Al's Bloom Magazine

bloom 2013 Spring

Quarterly Inspiration for your Garden, Home & Lifestyle from Al’s Garden Center

Introducing Al’s Garden Market

Enjoy fresh fruits & vegetables from your own backyard

Stylish Spaces Patio collections for all lifestyles

Gardening Made Easy Knock Out Roses TM

Outdoor Ceramic Pottery Sale Buy 1 Save 25% Buy 2 Save 30% Buy 3 Save 35% Buy 4 or More Save 40%

O ver 2,500 P ieces t o choos

e from!

Excludes Terra Cotta & Always In Bloom Limited to stock on hand Selection varies by store Not valid on previous purchases Sale April 30, 2013 2 | ends als-gardencenter.com

Spring 2013

Subscription inquiries To receive a subscription to Al’s Bloom Magazine, sign up for Al’s Garden Rewards Program at any of our three store locations. Once you have earned 100 points as an Al’s Garden Rewards Member, you will begin to receive Al’s Bloom Magazine.

To Advertise Call (503) 726-1162 Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written authorization by Al’s Garden Center. ©2013

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Just Get Out and Garden!

A letter from Jack Bigej, owner of Al’s Garden Center

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Al’s Garden Market Grow Your Own Fruits, Herbs & Vegetables

11

Gardening 101 Testing Your Soil

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Stylish Spaces Patio Collections for All Lifestyles

16

Meet the Designer Interview with Michael Alvarado

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Dig In What To Do in the Garden in Spring!

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Events April - July

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Dig It! Cool Products for Great Gardening

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Heuchera Coral Bells ‘Little Cuties’

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Geraniums Hot New Varieties

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Knock Out Roses Gardening Made Easy

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Celebrating Succulents Garden Mainstays

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The Kid’s Garden Handmade Spring Projects

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Spring Fashion Report

TM

Three locations to serve you: Woodburn 1220 N Pacific Hwy, Woodburn 97071 (503) 981-1245 Sherwood 16920 SW Roy Rogers Rd, Sherwood 97140 (503) 726-1162 Gresham 7505 SE Hogan Rd, Gresham 97080 (503) 491-0771

als-gardencenter.com spring 2013| 3

Get Out and Garden!

I am so excited for spring that I am like a kid in a candy shop!

I keep walking through the greenhouses, watching flowering annuals and vegetables poke through their fresh soil beds and grow into mature plants. The hanging baskets are planted by the thousands and starting to trail over the pots. The perennials are popping and spring flowering shrubs are ready to shine with buds set to burst!

Regardless of the weather forecast (thankfully, we have been graced with some dry days), I am ready for spring! There is a lot to look forward to this spring at Al’s Garden Centers with some terrific new plant introductions, several new lines of comfortably designed outdoor patio furniture and innovative, environmentally and garden friendly products that we can’t wait to share with you!

One of our most exciting endeavors for spring 2013 is our new line of Al’s Garden Market fruits, herbs and vegetables, all in environmentally friendly coir (coconut fiber) pots that you can plant straight into the ground. These earth-friendly edibles take the plastic pot out of our production and make planting so simple. They also encourage a strong root system and healthier plants. Our growers, Jill West and Dave Worth share new varieties and more about our new line of “Garden Market” edibles and the plantable coir pots on page 5.

As a boy, I used to spend hours outdoors! My brother and I would shoot hoops, play baseball or head down to the river for hours of fishing. At the age of 5, I was already growing flowers.

My grandmother gave me an impatien and I was hooked! These days, I am disappointed to see many children with “naturedeficit disorder” or a lack of interest in outdoor exploring and endeavors. Video games and television are taking the place of real life experiences and creating unhealthy habits.

One of our goals at Al’s is to share our love of gardening with young children and introduce them to fun and exciting projects that will get them off the couch and into the beautiful outdoors.

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Thankfully, my daughter-in-law Amy shares my vision of growing the next generation of gardeners and in this issue of Bloom, she shares some fun gardening activities to kick off spring (pg 28).

My outdoor living area is my sanctuary in the summertime and a meeting place for my family. I want an inviting spot that is functional yet comfortable and easy to care for. I am excited to share with you our new patio furniture arrivals that are sure to add some cozy contentment to the end of a busy workweek. We are carrying several new lines of patio furniture and accessories with traditional and contemporary fabrics for 2013. You won’t want to miss our new selections! Check out some samples of a few of our favorites on page 12.

As spring starts to bloom all around you, I hope you will take some time to enjoy your garden and the treasures that exist in your own backyard. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Plant a garden, and drag your kids out with you. Whatever you do, just get out and garden! There is a lifetime of memories, learning and adventure to be had right in your own backyard.

Take advantage of all of the opportunities that await you outdoors…you are only limited by your imagination!

Happy Gardening,

Al’s Son & Second Generation Owner

Introducing

FRESH. LOCAL. SUSTAINABLE. It’s hard to believe that when Al’s Garden Center started 65 years ago, it was little more than a roadside produce stand. A lot has changed since those humble beginnings. We got into the plant business, entering a world of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, bulk soil, houseplants, and pottery.

Over the years, however, one thing that hasn’t wavered is our passion for high quality, homegrown vegetables. We think that if you can carve out even a little space in your yard for some seeds or starts, what you harvest will be more flavorful, more nutritious, and much fresher than any vegetable you can get at the supermarket.

Because of this, we are pleased to announce our new line of Al’s Garden Market vegetables and herbs. Over the years, we’ve hand selected vegetables based on their flavor and their performance in the Northwest, striving to create a diverse collection of produce that has unique varieties for everyone, whether you’re a brand new gardener or a vegetable growing veteran.

