,nevercompromisingqualityforspeed.Wanttoknowmore?Visitsue-­nickels.com.

Denise Sheehan: A Graceful StitchApassionatequilter,knownforherappliquéwork,Denisestartedthecompany“AGracefulStitch”in2006andisexcitedtoshareherloveofquiltingandherquilts.Visitagracefulstitch.com.

elizabeth Scott: Late Bloomer QuiltsElizabethmadeherfirstquiltin1980.Elizabethisdrawntosoftvintagedesignsandgardenthemes.PerfectforQuiltingintheGarden!Takeasneakpeekatherworkatlatebloomerquilts.com.

Alex Anderson: Author, Fabric & Quilt Designer Meettheco-­hostoftheinternetshow “The Quilt Show”withRickyTims,www.thequiltshow.com.

ClassesDon’t delay in registering for these inspirational classes. Class size is limited and will fill up quickly! Visit www.aldenlane.com, call 925.447.0280 for class availability. Supply list for classes will be mailed with confirmation and tickets.

Autumn Whimsy embroiderywith Tracy ­Souza of Plumcute DesignsThursday,Sept.23,9-­4pm,atAldenLaneNursery$25,lunchincluded.Alllevels.JoinPlumcutedesignerTracySouzatostitchawhimsicalfallpumpkinfilledwithoakleaves,berriesandprimitiveflowers.Basicembroiderystitcheswillbecoveredinclassaswellassomefinishing&framingtechniques.Atrunkshowofherdesignswillbeshown.Kitsavailableforthisclass,$15paidtoinstructor.

Beginning hand Appliquéwith Sandra ­MollonThursday,Sept.23,9-­4pm,atAldenLaneNurseryorFriday,Sept.24,9-­4pmatInBetweenStitches$65,lunchincluded.Alllevels.Introductiontohandappliqué,usingaheartandvinepatternprovidedbySandra.Learnthefaststarch-­turnedmethodofpreparingappliquéshapes,aswellasglue-­bastingtheshapesintoplace.Handsewusingtheinvisibletackstitch.

It’s All About the Quilting!with Alex ­AndersonFriday,Sept.24th9-­4pm,atAldenLaneNursery$85,lunchincluded.Alllevels.Alexwillexplainherpersonalapproachtoquiltingdesign.Thenyouwilllearnhowtodrawaclassiccable,featheredwreath,and8pointedstar.Intheafter-­noon,pickuptheneedleandlearnthebasicsofhandquilting.

Machine Appliqué flower Basketwith Sue ­NickelsFriday,Sept.24,9-­4pm,atAldenLaneNursery$75,lunchincluded.ConfidentBeginner/Intermediate.Learntoappliquéusingaquickrawedgefusiblemachinetechnique.Ashley’sFlowerBasketwillbeusedinthisworkshop.Learnthefinepointsofmachineappliquéincludingperfectpoints,neatcurvesandcreativesurfaceembellishments.RegisterforthisclassandreceiveafreetickettoSue’seveninglecture.

the Graceful Gardenwith Denise ­SheehanFriday,Sept.24,9-­4pm,atInBetweenStitches$65,lunchincluded.Alllevels.Studentsmaychooseanappliquépatternfromthebook,TheGracefulGarden.Denisewillteachbasictechniquesandofferindividualinstruction.

evening LectureThe ­Quilt ­Collaborations ­of ­ ­Sue ­Nickels ­and ­Pat ­HollyFriday,September24,6:30to8:30pmatAldenLaneNursery,$20;orfreewhenregisteredforMachine Appliqué flower Basket.Dessertandcoffeeincluded.Suewillsharetheuniquewaysheandhersister,Pat,collaborateontheirawardwinningquilts.

Meet the Artist toursSpendanhourwithyourfavoritefeaturedartist.Seehernewestfabrics,booksandtourthespecialquiltsshebroughtwithher.$12.Sue nickels: Saturday11-­12pmorSunday1-­2pmelizabeth Scott: Saturday1-­2pmDenise Sheehan: Sunday12-­1pm

Concrete Leaf Class for KIDS!

