By Cathy Hough, general manager and buyer

Succulent plants (above and below) have become widely known and planted in sustainable gardens. A reason for this popularity is because succulents require less water than most other plants, even when in containers.

The custom arrangements from the Marina del Rey Garden Center shown in the photos above and below can be seen in downtown Manhattan Beach on Manhattan Avenue. Shop owners came into MDRGC to ask us to help them add appeal to their storefronts and so together we selected containers and succulents that would enhance each respective business.

Succulents do not need full sun and can tolerate light shade. They come in a range of interesting colors and textures, giving gardeners, landscapers and designers a rich opportunity to create visually appealing, one-of-a-kind containers.

The custom designs in Manhattan Beach evoke the colors of the underwater world found in the ocean, literally just yards away. The downtown MB scene is vibrant and these containers add to that feel.

Stop in today to consult one of our nursery experts, Steve, Roger or CJ. They can show you our large selection of succulents and help you make decisions about how and where to plant them.

(Below) In case you don’t know, we do offer delivery, but in this instance, one of our customers decided to take a five-gallon Purple Hopseed on his Vespa.

While we don’t recommend this mode of transportation for plants, we can say that our 2+ acres is full of everything you need for your garden. We have Monrovia’s exclusive Pittosporum golf balls, which make a nice low-growing hedge. For those of you from the Midwest and East who miss your lilacs, we have the  Lavender Lady Lilac which blooms beautifully in our mild winter climate.

This Nagami Kumquat (below) is loaded with fruit, and it’s only  a seven-gallon semi- dwarf! We have a large selection of citrus. And remember, there’s no tax on edible green goods like citrus!

See you at the Marina del Rey Garden Center!

By Cathy Hough, general manager and buyer

With winter comes a sense of newness and renewal. Stop in today to discover the many ways you can put some newness in your garden.

Primroses (below) add fresh, vibrant color to flowerbeds and containers. We have a large selection of single and double Primroses.

Kangaroo Paws (below) are yet another example of color and art in the garden. These Australian natives are known to be hardy in our Southern California gardens, needing little water once established. They come in a variety of colors and are striking additions.

You can also bring color and freshness to your home. Indoor plants (below) and other design touches are a simple way to refresh an area inside your home.

Our Meditating Frog (below) is a great year-round conversation piece. Here he sits peacefully among Japanese Maples and inside a fountain (fountain sold separately).

Stop in to check out our first shipment of Japanese Maples, which come from Monrovia’s Oregon growing grounds. These treasured specimens are sold first-come, first-served so hurry in to see the different varieties available, including one with a weeping, cascading growth habit that looks like a waterfall. We have some of the most popular varieties such as Crimson Jewel and Bloodgood.

(Below) Phormium are extremely popular in the landscape. They come in varying shades of bronze, green and pink. They can be used to create a hedge or placed in other ways to create color and contrast in your garden.

The Marina del Rey Garden Center has everything you need to create a landscape perfect for you. Now is a good time to start thinking about creating privacy hedges (below) for spring and summer entertaining. Topiaries and other nicely shaped plants (mix and match trees, shrubs and smaller plants if you’d like) can create a very useful yet interesting privacy hedge. Ask Steve, CJ or Roger for assistance.

Herbs (below) can be fun to use for smaller hedges or as points of interest in a garden, on a patio, deck or balcony or inside the home.

Stop in today to select from our large selection of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees.

Coprosma (below) is another hardy plant for Southern California gardens. It’s great as an anchor or border and its unusual foliage makes it something people notice. Its leaves come in copper-bronze and creamy whites, greens or yellows, often blended together. It can also be planted in a container.

We’ve just received a huge shipment of containers, so stop in today for the best selection. And remember to ask our expert staff for guidance and help.

By Cathy Hough, general manager and buyer

We’re closed Jan. 1 and 2. Happy New Year!

