APRIL 2014Serving You Since 1955

981 Alden Lane, Livermore, CA • www.aldenlane.com • (925) 447-0280

It’s Time for Bonus Dollars Again!

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Our traditional springtime event –

Bonus Dollars are back! •  Bonus Dollars are distributed April 1 thru May 31. •  You earn 10% of your total purchases and are paid 

in Alden Lane Nursery Bonus Dollars. •  These Bonus Dollars are redeemable August 1-31. 

They are to be used for up to 50% of your  purchases in August. •  For example: if you have 10 Bonus Dollars you 

may use all 10 on a purchase of $20 or more. (Bonus Dollars are not valid with other discounts or coupons.  Bonus Dollars are not valid on sod, sale items or other special orders. Sales limited to stock on hand. Not redeemable for cash.)

Tasty Tomatoes For Your Summer Salads! Vegetable Gardens Start This Month!!Feeling adventurous? Ready to try some new tomato varieties this year?

We have them! Check out this list of varieties and sizes. We know there’s something to fit your taste and gardening needs. Prepare 

your soil with our Recipe for Good Garden Soil. If you want to plant your tomatoes in containers we’ll help you select just the right varieties. April is a great month to start planting your vegetable garden. We have seeds, seedlings and four-inch plants to help get you going. Once the danger of frost has passed you can set out tomatoes, eggplant and pepper starts. As temperatures warm plant watermelon, cucumbers, pumpkins, beans, and more. Melons, cucumbers, basil are very cold sensitive. We have a great selection of tomato cages, snail and bug baits, and vegetable fertilizer along with tips for good growing. Stop by and see us soon!

Tomato VarietiesCHERRY SIZE: Red Cherry, Juliet, Napa Grape, Yellow Pear,  Super 

Sweet 100, Sweet Treat, Red Pear, Suncherry, Sun Gold and Black Cherry. 

SMALL TO MEDIUM: Black Pearl, Green Zebra, Stupice, Oregon Spring, Lemon Boy, San Marzano, Tye-Dye, Bulls Heart, Carbon, Purple Cherokee, Heartland, Ace, Early Girl, Better Boy, 4th of July, Celebrity

LARGE TO EXTRA LARGE: Black Krim, Brandywine, Hillbilly, Paul Robeson, Mr. Stripy, Beefsteak, Mortgage Lifter, Persimmon, Nebraska  Wedding. 

MORE WILD BOAR FARMS FAVORITES: Pink Berkley Tie-Dye, Evans Purple Pear, Indigo Gold and Apple, Haley's Purple Comet, Pink Furry Boar, Blue Boar Berries, Kelloggs Breakfast, Pineapple Pig, Porkchop, and Solar Flare.  

Plan on a Bumper Crop This YearApril is high season to start your vegetable gardens and 

to encourage you we are offering Bumper Crop soil amend-ment at a special price, buy 4 bags for the price of three. THAT'S A 25% SAVInGS!Bumper Crop is a blend of composted fir bark and forest 

humus fortified with 15% chicken manure, worm castings, bat guano and kelp meal; pH balanced with dolomite and oyster shell lime. We love Bumper Crop for vegetable gardening. It adds 

nutrients and improves texture resulting in better yields. Apply a couple of inches into your garden soil every year to nurture, nourish and refresh. Use 5-8 bags per 100 square feet.

Our Special Price through April: Buy 4 bags for the Price of 3

(Save $9.99, regular price, $9.99 each) Offer Good through April. 

Spring Rose ShowsMark your calendar for upcoming Rose Show events. They are easy to exhibit 

in, and even easier to attend. Plan on attending these two fun events.

5 Bags of Bumper Crop or Pay Dirt1 – 50 lb. Bag of Gypsum1 – 5 lb. Bag of Iron Sulfate1 – 10 lb  bag of Masters Tomato Vegetable Food A $82.92 ValueNo purchase necessary. Need not be present to win. Drawing to be held April 30, 2014.

GOOD GARDEN SOIL RECIPE KITApril 2014

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Win Free Soil AmendmentsGood Garden Soil Recipe Kit

Great gardening begins with your soil. Win this Good Garden Soil  Recipe Kit to start your vegetable garden on the  right foot this year.

