Yamagami's Nursery has added 2 new books to our collection. The first, Cheers to Muses is not a garden book, but is for lovers of beauty (like most gardeners). It is published by the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA), one of the nation's leading Asian American non-profit art organizations based in San Francisco. An anthology, Cheers to Muses showcases both literary and visual works of contemporary Asian American women, and honors the women who inspired them. Muses include artists such as Ruth Asawa, Yoko Ono, and architect Maya Lin, to name a few.

Book sales support AAWAA's mission to produce thought-provoking projects that challenge, inspire, and interpret the work of Asian American women artists. AAWAA offers presentations throughout California, workshops for artists, publications used at UCB and San Francisco State University, and serves to showcase works from Asian American women artists. Pick up a copy for yourself and one for a friend and get a beautiful glimpse into the souls of the very talented artists found within.

The second new offering is also not strictly a gardening book, but rather one that teaches you how to further enjoy your vegetable garden. Recipes from the garden is the latest from local edible landscaping guru, Rosalind Creasy. Every glorious page offers mouth-watering photographs of amazing food. Rosalind knows how to make the most of an edible landscape! Recipes from the garden features fresh ingredients anyone can grow and 200 recipes anyone can prepare. Salads, soups, entrées, side dishes, desserts and even beverage recipes are included. The photographs are so gorgeous you'll have a hard time not drooling when you read it!

Rosalind Creasy will be here Saturday, October 4th at 2 PM to talk about her book, her garden and the joys of growing, then feasting on your home-grown goodness. She'll also sign her books and answer your questions.

Yamagami's does offer some garden books, too! Be sure to take a look through our limited, but choice offerings while you are here. We are here to help you succeed...the first time.

Mums offer many wonderful Fall colors for bedding or container use. Even the Mums sold in small pots are actually perennials, and with proper care, can put on a beautiful show every year. Most people though, use bedding plant Mums as annual color and take them out when they are done blooming. Either way, you'll enjoy their Fall warmth.

As part of our Diamond Anniversary Celebration, Yamagami's is offering a special deal on Mums in 4” pots. From Thursday, October 16th through Monday, October 20th, when you buy 3 Mums in 4" pots you'll get a 4th 4" Mum FREE!

Perhaps one of nature's greatest miracles is the flower bulb. It goes into the ground as a crusty brown bulb, and over the course of a few months, bursts through the soil and becomes a beautiful blooming flower. Who doesn't marvel at the sight of Daffodils, Tulips or other flower bulbs in their full-blooming glory? For many of us, it's the first sign that Spring has truly arrived.  

Tulips, Crocus and Daffodils are the traditional standby bulbs. For those who like the unusual, there are many other spectacular possibilities. Bulbs can be layered in containers or in your flower beds so that the colors just keep popping up. It's best to consider how much space you have for layers (or rows) you want to plant. Start from low bulbs in the front of your planting bed (or outside edge of container) and then gradually increase the height towards the back of the bed (or inside of the container). 

Three bulbs need to be chilled for 4-6 weeks (or up to 10 weeks) prior to planting in order to replicate their natural native growing environment: Crocus, Hyacinth, and Tulips. Simply place them in a paper bag in the back of your refrigerator (NOT THE FREEZER). Do not keep apples in the fridge when your bulbs are in there. Paperwhite Narcissus to be used for forcing should also be stored this way. Otherwise, bulbs should be stored in a cool dark, dry place until planting time. Because we generally have such warm Indian Summers, it’s best to plant between Halloween and Christmas.  

Plan now for a spectacular Spring. Choose your bulbs now while color and variety selection is at its best and store them. Plant them later in the Fall and marvel at your own flower display next Spring. Let the Nursery Pros at Yamagami’s Nursery help you make your Spring a spectacular one!

A frequently asked bulb question: 

What's the difference between a Daffodil and a Narcissus?  

Answer: 

There is no difference. Narcissus is the botanical name for all Daffodils, just as Ilex is for all Hollies.  

Daffodil is the common name for most members of the genus Narcissus, and its use is recommended by the American Daffodil Society (except in scientific writing). Packages of Daffodil bulbs will often have the scientific (botanical) name, Narcissus, on their label.