New to Al’s: Coir Pots

By Jill West and Dave Worth Al’s Edibles Growers

All of our vegetable and herb starts are grown locally at our farm, based in Hubbard, Oregon, near Woodburn. We believe good food starts with good inputs, so all of our Garden Market plants are grown using sustainable practices, with organic soil and fertilizer. We’ve also transitioned to using biodegradable pots, which you can plant right into the ground, and tags which you can recycle after using them as variety markers in your garden.

We’re excited to be a part of the rising movement of “growing your own” and hope you come in and check out Al’s Garden Market vegetables and herbs. Whether you live on an acre or only have room for a few pots on your patio, you can still be a part of that movement, and grow fresh, great tasting food, too!

Plantable Pots Made From Coconut Fiber Good for the plant

• Plantable pot reduces the amount of transplant shock the plant experiences.

• Fibrous walls allow roots to grow through the pot quickly and easily.

• “Aerial Root Pruning” occurs as air contact with the pot stops roots from protruding until planted, allowing root buds and secondary roots to develop, forming a healthier, stronger root ball in the pot that’s ready to take off when planted.

• The coconut fiber has a natural re-wetting ability after drying for better water transport to the plant, an advantage over peat pots.

Good for the earth • Pots fully biodegrade 2-3 months after planting in the ground.

• Coconut fiber is a renewable resource. Palm trees produce a coconut a day with little energy input.

• Pots utilize the husks of the coconut which is the main waste product of coconut farms.

• Biodegradable pots help reduce the amount of plastic introduced into the environment. spring 2013| 5

New Varieties

Check out these new and exciting varieties we’ve added to our Al’s Garden Market line.

Basil Amethyst Classic sweet Italian taste combines with stunning

dark purple foliage to create a plant that’s a beautiful ornamental as well as a unique edible herb.

Beans Gold ‘N’ Green Mix A two-color mix of slender beans

that are crisp, sweet, and stringless on bush-type plants.

Cabbage Caraflex This easy to grow cabbage has a unique pointed shape and thin, crisp leaves that are great for eating fresh or making sauerkraut.

Cucumber Patio Snacker This cucumber is fast growing with

early fruit set and high yields, yet has a compact form that makes it great for containers or small spaces.

Pak Choi A dwarf variety of Chinese cabbage, similar to Bok Choi, with a sweet, mild flavor that can be used as a substitute for celery, cabbage, or kale in recipes.

Sweet Pepper Italian Pepperocini An Heirloom variety with long, tapered fruit that is best known as the classic pickled Italian pepper, but it’s also surprisingly sweet when allowed to ripen to a deep red and eaten fresh.

Hot Pepper Habanero Red The bright red lantern-shaped fruits on this pepper pack more heat than their orange cousins, yet have a milder aroma and a smooth, citrusy hint to their flavor.

Tomato Cherry Cascade A trailing variety of tomato with a compact habit and prolific clusters of sweet 1” fruit that is perfect for containers or hanging baskets.

Tomato Japanese Black Trifele An Heirloom variety with

unique pear shaped fruit that ripen to deep red, almost black at the base, with a complex and rich flavor.

Tomato San Marzano This Heirloom Roma-type tomato is

the classic Italian sauce tomato, with early and abundant bright red fruit.

No Space, No Problem!

You don’t need a lot of space, or even a yard, to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that you’ve grown yourself. Check out these varieties that are perfect for small spaces or containers.

Cucumber Bush Crop This compact plant has short vines, but large, dark green fruit (6-8” long) that are perfect for slicing and eating raw.

Cucumber Patio Snacker Compact, wellbranched vines make this prolific cucumber perfect for containers. Fruit can be harvested young and pickled, or left to grow and eaten fresh.

Eggplant Gretel /Eggplant Little Fingers Both of these varieties are compact plants that won’t take up much space, yet produce an abundance of smaller fruits per plant.

‘Gretel’ has teardrop shaped white fruit, while ‘Little Fingers’ is a slender Asian style variety.

Herbs Just about all of the herbs offered in the Garden Market Collection are well suited for growing in containers, both indoors and outdoors, so they make a great, easy way to get started with edible container gardening.

Lettuce Leaf-type lettuces are perfect for containers and can be harvested repeatedly for a continual supply of fresh greens.

Pepper Habanero Both the orange and red varieties are compact plants that are well suited for small spaces or containers, yet both produce an abundance of peppers for their small stature.

Pumpkin Small Sugar An Heirloom variety with compact vines that produce small, but incredibly sweet pumpkins that are perfect for making pie.

Tomato Cherry These short, stocky plants put their energy into producing abundant 1 oz. red tomatoes that ripen fast for frequent harvesting.

Tomato Patio The names says it all. The perfect tomato for containers, these fast growing, yet compact plants produce medium-sized red fruit.

Watermelon Sugar Baby With compact vines that save space in the garden, this Heirloom variety produces smaller melons that are 8-10” across, yet still have the sweet, red flesh and flavor of their much larger counterparts.

Want to grow your own fruits, Herbs & vegetables?

Join us Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at our three stores where the Master Gardeners can answer your questions about growing an edible garden. Get your garden off to a great start this spring.

Whether you have a big yard or a small balcony, growing your own fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables is simple!

Eat healthy, save money and get outdoors! For more information, turn to the Events section on page 20.

spring 2013| 7

10 Essential Veggies for the New Gardener

1. Basil Sweet Italian – This classic herb

packs a lot of flavor and grows well in your garden or in containers.