Hiring Now: Sales & Operations

A new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh, to begin anew. We, at the Marina del Rey Garden Center are ready to help you explore new possibilities for your garden. We’re also ready to help you tackle the big and small projects that will turn your garden into something new for 2012.

Our nursery professionals, Steve, CJ and Roger, will give you the expert guidance you need to turn your garden into something spectacular, every season this year. Right now, Camellias (below) will turn your landscape into a beautiful wonderland of colorful and delicate blossoms.

Camellias (above and below) are considered the rose of fall and winter. Ask our nursery professionals what products to use to prepare your soil for these special plants.

New, fresh surroundings open the door for inspiration. Stop in today to see all of the wonderful, colorful wintertime bedding plants that are available to brighten up your garden. Primroses (below) add vibrant color.

Iceland Poppies (below) are another fun way to add color to a garden. And, as always, all of our plants come from the best growers. We wouldn’t have it any other way!

Another popular wintertime bedding plant is the Cyclamen (below), which come in white, red, purple and pink. They’re great for creating rows of color.

Citrus (below) does well in winter, too, and the fruit they yield is an added bonus. Citrus can be planted in containers and grown on balconies, decks, patios and the like if you don’t have ground to put them in. We have lemons, oranges, grapefruit and other unusual varieties of citrus and we’re more than happy to help you find the perfect container to grow them in.

The Japanese Maple (below) is highly prized.We’ll receive our first shipment of the year early this month, so be sure to stop in early for the best selection.

Known for their delicate beauty, the Japanese Maple is revered in landscapes worldwide, known for their graceful foliage. While you’re here, ask one of our experts for advice on where to plant one of these gorgeous trees.

Japanese Maples come in red and green foliage (above and below).

Stop in to say “Hi,” and wander our grounds. Happy New Year to all of you, and let us help you start fresh and begin anew in 2012!

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

Share the splendor of the season with Poinsettias (above) mixed with other living green plants. We at the Marina del Rey Garden Center wish you and yours a Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and all the best, all the time. We have everything you need for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers!

Deck the halls with a Marina Garden Center gift card! It never expires and you know it will be put to good use.

Our meditating animal/figure collection (above) has been a huge hit! Each animal comes with an attached note card that tells you what the animal/figure represents. (Above) In this case, a dog represents “Loyalty.”

Ask CJ, Steve or Roger how to create a custom planted container (above). Custom planted containers make great gifts that can be put to use right away!

Stained glass candle holders and cute small stockings (above) make a thoughtful hostess gift. Or incorporate them into your  holiday decorations!

(Below) A meditating cat represents “Independence.”

(Below) Create a peaceful place in your home with one of our indoor fountains. Our selection ranges from wall to free-standing fountains, in varying shapes and sizes.

(Below) Another indoor fountain

(Below) Amarylis make a great hostess, holiday or New Year’s gift!

Create an instant and easy-to-care for garden. Select from our many unique arrangements.

Cool-season color is here!

Wind chimes make a great gift that can be used year-round, rain or shine. Ours are hand-crafted and tuned to melodic notes. Stop in today to listen to our collection.

xxx

xxx

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

The holiday spirit is in the air at the Marina del Rey Garden Center, where you can wander our forest of fresh-cut Oregon Noble and Grand firs to find your Christmas tree. We’ve got everything you need to dress up the holidays, from fresh-cut greens (below) to a bounty of beautiful Poinsettias.

If you’re looking for the best Poinsettias in a variety of colors, stop in. Our Poinsettias range from Visions of Grandeur (below) to Cinnamon Star to Ice Crystal to Silver Marble among others. Selection on certain varieties is very limited, so don’t be disappointed. Shop early. Poinsettias help make the holidays merry and bright.

(Below) Silver Marble Poinsettia

(Below) Ice Crystal Poinsettia

Our Christmas Trees (below) bring magic to the season. Ours come from Windy Acres Farm in Oregon and are the freshest around. Be sure to stroll our forest of Noble and Grand firs to find the one that will make your home all the prettier.

