Photograph by Shari Kaplan

Available in both regular and dwarf varieties, periwinkle is an attractive ground cover, but can sometimes 'escape' and overrun the landscape.

Bay Laurel Nursery gears up for annual open house

By Tony Tomeo

Already this spring I have received several inquiries concerning the Open House at Bay Laurel Nursery. Unfortunately, until recently, I thought it had been canceled this year. But, contrary to my earlier misinformation, the annual Open House tradition continues. It's scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Bay Laurel Nursery is perhaps the most interesting nursery I know of. Although rhododendrons are the primary crop, minor crops include azaleas, camellias, pieris, lilacs, deciduous magnolias and Japanese maples. The spring bloom is always very impressive, particularly in its picturesque setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The area surrounding the nursery is landscaped with stock plants that provide cuttings for continued production. The landscape also includes many field-grown specimens and companion plant species.

Because Bay Laurel is strictly wholesale, it is not open to the public any other time of year. This two-day event is the only opportunity for garden enthusiasts, who are not in the horticultural industries, to visit. Many nurseries in the Bay Area stock plant material from Bay Laurel, but are generally limited to the more popular cultivars. Nothing compares to the range of variety available from the nursery itself.

Horticulturist and proprietor Pete Moerdyke will be available to answer questions about rhododendron culture. Snacks and refreshments will be catered by Laurie Moerdyke, and Don Foskett will, of course, be barbecuing hot dogs. Because the nursery is large and some areas could be muddy, comfortable attire is recommended. Please be aware that only cash and checks can be used to purchase plants--no debit or credit cards.

To make reservations (please specify which day), or to request a more descriptive invitation, call Bay Laurel Nursery at 831.438.3999. Those already on the mailing list should be receiving invitations in the mail. Neither reservations nor an invitation are required. Bay Laurel Nursery is at 1554 Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley.

To get there, drive south on Highway 17 and turn right on Mt. Hermon Road, which is the second exit in Scotts Valley. Then turn right on Scotts Valley Drive, which is at the second traffic signal from the freeway offramp, and turn left at the first traffic signal onto Bean Creek Road. The gate is on the left at about 1.5 miles and will be marked.

I have been involved with this event since it was first started in 1995. I have noticed many guests return regularly every year after their first visit, and the Open House seems to be more popular every year. Of course, I will be there again this year and look forward to meeting some of the garden enthusiasts who appreciate Bay Laurel Nursery.

Flower of the Week: Periwinkle

Both periwinkle, Vinca major and dwarf periwinkle, Vinca minor, are useful as ground cover in shady areas in urban landscapes, but may be extremely invasive in shady forested areas. Many residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains consider periwinkle to be a weed, similar to Bailey acacia or Scotch broom. In fact, Pete Moerdyke has been trying to exterminate it from his land for many years. Neither species is recommended for areas where escape into the wild might cause problems.

Standard periwinkle requires less care and irrigation, but will tolerate sun exposure if irrigated regularly. Mowing in late winter will promote lower dense growth. Otherwise, growth may get to be 2 feet deep and unrefined in appearance. A good example of standard periwinkle in a naturalized environment may be seen in the creek at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga.

Dwarf periwinkle grows lower and denser, and is more suitable in small areas, but requires periodic irrigation and likes to be fertilized. Both species exhibit the typical "periwinkle" blue flowers most garden enthusiasts are familiar with. Cultivars of dwarf periwinkle that exhibit white or deep blue flowers, or larger or double flowers, are also available.

Both standard and dwarf periwinkle are available with variegated foliage. Both species of periwinkle without variegation are commonly available. Variegated cultivars of either species, or the various cultivars of dwarf periwinkle, may by somewhat elusive and only available through specialty nurseries.

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Horticulturist Tony Tomeo may be contacted at 408.358.2574.

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