2. Beans – From start or seed, beans are reliable and very productive, yielding fresh crops as fast as you can pick them.

3. Cucumber Sweet Slice – This slicing

variety has dark green, tasty fruit, perfect for salads or a fresh snack.

4. Lettuce – The secret to a great salad is delicious, homegrown lettuce. Grow an assortment of varieties for different colors, textures, and flavors.

5. Peas Sugar Snap – Fast growing and cold

tolerant, this variety is a sweet treat with no shelling required.

No Food Lef t Behind Every year, millions of Americans grow more food in their gardens than they can possibly use.

One out of every six Americans needs food assistance, but can’t get fresh produce from their local food pantry.* Al’s Garden Center is teaming up with Ample Harvest, a national non-profit organization connecting gardeners with excess food in their plots to local food pantries.

Garden by garden, home and community gardeners and other growers are fighting hunger and malnutrition in America. Plant a few extra edibles this year and help those in need by dropping off your bags of surplus produce at any of our three stores.

Donations will be accepted July 1 – Sept. 30. See stores for specific details.

In Sherwood, donated produce will benefit Willowbrook Food Pantry.

6. Sweet Pepper Banana – Whether you

In Woodburn, donated produce will benefit Jubilee Food Pantry (jubileefoodpantry. wordpress.com).

7. Hot Pepper Jalapeño– Growing well in

In Gresham, donated produce will benefit SnowCap Community Charities (snowcap.org).

roast them, pickle them, or just eat them fresh, these peppers make a sweet addition to any meal. the Northwest, this versatile variety will keep you stocked with spicy peppers for all your cooking needs.

8. Tomato Early Girl – A great slicing tomato

(and one of Jack’s favorites) which starts producing fruit earlier than most varieties.

9. Tomato Sunsugar – Highly productive and

full of sweet flavor, this tomato will have you picking these bright orange cherry tomatoes daily.

10. Zucchini – Easy to grow and easy to pick,

a few of these plants in your garden will keep you stocked with fresh summer squash all season.

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Share your harvest and help someone in need.

To find out more about Ample Harvest, log onto AmpleHarvest.org *Source: AmpleHarvest.org

How to Grow a Tomato

Ask 10 different people how to plant a tomato and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. There are many ways to grow tomatoes, but when all is said and done, it really isn’t (and shouldn’t) be that complicated. Here’s what you need to know:

Tomatoes thrive in warm soil so planting at the beginning of May is ideal for our area.

Start with a sunny spot that has good soil that drains well. If necessary, mix some composted material into the dirt for more nutrition and better drainage.

Add one cup of garden lime and mix into the bottom of the hole you will be planting into. This helps the plant grow stronger and aids in minimizing blossom end rot.

Plant your tomato so the root ball is in the top six inches of soil, where it stays the warmest.

Tomatoes are not high maintenance when it comes to fertilizer. If using an organic granular feed, incorporate a scoop into the hole when planting. For liquid feeds, apply once every week or two, according to the package instructions.

Support your tomato plants using stakes or tomato cages to keep vines and fruit off the ground.

Stop watering your tomato plants around the beginning of July. By stressing the plant a bit, it will start putting its energy into fruit production rather than growth. This does not apply to tomatoes being grown in pots. They’ll still need some water, but you can cut down on the amount you give them.

Occasionally prune large leaves off your tomatoes to allow more air and light to reach the fruit. This will help the fruit grow and ripen.

Harvest the tomatoes when they pull away from the plants easily. Waiting too long might crack the fruit. To learn about growing tomatoes, attend our Totally Tasty Tomato class, see page 20 for more information. spring 2013| 9

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One of the first steps in establishing a new garden is determining what kind of soil you have. This is quite easy to do and knowing this information will be important to the success of whatever you grow.

By Terra Crampton, Al’s Expert

To test your soil: 1. Take a handful of soil from about six inches or deeper from the spot in your yard where you plan to build your garden.

2. Fill a clear pint-sized glass jar almost to the top with water, then add the soil. Shake the jar as vigorously as you can for about two minutes.

3. Put the jar in a sunny window and after about a minute you will notice that some of the largest soil particles have settled in the bottom of the jar. Mark that spot with a pen.

4. Wait a half-hour and you will see another horizontal line where medium size particles have settled. Mark that spot as well.

Photo courtesy of PreparednessMama.com

5. After a couple of days the rest of the water will have cleared and the remaining particles will be resting as the top layer of soil. Mark the level of these clay particles.

By looking at these layers you can approximate what percentage of your soil is sand (the bottom layer), silt (the middle layer) and clay (the top level). If all the soil levels are relatively equal, you are fortunate as that indicates you have very well-balanced soil, and probably all you will want to do is mix in some organic matter such as compost.

But, do not be surprised if the majority of soil in your jar is clay (the top layer) – which is typical of soils in this area. The good news is that clay is quite high in minerals and many other nutrients plants need. However, clay soil, because it is composed of the smallest size particles, packs together tightly and tends not to drain well.

Very few plants like to sit in water, so you will want to amend your clay soil with compost, soil builder, and/or aged manure to help it drain sufficiently. We recommend Al’s Premium Organic Compost or Northwest Soil Builder and Top Dressing to help loosen your soil.

Layer one or both of these products about 4-5 inches deep over the entire area you plan to amend; till this in using a shovel to about 12 inches deep.

It was once believed that adding sand to clay soil would help it drain but what you are really doing by adding sand to clay is – creating concrete! Think of the adobe houses in the Southwest that are made of sand and clay – they last for centuries.

