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September 7, 2010   You are receiving this email because you requested it, if not, see the end of this email.


In This Email Update...
Next Markham Saturday Plant Sale--September 11th
Book Review: California Native Plants for the Garden
Nursery Plant Price Changes Effective September 2010
A Class on Garden Lighting
Next Markham Saturday Plant Sale--September 11th, 10am-2pm
Some new-to-Markham Nursery plants will be on sale, especially for perennials and California natives for Fall planting. Although it is probably a little too early for Fall planting, you will probably get your best selection now so that you will be well prepared come planting time. Mark your calendars now. 
 
Outside Vendors:  Garden Natives, others 
 
Sale held at the Markham Garden Center ..... rain or shine
1202 La Vista Ave, Concord  (map)....
Book Review:   California Native Plants for the Gardenbook 
by Kelly Marshall, APLD
MRAS Board Member 
 
California Native Plants for the Garden
by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, & Bart O'Brien,
Cachuma Press 2005
 
   Although published five years ago, California Native Plants for the Garden by Carol Bornstein et al remains my go-to resource guide for planning a native plant garden.  In fact, I'm on my second copy, having worn away the binding on the first from so much use.  This book is perfect for any level of native plant gardener, from beginner to expert.  
   The book is organized alphabetically, with over 200 pages of native plants that are appropriate for our gardens.  Each plant "bio" contains a description, photograph, preferred soil, light, and water conditions, as well as its natural habitat and range. Wildlife benefits are often mentioned, and sometimes the author also gives ideas for pleasing plant combinations.
   In species where there are many options, for instance Arctostaphylos-the descriptions are broken down into smaller categories, such as "Large tree-like Manzanita shrubs (reliably over 10 feet), Medium to large Manzanita shrubs (from 3 or 4 to 10 feet tall), and "Low Manzanita shrubs and groundcovers (from 4 inches to 3 to 4 feet tall)."
   At the back of the book, there are plant lists for particular gardening situations where one might need their options simply laid out for them.  Topics include "Hedges and Screens", "Meadows", and "Under Oak Trees".  And yes, there's a list for deer resistant plants if that makes you feel better.  But I probably need to remind you that deer don't usually read those lists.  Even so, this is one book that deserves a place on every resident's book shelf. 

   California Native Plants for the Garden regularly retails for $27.95, but the Arboretum, in cooperation with Cachuma Press, sells it to our members at a 30% discount.  With tax, for MRAS members the amount is $21.27 (non-members $30.54). We usually have it available at our Saturday plant sales.
 
Editor's Notes:  I've had this book since shortly after it was initially published and I heard a presentation by the authors. It definitely is a "go-to" book and well regarded among native plant "geeks". Several of the authors have close ties to Santa Barbara Botanical Garden which is a must-see for native plant enthusiasts, especially for its use of natives in appropriate settings (and assuming it isn't in flames).

Nursery Plant Price Changes Effective September 2010... 

New Prices:     Markham has decided it is time to raise our prices at the nursery.  At the same time, we are offering plants in a new size of container.  It is a 4" deep pot which is sized between a standard 4" pot and a gallon. The deep pots will be used for our "special  premium" plants. Containers that are not our standard size or have special plants will continue to have a separate price label inserted.
 
As always, we truly appreciate the support of our loyal members and customers.  We hope that you will enjoy the activities and changes in the Arboretum which are funded primarily through profits from the nursery.  These include upgrades to the design and landscaping in the International Garden, periodic programs and talks, and major improvements to the Nursery itself.  Thank you again for helping to support these activities.

Markham Nursery Prices  effective Sept. 2010
4"  standard pot ...........................$3
4" deep pot "special" plant................$4
1 gallon standard pot......................$5
1 gallon "special" plant (e.g., natives)..$6
2 gallon.....................................$8
5 gallon...................individually priced

Let Your Garden Shine!
Make the Ordinary Look Extraordinary!
A Class on Garden Lighting by the Urban Farmer
Tips and Techniques for Landscape Lighting

When:  September 18th, 10am - noon
Where:  Garden Center, Markham Nature Park and Arboretum,
             1202 La Vista Avenue, Conocrd, CA 94521 (map)
 
Also included: Rainwater Harvesting!
Enjoy a special presentation on how you can collect rainwater for use in your landscape
Would you like to add lighting to your garden?
Would you like to make your garden a pleasant and safe place to be after dark?

Kim Titus of Urban Farmer will give a class so you can learn the basics about garden lighting for safety, for use of the garden at night, and to highlight the drama of your landscaping and architecture.

Garden spaces can be magical at night . . . when light transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary!

In addition, Kim will give an introduction to rainwater harvesting. Urban Farmer is now stocking containers that are appropriate for this use and she will explain how it works and how it will benefit your garden.

FREE for MRAS members; Non-members $10 per person

Reservations required as space is limited. Please click on the link below to register or RSVP.
 
Please contact us if you need more information or it you have any questions about the event or how to register. Thank you for your attention and response, and we look forward to seeing you at the event.

Susana De Trapaga, Event Chair
Markham Regional Arboretum Society
[email protected]
925-681-2968
 
 
Come and Visit the Nursery

Come visit us and let us help you make your summer garden complete... always room for one more plant? Volunteers to help with selections and purchases are normally here on Tuesday morning from 9 until noon, and occasionally other hours, but call ahead to confirm.

The Nursery is located at 1202 La Vista Avenue (off Clayton Road) in Concord (map). On Tuesday's you can drive all the way into the Nursery area. The office phone is 925-681-2968 or you can email to [email protected].

From all the Volunteers, we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Plant Sales every Tuesday from 9 until noon
 
Saturday Plant Sales Schedule for 2010:  10am - 2pm
 next Saturday Sale is September 11th,
also... October 16th, November 13th
 
Markham Nursery Prices  effective Sept. 2010
4"  standard pot ...........................$3
4" deep pot "special" plant................$4
1 gallon standard pot......................$5
1 gallon "special" plant (e.g., natives)..$6
2 gallon.....................................$8
5 gallon...................individually priced