October 2011 

Fall Sale Season Has Begun

- Gardening Books Buy 2 get 1 free(Equal lesser value Free)

- Recycled Glass 25% off reg price $3.95 a lb

-Statuary 20% off thru Oct 15th

-Ornamental Grasses 30% off

-Select Glazed Pottery 30% off (Marked w/red Stickers throughout the nursery)

-From now through the month of November we will be having great deals in the parking lot (25 -50% off)

-All Rustic Pottery 30% off!

So beautiful you can eat them! Well, it's true-some flowers are safe to eat. While you should never eat any plant or flower if you don't know what it is, if you come across these beauties go ahead. Calendula and Nastursums are known for their spicy, peppery flavor. Violas, Snapdragons, and pansies have a sweet, bland flavor. Other edible flowers include Chives, Daylily, Borage, Gardenia, and Honeysuckle. These flowers add a somewhat exotic taste and always make a beautiful garnish to the plate.Just always be sure to know exactly what flowers you are using and if they are safe for consumption.

Why is Fall a great time to plant?

In Northern California, it is a season of relief from summer's relentless heat and arid winds, and of preparation for winter. This is the ideal window for establishing trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Moderate temperatures and shorter days allow plants to conserve water, and to divert energy to root development without the strain of flowering or fruiting. Whether replacing an existing landscape specimen or installing a new selection, amending the soil in the root zone will support more rapid establishment. The planting hole should be two times as deep and wide as the container of your new plant whenever possible. Adequate and regular water, regardless of the drought-tolerance of the species, is essential until winter rains begin in earnest.

Magnolia School Bus Fun

For now the bus is prominately placed in the front of the nursery for all passerbys to see, bringing quite a few smiles.

Not only is the school bus a fun visual addition, it also houses our extensive succulent selection. So if you have not seen it already come on by and check it out! Don't worry, Chris will continue combing road shows, warehouses, barns, auctions, and classifieds for strange and unusual antiquities...

Thoughts from Owner Chris Hunter

Chris Hunter

I've always used the rule of thumb that you want to plant things that don't like the cold in the spring, and others that don't like the heat in the fall. Thus now is the best time for planting Japanese Maples, Dogwoods, and conifers, as well as many other shrubs and trees.

-I know we've highlighted Japanese Maples in the past, but our stock will be larger and more exciting than it has ever been. Sun tolerant varieties, dwarf shrub types, and elegant cascading selections. The extremely weeping variety Ryusen has green leaves and a prostrate habit that is suited for the edge of containers or cascading over walls. I've even seen it used in hanging baskets! Mikawa Yatsubusa is another new variety for us this month. This is one of the most eye catching varieties you will ever see. With larger green leaves and short internodes on branches that sweep upward, this is one of the most distinguishable maples out there. I know some people may be frustrated with their maples right now due to leaf scorch. The combination of high heat and low humidity make the leaves of the Japanese Maple burn very commonly in the north valley summers. Smaller varieties can be kept in a pot so you can move them into more protection if they show stress. And for sure, larger varieties that will receive more sun stand the best chance when planted in the fall. 

-Eddie's White Wonder is the most successful and sought after Dogwood in the north valley. Specimens at Sierra Nevada Restuarant and downtown Chico have been growing beautifully. But like all Dogwoods, care should be taken when planting. Most trees are not a fan of soil compaction and dogwoods are certainly no exception. If your soil is poor then you must pick a  spot where you know you can dig a large enough hole, and be sure it isn't a low spot where water pools in the winter. We have just received a large selection of these dogwood prime for planting. 

-I've been waiting for our new conifer selection for a few months now. These beauties were hand packed on a trip I made to Northern Oregon this summer. Our dwarf conifers planted in our ceramic bowls will be the next "my favorite thing" in your garden. We also have a great selection low maintenance trees for even the hottest stops, such as Mugo Pine and prostrate Cedar.

Magnolia Gift & Garden
1367 East Ave. Chico, Ca 95926

(530) 894-5410 www.MagnoliaGardening.com