Our expert staff (below) is ready to assist you with any purchase. We’ll help you load your goods into or on top of your vehicle so you can get them home for the holidays. We also offer delivery, so ask Steve, Roger or CJ for help.

Grab a hot chocolate or cup of coffee, and stroll the garden center. Experiencing the smell, look and atmosphere of the nursery at this time of year is a delight. Our living and fresh-cut Christmas trees (below), fresh-cut greens and Poinsettias are just the thing to bring out the holiday spirit.

Welcome the season and bring magic and light to all who visit you and your home. Stop in today to find gifts for gardeners, including the Marina del Rey Garden Center gift card, which never expires and has no fees associated with it. You spend $20, your gift card recipient has $20 to spend at MDRGC.

This year, we have Talavera ornaments (below). The special and much-sought-after Talavera pottery has no equal, so add a one-of-a-kind Talavera ornament to your tree. It would also make a great hostess gift or stocking stuffer.

An indoor plant makes a great gift. Our Orchids (below) are exquisite.

So no matter what your holiday plans are, be sure to stop in to visit us for that something special to help make your season merry and bright.

Season’s Greetings!

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

It’s holiday season at the Marina del Rey Garden Center! Poinsettias (ab0ve), living Christmas trees and our fresh-cut Christmas trees from Oregon are here, and ready for you to make your selection.

(Above) Living Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes can be found at the garden center. Plant a citrus tree in a container. Make a statuary piece a focal point. Talk to Steve, Roger or CJ to find out what fun things you can do for the holidays.

The holiday season always turns part of the Marina Garden Center’s parking lot into a forest of Christmas trees and our selection is the best around, so get in the spirit of the holidays, take a break from your everyday routine and visit us. You’re sure to find a treasure to warm your heart.

This holiday season, we’re pleased to announce that we have Talavera ornaments (above). These unique, handpainted creations make great gifts this time of year.

Nature is abundant at the Marina Garden Center and visitors will frequently spot a bunny, hummingbird, butterfly and other fun creatures. (Above) Monarch butterflies have been enjoying feeding off of our Asclepia as they travel on their migratory journey. Plant Asclepia in your garden to attract Monarchs and ask Roger, CJ or Steve what else you can plant to have a “butterfly” garden.

(Above) Little visitors love wandering through the garden center to see what they can find. This little one is strolling through some lavender which undoubtedly is perfuming her nose with its sweet scent. Bring a beverage and meander through our 2+ acres.

It’s still a great time to plant, so if you want to spruce up your yard or home for the holidays, do stop in. Our nursery professionals will give you the expert advice you need.

(Below) Living Christmas trees can be planted in your landscape and enjoyed year after year.

]]> http://marinagardencenter.com/home.php/category/whats-new/tis-the-season-for-a-christmas-tree/feed/ 0 http://marinagardencenter.com/home.php/category/whats-new/get-cool-season-plants-in-the-ground-now/ http://marinagardencenter.com/home.php/category/whats-new/get-cool-season-plants-in-the-ground-now/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:08:31 +0000 rocknliz http://marinagardencenter.com/home.php/category/whats-new/?p=3088 By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

Indoor position available

Alert: Poinsettias arrive the week of Nov. 14, our stupendous fresh-cut Christmas trees from Oregon arrive the week of Nov. 21 as does our selection of fresh-cut greens.

Cyclamen, Pansies (below), Iceland Poppies, Snapdragons… These are just some of the cool season plants that will add color to your garden during our cooler days of fall and winter.

Pansies (above) are sweet little plants with distinctive, beautiful flowers, each bloom revealing a different blend of hues of color. Cyclamen come in red, white and pink, making them prime for the holiday season.

Christmas Cactus (above) are now in the store and are another favored plant to have during the holiday season.

Spruce up your garden or yard now by planting perennials, shrubs and trees (below) that will appreciate getting their roots in the ground this fall while the soil is still warm from summer. Plants will typically deliver more growth and more blooms in spring, if planted now. Ask Steve, Roger or CJ for assistance. They can let you know what soil amendments to plant with and how to care for your plants to get the best performance from them.