You will seldom find that you have predominantly sandy soil in this area – unless you live on or near a river bed. But if you do find that the majority of your soil is sand (the bottom layer), know that you have great drainage but very few nutrients as they nutrients drain out with the moisture. Therefore, adding compost to sandy soils will help bind loose soil particles together, helping the soil retain both water and nutrients.

If you have any questions about your soil type or would like to know which plants are compatible with your soil type, drop by any of our three stores to ask our Al’s Plant Experts.

spring 2013| 11

Stylish Spaces From Classic To Contemporary, Create An Outdoor Living Area That Suits Your Budget And Lifestyle As the sun comes out and the weather warms, the lure of the outdoors becomes too tempting to resist.

Entertaining friends on the deck or relaxing in the yard, alone with a good book, we find our outdoor space becomes an extension of our indoor living space.

Creating a stylish, relaxing outdoor oasis for friends and family to enjoy time together can increase the appeal and value of your home. And whether you’re looking for a simple outdoor seating area or a larger space to entertain, Al’s offers many options for outdoor furniture.

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Sit above the rest with a balcony height patio set. Made in the U.S.A. by Meadowcraft, this wrought iron set boasts a 20-year limited structural warranty on the frame when properly maintained. (below)

The Barcelona Collection Ideal for classic or contemporary environments, the Barcelona Collection is made from cast aluminum in a premium bronze finish. Comfortable cushions covered in a fashionable blue and brown striped Sunbrella fabric and portable accent tables complete the seating pieces available in this collection. (top left) Enjoy an outdoor meal with friends with this dining set from the Barcelona Collection. Sturdy chairs and thick cushions in a Dupione walnut Sunbrella fabric provide comfortable seating for six. (top right) spring 2013| 13

The Hudson Collection Entertain in comfort, style and quality with the Hudson Collection. This wrought iron set comes in Kodiak Bronze, a durable powder coat finish ensuring the longevity of this collection. (above) For those who want quality for less, the Hudson dining set features comfortable swivel chairs, including Burleywood Sunbrella fabric cushions. This set offers sculptural design and unique styling at an affordable price. (below)

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Made in France, Fermob bistro sets stand out from the crowd, thanks to their unique designs and cheerful bright colors. (above) Outdoor cushions and pillows make the fun functional and can create an entire new look without the expense. (top right)

Buy More. Save More.

Save 20-40%!

Three piece bistro sets

20% OFF

Five piece dining or deep seating sets

30% OFF

Ten piece entire collection sets

40% OFF

The Lotus Bistro set in a shade finish, from Gensun Casual Living, is a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional floral furnishings. Inspired by modern stylized floral pattern, Lotus pairs down floral detailing to a clear, flowing design that stands apart in a “me too� marketplace. (above)

Umbrellas, pillow and cushions

20% OFF

Sale runs: April 11 - 30, 2013

MEET THE DESIGNER Do you want to spruce up your yard or garden, but don’t know where to begin?

Al’s professional landscape design services can help you save time and money and avoid costly mistakes.

Bloom sat down with Landscape Designer Michael Alvarado to talk about the services, his design philosophy and the latest landscaping trends.

Q: Do you need a big budget to get the most out of the landscape design service?

No, not at all. I tailor the service to each client’s needs and budget. I can work with any size yard or garden, with doit-yourself projects or professional installations.

Q: What is the onsite visit and why might someone need it?

The onsite visit is something that is new to Al’s. It’s really the full package. It gives me an opportunity to really getto-know the client, to see the space in person and then sit down together to talk about plans and options.

Q: What are some new landscape design trends?

People are definitely moving towards sustainability.

They’re also beginning to include edibles in their gardens, and not necessarily just in raised beds, they’re going into the design of the area.

Before

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We’re also seeing a trend leaning towards elegant, clean lines taken from Japanese landscape architecture. And permeable pavers -- where the water goes right through – are being used more and more in the design.

Q: What is your design philosophy?

Aesthetically – soft, modern elegance. I appreciate the cleanliness and rhythms of contemporary design, but I like to sand off some of the hard edges with softer elements and some intentional imperfections. Ideally, the goal is to create a design that is timeless, but considers time as an important factor in the overall landscape.

Q: Do you have any “free” advice you can offer?

Plan ahead. It’s important to get an idea for the overall concept before you start phasing the project. Landscape designers are the only designers that work with the dimension of time. Things are going to change from season-to-season and year-to-year, so planning is essential.

After

“How people interact with their landscape is inspiring to me. Our gardens are something we become invested in, with time, energy and love.”

Q: What is a quick, inexpensive way for someone to add curb appeal?

Add some bright flowers to your containers. I love the Always in Bloom inserts that we sell. Adding a few stone pavers will give you a high-end look.

Michael received a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Sustainable Environments from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He worked in the Bay area as a landscape designer before relocating to Portland last year.

To get more details or schedule an appointment with Michael, call 503-726-1162. Consultations are available by appointment only.

After your appointment is scheduled, a pre-consultation questionnaire will be emailed to you along with information regarding which type of photos and measurements are most helpful.

We ask that you return this questionnaire and other materials as soon as possible, but at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. *Please give at least 24 hours notification for cancellation of any appointments.

Before

After

spring 2013| 17

Dig In What to do in your garden this spring APRIL

MAY

Fertilize your lawn. Let the early spring rains carry the fertilizer into the soil.

Plant annual bedding plants for gorgeous color throughout the summer.

