What a collection of penstemons we have. Usually there is an assortment of different varieties that fill about half of one of our display beds. But this year, thanks to generous donations from Troy McGregor of Gondwana Nursery, Kathy Echols of Midhill Nursery and to enthusiastic propagation by Markham volunteers, we have two full beds of penstemons (and probably a few more lurking about).   The American Penstemon Society says there are over 800 cultivars and hybrids developed by plant breeders over the last 300+ years so it's not surprising we have so many different hybrids as well as native varieties from which to choose.  Penstemons like a sunny or partially shaded location (in hottest areas) and good drainage and require little to moderate water with the hybrids appreciating a bit more. With gorgeous blossoms in shades of red, blue, purple, rose, salmon, pink, white, etc., there has got to be one just right for any Contra Costa garden. Come see our selection at our September 10 plant sale.

Just some of the Penstemons to choose from:

1-Avon Belle   2-Betsy's Blue   3-Blackberry Ice   4-Capricorn Moon   5- Elfin Pink   6-Enor

7-Garnet        8-Hidcote Pink  9-Holly's White    10-Moonlight          11-Osprey      12-Prairie Dusk

                                13-Raven            14-Red Riding Hood         15-Ruby
                                16-Snow Storm    17-Sweet Joanne             18-Tayberry Ice 

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Markham Has Gardening Books for Sale

We have picked out some new interesting garden books as well as some of our old favorites to offer for sale at our Saturday plant sales. They are now priced at 10% off list price for all customers and 30% off for our members. During the next few emails, we will be providing brief descriptions of the books we have available - check out the selection for yourself at our next plant sale on September 10.
 

Plants & Landscapes For Summer-Dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region

From EBMUD's website:

Winner of the American Horticultural Society's 2005 Book Award

EBMUD's beautifully photographed 336-page book features more than 650 native Californian and Mediterranean plants suited to the climate and microclimates found throughout much of California and the West. Over 500 color photos show plants in garden settings that blend well with natural surroundings and reduce reliance on water.

Editor's Notes: While this book has been around for a few years, it is still the primary locally authored source for Bay Area gardeners on how to design and build a beautiful garden while minimizing water use.

The American Meadow Garden:

Creating a Natural Alternative to the Traditional Lawn

By John Greenlee and Saxon Holt 

From the publisher, Timber Press:

In The American Meadow Garden, ornamental grass expert John Greenlee creates a new model for homeowners and gardeners. For Greenlee, a meadow isn't a random assortment of messy, anonymous grasses. Rather, it is a shimmering mini-ecosystem, in which regionally appropriate grasses combine with colorful perennials to form a rich tapestry that is friendly to all life - with minimal input of water, time, and other scarce resources. Kids and pets can play in complete safety, and birds and butterflies flock there. A prairie style planting is a place you want to be. 

   With decades of experience as a nurseryman and designer, John Greenlee is the perfect guide. He details all the practicalities of site preparation, plant selection, and maintenance; particularly valuable are his explanations of how ornamental grasses perform in different climates and areas. Gorgeous photography by Saxon Holt visually illustrates the message with stunning examples of meadow gardens from across the country.

Editor's notes: John Greenlee and Saxon Holt are both headquartered in the Bay Area and this book reflects many Bay Area gardens. It should also be noted that Saxon Holt is the primary photographer of the EBMUD book above and will be the featured speaker at Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club's September 6th 7pm meeting on "Taking Great Garden Pictures" at the Camellia Rm at Heather Farm. Guests are welcome at no charge. Should be especially interesting for you budding garden photographers.