Just arrived: pumpkins and fall decorating supplies!

We have all sizes of carving pumpkins, mini-pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds and other fall decorating supplies in our stores this month. Stop by!

We're stocking up for our Fall Planting Sale this weekend: buy 1, get 1 FREE Pottery!

See you there!

All about Sweet Peas

All about Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odorata)
It’s time to plant Sweet Peas for spring bloom! Delightful fragrance and a variety of lovely colors make them one of the most beloved garden flowers. Grow in beds & containers, on slopes & trellises. Pick for magnificent bouquets. Easy, long blooming, & wonderful!

These Mediterranean vining annuals are known for their fragrant blooms during our cool weather. Their blossoms come in single and mixed colors, and make a great cut flower. Remember, these are not edible type peas, so do not let your favorite mammals (humans OR pets) eat them.

There are early-flowering varieties that will bloom in midwinter when days are short (Early Flowering Multiflora, Early Multiflora), perfect for our mild winters. There are also heirloom varieties (some dating back hundreds of years) that bloom in the spring, such as "Old Spice, Cupid Pink, Ocean Foam". Try the bi-colors like "Streamers" and the ruffled "Melody Blend". There are even bush-types like "Little Sweetheart" and Knee-Hi Mix that are perfect for containers.

To help the seeds germinate, they can be soaked for several hours or even overnight before planting. Another method is to keep seeds between two wet paper towels in a baggie overnight. Always sprinkle a little Sure Start in the planting hole for guaranteed success.

Plant in rich soil and keep moist until the new leaves appear. Make sure that the trellis, strings or wire are already in place before planting. Leave a few inches space between a wall/fence and the trellis to ensure good air circulation.

Protect young plants from birds with Harvest Guard Row Cover or bird netting. Apply Sluggo to control slugs and snails, they like the cool, moist weather too.

When plants are 5"-6" tall, pinch out the tops to encourage side branching.

Regular watering, grooming (removing seedpods) and monthly fertilizing will help you enjoy a long blooming season.

Save the date for our Fall Planting SALE!

Sloat on View from the Bay!

View from the Bay's Leigh Glaser and our own Jennie Strobel utilize household items to create flower pots and arrangements using succulents! Great segment!!

Watch it here: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/home_garden&id=7027098

Annuals for fall color!

Picking Raspberries
by Lisel Mueller

Once the thicket opens

and lets you enter

and the first berry dissolves on your tongue,

you will remember nothing

of your old life. You can stay

in that country of sun and silence

as long as you like. To return,

you have only to look at your arms

and discover the long, red marks.

You will have invented pain,

which has no place there.

This just in!

This just in: October & November gardening seminar dates have been announced! http://sloatgardens.com/seminars_and_events/default.htm

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!!