Mt. Diablo Rose Society Spring

Rose ShowSunday, April 27th

•  Dublin Senior Center,  7600  Amador Valley Blvd., in  Dublin. 

•  Public entries are welcome  between 7 and 10 a.m.

•  Enjoy the show from 1 to 4 p.m. •  FREE Admission! •  Contact Lou Evans at  925-462-7688 for more information or visit: www.mtdiablorosesociety.org.

The 74th Annual Pleasanton

Public Rose ShowSaturday, May 10th

•  Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton

•  Register from 8 to 10 a.m.•  Judging is from 10:30 a.m. to  12:30 p.m.

•  Public viewing runs from 2 to 5 p.m.•  Award ceremony is at 2:30 p.m.•  This show is open to all backyard  novices.

•  For more information visit  www.pleasantonroseshow.com 

Rose Spray RecipeThe program, combines diseases and pest control with fertilizer. The  following are the ingredients to make up 

the basic spray and the amount of each to be combined and added to one gallon of water.

Bayer Insect Disease and Mite Control  5 tablespoonsMAXSEA 16-16-16  1 tablespoonGrow more Seaweed Extract  4 tablespoonsVinegar  1 tablespoon

The first spray should be made at the moment disease is first  noticeable, then as needed thereafter. For  maximum protection and  feeding, you can spray every 10 days through the spring growing season.  

Remember never spray or feed a thirsty plant. Always water your plants well the day before. It’s important to avoid the heat of the day when treating and take care with your dilutions (don’t overdose)!

Notes for April Gardeninge

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Now is the time to hang Yellow Jacket Traps. Early spring  is  the  time  to  capture  the  colony’s queens  thus exponentially  reducing  the  yellow  jackets  in  the  area later in the year. 

Make sure to fertilize all your plants to support and nurture all the beautiful spring growth. Drop in for just the right suggestion.

Protect new plantings from slugs and snails with pet safe Sluggo or Corrys Insect Killer & Slug Mini Pellets.

Grub control for lawn. Now is the time to apply Bonide Annual Grub Beater  for  a  full  season of  protection. Avoid  the dead patches  typical with  grub  infestations. Apply this product in April/May.

Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn with Master Green Weed and Feed; it fertilizes while it weeds. 

The toughest broadleaf lawn weeds are easily controlled at this time by spraying with Monterey Spurge Power.

Alden Lane Nursery has  a wide  selection  of bedding plants for summer color. Choose favorites like cosmos, petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. 

You can also plant tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and zucchini  this month. Plant  this month  and  reap  the  reward of  bountiful  produce  through  the  summer and lots of fresh flowers for your home. 

Oxalis  (yellow  flowered  clover  look  alike)  can now be controlled  (amazingly)  in most  lawns with Monterey Turflon Ester or Spurge Power.  Controlling weeds saves water.

Raise the height of your lawnmower to 2½ - 3 inches for the summer. Taller grass survives hot temperatures better and helps shade out weed invaders. 

The warm weather  has  also  brought  out  the  aphids. Check  the  tender new  growth  on  roses,  ornamentals, fruit trees and vegetables. Hose them off with a stream of water.  Control out of hand populations with Ladybugs or Bonide All Season Spray Oil.

Prevent worms in cherries with well timed  spraying starting when  fruit  is  still  green. Come  in  to  discuss  options.

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Houseplant Heroes Series

Houseplants to the Rescue!Pollutants and airborne toxins lurk undetected from hundreds of sources inside your home or office, but there is a simple and heroic solution that will not only purify your air, add humidity to calm allergens, and add beauty and tranquility to your life. There are dozens of beautiful indoor plants that have become heroes in our household, and Alden Lane will feature some of these “transformers” over the next few months in our 

newsletter. Here is our first “Healthful Houseplant”.

The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)Bred for “toughness”, this houseplant has been a favorite since Victorian times, and 

has begun a new resurgence as a popular favorite for modern indoor landscapes. It tolerates less light than most plants its size. Scientifically, it rates one of the highest in removal of formaldehyde and other toxic vapors. Its common name is derived from its thick, leather-like leaves that contain a rubber like latex. It sports thick, glossy, dark green leaves, and also comes in a beautiful variegated version of white and green.It is best grown indoors in northern California, and your rubber tree can reach a 

height of 8 ft. It is very resistant to pests and is quite drought tolerant, preferring  infrequent watering. (This is not a plant choice for households with young children, cats or dogs that chew plants, as it is a stomach irritant and could cause illness).The rubber tree is favored by architects and designers for its aesthetic value and 

its ease of growth, and its popularity will only increase as we learn more about this “healthful hero” of the houseplant world.Call Sue at Alden Lane (925)447-0280 to get your own rubber tree today!

