 The first day of the open house at Bay Laurel Nursery that I have been talking about for weeks is April 9. The nursery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the open house will continue for four more Saturdays--April 16, 23, 30 and May 7. Different rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas will be blooming each week, and some of the latest camellias will still be blooming during the first or second week. Japanese maples, pieris, New Zealand flax and a few other species will be available every week. Laurie Moerdyke, proprietor of the open house, will be selling some of her favorite garden decorations that have been accumulating for the past year.
Horticulturist and proprietor of Bay Laurel Nursery Pete Moerdyke is the authority on all that is rhododendron and will be glad to discuss the culture and care of any of the plants he grows. Representatives of the American Rhododendron Society and I will also be available for consultation. I can, of course, discuss issues other than plants grown at Bay Laurel Nursery but will be absent on April 23 when I will be similarly engaged at Spring in Guadalupe Gardens. During the open house, guests can tour the gardens of Bay Laurel Nursery and enjoy lunch and snacks at the Foskett Grille.
Bay Laurel Nursery is located at 1554 Bean Creek Road, approximately 1 1/2 miles out from Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley. Bean Creek Road is the first left turn after turning right onto Scotts Valley Drive from Mt. Hermon Road. Scotts Valley Drive is the second right turn after turning right onto Mt. Hermon Road from southbound Highway 17. More information may be found online at www.baylaurelgardens.com or by telephoning 831.438.8770. More information about Spring in Guadalupe Gardens on April 23 can be found at www.grpg.org.sgg.
This same website also provides information about "Irrigation Systems for the Homeowner", an introductory irrigation class that has been arranged by Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens for April 11, 6 to 8 p.m. Topics include irrigation materials and controls, design, installation, use zones and water conservation. Admission is $10. The class takes place at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring St. (at Taylor Street) in San Jose. Attendance is limited, so reservations should be arranged by telephoning 408.298.7657.
Flower of the Week: Clematis
Almost all of the hundreds of cultivars of clematis (Clematis spp.) are deciduous delicate small vines that are hybrids of the various species. The native Clematis armandii that blooms with small but profuse white flowers on a considerably more substantial and vigorous vine is the most common of the evergreen clematis. The most popular clematis have less profuse but more brightly colored and larger flowers that may be as wide as 8 inches. A few bloom with bi-colored or double flowers. Color ranges through various shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue. Bloom is followed by interestingly fluffy seed capsules. Foliage is trifoliate (divided into three leaflets).
Clematis can adorn otherwise unremarkable shrubbery or fences with their impressive bloom without becoming aggressively overwhelming. In fact, foliage of other species can provide a more appealing background than clematis can provide for itself if grown alone on a small trellis or stakes. Stems break easily, so should be allowed to ramble and climb as freely as possible with only minimal and careful redirection and tying. Shearing of shrubbery that has been adorned with clematis vines will unfortunately remove the exteriorly clinging clematis vines.
Foliage likes warmth and sunny exposure if protected from overexposure or reflective glare. Conversely, roots prefer cool, shaded soil that is rich, well-drained and regularly moist. Occasional application of a complete fertilizer is appreciated. Winter pruning promotes more vigorous growth in spring. Clematis is typically only available seasonally as it begins to bloom in spring. Several cultivars can be found at the open house at Bay Laurel Nursery.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Photograph by Tony Tomeo