Ever wonder about all the unique hanging baskets on display in the nursery? They are obviously handcrafted by someone with an eye for color and drama. That someone is Rudy Dorilag. He came to Yamagami’s Nursery from Sunnyvale Nursery after they closed. Rudy was born on a farm in the Philippines and always wanted to get his hands in the dirt. Practicality won out and Rudy made a career in electronics. Upon retiring he decided to turn his hobby and love of plants into a second part-time career at Sunnyvale Nursery where he planted his creations for five years. He had quite a following there, especially for his hanging strawberry pots which are a mix of beauty and sweet fruit, a winning combination!

Here at Yamagami’s, Rudy teaches a Moss Basket class on Friday mornings. His students go home with a beautiful creation of their own and the ability to create more. Otherwise, he can be found at our U-Plant-A-Pot Table working on his latest masterpiece on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. He uses Angel Moss, some sphagnum moss and our Austram cocomoss baskets for his creations. Many of his baskets sell before they are even complete! On your next visit, be sure to say “Hi!” and stop to admire his work. They really are masterpieces.

Accessorize your garden with elegant cocomoss-lined baskets from Austram. There are an assortment of metal baskets in different styles and colors, all with cocomoss liners. They are stylish and ready to plant. Hanging baskets, wall baskets, and even some floor planters are available. Come see our selection of baskets and check out the handsome trellises from Austram too.

Many homeowners revel in the glory of their garden in spring, only to be disheartened when plants start to dry out and look stressed in the heat of summer. The natural reaction is to pour more water into the garden to "moisturize" the plants. This in turn can lead to root rot and/or crown rot and even death. Overwatering is one of the main causes of plant death. These problems can be greatly reduced or, in many cases, prevented by summer mulching.

The goal of summer mulching is not only to reduce summer heat stress on plants, but also to create a healthy environment where plants can thrive. Mulch is to a garden what a roof is to your home. We couldn't heat or air condition the home without the roof. The same seasonal temperature variance occurs in your garden. A 3" layer of mulch not only retains moisture in the soil but it maintains a cooler soil temperature in the summer so roots can pump water efficiently.

Mulches break down and stimulate the growth of good soil bacteria. Dr. Earth fertilizers contain these good bacteria and can dramatically feed your soil as well as your plants. The bacteria convert the mulch, turning it into nutrients that the plant will absorb. By keeping moisture in the soil you will attract earthworms. The earthworms loosen up the soil, easing compaction, and the good bacteria help digest nutrients more efficiently making them more readily available to the plants. Maintaining "moist" soil as opposed to "wet" soil keeps the temperature of the soil at a more consistent level for optimum growth. Mulch also provides a blanket to the soil that protects against the crusting and cracking effect that happens when clay soil bakes in the sun.

We suggest spreading a 2" inch to 4” layer of mulch or bark over the top of your soil before the heat of summer hits. Mulch should not be placed right up against the stem of the plant or trunk of the tree. There are many mulching materials available. We offer bark chips, shredded barks and Cocoa Mulch. This mulch smells like a Hershey Bar and is fun to spread around. It has been baked so that it will not attract dogs or be harmful to them. It does seem to repel cats from digging, though.

In addition to all of the cultural advantages created by mulching, you will also give your garden a more "finished" look, adding to its overall beauty. Come in today to protect your garden from the summer blahs and ugly summer scorch. We can even deliver your bagged mulch to near surrounding areas.

Join us on Saturday, June 17 when the Santa Clara County Chapter of the Fuchsia Society hosts a Fuchsia Show and Clinic from 10AM to 2 PM here at Yamagami's Nursery. Club members will demonstrate Fuchsia pruning and talk about Fuchsia care on the hours until 1 PM. They will also have a bevy of beautiful blossoms on display and some interesting starter plants for sale. Event is free.

Father’s Day is coming right up on Sunday, June 18. Looking for an alternative to another tie for Father on his special day? Consider a fruit tree. An apple or pomegranate would be a great gift for Dad’s good health. A lemon or lime for lemonade or margaritas might be the gift that makes his day. Many fruiting plants including dwarf citrus, tomatoes and blueberries can be grown in containers on decks or patios, so no digging of holes! Break away from the cliché and give a gift of lasting pleasure, a fruit tree from Yamagami’s Nursery. We’ve got all the supplies, Planting Guides and great advice for your Father’s Day gifts to succeed and provide happy harvests.