August 21st11 am - 12 pm

OurConcreteLeafClassisnowofferedforkids7yearsoldandup(a parent may accompany a child if they need some extra help).Yourkidswillmakeabeautifulpieceofgardenartusingalivingleafimpression,muchliketheleavesdisplayedatAldenLaneforouradultleafclasses,butusingcoloredconcreteinsteadofbeingpainted,sothechildrenmaytakethemhomeafewdaysaftertheyaremadeandhave“cured”.

Theleavesareapprox.8-­10",andtheycanmakeuptothreeleaves,dependingonthesizeofleafandtimeconstraints.Thisclassincludesallmaterials,includingtheleaves—justdressinclothestheycangetmessyinandbereadytohavealotoffun!

Wewarnyou,thisprocessisaddicting,andyouandyourchildrenjustmightgethookedonthiswonderfulartform.Thinkaboutallthoseholidaygiftsyoucanmake!Thecostis$25.00perchild,plustax.

Classsizeislimited,socallourcashierstodaytoregisterandpre-­pay.

Pruning Opportunities for August

ThemonthofAugustoffersauniqueoppor-­tunityforpruninginthegarden.Justbeforetheonsetofour“secondspring”,manyplantscanbeprunednowforshapeorsizecontrol.Plantssuchasfruittrees,hedgesandmanyfloweringperennialswilllookgreatinafewweeksaspruningcutsarequicklycoveredbynewfallgrowth.

Citrusplants(andotherfrosttenderplants)prunedbeforeSeptember1stwillproduceabitofnewgrowththatwillhardenoffnicelybeforethewintercooltemperatures.Deciduousfruittreeslikeplums,apricots,applesandcherriescanbeprunedforsizecontrolnow.Peachesprunednowwillproducefruitingwoodfornextyears’crop.Hedgessuchasboxwoodorprivetwillquicklygrowanewcoatofleavestoshowthroughthecoolmonthsofwinter.Floweringshrubs,likeshrubdaisycanbereshapednowforanattractiveperiod,re-­bloomingupuntilwinter.

Californiahasthebenefitofenjoyingtwocleargrowingseasonseachyear,amainoneinspring,andasecondinthefallastheweathergetscomfortableagain.Thisisabeautifultimeinthegardenwithmanyfloweringplantsflushingoutacolorfuldisplayofblooms,almostasniceasspring.

Bylatesummer,manyshrubbyperennialscanlookleggyorovergrown,shrubscanlookoutofshapeandfruittreescanbegettingtoobig.Pruningjustbeforefallcanmeanyourgardenwill“heal”afteratherapeu-­ticpruningandlookfreshandtidygoingintowinter.

Mostplantsprunedatthistimeofyear,onlyneedalightpruningorreshaping.Leaveheavierpruningforwinterorearlyspring.Ifyouarenotsureaboutthepruningneedsofaparticularplant,emailorstopbyforsomeadvise.

Last Chance for Concrete Leaf Art!

Signupforour10:00a.m.classonSaturday, August 14th.

Youknowyou’vebeenwantingtosignup—and we only have August left for this year! Just ­DO ­it!

Youwillbesogladyoudid!Makingthesegardentreasuresismorethanfun...and

youwillbesopleasedwiththeoutcome!Nopriorcraftexperienceneeded,justawillingnesstogetalittlemessyandsmilealot.

Don’tmissoutonmakingtheseextraordinaryleaves.Onceyou’velearnedtheprocess,makingmoreforyourselforforgiftsisaddicting.Thecostis$75.00plustax,andthatincludestheinstructionandmaterialsforbothclasses.Partoneistheactualmakingoftheconcreteleaf,andparttwo(acoupleofweekslater,aftertheleafhasdried)isourpaintingclasswhereyouwillreceiveinstructionandthematerialstomakeyourleafevenmorefantastic.Youwilltaketheleafhomeafterthisclass.Bothclassesare2hourseach.SignupwithourAldenLaneCashiersbyphoneorinperson-­classsizeislimited.

