February Garden Checklist

checkbox Choose your Camellias now! Seeing is believing, so choose now while they are in bloom. The selection is sizable, and you’ll be able to pick just the right color for your winter garden.

checkbox Feed the lawn monthly especially during cold, wet winter months. Feeding often not only maintains its attractive green color all winter it also minimizes rust disease and other problems resulting from malnutrition (let winter rains water it in). Masters Fall and Winter Lawn Fertilizer is formulated for the winter season.

checkbox We are eagerly awaiting our shipment of bulbs which will arrive this month. All the bulbs you plant this spring will fill your summer gardens with armloads of beautiful cut flowers. Think about what great addition dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies will provide to a summer bouquet.

checkbox Prevent crabgrass in your lawn before it starts. Apply Bonide Crabgrass & Weed Preventer now to prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting.

checkbox Place three inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to keep weeds under control. Keep the mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs as well as the stems of bedding plants to prevent crown rot.

checkbox Prevent Petal Blight. Pick up and remove old flowers on camellias and azaleas to reduce the chance of petal blight. If you have had trouble with petal blight before, treat soil around the plants with Captan before flowers open.

checkbox Seed Potatoes are available January into March. Choose from certified disease-free white, red, blue, and gold varieties. Harvest new potatoes when plants begin to bloom in June and more mature potatoes when plants start to die down midsummer. Pick up our handy planting guide.

checkbox A new houseplant for your love this Valentine’s Day says it best! Choose from an assortment of fragrant flowering bulbs, African violets and lush houseplants.

checkbox Sweet Daphne – An old-fashioned fragrance for your garden! Budded and blooming now. Perfect for bright shade. Great container plant. Waxy pink and white flower clusters will perfume a room.

checkbox Prune evergreen shrubs and hedges such as boxwood between mid-February and early March so that pruning cuts are quickly covered with spring’s new growth. (Leave frost tender plants like citrus to prune later.) Prune strap leafed New Zealand Flax and African Iris to 4″ if a biennial renewal is wanted. Foliage will grow back with a fresh crop of gorgeous leaves.

checkbox Apply Iron-Sulfur or non-staining Iron Plus now to help restore and maintain green color in acid-loving plants such as citrus, camellia, azalea, gardenias, Japanese Maples, and Blueberries as well as many others including jasmine and photinia.

pH Adjustment for Citrus

Citrus plants and other acid-loving plants often suffer from yellow leaves. Yellowing leaves are usually related to low fertility, alkaline soils, or low levels of available iron. Now is a good time for corrective measures.

Citrus food can address the fertility, Iron Sulfate or Soil Sulfur can improve the soil pH by steering alkaline soils toward acid, both make the existing iron in surrounding soil more available to the plant.  Iron Sulfate also adds additional iron for quicker nutrient uptake.

Our citrus grower recommends a little bit of citrus fertilizer each month of the year. We offer Master Nursery Citrus Food or EB Stone Citrus Food (the organic option).

We also recommend treating the soil with either Soil Sulfur or Iron Sulfate 3 to 4 times a year.  Now is an ideal time because remaining rains will carry these products down into the soil. The impending spring growth will benefit immediately from this nutrient blast. Iron products such as Iron Sulfate help prevent yellow leaves on citrus, blueberries, azaleas, camellias and also keep a lawn greener with less mowing.

Most products containing iron can stain paving. Take extra precautions to be sure you don’t stain your patio or driveway.  Iron Plus will not stain.

Plants take nutrients up from the soil most efficiently when soil pH is neutral or slightly acidic. pH Adjuster Plus gently acidifies the soil and allows nitrogen, iron and other essential nutrients and elements to be released for uptake by plant roots. Apply these granular products over the soil surface and let the rain water them in. The result is a healthier, more beautiful plant with brighter, greener foliage.

pH Adjuster Plus is a pelletized soil sulfur that is much easier to apply than more conventional soil sulfur (no annoying dust).

Almost all plants will appreciate 3 to 4 applications per year, but those plants that respond most dramatically to a pH adjustment include citrus, blueberries, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, gardenias and other plants that develop a seasonal yellowing of the leaf related to iron deficiency. Most likely you can think of at least one plant you have around your home that suffers from leaf yellowing. Apply and then water or time your application to let winter rains do the watering for you.

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) has also shown to have a great greening effect.  A little bit goes a long way and should only be applied twice a year; once in early spring and again in early fall.

New Roses for 2026

Multi-Graft Fruit Trees add Flavor in Less Space

multi graft fruit treesMulti-graft fruit trees include several varieties of fruit on the same tree. They save both space and effort while giving you variety and successive ripening in a small yard.

The multi-graft approach is practical. You don’t need to have multiple trees when just one tree will do the job of several. Each fruit variety grafted branch grows independently from the others on the same tree, and the different fruits always retain their characteristic flavor, appearance, ripening time, etc.