Decorative hedges in varying heights, a vibrant purple Princess Flower (above)… We are loaded to the brim with one of the most comprehensive plant selections in the South Bay, Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Another favored “must” this time of year are Camellias (below) and we have a large selection of Japonicas and Sasanquas. These treasured garden gems offer a dark, evergreen waxy leafed plant that produces a grand show of blooms during the fall and winter months.

Azaleas (below) typically bloom during the time Camellias are blooming, hence you will see the two nicely paired in gardens throughout the Southland, including the famous Descanso Gardens and Huntington Library grounds.

Azaleas (above) come in red, white, pink and purple, giving gardeners a diverse color palette to work from.

Stop in today to see all of the plants you can get in the ground or in containers now. Container gardening can be quite fun, producing beautiful succulent displays, fruit-bearing citrus and other dynamic looks, including deck and balcony privacy barriers. Our in-stock container selection is one of the largest in the Greater Los Angeles area, so visit today to pair plants and pots. We can custom plant containers for you. Ask one of our nursery professionals, Steve, CJ or Roger, for assistance.

Lion’s Tail (above) is a perennial whose flower gives it its name. Planted in groupings or solo, it is a eye-catching plant.

Another vibrantly colored plant that is dynamic in a landscape is Echinachea (below). Its tall spiky stem and appealing flower have made it very popular.

It’s also time to get your cool season vegetables and herbs planted (below). Stop in today to see the latest selection since we are constantly receiving new plants.

Greet the chill of the day or a nice warm fall sun by strolling our 2+-acre garden center to find what you need for your garden, yard, business, business landscape, home and gifts. Bring a warm beverage or cold drink to enjoy as you peruse our magnificent grounds.

Indoor position available

Our annual Pumpkin Patch (below) brings everyone out for some photo fun and to select that perfect pumpkin. We’ve “carved out” fun places to sit for photos in the Pumpkin Patch and, of course, sitting on a pumpkin, including the super sized, jumbo Big Max pumpkin makes the moment even more fun!

Our Pumpkin Patch features a diversity of pumpkins, including the Jackpot pumpkin, most notably used for carving. We also have Fairy Tale, Cinderella, Big Max, white and small pumpkins. The small pumpkins (below) are a cute way to introduce small hands to the infamous pumpkin!

Fall is also about gourds (above) and all sorts of different shaped pumpkins and squashes (above). If you want to create a fun Thanksgiving table, be sure to stop in to see what fun plants, pumpkins and gourds we have. Setting the Thanksgiving table has never been so much fun!

And right now, we have plenty of scary monsters, skeletons (below) and ghosts around. Stop in today to take some photos of your kids frolicking in the Pumpkin Patch and checking out our scary monsters and fun fall scarecrows.

Load the Trick or Treat candy into this orange bowl (below) and watch the kids smile. Then plant it up with decorative plants.

We’ve got a great selection of pumpkins for carving in case you haven’t carved yours yet!

Pumpkins come in so many more varieties than just the one we’re used to seeing at Halloween time.

(Below) White Lantana cascades out of a Campania urn that is positioned on a matching Campania pedestal.

As you can see in the photo, there are lots of ways to bring color to your garden, even now. Ask one of our nursery professionals, Roger, Steve or CJ, for guidance.

Our fall days have finally brought some coller weather, so grab a coffee or latte and wander through the Marina del Rey Garden Center for pure enjoyment. Our 2+ acres are loaded with succulents, perennials, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, roses, camellias, shade plants, fountains, containers, benches, and statuary in a broad range of styles, form classic to contemporary, from modern to sleek.

Fall is the best time to plant… anything, including the ornamental grasses above.

Ask Steve, Roger or CJ for help with all of your planting, fountain, container and statuary needs. We’re here to help you have the best garden possible.

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

Our Pumpkin Patch is here and better than ever! This year we have Cinderella, Fairytale, Trickster and Big Max pumpkins to make your fall festive and your Halloween super spooky.

