GARDEN PATCH POINTERS
By Robert H. and Hoberley Schuler
The Hydrangea, macrophylla, is widely used in our area. It comes from Japan, has an asymmetrically rounded growth habit, growing 4-6 feet high and as wide. It does well as a landscape shrub or in a container. The eastern side of the house is usually the best location, to avoid the hot afternoon sun. This plant likes a well drained, porous soil, feed periodically with a balanced fertilizer. The plant can be pruned just above a node, remembering that next year’s flowers will grow on the new growth of the old stems. To get the biggest flower clusters, reduce the number of stems per plant; for numerous medium and smaller clusters, keep more stems.
GARDEN PATCH POINTERS
by Robert H. and Hoberley Schuler
CULINARY SAGES & SALVIAS
Culinary Sages
The holidays are almost upon us, and nothing says “holidays” as much as the traditional turkey dinner. Would the turkey stuffing be as fragrant and delicious without the assistance of the humble sage?
After the conclusion of my "official visit" to Diablo Foothills District Meeting, five of us went on a mission triggered by CGCI's The Diamond Years. The goal was to see if there was a placque commemorating CGCI's contribution to the Mr. Diablo State Park Interpretive Center. CGCI assisted in raising funds for constructing interpretive exhibits in the Summit Building of Mt. Diablo State Park between 1987 and 1993, raising over $5,000. A beautiful diorama depicts mountain scenes including shrubs, trees, flora and fauna that inhabit Mt. Diablo. It was dedicated October 6, 1993 concluding the project.
GARDEN PATCH POINTERS
By Robert H. and Hoberley Schuler
ONIONS (Allium cepa)
With so many varieties of onions to choose from, it is important to know their growing conditions. Common environmental conditions affecting plant growth are temperature, nutrients, water, sunlight, pests and air quality. The proper development of onions in the fall requires seeds or plants of a “short day” lengths variety such as Grano, Granex, California Early Red or Crystal White Wax (white Bermuda). Yellow or white Spanish and Globe are “long day” varieties for “spring” planting.
GARDEN PATCH POINTERS
By Robert and Hoberley Schuler
Princess Plant
Q: I bought a princess plant with beautiful purple blue flowers. It grew a little this past
summer but my neighbor’s has doubled in size. What should I do to make it grow? Georgia Radcliff, Bay Area
A: Your “Princess Flower,” Tibouchina urvilleana, is a Brazilian tropical shrub growing 10 to 18 feet tall, likes moderate watering, warmth and to be sheltered from strong breezes and freezing conditions. The plant likes a slightly acid soil, which could be your problem.
If possible, and if you are not already doing so, please send your club and district newsletters to the CGCI Facebook Administrator. She can receive these via US Postal Service or email (in pdf, Word or Publisher). Pat would like to place blurbs or small articles onto the CGCI Facebook page each day, but she will need your help if this is to be accomplished. And any kind of tidbit of information, advice, tips regarding gardening, floral design, landscaping, environmental concerns, etc.
Mr. Diablo State Park Interpretive Center. CGCI assisted in raising funds for constructing interpretive exhibits in the Summit Building of Mt. Diablo State Park between 1987 and 1993, raising over $5,000. A beautiful diorama depicts mountain scenes including shrubs, trees, flora and fauna that inhabit Mt. Diablo. It was dedicated October 6, 1993 concluding the project.
Here's the new CGCI Facebook page address: 
To see photos from CGCI clubs and districts on NGC's 