Many multi-graft fruit trees have been deliberately crafted to give you a staggered fruit harvest. By combining fruit varieties that bloom at different times, and harvest at different times, you get the added advantage of an extended fruit harvesting season. As one goes out of season, the next one comes in! This feature also means you get the benefit of a long-term fruit harvest without the “glut” of too much of a good thing all at once that you might have with a single species fruit tree.

Multi-Graft fruit trees are perfect for today’s smaller yards. Trees grow on semi-dwarfing rootstock; small size means anyone can have their multiple fruit harvest within a 10 x 10 patch of yard or less. So even the smallest of gardens can be a source of fresh homegrown fruit. It is not the fruit that is small, but rather the tree.

Come in for more details on how multi-graft fruit trees can give you the satisfaction of having your multi-variety fruit orchard in a smaller space than you might have thought possible.

Add Color to the Garden with Shrubs

We typically reach for flowers when thinking about adding a dash of color to our gardens. But for true season-long interest in the garden, consider a shrub that will give you lasting color. When you plan your garden using colorful shrubs, their leaves lend a rainbow of hues to enjoy. The different shades and textures offer a burst of color – some even change colors throughout the year.

Take a look at these colorful shrubs which are real standouts in the landscape:

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) – The glossy leaves change color as colder weather approaches. Small, inconspicuous blooms in the spring. This hardy evergreen shrub needs protection if the temperatures dip below 25°.

Laurus noblis (Sweet Bay) – An aromatic evergreen available in shrub or tree form. This Mediterranean native is where the “bay leaf” used in cooking for seasoning comes. This can grow into a fairly large plant.

Pittosporum tobira – A popular dwarf shrub that is evergreen and mounding. Good to use as a low boundary or for poolside plantings. (‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ is a popular variety.)

Abelia grandiflora – The Abelia has attractive foliage and gracefully arching branches. The eye-catching leaves (and sometimes the stems!) come in different colors and often change throughout the growing season. When in bloom, the flowers are popular with pollinators. (The variety ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a colorful choice.)

Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthorne) – A spreading, compact broadleaf evergreen that bears deep pink flower in shiny foliage that changes color with the seasons. Berry-like, dark blue fruit follows flowers.

Coleonema pulchrum (Compact Breath of Heaven) – This popular shrub is evergreen, hardy and mounding to about 3′ tall. Small, showy blooms in spring often repeat in fall. If you are looking for a larger shrub (think 6-10′), the non compact Coleonema is an option.

Olea europaea (Little Ollie) – All the beauty of the attractive grayish green leaves without the mess of a fruiting olive. This one can grow large at 5-15′ tall, but can be controlled with pruning. The dense growth is great as a hedge, low screen, accent or small tree.

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) – In every season this versatile plant is a garden standout. Serves as an excellent accent or container plant. Choose neat mounding or softer upright forms. Make sure the soil is well draining. (‘Firepower’ is a great choice if you are looking for a red variety.)

10 Last Minute Gift Ideas

Alden Lane Nursery is the perfect place to visit for your last minute gift needs. We have gifts for gardeners experienced and novice! Take a look at some interesting options.

1. Amaryllis Kit

Ready to go for the gardener and non- gardener alike. Grows easily indoors.

2. Seaglass & Stone Garden Art

Sometimes you need to add a little art to the yard in addition to your wonderful plant “collection”.

3. Garden Tools

We have a great selection of handheld garden tools for every need!

4. Garden Decor

We have fun garden sculptures if you are looking to give some “character”.

5. Fountains

We have fountains for indoors and outdoors. The sound of water is always a soothing addition.

6. Felco Pruners

Felco tools feature ergonomic handles & stainless steel cutting blades. Swiss precision makes snipping & pruning a breeze!

7. Foldable Kneeler Seat

Easily flips from kneeler to padded bench. Long handles give an assist to getting off the ground.

8. Meyer Lemon

There is nothing like the ability to pluck fresh citrus from your own garden. Meyer lemons are a favorite!

9. Gourmet Goodies

Enjoy now, plant later! We have a wonderful selection of gourmet jams & sauces. Maybe you will enjoy one so much, you decide to add a plant or tree to your garden, so you have your favorite fruits direct from your yard!

10. Alden Lane Gift Card

Not sure what to get? Give an Alden Lane Gift Card for a gift that is sure to please.

The Gift Guide

We carry a wonderful selection of gifts for any occasion. During the holidays, we add even more unique items for you to consider. Some of these items are located in the Garden Store with our Christmas Shoppe.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Wind Chimes – Wind chimes are a gift that can be enjoyed by everyone, but you may not think to buy yourself. Many sounds and styles available.

Wall Art – We have a variety of wall art for indoors and outdoors in different mediums including wood, metal & canvas. Themes include trendy farmhouse, inspirational quotes and gorgeous botanicals. Some of it is on sale!

Gourmet Products – Another great gift idea for many to enjoy are some of our wonderful gourmet goodies. Soup, desserts, olive oil, honey, and candy galore. We would be happy to help you put together a selection to make a basket.

Lotions & Soaps – Always a welcome gift available in a wide variety of scents. We have lavender, lemon, grapefruit just to name a few scents.