(Below) Mom and daughter share a delicious moment in our Pumpkin Patch. They brought treats from Penguin’s nearby to enjoy as they had fun in our Patch.

(Below) This young lad was fascinated with our smaller pumpkins.

Our Pumpkin Patch is loaded with the best pumpkins. Stop in to pick yours today!

Bring the kids so they can frolic in the hay and be sure to bring your camera to capture their moments.

(Below) We’ve just received a shipment of Camellias from Monrovia Growers, so much so that it looks like we have a Camellia forest. These plants are some of the most amazing I’ve seen in quite awhile and are full of buds. Hurry in for the best selection.

Many plants can do well in containers. Ask Darla, Steve or Roger to help you determine which plants are. They can help you select the right soil and advise you on the conditions your plant will need to do its best. Ask about having us plant a custom container for you.

Our in-stock container selection ranges from small to super large pots in all shapes and sizes and colors. (Below) These customers check out a small portion of our vast container selection.

Gardeners know that we have an exceptional selection of vegetable and herbs year-round. Take some lettuce home with you today (below).

Our succulent selection is one of the largest around, with a large variety of succulents in different sizes. (Below) When you’re looking for a special twist in your garden, stop in to peruse our inventory. We always have a wealth of product.

I never know what I’m going to find and these Talavera pumpkins (below) have got to be one of the funnest finds around. You just have to smile when you see these grinning pottery pumpkins.

Our Fall Festival is a time for you and your friends and family to celebrate. Stop in to the Marina Garden Center to visit our Pumpkin Patch (below) and then wander our 2+ acres. You’ll feel the effects of how soothing a lovely garden can be, what a respite from the world it is, naturally.

While you’re here, test out your muscles to see if you can lift Big Max (below) as this mom and daughter team did.

Get here for smiles and make some memories while you’re doing it.

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

Of all the seasons, fall is the best for planting. Now that the summer sun has baked the ground and warmed it up, plants will respond well and establish themselves before winter comes, requiring less water in spring and summer.

Plant your vegetable garden now. This group (above) came in and bought a wide variety of plants for their vegetable and herb garden. Our selection includes aromatic herbs such as rosemary, a large choice of mints, all kinds of lettuce and pretty much everything that will grow under the Southern California sun.

On Labor Day, this young gardener and his dad (above) enjoyed a free hot dog and beverage during our Customer Appreciation event. Fountains hold intrigue for people of all ages. We have a large inventory of fountains to select from.

Customers know us well, too, for our good selection of containers (above, just a small part of our inventory). These gardeners stopped in to select some Salvias (above on cart) and plants that draw fun creatures, like this Butterfly Bush (in her hand) that, well, attracts butterflies.

We’re always more than happy to help you load your vehicle with your purchases but do remember that we have delivery. (Above) A Purple Hopseed gets ready for a trip home.

Have some fun with the containers (above) you put your plants in! Stop in to pair an indoor plant, citrus or vegetables and herbs with a container from our huge selection.

Succulents (above) make great container plantings. Ask Darla, Steve or Roger about our custom-planted containers.

We all enjoy helping you to have the best gardening experience possible. Our nursery professionals provide expert plant knowledge. No matter what your question is, please ask.

Our 2+ acres make the Marina Garden Center a great place to take a stroll. These folks (above) visited us for the first time and spent lots of time wandering our aisles.

This Eggplant (above) is growing in a raised plant bed in our vegetable section. Ask us what you’ll need to plant a raised bed garden.

We have all sorts of colorful plants for your fall flower beds. Stop in to see our selection. (Above) Get creative with your fall landscape. Ask us for ideas.

Monarch butterflies have been visiting the Marina del Rey Garden Center as they travel on their annual migration, landing on plants (above), in this instance a White Iceberg Rose. Ask one of our nursery professionals, Steve, Darla, CJ or Roger, how to attract Monarchs to your garden.