Bait for slugs. Apply slug bait around newly planted flowers and emerging perennials. Clean areas that harbor debris and make good hiding places for slugs, sowbugs and millipedes.

Trap moles and gophers as new mounds appear.

Allow foliage of spring-flowering bulbs to die down and brown before removing.

Control slugs with bait or traps and by removing vegetation near garden plots.

Prepare the garden soil for spring planting. Incorporate organic material and other amendments as needed.

Monitor broadleaf evergreens for root weevils. Look for notches chewed on new leaves.

Prune and shape spring-blooming shrubs and trees after the blossoms have faded.

Plant vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, pumpkins and sweet corn.

Control rose diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew. Remove infected leaves. Spray as necessary with a registered fungicide. It is a good idea to switch the fungicide from season to season so that the fungicide does not lose its effectiveness.

Plant cantaloupe on May 1st for harvesting in early August.

Cut and remove weeds near the garden areas to decrease the risk of plant disease viruses.

Plant annual bedding plants and hanging baskets.

Plant gladioli, lilies, begonias and other summerblooming bulbs, if weather and soil conditions permit.

Fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas, remove spent blossoms.

Fertilize roses and control rose diseases such as mildew with a registered fungicide.

JUNE

Cover transplants to protect against late spring frosts.

Learn to identify beneficial insects, and plant some insectory plants (alyssum, coriander, candytuft, sunflower, yarrow and dill) to attract them to your garden.

Start planting your vegetable garden. Plant cabbage, lettuce, broccoli and other cole crop vegetables. It is also the right time to plant strawberries.

Remove seed pods after blooms have dropped from rhododendrons and azaleas

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prepare

cut

PLANT

fertilize

PICK

weed WATER

PRUNE Start! harvest Construct trellises for tomatoes, cucumbers, pole beans and vining ornamentals.

Control aphids on vegetables as needed by hosing off with water or using insecticidal soap or a registered insecticide.

Plant vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, pumpkins and sweet corn.

Prune lilacs, forsythia, rhododendrons, and azaleas after blooming.

Pick ripe strawberries regularly to avoid fruit-rotting diseases.

Harvest thinnings from new plantings of lettuce, onion, and chard.

Apply fertilizer to lawns.

Control weeds by pulling, hoeing or mulching.

Move houseplants outside for cleaning, grooming, repotting and summer growth.

Make sure raised beds receive enough water for plants to stay free of drought stress.

Use organic mulches to conserve soil moisture. An inch or two of sawdust, barkdust, or composted leaves will minimize loss of water through evaporation.

JULY Early morning is the best time to water vegetable and lower garden to reduce evaporation. Water deeply and infrequently.

Watch for budworm damage in July. A sign of a budworm is damaged foliage and the disappearance of blooms on petunias and geraniums.

Hanging baskets of flowers or vegetable plantings need careful attention to watering and feeding during extended periods of hot weather.

Midsummer plantings of beets, bush beans, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and lettuce will provide fall and winter crops.

Cover blueberry bushes with netting to keep birds fro eating all the crop.

Stake tomatoes, watch for blight (prune for air circulation, pick off affected leaves, treat with approved fungicide.)

Stop fertilizing tomatoes by July 1st and water only as needed in order to push fruit production.

If a green lawn is desired, make sure lawn areas receive adequate water. Deep watering less often is more effective than frequent shallow watering.

Weed and fertilize rhubarb and asparagus beds, water deeply to develop crowns for next year. A mulch of compost or rotted cow manure works well.

Mound soil up around the base of potatoes, gather and eat a few “new� potatoes from each hill.

GROW!

spring 2013| 19

Spring Events April Al’s Kids Club:Grow a Rainbow Garden

Saturday, April 6th, 2013 Special Date & Time: W S G at 9:30am Planting seeds and watching them sprout into your favorite fruits and vegetables is a valuable and fun experience. Join us to plant seeds that will grow into a rainbow of fresh vegetables!

Registration is required. Register online at www.als-gardencenter.com or call the store you would like to attend.

The Basket Buffet & Benefit April 12th - April 14th W S G 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Slide your basket down the “buffet” and choose from a selection of specially grown annuals to create your hanging basket. Al’s experts will help you plant your baskets and the soil and fertilizer is supplied by Al’s. $2.00 of every basket you plant goes to a local charity, SnowCap, the Silverton Health Foundation, or the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Pots, hangers, soil, and fertilizer are included in the price, along with a specified number of plants for the 10 inch and for the 12 inch basket. $11.99 for 10 inch hanging basket $15.99 for 12 inch hanging basket Totally Tasty Tomatoes!

April 18th W S G 5:30 pm There is nothing quite as delicious as a homegrown tomato. Growing them is relatively easy – given a few basic requirements. Learn how to grow the best tomatoes either in containers or in-ground in this halfhour informative class! Al’s experts at each location.

Grow Your Own Edibles Garden April 20th in Sherwood s 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Ask the Master Gardeners

Drop by the Master Gardeners table and ask any questions you have about growing fruits or vegetables in your garden. Grow a garden this spring with the help of the Master Gardeners.

S 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Edibles in the Landscape

Drop by the table and see great choices for plants in the landscape that also provide delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

S 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Edibles in Containers

Many edibles look great in containers. Drop by the container bench and see some great ideas for including berries, veggies and herbs in containers. You don’t need a huge yard to grow a great “home grown” meal.

Grow your own edibles Garden April 20th In Woodburn & Gresham W G 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Ask the Master Gardeners

Drop by the Master Gardeners table and ask any questions you have about growing fruits or vegetables in your garden. Grow a garden this spring with the help of the Master Gardeners.

