This plant is the symbol of remembrance and friendship and as one of the most beautiful herbs in the garden. Many are in bloom now, usually blues but there are other colors too. The needle-like leaves are richly aromatic and are used to flavor tomato sauces, fish, eggs, soup, vegetables, and poultry. All varieties of Rosemary are perennials and true to their origin in the Medeterranean prefer sun, require minimal water, and need good drainage. The varieties include upright and prostrate to fit your garden needs.

Rosemarys available at Markham (most in both 4 inch and gallons) include:

'Blue Lagoon'  - upright

'Blue Spires' - upright

'Herb cottage - a shorter Rosemary

'Lady in White' - white flowers

'Majorca' - pink flowers

'Tuscan Blue' - tall upright

 

One of the qualities we appreciate about Rosemarys is that they start blooming early in the year when not much else is in flower. Some of ours have flowers already. These are tough, easy plants.

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These herbs are pleasantly aromatic, woody, sun-loving perennials of the mint family, primarily native to the Mediterranean region. They are widely used for ornament or their leaves used for seasoning. It seems like the harsher the growing conditions, the better it grows:  lean soil, sun, little water. more

Lemon Thyme (Thymus lemonium)

Lemon scented, 12 inch shrub. Leaves are used in satchets, salads, vegetables, poultry, and tea. It's also a lemon substitute in savory dishes.

Other Thymes available at Markham Nursery include:

Creeping

'Foxey' (variegated)

'Golden Lemon'

'Mauve'

'Pink Chintz'

Wooly'

Your newly planted drought tolerant landscapes will need supplemental watering for at least the first dry season, even if plants are adapted to summer drought. Watering regularly for two dry seasons will help plants develop strong stems and extensive root systems. By the third year, plants should be thriving with moderate to no supplemental water except during periods of extended hot weather.

Incorrect watering is the source of many plant problems, including susceptability to pests and diseases, yellowing of leaves, stunting of roots and general failure to thrive. Unfortunately, there are no rules that apply to all soils or plants.

Soil Types and Irrigating
Plants in clay soils need water less often than those growing in sandy soils, and sandy soils hold less water with each application. Avoid frequent shallow waterings. Apply water slowly and deeply, avoiding runoff. Allow the soil to dry out at least partially between waterings, but don't let it dry out completely except for plants that require a dry summer dormancy. It's easier to maintain soil moisture than to wet completely dry soil.

As is frequently the case in these emails, we have taken the above information from EBMUD's "Plants and Landscapes for Summer Dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region"  You can get your copy of this great book at many local book stores, on-line, and from EBMUD on line.

(disclaimer: this letter has nothing t do with plants...)
Dear Goldilocks:
What were you thinking?
Going into their house like that!
Eating their food.

Breaking their chair.

Taking over the baby's bed.

You owe those bears an apology

Big Time!
                             Eileen Spinelli