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King of the Garden: Lion's tail is not commonly seen in gardens, but its whorls of tubular, fuzzy, bright orange flowers make it worth the search.
Photograph by Shari Kaplan
Fall, winter offer special events for local gardeners
By Tony Tomeo
During the summer, I enjoy taking my mother and niece to Yerba Buena Nursery in Woodside. I am particularly interested in the California native species and ferns as well as the Gerda Isenberg Native Plant Garden. My mother and niece enjoy the gift and garden shop and especially the tea terrace. In fact, Yerba Buena Nursery is one of their two favorite places to do tea.
During the Christmas season, Yerba Buena Nursery will be serving its Farmhouse Christmas Tea Lunches in the Great Room of the Old Farmhouse. Luncheons include an appetizer course, entree choice of chicken da Vinci or fire-roasted vegetables in croute, and a special yuletide dessert accompanied by Tea of Good Tidings. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for visiting the gardens and gift shop before or after tea.
The Farmhouse Christmas Tea Lunches will be served noon Dec. 6-9 and 13-15. Each tea is limited to 50 guests. Parties preferring their own table should bring 10 guests. Advanced reservations and non-refundable credit card payment is required. Cost is $35 per guest, all-inclusive. Guests are advised to select an entree when making reservations.
To make reservations or for more information, contact Kathy Crane at 650.851.1668. Yerba Buena Nursery is at 19500 Skyline Blvd. in Woodside and is normally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The nursery's website is at www.yerbabuenanursery.com.
Another interesting event of the season is the Paris Flea Market and Holiday Fine Arts Faire sponsored by the Monterey Bay Master Gardeners. This event features "extraordinary handmade art ... frivolous and practical, gently used home and garden treasures and holiday gifts or 'gifts for the soul.'" The Paris Flea Market and Holiday Fine Arts Faire is held at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. in Santa Cruz Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be obtained by calling 831.426.9673.
The Wild Bird Center in Los Gatos is an establishment that is as appropriate to the season as these two events. During autumn and winter, when local flora can be somewhat less eventful than during spring and summer, garden enthusiasts may find time to explore the various local fauna. The Wild Bird Center not only stocks distinctive garden artifacts, but specializes in that which pleases birds, squirrels, butterflies, bats and various other wildlife--as well as those who observe them.
The Wild Bird Center is located in the King's Court Center at 792 Blossom Hill Road and can be contacted at 408.358.WILD or at www.lovethembirds.com. (Inquire about activities and workshops for children as well.)
The Northern California Branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society (MGS) is an establishment that is always seasonal. The MGS is a nonprofit international organization that functions as a forum for anyone interested in species and horticultural techniques that are most suitable for gardening in Mediterranean climates.
Although gardening is more popular in regions with mild climates, such regions comprise only 2 percent of the land area throughout the world. Anyone who is fortunate enough to live in the Santa Clara Valley is aware of how excellent this climate is but may also be aware that many gardening techniques have been developed in other regions and consequently correspond with different climactic conditions and seasons.
The MGS can be contacted at www.mediterraneangardensociety.org. (Please contact me if more website information or telephone numbers are required.)
Flower of the Week: Lion's tail
I never bothered to ask anyone at the Wild Bird Center, but I believe that the tubular orange flowers of lion's tail, Leonotis leonurus, are intended to attract butterflies. They are certainly formed appropriately and appear at the right time in late summer and autumn. The flowers are only about 2 inches long, but occur in dense whorls. Each floral stem supports several whorls in vertical succession. The coarsely toothed leaves are about 2 to 4 inches long. Stems, foliage and flowers are slightly fuzzy.
Mature lion's tail can be as tall as 5 feet and can tolerate drought. Direct sun exposure and good drainage are preferred. Flowers will be sparse in partial shade. Although the lion's tail may not seem impressive when not in bloom, the vibrant, bright orange flowers are exceptionally striking.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
