$25
Sponsored by the generosity of the Contra Costa Water District and Concord Public Works

May 2-3, 10am - 5pm
Includes free plant talk by Kelly Marshall, Robin Parer of Geraniaceae, & Art Show
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Volunteer Corner
Does this handsome face look like an Army general? Well, you would never know it by Ron M''s modest manner -- he never makes us call him "sir" :) 

Ron was born and raised in Santa Barbara after his parents moved there from Minnesota.  After Ron graduated from UC Santa Barbara, he started his 30 year career in the army, culminating in the afore-mentioned rank.  His final assignment in the military was as Deputy Commander of ARCOM (Army Reserve Command )of SoCal, AZ, NV.

 How did such an illustrious person come to Markham?  "My wife was a volunteer there when I married her so I just joined in with her and have been there ever since - about 2 1/2 years.   I know little or nothing about plants but am learning and can always do things for the garden that don't require technical knowledge."

In addition to being a smart man who married someone he likes to listen to: "I like the Markham because it is a small operation and therefore more personal.  The volunteers are all motivated, and many have a depth of knowledge that is quite remarkable.  It is a wonderful social club for me as well.  I get a great deal of satisfaction out of being helpful in some small way."
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-- Nursery Hours --
Tuesdays 9 am till Noon.
&
2015 Markham
Weekend Sale Dates
9:00 am - 1:00 pm:

 

Sat., March 21

- Sat., April 4 

- Sat. & Sun., *May 2 & 3 

  (10 a.m. - 5 p.m. this day only)

- Sat., June 13

- Sat., September 19

- Sun., October, date TBD



1202 La Vista Avenue
Concord, California.
925-681-2968


 

April 4: 
A Legendary Plant Sale


Exaggeration?  I think not. In addition to the scads of ornamental plants which look fantastic right now, we are also bringing you these special offerings:
  • Flowers - Four experts will be on hand to help you select from four different types of stop-the-car plants:
    • Robin Parer, one of the world's leading authorities on the South African plant family, Geranicaeae, is coming with her customary, astonishing assortment of these colorful and fragrant beauties.
    • If you think you know daylilies (pictured above), prepare to be astounded.  Nancy Harvey, president of the local chapter of the Daylily Society will have on hand dozens of these amazing species. 
    • Due to demand, Stan the award-winning Iris Man returns with bearded irises, and Marthann will have her accompanying and dizzying array of Pacific Coast Hybrid irises.
  • Heirloom Edibles & Pollinator Plants -In addition to our usual only-here-folks selection of heirloom tomatoes -- available at the new lower price of $2.50
     -- we also hope to have our other edibles plus pollinator plants.  For your convenience: 
Easy living: cardoon
(Photo credit: Cookipedia.co.uk)

Because the April 4 sale highlights edibles, I felt it was time to start talking about permaculture. If you are unacquainted with the term, it is basically a method of farming by developing sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems.

Yes, I know - yawn.  But, think of it this way: if you are going to pay for water, why not have it make food for you with as little work as possible AND be pretty in the bargain?  

If you find that attractive, then meet your new best friend, cardoon (Cynara cardunculus). This perennial from the Mediterranean is permaculture royalty: 
  • the leaf stalks are edible, tasting like its cousin the artichoke;
  • it feeds our bees, who are attracted to the blue flowers;
  • it is a dramatic garden statement: the Royal Horticultural Society in England has tagged cardoon with their Award of Garden Merit;
  • it is highly resistant to pests and disease.

It is best planted in a container or where its mature size (see picture above) and scratchy leaves don't annoy you.  In our Contra Costa climate, it wants protection from hot, drying sun. It self seeds like a champ, so unless you are growing it for sale, cut the flower heads off after they bloom.


Art Contest Submissions Deadline

If you are still holding back, set yourself free: submissions for our art contest are due on April 14 at 4p.m. Complete contest rules and instructions. 

Reminder Redux
  • April 19 - Home Irrigation Workshop With the drought being a persistent feature in our current lives, we want to do anything we can to help you save the precious stuff - our water and our gardens.  This 2 hour class will cover the basics of converting spray to drip.  Details here.
  • May 2-3 - Bringing Back the Natives Extravaganza presented by the Bay Friendly Coalition, is being offered free to our members and at 1/3 of the price of other presentations on the topic.  And you know that there HAS to be an alternative to lawns, dead or alive.  Details here
-- Cheers, Arti