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Back by popular demand!

Tillandsia Wreath WorkshopSunday, April 6th • 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

 We sold out our last class and have added another for those of you who missed out!Unusual living wreath made of mosses, twigs and air 

plants (tillandsias). Easy to assemble and amazing to display in your home or office. Just spray with water a couple of times a week to keep it looking fresh. No soil needed! You will love this project! The cost is $38.00 plus tax. Please sign up with our cashiers by Thursday, April 3rd. (925) 447-0280.

Crafternoon Project for AprilSaturday, April 26, 1:30 to 3 pm

Outdoor Art PanelsCreate a colorful 

 weather proof 18" x 20" outdoor art panel on our specially crafted cement board canvas to add a pop of pizzazz to your patio or fence area. Three designs to choose from, easy to follow graphics – no art experience required! We have a beautiful lemon fruit piece, an Asian inspired bamboo beauty or birds on a wire in silhouette. Any one you choose can be custom colored to your garden palette for a truly inspired look.We provide the instruction and materials. Frames are optional, but will be available 

for purchase. The cost is $30.00 plus tax. Please call our Alden Lane cashiers  (925) 447-0280. Sign ups will be taken until Thursday, April 24th or until the class is filled. Space is limited, so sign up soon . . . and join us for a fun Crafternoon!Check out our webpage for color photos at www.aldenlane.com under classes.

Orchids 101Saturday, May 3rd • 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Orchids are not compost! Learn the basics of orchid care with practical, easy to understand advice from our orchid guru, Sue Fordyce. You will gain the confidence you need, and become an orchid caretaker, not an orchid composter! If you dream of having an exotic orchid botanical garden in your home – or just getting one to bloom for the first time – this is your class. You are welcome to bring a couple of orchids with you that you may have ques-tions about. The class fee is $10 and bring a friend for free! Sign up with our Alden Lane cashiers at (925) 447-0280.

Celebrate with Gifts from the Garden Store!

Alden Lane now carries Olivina Olive Oil! The Livermore Valley is the perfect locale for producing olives that yield great tasting oil. In fact, long known to be a wine producing region, Livermore is quickly gaining a reputation for  delivering some of California’s best olive oil. The fruit is picked by hand and the olives are crushed with the pits to enhance the flavor. The resulting paste is then put through a centrifuge to extract the oils. It is this first extraction that can be called 100% extra virgin. Try the light body of the Spanish Arbequina, the full-flavored complexity of the oil from  Olivina’s 100 year old Mission trees or a Special Blend of oils. 

We are introducing a new line of bath and body products from B’Witching Bath Company! •  For rose lovers, nourish your skin with the romantic fragrance of One-

hundred Roses! The formula consists of Rosewater, Rosehip oil, and other blended Rose oils. •  For a true spa experience, soothe your 

skin with the therapeutic properties of unique Spa Tonic, formulated with nourishing Green Tea, Lemongrass and Aloe Vera. It leaves your skin gently perfumed with alluring natural  fragrances. 

•  Also for Mom, we have our classic scent of lavender from Sonoma Lavender.  We have lovely frames in white and lavender that are perfect for the mom or grandma who loves purple!•  Pamper mom’s feet with Solmate

Socks because life is too short for  matching socks!  They are crafted in the USA from recycled  cotton; or get her a pair of Snoozies Slippers, cozy little foot coverings made from brushed fleece lined with a soft Sherpa fleece. Come in and let us help you create the perfect gift package for Mom!

Showers of Flowers for Spring!