Kid’s Section – If you are looking to inspire the next generation of gardeners, we have tools that are just their size. We also have some unique toys and plush animals.

Books – We can help you out with a nicely curated selection of gardening & plant books.

Garden Flags & Doormats – If you are looking to add a splash of color to your front porch or yard, consider a flag or bright doormat. We have some fun ones!

Bird Feeders – Give someone a gift that will attract feathered friends into their yard. Our assortment of styles, sizes & food options is sure to ruffle your feathers.

Garden Decor – We have all sorts of fun things to which can be the perfect addition to a yard or patio.

We are happy to help you select the right thing for everyone on your list. The best part is that we are happy to gift wrap your items in our signature wrapping for FREE.

Gift Ideas for the Gardener

We have lots of gift ideas for the gardener including some unique tools gardeners may not be aware of that others cherish. Buy a gift a gardener might too lavish for him or herself but will ease the tasks and leave them thanking you.

Hori-Hori Knife

Discover one of the most useful tools in a gardener’s toolbag. The Japanese Hor-Hori knife is part spade, part serrated knife. Excellent for dividing perennials and squeezing a new plant in an established pot. Those gardeners who own one, swear they are their most useful tool.

Felco Tools

Felcos are well-made Swiss made pruners. They are simply the best! They are the pruner of choice for landscape & vineyard professionals. Give a Felco tool to a gardener and expect them to be astonished.

 

Garden Kneelers

A folding kneeler serves as a seat too. One of our more popular gardener gifts. Makes gardening tasks more comfortable and enables greater mobility.

 

 

 Trowels

Pick a trowel, any trowel. Every gardener has their personal favorite, and we have a great selection to choose from. Consider a soft handle for comfort.

Buy a Book!

We have a wonderful selection of books for experienced and new gardeners alike Learn to Prune – One of the most comprehensive, easy to understand pruning books in out there. This is our most popular selling book, explains in easy terms with illustrations, how to prune a large variety of fruit trees and roses.

We also have Livermore specific books including Livermore history and local family cookbooks.

Dormant Spray to Protect Your Fruit Trees Starts in Fall

Preventative Spraying Program Begins Late Fall! Thanksgiving signals the time to start dormant spray for fruit trees.  Especially for the prevention of Shot Hole Fungus and Peach Leaf Curl!!  Even before trees are leafless in winter, they benefit from applications of disease control products.

Thanksgiving, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day are holidays around which you should consider treating.

The first spraying should be just prior to or at leaf fall (about the first freeze of winter). A second spraying one week later helps ensure complete coverage. The plants’ bark contracts with the onset of cold weather sealing in disease-causing organisms such as shot hole fungus and peach leaf curl. It is, therefore, essential to spray before heavy frost or freezing weather sets in.

Spray with Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide or Monterey Liqui-Cop. If rains occur within 48 hours of applying, reapply spray.

Clean Up Your Garden

Debris will harbor insects and diseases. A good general garden clean-up, removing leaves, spent flower heads, old fruits, nuts, dead and broken branches eliminates insect and disease hiding places. Although a potential problem in the garden, these materials are perfect candidates for the compost pile as long as your compost pile generates sufficient heat to kill insects, their eggs, and diseases. For more information, visit www.stopwaste.org

Winter Care for Houseplants

Houseplants, just like people, need to adjust to winter conditions. Without making some seasonal changes, our houseplants may begin to look unhealthy. Visible symptoms include sudden leaf loss, leaf tips turning brown, and a generally droopy or wilted appearance.

Reduce Watering

Houseplants experience a slower rate of growth during the cold weather, and some even go completely dormant. Because of this, they need a little less water during the winter months. Allow your plants soil to dry out more than usual during this time. The top surface soil might appear dry, but you should poke your finger into the soil and check to see if it is dry an inch or two below the surface.

Increase Humidity

The humidity level in heated homes can drop 10-20% in winter, and houseplants prefer a level closer to 50%. If you have a humidifier, move your plants to a spot nearby. If you don’t have a humidifier, there are other ways to increase the humidity around your houseplants. The bathroom is often a great spot for plants since they can absorb the humidity from warm showers. You can also place your plant on a tray of pebbles and water (making sure the water is below the rock surface so the plants do not end up sitting in water). The evaporating water from the tray will be absorbed by the plant on top!

Watch the Temperature

Windows can get chilly in the winter time, so it’s best to move your plants away from them. Additionally, you should make sure to move your plants away from doors that might bring in a cold draft. Be careful not to put your plants near a hot vent or other sources of heat. Fluctuations in temperature can kill houseplants just as easily as prolonged periods of heat or cold.

Increase Light

There are fewer daylight hours during the winter months. You may need to relocate your houseplants to a brighter spot or even add supplemental grow lights. A good spot would be a south or west facing window that remains sunny all day. Additionally, you’ll want to hold off on fertilizing during these months. Feeding your plants will upset their natural cycle, so wait until spring before fertilizing again.