Iceberg Rose (above) is one of the hardiest roses around and comes in white, pink and burgundy. They are highly recommended for coastal areas, and when planted en masse, create a stunning view.

Stop in now to see our selection of roses, Flax, Papyrus (above) and more. Then wander the aisles to see the enormity of what we have in stock. From vines to Budleais to succulents to New Zealand Tea Trees to Pittosporums to Heavenly Bamboo, we are loaded with the finest plants from the best growers in the business.

Our plants come in just about any size you want, from one-gallon (above) to five-gallon and up. And we can special order plants, fountains, statuary and more for you.

We are known for our extensive on-site collection of containers (above in the background and below), in all sizes, shapes and colors.

Our garden center is the place to bring your special friends (below) and family members for an adventure. Little ones love walking around, finding butterflies or bunnies or lizards (yes, we have all three!).

Camaraderie and friendship can be found while browsing plants. These two customers shared their best tips for planting vegetables and herbs (below).

Our succulent selection (part of it, below) is very large and starts with one- and four-inch containers and continues on to much larger specimens. Stop in today to see our extraordinary collection.

We also stock a nice assortment of indoor plants (below) so if you need something for your home or office, check us out. Our knowledgeable nursery professionals can make sure you get the right plant for the conditions.

While inside our store, look around and you’ll see all sorts of great home and garden decor ideas. We have vases, exquisite orchids, wall art and our friendly and fun gnomes (above), who love to greet visitors.

And remember, we have gift cards year-round so that the gardener in your life can enjoy their pick of plants whenever they are ready to do so. And our gift cards never expire.

We have a limited supply of raised garden beds (above) available at a discounted price. Prepare to have an amazing fall crop now!

Ask our expert staff for assistance with selecting the proper soil amendment for your planting needs.

We’re here to help (below) and offer delivery, expert plant knowledge, custom planting services, and everything you need to grow a healthy, vibrant garden.

By Cathy Hough, general manager & buyer

Taking time to stop and smell the roses is a “must” this time of year at the Marina del Rey Garden Center. Our expansive collection is in bloom and it’s quite beautiful to view the span of color that cascades down a lengthy aisle in the garden center.

Our staff of nursery professionals can help you plan and design gardens of amazing beauty that fit into your lifestyle.  Waterwise succulent gardens are extremely popular. Steve, Darla, Roger and CJ can answer any questions you have about succulents and what to plant them in to give your garden a great start.

Succulents are versatile and can be planted in containers or the ground. (Below) An operations staff member has custom planted two containers for customers and is now loading up their remaining succulent onto the cart.

Plumeria (below) are a prized plant known for their stunning flowers that are used to make leis. Our plumeria plants come from a top grower and are available in one gallon containers up to boxed specimens.

Roses are a beautiful thing to behold so why not grab an ice tea or coffee and stop in to wander our “rose garden” (below) which resembles the grounds of an estate or a rose garden in a park. Seeing roses in bloom is a great way to identify the plants you want in your garden!

In addition to a large selection of plants on 2+ acres, the Marina Garden Center features a huge selection of containers, in terra cotta and otherwise. We also stock fountains, statuary, benches and much more, including the gazing ball you see containers reflected in (below).

Our Terra Cotta selection is always large and full of a variety of shapes and sizes. (Below) Ian answers a customer’s questions.

We pride ourselves on offering superior service, the best plants and products to make your home and garden gorgeous, and knowledgeable, informative, courteous nursery pros.

Families enjoy trips to the Marina Garden Center. (Below) This mom and dad were selecting plants and teaching their little boy about them—a future gardener in the making!

Citrus (below) pairs nicely with Terra Cotta containers. Ask Darla, Roger, CJ or Steve for guidance. They can tell you what kind of sun a plant needs, what its watering needs are and what soil amendments will help it thrive.

(Below) We always have a large assortment of fruit tress and plants, citrus, vegetables and herbs. Stop in now to grow and harvest your own corn, tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and much more.