Oh there's so much to talk about this month! To get started, let's talk about everything going on in our demonstration gardens here at the nursery.

The pollinator garden is a jungle of blooms. From the absolutely giant and pink nicotiana tree to numerous multi-branching, cheery sunflowers, plus little zinnias and delicate cosmos popping up everywhere, it's incredible! Come and enjoy a walk through it while it's still in full swing. As you wander the path, you'll see an assortment of bees, butterflies, and birds all finding nourishment. Take a deep breath and join them in slowing down, smelling the roses, and finding peace in the beauty of it all. Enjoy a cooling rest in the shade under the huge oak tree at one end, or a relaxing retreat at the newly installed little alcove at the other end. Click here to watch a video on how this little courtyard was designed, and find inspiration to create your own tranquil garden space at home!

The veggie garden! One of the most exciting installations every single year! It took many hours and hands to get everything planted back in June. Now, two months on, it's nearly unrecognizable. The corn has shot into the sky and the tomatoes have proliferated, creating a maze of plants to navigate in what was formerly just a plot of bare dirt! Lining the fence are dozens of squash plants, some we planted, but many others that volunteered themselves to fill the space. An odd weather year, with much up-and-down temperatures, with the first of the tomatoes just now ripening up (for which we are eternally grateful)! It doesn't quite feel like summer until you can peer into the garden and see the explosions of red among all the leafy greenery.

The pollinator walk and the veggie garden are both open for everyone to stroll through! Inspirational, magical, not to be missed! Come on in!

And we could never forget the sunflower field by the parking lot. It's a remarkable sight to see! Soon, as the heads begin to droop, it will be a perfect birdwatching zone as our feathery friends flock to harvest those tasty seeds!
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Now, for the nursery itself. What's new? The veggie section is still going strong, with fall veggies entering the scene. We know, it's still summer! But, fall veggies are starts that like to be planted when the soil is warm and the days are long. This allows them ample time and energy to grow. Then, once the brisk weather and shorter days set in, expect big, mature, delicious greens! Beloved brassicas such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and brussels sprouts have been making appearances the past couple of weeks, and you can expect them to come in strong this month! Keep your eyes peeled for other yummy starts joining the crew soon, such as peas, endive, raddichio, and so much more!
Always check our Veggie List, updated every single morning with what's currently in stock!

Don't let all that fall talk make you forget about summer! We're at the height of the season and summer bloomers are thriving. It's been maybe the best year EVER for dahlias, and we still have hundreds available. One gallon size pots all have bushy, branching plants blooming profusely, in colors ranging from hot pink to sunny yellow, and even multicolor candy-corn (Really! It's one of our favorites!) Expect flowering to last well into fall with these lovelies.

Clematis are going steady, with late bloomers just reaching their peak. The clematis area is stocked to the brim with well-known varieties and some amazing brand new varieties we are SO excited for! Check out the Clematis Page for a list of what's currently in stock. And, check out the Clematis Care Playlist on Cottage Garden's YouTube channel for a treasure trove of information on how to care for your clematis vine and inspiration on where to grow them!

 

The California Natives section that we added in June has been a huge hit! We're keeping it stocked with an assortment of native plants (and their very close relatives). There is such an incredible array of plants native to California; low-growing groundcovers, enticing edibles (think: Yerba Mate!), and bright, bountiful bloomers! Swing by and check it out! These plants are excellent options for growing locally, as they're uniquely adapted to our climate, tolerating the harsh sunlight and low water. And, they support native pollinators and other beneficial bugs - it's a win for everyone!

And lastly, but certainly not to be forgotten: Houseplants! Maybe the most thrilling houseplant to ever have been in the store, we have a GIANT Monstera d. 'Thai Constellation'. This rare, huge specimen is 5+ feet tall and wide, with jaw-dropping leaves the better part of 3 feet long themselves. Every leaf is impeccably fenestrated and variegated. Even if you're not in the market for a showstopping centerpiece that could fill your entire living room, it's worth coming by to see in person. Plus, the store is extra stocked with a number of other stunning houseplants and adorable decorations. And if you're looking for advice on the best houseplants to buy or care tips, check out our Houseplants & More Playlist on YouTube!

As always, check out Cottage Garden's YouTube channel for a plethora of gardening tips and inspiration, updated with in-season content every week!

Happy gardening! Keep yourself and your plants well-hydrated and happy in this summer heat!

You can always check out our Master Plant List (updated regularly) to see what's currently in stock.