 Writing a gardening column is most difficult during spring. There are more important gardening procedures that are now seasonal, but there are also many seasonal gardening events that must be discussed. The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show begins March 17 and continues through March 21. A few days later, the annual Open House at Bay Laurel Nursery begins—on March 27—and continues every Saturday until May 8. Spring in Guadalupe Gardens takes place the fifth Saturday of Bay Laurel's open house, on April 24.
There is still enough time to postpone discussion of the Bay Laurel open house, but this is definitely an event that should not be missed. It is the only time of the year when the wholesale nursery is open to the public and when the bloom of the rhododendrons is most impressive.
The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is certainly the most imminent of these events and involves more than I could describe even if I had a full page. The landscapes created by local designers are traditionally the most popular attraction, but there are so many other exhibits and vendors. The California Horticultural Society has arranged a display of "Hot Plant Picks," which have only recently become available. Many more specialty plants may also be seen and purchased in the Plant Marketplace. Other vendors market unusual and distinctive garden furniture, artwork and garden accessories.
The extensive bonsai exhibit, cut-flower displays, floral-design exhibits and various educational exhibits are actually what I find to be most interesting. Likewise, the Orchid Marketplace is not only an extensive display of the various species of orchid, but is also an excellent source of fresh blooming specimens. With all this going on, it may be difficult to attend a few of the many seminars that are scheduled throughout the event.
The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show takes place at the Cow Palace and runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., March 17 through March 20, but only until 6:30 p.m. on March 21. Tickets may be purchased prior to March 13 at any of several local nurseries for $17 but will otherwise be $20 at the door. An all-show pass is available for $65. Tickets for children between ages 4 and 11 are $7. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. More information, including a list of nurseries that are selling tickets, may be obtained online at www.gardenshow.com.
Philaquercians (oak enthusiasts) might also be interested to know that Pam Muick, co-author of Oaks of California, will be discussing oak culture at 7:30 p.m. on March 19 at the Saratoga Library Community Room, located at 13650 Saratoga Ave. in Saratoga. This lecture has been arranged by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and features books, posters and plants for sale. Admission is free. For more information, contact Judy Fenerty at 408.378.6272 or email her at judy@fenerty.com.
Flower of the Week:
California poppy
Like Easy Rider, the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, was "born to be wild." It is a perennial, but is most often grown as an annual in unrefined areas of the garden where its delicate and low foliage may spread out without restriction. Seed capsules and stems of spent blooms fade to tan and may not be so appealing in more prominent locations. Without competition from other species, California poppy can naturalize, perpetuating a healthy colony by profuse seed.
The largest individual specimens are less than 2 feet wide and less than a foot high, but a happy colony of California poppies may collectively cover a large area. Foliage is finely textured and somewhat bluish. Flowers are only 2 inches wide, but are very bright orange and can be profuse. Floral color of some of the more unusual varieties ranges through yellow, white, red, purplish-pink and pink. Most bloom with single flowers, but a few bloom with semidouble or ruffled flowers. California poppy is not conducive to transplanting, so seed should be sown where the poppies are desired. Full sun exposure is important.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Photograph by Michael Hart