Can’t you hear them singing? Choruses of blooms are  heralding “Spring is around the corner”! Color your own Spring Celebrations with fragrant Lilies, Orchids, Roses and so much more. Alden Lane has planters brimming with the blooms of the 

season to pick up and go – or we would be happy to  customize your living gifts and décor by working with you to pick out your favorites and put them together for a signature look. How about a sweet  African Violet in our new self-watering pots, or bright pink trumpet lilies  bursting with blooms. Any way you celebrate, color your world at Alden Lane!Celebrate spring this year with a statuary animal for 

your garden.  Not only do we have bunnies, you’ll also find pigs and piglets, darling birds, turtles, frogs, dogs and cuddly cats!  Check with the staff for suggestions. 

Recipe for Good Garden Soil!Good Garden Soil Starts Here!!

For each 100 square feet add:

5 to 8– 2 cubic ft. bags Master Gold Rush or Bumper Crop ®

5 lbs. Iron Sulfate to acidify and add iron. 10 lbs. Master Vegetable Food or Master Flower Food, Master Formula 49 can be used for ground covers. 50 lbs. Gypsum. It loosens hard soils as it adds sulfur & calcium. (An excellent addition in our heavy soil.)

Mix well with your soil to an 8" depth and water well.

If you are preparing a vegetable or flower garden bed here’s a tried and true soil preparation recipe that works wonders. It lightens our heavy soil, nourishes it and buffers the pH to make it ‘just right’ for the success of your vegetable and flower seeds or transplants.

Announcements•  Watch the Valley Gardener on TV30 for great gardening tips with host Jacquie Williams- Courtright at 7:30 am and 1:30 p.m. Monday -  Friday and  repeated on Saturday at 7:30 & 11:00 am, and 4:00 pm &  Sunday at 7:30 & 11:00 am, and 1:00 & 4:00 pm. www.tv30.org.

•  The Livermore Amador Valley Garden Club will meet on the  second Thursday of each month from September to June. April’s guest is Patrice Hanlon from Heather Farms who will speak on Shade Gardening in the Amador Valley. The meetings will be held at Alisal School, 1454 Santa Rita Road,  Pleasanton. Guests are  always welcome and  refreshments will be served. For more information visit www.lavgc.org.

•  The Annual Plant Sale of the Livermore Amador Valley Garden Club takes place  Saturday, April 5, from 9am to 1pm at the parking lot of the Amador Valley High School, 1155 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton. Come early for best selection and great deals on plants from club members’ gardens. For more info visit www.lavgc.org.

•  The Mt. Diablo Rose Society meets the second Wednesday of the month, 7:30 p.m. at the Dublin  Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin.  Call for details 829-4929.

 • Bringing Back the natives Tour; Sunday, May 4th, 10 a.m. -  5 p.m. FREE self guided tour of 35 East Bay Gardens. Visit  www.bringingbackthenatives.net  for more  information

•  Save the Date! Mosquito Fish Give Away. Drop by the nursery on Saturday, May 3rd with a pail or bucket and take away some FREE mosquito fish for your ponds or large fountains. These fish are courtesy of the Mosquito Abatement District. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

A Water Saving GardenCalifornia’s water problems are 

 certainly on everyone’s mind. But less water doesn’t have to mean brown  landscapes. There are choices you can make in your home and outside, that will allow you to nurture your garden through dry  weather and still save water. Alden Lane Nursery is dedicated to help you realize these goals with our WATER WISE Program. What is Water Wise? It is a total program that encompasses xeriscape, drought  tolerant and more. 

#1. Select the Proper Plants. There are a surprising  number of 

adapted, lower water  demanding plants. Landscapes with these plants are just as  attractive and versatile as  conventional  landscapes.  Oleanders,  Pyracantha, Heavenly  Bamboo and Indian Hawthorn are  relatively common names  recognized by many. Many others are California natives and have survived in our state for  hundreds of years. 

#2. Plant properly for the weather, soil conditions and water needs. A good plan is especially important in a water wise landscape. Planning 

 allows you to group plants according to their water needs. It also allows you to make the most of the microclimates in your yard. A shady spot under a tree may be able to support bedding plants for a burst of color, with a minimum of water. In addition, careful planning allows you to locate turf only where it  provides functional benefits such as a play space. 

#3. Use Good Gardening Practices. Thorough soil preparation increases the soils ability to absorb and store 

water. Mulching, weeding and proper mowing are some other simple gardening practices that go a long way to helping your landscape survive the drought and look its best. 

