As our loyal customers are aware, we specialize in California natives and perennials particularly suited to the central Contra Costa garden.  As such, we rarely have annuals for sale.  But for Linaria  'Fantasy Mix' we made an exception.  This plant resembles miniature snapdragons with a delicate, dwarf habit.  It only grows to about 6-8 inches but the bushy plant is covered with blossoms.  It comes in a wide range of colors but our plants seem to be mostly white, dark lavender blue and bright yellow so far (some are just about ready to bloom).  They supposedly bloom for a long time and are easy to grow.  Will take sun or part shade and are attractive to bees and butterflies.  The abundance of color from this plant would be perfect in a combination container during the late spring and summer before it gets scorching hot. 
 

We also have a handful of the perennial Linaria,  Linaria purpurea 'Springside White'.  In appearance, it is quite different from the annual Linaria.   Small  white snapdragon type flowers are born on slender spikes of grey green foliage on a taller plant (up to 3 feet).  It likes sun and well drained soil .  This Linaria may self-sow.



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More Natives at Markham

For all of you native plant lovers who are going on the Bringing back the Natives tour this weekend, remember to come visit Markham on a Tuesday morning or at our next large plant sale, May 14 .  We have added another bed full of natives so our selection is even greater.  Hope to see you soon.