May Al’s Kids Club: Flower PowerMother’s Day Flower Pot Saturday, May 4th

W S G at 9:30 am Every Mother loves flowers, especially when they are planted with love from her child. Learn more about annuals and plant a colorful pot of flowers in celebration of Mother’s Day! Registration is required. Register online at www.alsgardencenter.com or call the store you would like to attend. $5 per child

June Al’s Kids Club/ Barbeque Bonanza: Plant a BBQ Pot for Dad W June 1st 11:00 am S June 8th 11:00 am G June 15th 11:00 am

School’s almost out and the weather is getting warmer. The barbeque is getting heated up for summer season and we have the perfect gift for Father’s Day. Plant a barbeque planter with fresh vegetables and rosemary for flavor and skewer sticks!

Registration is required. Register online at www.alsgardencenter.com or call the store you would like to attend. $5 per child

The Plants You Don’t Want: Weeds June 8th W 10:00 am S 1:00 pm G 1:00 pm

In the Pacific Northwest we are fortunate to have superb conditions in which to grow beautiful berries, trees, flowers, and vegetables. However, those same conditions also support a plethora of weeds. Come learn about the most prevalent weeds such as chickweed, pigweed, bindweed etc.

Al’s Expert at each location.

July Al’s Kids Club: Hooked on Hummingbirds W July 6th 11:00 am S July 13th 11:00 am G JULY 20th 11:00 am Invite the dynamos of the bird world into your backyard! Their spectacular beauty, fearless nature and astonishing powers of flight captivate our attention and make hummingbirds among the most loved birds. In this class, learn more about this amazing little bird and how to attract it to your yard.

Registration is required. Register online at www.als-gardencenter.com or call the store you would like to attend. $5 per child What to do in Your Garden in July G S 10:00 am July 20 W 1:00 pm July 20

This is the month to pay close attention to your vegetables as well as all of your hanging baskets. It is also a good time to dig spring blooming bulbs if their tops have died back. Come to this one-hour class to learn how to help your garden survive the ‘dog days of summer’. Al’s experts at each location.

Al’s Garden Center Locations: S Sherwood: 16920 SW Roy Rogers Road W Woodburn: 1220 N. Pacific Highway G Gresham: 7505 SE Hogan Road Registration is not required, and the even is gree and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

"Change In The Weather" ONE OF OUR 2013 NEW RELEASES

For three generations, spanning 88 years, our family has brought you breath-taking Iris for your garden.

Join us for our annual BLOOM SEASON OPEN GARDENS! Enjoy the beauty of our display gardens May 10 - June 9, 2013 Wine, food, music & more!

Rain or shine, gardens are FREE and open to the public Learn more or order online at: www.SchreinersGardens.com 3625 Quinaby Rd NE Salem, OR 97303

(503) 393-3232

spring 2013| 21

Colored Sand Add a splash of color with the hottest hues in sand and polished glass from Essential Gardens.

Perfect for terrariums and miniature gardens. For a unique look, layer different colors of sand to create a “sand art” statement, then add tiny succulents and polished rocks. Get creative with our broad assortment of products in vibrant colors! $7.99 - $13.99

Dig It!

cool products for great gardening

“Simply” Mud Glove Made from high quality long-lasting nitrile coated nylon, the Simply Mud glove is soft, yet durable. A breathable nylon liner keeps hands cool, while the micro-finish coating offers an exceptional grip and keeps hand dry. The form-fitting beaded cuffs lock out dirt and debris to keep hands clean. Perfect for hot summer chores both big and small. Assorted colors. $9.99 a pair.

Gronomics Raised Bed

Urban Farmer Plant a Bag

Excellent for patios, balconies and small spaces, this modular raised garden bed snaps together in a matter of minutes. No tools required! Made from 100% Western Red Cedar, this two-level raised bed is expandable and stackable for any garden, no matter how small or large. Measures 4 ft. by 4 ft. x 13 in., $109.99, as shown. Buy More, Save More! See stores for details.

Growing fresh herbs has never been so simple! Urban Framer’s Plant a Bag comes with everything you need to get started. No pot needed, just add water! Perfect for a kitchen windowsill or any sunny location. Select from Italian basil, chives, cilantro or dill. Makes a great gift for a gardener, cook, or anyone who loves fresh herbs. $12.99, each. Save $5.00 with coupon on next page.

22 | als-gardencenter.com

Beautiful color, year after year!

Select 1-gallon

Perennials

25% off April 11 - 30, 2013 See store for varieties

Selection varies by store While supplies last

Buy 3 - Get 3 Free!

Coupon good on all 4” Al’s Garden Market herbs and vegetables. Free items must be of equal or lesser value. Valid: April 8 - 30, 2013

Only $5! One Perennial Coupon applies to 1-gallon perennials only.

Regular price $9.99 Valid: May 1 - 15, 2013

bloom

bloom

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per customer. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per customer.

Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

$5 OFF Urban Farmer Plant in a Bag Regular price $12.99 Valid: April 8 - 30, 2013

25% OFF your 1st yard of Al’s Premium 3-Way Mix with Top Soil Now available for pick up in Gresham. Local delivery available in Sherwood and Woodburn Valid: May 1 - 31, 2013

bloom

bloom

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Coupon not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per customer.

Excludes special orders. Not valid on previous purchases.

spring 2013| 23

Heuchera

By Judy Alleruzzo Al’s Perennial Buyer

Coral Bells ‘Little Cuties’ ™ If you’re like me, you love the wide assortment of Coral Bells available to plant in gardens and containers. In every season, you can find Coral Bells in every color of the rainbow. They have become an integral evergreen color spot for our gardening choices.