#4. Irrigate EfficientlyOne of the questions we are most frequently asked at the nursery is “how 

much water do my plants need?” The  answer is that it probably need a lot less than you would think. In fact, most landscapes are overwatered and will  actually benefit from water reductions. You can have a healthier landscape by reducing the water used in irrigation! Feel free to ask any of our qualified staff for help. We look forward to 

 developing a water wise program that works best for you!

Bloomin’ Beauty a Second Time Around with

Bloomerang LilacsBloomerangs are here!  Yes, 

 Bloomerang Lilacs which are  re-bloomers and will bloom in the spring and again in late summer-fall.  Bloomerang's fragrant purple flowers will not disappoint. A compact (4x5) mounding habit fits easily into any landscape. Great as a foundation plant or in a mixed border. Takes full sun. A light trim after spring flowering will not only shape this lilac but also encourage a heavy summer-fall profusion of blooms. Great as a cut flower and is also know to be deer resistant.

Japanese Maples In Your GardenLooking for a special accent in the garden? Plant a Japanese Maple with its colorful bark and cut leaves. We have a 

large selection of both green and red leaf varieties, coral bark and cut leaf specimens. Now is the time to take advantage of perfect planting weather and 

 affordable pricing. Included in our collection this year are:GCrimson Queen – this variety has weeping branches of crimson- purple foliage. In autumn, the finely cut leaves turn a brilliant  crimson. 

GEmperor One – has dark purple-red foliage. In the fall it turns a brilliant scarlet-red color. 

GBloodgood – offers deeply cut, purple-red leaves that hold their color well through the summer. In the fall it has striking crimson-red color. 

GSango Kaku – features green leaves that turn brilliant yellow in fall. After the leaves drop, the stems show off a bright coral-red color. 

GViridis – delicately dissected bright green leaves turn golden-yellow and red in the autumn. 

GSeiryu – this laceleaf maple has finely dissected leaves that are  tolerant of heat. Foliage turns to gold, light-yellow and crimson in the fall. 

GOshio Beni – has an orange than purple tone to its foliage. GShaina – This cultivar originated from the ‘Bloodgood’ variety. For a dwarf tree it has large leaves and a compact form. 

We also have many other varieties. Please stop by and take a look!

Healthy Blueberries from your GardenWe have all heard the great benefits from eating fresh fruits and berries.  Blueberries 

are just one of the berries that really require little care yet have many great benefits. You can easily grow your own and have blueberries all throughout the season. The idea is to plant an early season, midseason and late season variety. Planting 

this way will insure a harvest all throughout the season. Why not reap the rewards of  growing your own crop and enjoy the many health benefits that come from eating  blueberries. Blueberries like morning sun, afternoon shade and they also like an acid soil. They 

do great in the ground or in containers. We carry a large variety of blueberries  including Jubilee, Pink Lemonade, O’Neal, Misty, Sharpblue, Southmoon, Sunshine

Blue, & Bountiful Blue. Introducing two new varieties this season: Jelly Bean which is a super dwarf and a very hardy variety and Peach

Sorbet which is also a compact variety and glows with a new spring growth of leaves from peach to pink to orange to emerald. Wow! These two varieties are excellent for containers and have an abundance of tasty blueberries. Please come by and let one of our knowledgeable staff members get you started. 

“Raspberry Shortcake” Thornless Dwarf

Raspberry This compact 24" to 36" plant is ideally 

suited for large patio containers, requires no staking, no Companion Pollinator and has sturdy upright canes. Produces lots of  super-sweet raspberries mid-summer. This dwarf red raspberry produces 

 abundant new canes each spring and fruits on new canes that have gone through a winter dormancy period. Once fruiting is finished, prune out canes at the base that have fruited leaving new canes to fruit for the next season.

981 Alden LaneLivermore, CA 94550

(925) 447-0280 aldenlane.com

Nursery Hours8:30 to 6:00 Daily

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #274Livermore, CA

IMPORTANT!Time Critical

Please Deliver Promptly

0414

HOW TO FIND ALDEN LANE

NURSERY

SPECIAL COUPONPresent This Coupon & A Canned Food Item

TO RECEIVE FREE

Food Donations are Optional. All donations go to local relief agencies. One coupon per family, please!

Offer Good April 1-30, 2014.

A 2" Seedling  Tomato Plant!!

Limited to stock on hand. A 99 cent value.