The common name ‘Narcissus’ is generally used for genus members with multiple flowers per stem, while 'Daffodil’ is used for those having one large flower per stem.  

But who really cares? They are all lovely flowers--and we say, "Call them whatever makes you happy!"

Yamagami’s Nursery 60th Anniversary Celebration!

We’re celebrating our Diamond Anniversary, 60 years in Cupertino! Enjoy 60 days of special shopping deals through October 25th. Enter our raffle for a chance to win 60 great prizes with a diamond pendant Grand Prize!

Click here to see the complete Calendar of Events.

Talk: Protect your Garden from Deer and other Wildlife with the ever-popular, Tom Perkins of Woodstream.

Tom is an expert in repellants and traps. Don't let 4 legged varmints enjoy your garden more than you do! FREE

Saturday, October 4th 10 AM.

Talk: Cooking from the Garden with Rosalind Creasy featuring her latest book Recipes from the garden.

Best known for her book The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping, Rosalind is a dynamic speaker with lots of experience and accumulated wisdom. Don’t miss this chance to hear her speak and sign your books! FREE

Saturday, October 4th at 2 PM.

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off!

The grower of the largest pumpkin will win a gourmet dinner for four prepared by the professional chefs at Whole Foods Market in Cupertino! Anyone with a larger entry than our pumpkin will win a gift certificate. Radio personality and author Bob Tanem will be the judge. Come join the fun! FREE

Saturday, October 11th at 11 AM.  

Talk: Watering 101 with Alan Tagami, Landscape Consultant.

Learn how to most efficiently water your garden. Keep your garden healthy and happy while keeping your water use (and bills) low. FREE

Sunday, October 12th at 11 AM to 12 PM 

LawnCheck Easy Irrigation will introduce the concept and benefits of centralized web-based irrigation scheduling. LawnCheck wishes to select 10 people to use the LawnCheck system at no cost for a period of six months. To qualify, you should currently have an automated sprinkler system, always-on (dsl or cable) Internet access to your residence, and network access located close to your current valve controller (wireless access qualifies). Learn how to make your lawn irrigation easier, more carefree, and more effective. 

Sunday, October 12th at 12 PM to 1 PM, directly following Alan’s talk

Talk: Sweet Peas, Sugar Snap Peas and
Snow Peas for the Fall Garden
with Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden Seeds.

Learn the secrets of growing fragrant sweet peas and the tastiest cool season vegetables, all from seed! FREE

Saturday, October 18th at 11 AM

Talk: Fruit Trees for the Santa Clara Valley with local fruit guru, Nancy Garrison.

Nancy can help you choose varieties for your home orchard, including some less common ones. As part of Yamagami’s Anniversary Celebration, you can take 60% off one early-ordered (prepaid) fruit tree that day! FREE

Saturday, October 18th at 2 PM.

Talk: It’s for the Birds…Birdland! with local bird expert, Ellen Sinnott of L & L.

Ellen will discuss the new bird seed and feeders in our Birdland display. Make your fine-feathered friends happy and healthy with superior birdseed and feeders! As part of Yamagami’s Anniversary Celebration, you can take 60% off one Birdland product that day! FREE

Sunday October 19th at 11 AM  

Talk: Growing Fruits and Veggies in Containers with former UCCoop Extension Officer, Nancy Garrison.

Nancy is an expert in edible landscaping and can suggest the best varieties for our area. Learn how easy it is to grow your own healthy produce in containers. FREE

Saturday, October 25th at 10 AM

Talk: 2009 Roses for the South Bay with Lorena Gorsche, Yamagami's Rose Expert.

Lorena will discuss the many choices for next season and recommend varieties just right for your dream garden. As part of Yamagami's Anniversary Celebration, you can take 60% off one early-ordered (prepaid) rose that day! FREE

Saturday, October 26th at 2 PM.

Week 18 of our pumpkin patch and it appears that both Mighty Mabel and Brutus are done growing. Now they seem to be just coloring up nicely.  It’s almost as if they sensed judging time is just around the corner and they want to look their best. Hope your pumpkins have done well and you will be bringing them in October 11th for judging!