The plant breeders at Terra Nova Nurseries in Canby, Oregon have come up with one more series of Coral Bells to tickle our fancy this gardening season. Heuchera ‘Little Cuties’™ Series are unique in their compact habit and long bloom time. They are the perfect combination plant with summer flowers for your patio or landscape. Later in the season, the summer flowers will fade but ‘Little Cuties’™ will shine on with your fall creations.

A.

This season, Al’s will be featuring four ‘Little Cuties’™ that will be beautiful additions to your containers or garden beds.

They can even be given as a houseplant gift and later planted outdoors.

‘Little Cuties’ ™ like evenly moist, well drained soil especially in full sun and are hardy to -30° F. A. ‘Blondie’ ‘Little Cuties’ ™ Coral Bells • Caramel colored evergreen foliage • Creamy yellow flowers from May to October • Sun or shade • Ht 5 inches

B.

B. ‘Sweet Tart’ ‘Little Cuties’ ™ Coral Bells • Chartreuse-lime evergreen foliage • 2-tone cerise & hot pink flowers from May to October • Shade or morning sun/afternoon shade • Ht 6 inches C. ‘Coco’ ‘Little Cuties’ ™ Coral Bells • Dark chocolate evergreen foliage • Pink flowers from May to October • Sun or morning sun/afternoon shade • Ht 6 inches

C.

D. ‘Sugar Berry’ ‘Little Cuties’ ™ Coral Bell • Violet-purple evergreen foliage with dark veins • Pale pink flowers from May to October • Sun or morning sun/afternoon shade • Ht 6 inches 24 | als-gardencenter.com

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Not Your Grandmother’s Geraniu m There’s a new type of Geranium out there that just may change the way you think about them.

No longer fussy or high-maintenance, these hybrid types are a cross between a Zonal Geranium and an Ivy Geranium and bring the best of both worlds to the table.

Calliope® Series

Caliente® Series

• Large, semi-double flowers that bloom all summer long.

• Heat loving and drought tolerant plants will bloom all summer long.

• Will flower under full sun or part shade conditions.

• Large, single blooms are self-cleaning, which means no deadheading.

• Once established, they’re both drought tolerant and heat loving, so there’s less maintenance during the • Excellent branching makes them ideal for baskets summer. and containers, but their low maintenance and long bloom time makes them a great landscape plant too!

• Ivy geranium blood means they have superior branching over other Zonal Geraniums, making them perfect for baskets, containers, or in the landscape.

• Earned over 50 trial and garden performance awards since they were developed in 2005.

• Dark Red has been voted the best red geranium on the market and has won over 15 garden performance • Available in 4 bright, vivid colors: Coral, Dark trial award.

Rose, Fire, and Lavender.

• New! Hot Pink

spring 2013| 25

Gardening Made Easy

5 – 6 weeks throughout the growing season until the first hard frost. Also, they are one of the most disease resistant roses on the market and are extremely resistant to black spot – the bane of a rose grower’s existence.

Knock Outs™ are shrubs that self deadhead – which means they are easily maintained and you won’t have to be in the yard all summer with your pruners and rose gloves snipping off spent blooms. If left unpruned, they will only grow to about 3’-4’ high by 3’-4’ wide. However, they do appreciate a once-a-year trim in early spring (after the last hard frost) to about 12”18” above the ground for best performance. Their dark green foliage will turn a beautiful burgundy in the fall.

One of the best performing Knock Out™ roses is the red Radtko Knock Out™ rose. It looks similar to a classic romantic red rose – without the work! It is also more shade tolerant than most roses. Another wonderful selection is the bright bubble gum pink rose called Radtkopink. This bright pink rose is one of the most drought tolerant Knock Outs™.

Knock Out Roses ™

by Terra Crampton, Al’s Expert

Try planting these great rose selections among other shrubs, annuals or perennials in mixed beds and use them in borders for an eye-catching combination.

You can also plant them as a grouping of three to five shrubs. They also look great as a foundation planting around a structure to make a colorful statement that will attract the attention of everyone walking by!

Knock Out™ roses definitely deserve their name as It is hard to imagine a garden in the Portland area without a rose. We are, they will impress (knock you out) for years to come! afterall, the Rose City. Roses are entwined into our local culture such that we have festivals in their honor, public gardens dedicated to their growth and propagation, and entire nurseries that research, breed and sell thousands of roses every year.

Many of us are familiar with the shrubby grandiflora roses, the elegant hybrid teas roses, miniature roses, tree roses, and climbing roses, etc. But often overlooked are Knock Out™ roses and they really deserve the attention of those of us who want the beauty of roses without all of the work.

Knock Out™ roses were developed by one man, William Radler, who has dedicated his entire life to developing this flowering rose shrub. It is said he has single-handedly brought rose genetics from the 19th century into the 21st century. His roses have broken all records for sales of a new rose and they have won multiple national awards.

Such accolades are well-deserved as the Knock Out™ line of roses is tremendously easy to grow. They are exceptionally hardy (generally to -20F), and all of them are generous bloomers. They usually bloom every 26 | als-gardencenter.com

Celebrating Succulents

By Judy Alleruzo

Hens & Chicks

What started as a trend a few years ago has become a mainstay in garden and container design. The term, succulents, encompasses many different types of plants that all have similar care. Tough plants like Sedums, Ice Plants and Hens & Chicks love hot, sunny sites with well-drained soil and not too much summer irrigation. They actually love drought-like conditions once they are planted in the garden for one year. In a container, you will need to water more often as it has a smaller volume of soil.

