Magnolia Gift & Garden March Newsletter

Magnolia Gift & Garden Newsletter March 2012

Spring Beauties

Here is a preview of our beautiful spring bloomers. All of these beauties are in stock now, as are many, many more.

Pieris japonica 'Valley Valentine'

Helleborus Hybrid

Daphne odora 'Aurea Marginata'

Loropetalum chinense 'Pipa's Red'

Forsythia 'Spring Glory'

Abutilon hybrids

More Whimsy for the Garden

We have a new addition to offer you: Fairy Garden accessories! You'll find them in the Gift Shop!

To Our Customers

One year ago we decided to stop carrying Bayer yard care products. We thought it important to post this info again for our new newsletter readers on why we made this decision.

Effective March 1, 2011, Magnolia Gift & Garden will no longer carry Bayer yard care products. Over the past decade, international research has accumulated extensive data to suggest that neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to honeybees. Many Bayer formulations contain the systemic chemical Imidacloprid, which falls under this pesticide category. While it has primarily been observed to cause functional handicaps in pollinators, such as impaired navigational ability, reduced foraging activity and disorientation, other insecticides in this group have been directly associated with the death of juvenile bees, ultimately leading to deterioration of the colony. Honeybees have a vital role in agricultural production as well as the biodiversity of native ecosystems, and their continued population decline worldwide has inflicted serious economic loss and environmental damage.

While this information has certainly been a factor in our decision to discontinue the Bayer product line, the primary impetus for this change is that there are simply better alternatives. Read more...

"Spring makes its own statement,

so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer."

~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

Introducing Chris Wren

Our Newest member

Chris Wren Chris is a Chico native and developed his fondness of plants while working with his parents in their home garden. In high school he spent three years in the FFA program with an emphasis in plant science, and in 2001 Chris graduated from Butte College with his Ornamental Horticulture degree. Chris has over twelve years experience in the nursery industry. While not working at the nursery Chris enjoys spending time outdoors playing Frisbee golf with friends and tending to his many ducks, chickens, and 2 dogs.

Spring Home and Garden Show

Home Garden and Leisure Show

We will be at the Soroptimist Home and Garden Leisure Show on March 17-18th at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. Our booth will be located just outside of the "It's All About Food" building. Stop by and pick up a valuable coupon to use the next time you visit the nursery!

Soroptimist International of Chico puts on this event each year as a fundraiser. All ticket proceeds go toward helping women and children in the Northstate. It's always a fun event; we hope to see you there!

Pottery Color of the Month

'Seaside Green Drip'

The cerulean blues, soft greens, and muted purple-bronze undertones in this unique glaze are a striking addition to Mediterranean landscapes and poolsides, Xeriscapes, or non-traditional Asian gardens. Pair with earth-toned foliage in silvery greens, blues, bronze, caramel, dark red, or purple, such as Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Dusky Chief New Zealand Flax, or Purple Eyed Rockrose.

Simon Says

March To-Dos

Simon Says

-It's time to fertilize. Temps are rising so plant roots are beginning to absorb nutrients again.

-Keep weeding! It's an ongoing battle but worth it in the end.

-Apply some good compost/amendment to the garden.

-Sow cool season veggie seeds such as Greens, Radishes, and Kohlrabi outdoors. Sow warm season veggie seeds indoors such as Tomatoes and Peppers.

-Try to resist planting tender plants such as Impatiens and Tomatoes outdoors till early April.

(Simon is one of Chris and Courtney's three dogs. He loves dishing out wisdom he has picked up while spending time in the garden.)

March Hours
Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-4

Spring is Right Around the Corner

Officially starting March 20th!

The urge to plant Tomatoes and Impatiens can be overwhelming with this beautiful weather. However, don't let yourself get ahead of the season! Typically the North Valley's last frost date is mid-April. Be careful not to plant these and other cold-tender plants until frost danger has passed. And if you just can't wait, make sure to be aware of nightly temperatures and protect the plants as needed.

Sincerely,

Magnolia Gift & Garden

1367 East Ave. Chico, Ca 95926

(530) 894-5410 www.MagnoliaGardening.com