August Pruning ClassIts ­a ­Great ­time ­to ­

Prune!Learnwhatandhow.

Saturday,August7th,11:00a.m.-­

12:00noon

$5.00&bring

afriendforfree.

Callaheadtoreserveaspace.

925-­447-­0280

Win A Collection of Late Summer Color!

Youcanwin: • 12–4inchAnnualColorPlants • 1–16inchpot • 1–2cuft.Master’s potting Soil

A$70.00ValueNopurchasenecessary.Neednotbepresenttowin.DrawingtobeheldAugust31,20010.

LATE SUMMER COLORAugust 2010

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

City:_________________________________ Zip ___________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Yes, I would like to receive the newsletter online.

It’s not too late to plant annual flowers. they will turn any spot into a bright and colorful area.

Top 6 Perennial Picks for Sunny Spaces

Beard tongue(Pensemon sp.)–Elegantandreliable;valuedbygardenersfortheirspiresoffoxglove-­likeflowerswithoutstandingcolorvarieties.Ourfavoritesare‘Garnet,’‘SourGrapes,’‘Firebird,’and‘AppleBlossom.’Hummingbirdsaren’tchoosy,theylikethemall.Theywillperformallsummer,withregulardeadheadingfullsunandgoodgardensoil.

Mexican Bush Sage(Salvia leucantha)–Attractivegrayandwhitefuzzyleavesboastlong,archingstemswithvelvety,deepvioletflowersfromsummertofirstfrost.Oneofthelargersalviasat2-­3'.Driedflowersretaintheircolorinarrangements.Easytoestablishwithdeepinfrequentwatering,ordinarysoil,andgooddrainage.Coldhardyto25°.

Lavender(Lavendula sp.)Theseheat-­of-­summerbloomersproducefragrantflowerspikes.Theirlavenderblueflowersaregreatfordryarrangements,ormaybemadeintoaromaticstove-­toppotpourrisimplybyboiling.Coolthewater,strain;useascountertopcleaner.Varietiesrangeinheightfrom18"-­3'withequalspread.Bestselectionsare‘Hidcote,’‘Munstead,’‘ThumbelinaLeigh,’andSpanishvarieties.Well-­drainedsoilisessential.

Black-eyed Susan(Rudbeckia varieties)–Plantingoodgardensoilwithgreatdrainage,foryearafteryearblooms.Verytolerantofourhot,drysummers.Theyproducecopiousquantitiesofbrown-­centeredyellowdaisiesfor2-­3monthswiththeirseedheadsprovidinganotherelementofwinterlandscapeinterest.CombinewithRussiansageandSedum‘AutumnJoy’foragreatlookthatislowmaintenance.

Russian Sage (Perovski atriplicifolia)–Voted1995’sPerennialoftheYear.Itremainsatruefavorite,floweringfromJulyintofallwithnogrooming.Nosignificantpestordiseaseproblems,probablyduetoitsfragrantsilverfoliage.Itgrowsto3'andlooksspectacularwhenmassplantedwithyellowdaylilies.

Stella D’Oro Daylily(Hemero-callis ‘Stella D’Oro)–thisminiaturegoldenbeautybloomsallsummerandgrowstoonly18".Whenplantedingoodsoil,thisplantwillgrowrapidlyandrequireminimalcare.Justremovefadedflowerstopromoteevenmorerewards.Toreducethesizeoftheclumportoaddtoyourcollection,plantsmaybedividedevery2-­3yearsinthefall.Flowersareedible,andmakeagreatgarnishonmaindishesordessertplates.

981 Alden LaneLivermore, CA 94550

(925) 447-0280Change Service Requested

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SPECIAL COUPONPresent This Coupon & A Canned Food Item

TO RECEIVE FREE

Food Donations are Optional. All donations go to local relief agencies. One coupon per family, please!

Offer Good August 1-31, 2010.

($2.99Value)

A3inchHerbPlant!!

Alden ­Lane ­Nursery ­Hours ­ • ­ 8:30 ­a.m. ­to ­6:00 ­p.m. ­daily