Willow Glen, California Since 1992
Gardening
look at nurseries and farms Those of us who are native to the Santa Clara Valley understand more than anyone that this is the greatest place in the entire universe. It just doesn't get any better than this. However, the San Mateo County coast is nearly as excellent. In fact, it is perhaps second only to the valley, and not merely because of the close proximity. Unlike most parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, coastal San Mateo County has managed to maintain much of its horticultural and agricultural heritage. Several of the most distinguished horticultural and agricultural establishments of coastal San Mateo County that are not normally open to the public can be toured during the 11th annual Tour Des Fleurs on July 27. During this event, guests may visit three of the 11 hosting establishments by selecting one of seven pre-packaged tours. Each of the tour packages begins at 10 a.m. and includes a one-hour guided tour of each of the three destinations, allowing time for lunch after the first stop and for travel between each destination (finishing at about 3 p.m.). Participating establishments include nurseries, vegetable farms, cut flower farms, a dairy and even a pumpkin field. Yerba Buena Nursery (one of my favorites) specializes in California native species and ferns. Cut flower production is demonstrated by T and E Pastorino and Oku Nursery. Pastorino Gifts and Plants exhibits production of greenhouse crops, field-grown flowers and pumpkins. Production of field-grown dahlias, herbs and produce may be seen at Daylight Nursery. Purissima Greens Farms, Duarte's Family Garden and Green Oaks Creek Farm and Retreat grow organic produce. Duarte's Family Garden, incidentally, grows their produce to supply their historic Duarte's Restaurant in Pescadero. Three hundred Alpine goats are employed for cheese production at Harley Farms, which is now the last dairy farm in San Mateo County. Phipps Ranch will exhibit production of the berries used in their acclaimed jams. Jacobs Herb Farm/Del Cabo produces organic peppermint and spearmint for Tom's of Maine toothpaste as well as for local stores such as Whole Foods. Each of the seven tour packages features three diverse establishments to ensure a well-rounded experience. Although some of the participating establishments are open to the public, some may only be visited during the Tour Des Fleurs. This is a very unique opportunity. Tickets are $15 and should be purchased in advance, because they usually sell out. A box lunch can be reserved for an additional $11, or bring picnic lunches. Guests drive to each destination and time substitutions cannot be arranged. For reservations, or additional information, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Bureau at 650.726.8380, ext. 15, or visit www.halfmoonbaychamber.org. The Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Bureau can also provide information about other local attractions, shopping, dining and lodging for those wanting to make a weekend of the event. Flower of the Week: Cottage pink Cottage pink, Dianthus plumarius, and the less common maiden pink, Dianthus deltoides, are both classic perennials that have been enjoyed in gardens for several centuries and have been used to breed the many more contemporary varieties that are now available. The cottage pinks produce the most fragrant flowers on stems about a foot tall. The blue-green foliage is typically low and "shaggy." Flowers may be single or double, fringed or not. Colors include white, pink or rose, and flowers typically exhibit darker centers. "Old laced pinks" produce white flowers picoteed (edged) with pink or red. Bloom begins in early summer and continues until autumn. Full sun exposure is preferred, but reflective glare may cause scald. Soil should be rich and drain well. Irrigation should be regular, but not so excessive that the soil is mostly saturated. Dead-heading (removal of fading flowers) enhances continued bloom. Almost all pinks (Dianthus) can be propagated by division, cuttings or by layering. Cottage pink has recently become more popular, but other pinks have become more scarce. Many of the varieties have been so extensively hybridized among the species that their classification is unknown. Pinks are usually available among annuals in either "jumbo" cell packs (6-packs) or in four-inch pots. Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408-358-2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com. |
Feedback, or story ideas for the Willow Glen Resident?
(Close this Window to go back to our home page.)
Copyright © SVCN, LLC. Maintained by GoGuys, Inc.