Groups of these plants can create a mosaic of color and texture in any garden or container. Sedums can be found with foliage colors from chocolate brown to iridescent chartreuse and many colors in between. Hens and Chicks can have Hens as large as 5 inches across with the Chicks adding several more inches. Ice Plants have had a Renaissance of late with an astounding array of flower colors instead of the pink or yellow of the past.

Sedum ‘Angelina’

By choosing just a few to plant together, you can have an easy care masterpiece of colorful plants for your garden or patio container.

Tropical Succulents Tropical succulents have evolved into a unique genre for seasonal containers for the Northwest gardener. Think of Aloes and Jade plants and then stand back to be wowed.

Plant species that have been collector’s gems for decades are now readily available for all to enjoy!

Tropical Agaves, Echevarias and Haworthias have been brought to the forefront of summer container gardening.

Don’t let the plant names scare you! These plants have unique shapes and textures and the best part is they require little care.

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Ice Plant ‘Jewel of Desert’

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Planting Tips for Hardy and Tropical Succulent Containers

• Use cactus mix of soil • Bright light to full sun • Don’t over water plants in summer

Plant in bright light to full sun and let the well-drained soil dry out a bit between waterings.

Add an interesting rock or piece of driftwood and your container is complete.

Assorted Tropical Succulents are available in Al’s Houseplant Departments. spring 2013| 27

Exploring the Garden Handmade Projects for Kids Spring is in the air and this is the perfect time to start some seeds indoors or take on a fun spring project. My kids are always looking for something to do on a rainy spring day. Below are some fun projects to jump-start their gardening interests and tide them over until the weather warms up enough to plant outdoors.

By Amy Bigej, Director of Education & 3rd Generation Al’s Family Member

Create a Mini Greenhouse Garden If spring is still feeling out of reach, grow some early sprouts with a Mini-Greenhouse Garden. Our recycled version of a real outdoor greenhouse works in a similar way to help seeds sprout quickly.

Supplies Needed Clear 2-liter Soda Bottle Small Flowerpot and Saucer Seedling Mix Potting Soil Seeds (herbs are a great option) Craft Stick Marker

Project Steps 1. Empty and wash out a 2-liter Soda bottle. Cut off the top of the bottle (parental supervision needed).

2. Fill a 2-3” flowerpot with seedling mix and then plant the seeds according to the packet directions.

3. Place the pot on a saucer and then stick a plant marker with the seed name in the pot. Place your mini greenhouse dome over the pot. Don’t forget to water the soil when it looks dry.

Enjoy watching your seeds quickly sprout.

28 | als-gardencenter.com

Colorful Garden Markers This simple project makes a great gift or accent to your planted pots or garden. Your kids will be thrilled to mold the clay into works of art.

Supplies Needed 1 multi-color package of Sculpey III nontoxic polymer clay Jar or cup with a smooth, flat bottom (for pressing) Leaves and twigs with distinctive patterns (we used thyme, rosemary & ferns) Medium-size clear adhesive glue dots Wooden craft sticks Project Steps 1. Divide a 2-ounce colored clay block in half. Soften the clay by kneading it and warming it in your hands. After it is softened, roll it into a ball.

2. Use a jar or cup to flatten each clay ball to about a Âź inch thickness. Set a leaf or an herb stem in the center of each clay disk and then gently press down again to make an impression.

Carefully peel off the plant to reveal the impression. If necessary, press again or flip the disk over and try on the other side.

3. Bake the disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes in a 275 degree oven (double check the baking guidelines for the clay product that you buy). Do not over bake! Remove the sheet from the oven and allow the markers to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Use 2-3 glue dots to attach a craft stick to the back of each marker.

4. Stick your plant markers in a small container garden for a pretty pop of color or tie them together with ribbon and give as a gift with a small pot and a packet of seeds. spring 2013| 29

1.

Spring Fashion Report

2.

3.

Spring into the season in chic resort wear, fun jewelry, bright flip-flops and other top trends from Al’s.

1. Colorful ceramic and bead necklace from Caffco, $34 Matching bracelet, $ 14 Matching earrings, $14 2. Split-side long sleeve shirt from Icantoo, $68 3. Matching ruffle row tank, $48

4.

4. Matching Capri roll-up cargo pant, $68 5.

6.

5. VaVa Bloom On-the-Go bag from Vera Bradley, $70 6. Lulu Switchflop in bright yellow from Lindsay Phillips, $35

30 | als-gardencenter.com

NE W!

Breakfast at Al’s

Enhance your family breakfast with a gourmet start to the day that will please everyone at the table!

Butter Toffee Chip Scone Mix 17oz, $10

Wild Blueberry Scone Mix 17oz, $10

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Miffin Mix 26oz, $12

Peach Mango Ginger Fruit Spread 10oz, $8

Strawberry Lime Basil Fruit Spread 10oz, $8

Wild Blueberry & Meyer Lemon Pancake & Waffle Mix 16oz, $10

Maple Praline Syrup 8oz, $8.50

Organic Kona Blend Gourmet Coffee $ 12oz, 9.50 spring 2013| 31

16920 SW Roy Rogers Road Sherwood, OR 97140 1220 N. Pacific Highway Woodburn, OR 97071 7505 SE Hogan Road Gresham, OR 97080 als-gardencenter.com

SALE $

1.99

1-gallon

tomatoes April 11 - 14 While supplies last

Not valid on previous purchases Limit 7 per customer