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!