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APRIL 2009Serving You Since 1955

981 Alden Lane, Livermore, CA • www.aldenlane.com • (925) 447-0280

  Announcements•­ Watch the Valley Gardener on­

CTV30­for­great­gardening­tips­with­host­Jacquie­Williams-­Courtright­at­7:30­am­and­1:30­p.m.­Monday­-­­Friday;­­repeated­on­Saturday­at­7:30­am,­­11­a.m.­and­4­p.m.­&­Sunday­at­­7:30­am.,­11­am,­1­pm­and­4­pm.

•­ Bonsai Club­meetings­on­the­3rd­­Saturday­of­each­month­at­1­pm­at­­Alden­Lane­Nursery.­Come­one,­come­all!­

•­ The­Livermore Valley Garden Club­will­meet­on­Thursday,­April­9th­at­­7­p.m.­at­the­Alisal­School­Multipurpose­room,­1454­Santa­Rita­Rd.­Pleasanton.­­Garden­writer­and­photographer­Bill­Grant­will­speak­on­Tea­Roses­for­California.­For­more­information­call­Sally­at­417-­8809.­­Don’t­miss­the­club’s­­Annual Plant Sale on Sat., April 19th,­9-­noon­at­Pleasanton’s­Amador­Valley­High­School­Parking­lot­on­Santa­Rita­Road.

•­ Mt. Diablo Rose Society­meets­the­second­Wednesday­of­the­month,­­7:30­p.m.­at­the­Dublin­Library,­200­Civic­Plaza,­Dublin.­Call­for­details­­829-­4929.­

•­ Bay-Friendly Garden Tour,­Sunday,­April­26,­2009,­10­a.m.­to­4­p.m.­Online­registration­for­the­6th­Annual­Bay-­Friendly­Garden­Tour­is­now­live­at­www.BayFriendly.org.­There’s­a­whole­new­set­of­gardens­to­see­with­clusters­in­Pleasanton,­Livermore,­Alameda,­Oakland­and­Berkeley.­Sign­up­now­to­reserve­your­space!­

•­ Bringing Back the Natives Tour,­­Sunday,­May­3rd­10­a.m.­-­­5­p.m.­Free­self­guided­tour­of­60­East­Bay­Gardens.­Visit­www.bringingbackthenatives.net­for­more­information.

•­ Hidden Gardens of the Valley Garden Tour­(benefitting­the­Valley­Humane­Society),­Sunday,­May­17­from­10­a.m.­–­4­p.m.­Tickets­are­$35­and­can­be­purchased­from­Alden­Lane­Nursery­or­online­at­www.valleyhumane.org­.­­For­more­information­call­925-­918-­0799.

April Backyard Fruit

Enthusiast Class

Saturday, April 18th, 11:00 - Noon

Join Josh­for­this­informative­class.­Learn­about­“Fruit­Salad”­and­other­multigrafted­trees­and­the­importance­of­fruit­thinning.­Class­fee­is­$5.00­and bring a

friend for FREE.­Call­ahead­to­reserve­your­seat.

Designing with Edibles in the Landscape

Saturday, April 25th, 11:30 - 12:30, FREEPatricia Wagner, Certified Garden Designer,­will­talk­

about­incorporating­vegetables,­fruit­trees­in­your­garden’s­­design.­She­will­show­pictures,­provide­illustrations­and­share­innovations­in­containers­and­provide­many­other­creative­­‘garden­ideas’.­Have­your­garden­look­great­and­give­you­food­too!­­Call­ahead­to­reserve­a­seat­in­this­free­class.­

Extreme Gardening: The Secrets of Growing a 500 pound Pumpkin Workshop

Saturday, April 25th, 2:00-3:00, FREELearn­from­the­master,­Stuart Shim,­the­Giant Pumpkin

Kahuna.­You’ll­learn­to­grow­a­very­large­vegetable­by­attending­this­FREE,­fun,­interesting­and­educational­workshop.­One­packet­of­‘Atlantic­Giant’­giant­pumpkin­seeds­(retail­$6.00)­will­­ ­ be­given away free to­all­attendees.­Call­ahead­to­reserve­­ a­seat!

Spring roSe ShowSMark­Your­Calendar­for­Upcoming­Rose­Shows.­They­are­easy­to­exhibit­in­and­easier­to­attend.­Plan­on­attending­these­two.

Mt. Diablo Rose Society Spring Rose ShowSaturday, May 2ndDublin­Senior­Center,­7600­Amador­Valley­Blvd.,­Dublin.­Novice­public­entries­welcome­between­7:00­and­­9:00­a.m.­Enjoy­the­show­from­1:00­to­4:00­p.m.

The 69th Annual Pleasanton Public Rose ShowSponsored­by­Alain­Pinel,­City­of­Pleasanton­and­­Alden­Lane­Nursery.Saturday, May 9th­at­the­Pleasanton­Library400­Old­Bernal­Avenue,­Pleasanton,­CA­94566You­can­enter­cut­flowers­from­7:30­–­10:00­a.m.Judging:­10:00­a.m.­to­12:30­p.m.Show­hours:­Saturday,­1:00­to­5:00­p.m.­­Award­Ceremony­Saturday­at­1:30­p.m.All­backyard­novice­entries­are­welcome.­For­more­information­visit­www.pleasantonroseshow.com­

rose Spray programThe­program,­combines­disease­and­pest­control­with­fertilizer.­

The­following­are­the­ingredients­to­make­up­the­basic­spray­and­the­amount­of­each­to­be­combined­and­added­to­one­gallon­of­water.

Ortho­Othenex­ 2­tablespoonsMAXSEA­­16-­16-­16­ 1­tablespoonGromore­Seaweed­Extract­ 4­tablespoonsVinegar­ 1­tablespoon

The­first­spray­should­be­made­at­the­moment­disease­is­first­noticeable,­then­as­needed­thereafter.­For­maximum­protection­and­feeding,­you­can­spray­every­10­days­through­the­spring­growing­season.­Read­and­follow­Pesticide­labels.­

Remember never spray or feed a thirsty plant.­Always­water­your­plants­well­the­day­before.­It’s­important­to­avoid­the­heat­of­the­day­when­­treating­and­take­care­with­your­dilutions­(don’t­overdose)!

Tasty Tomatoes For Your Summer Salads!

Vegetable gardens Start This Month!Feeling­adventurous?­Ready­to­try­some­new­tomato­varieties­this­year?­We­have­them!­

Check­out­this­list­of­varieties­and­sizes.­We­know­there’s­something­to­fit­your­taste­and­­gardening­needs.­Prepare­your­soil­with­our­Recipe­for­Good­Garden­Soil.­If­you­want­to­plant­your­tomatoes­in­containers­we’ll­help­you­select­just­the­right­varieties.­April­is­a­great­month­to­start­planting­your­vegetable­garden.­We­have­seeds,­seedlings­and­four­inch­plants­to­help­get­you­going.­Once­the­danger­of­frost­has­passed­you­can­set­out­tomatoes,­eggplant­and­­pepper­starts.­As­temperatures­warm­plant­watermelon,­cucumbers,­pumpkins,­beans,­and­more.­Melons,­cucumbers,­basil­are­the­most­cold­sensitive.­We­have­a­great­selection­of­tomato­cages,­pet­safe­organic­snail­and­bug­baits,­vegetable­fertilizer­along­with­tips­for­good­growing.­Stop­by­and­see­us­soon!

Join Us on Mother's Day weekendSaturday, May 9th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Meet­the­author­of­the­Holm Family Cookbook,­take­

home­a­signed­copy­and­sample­a­delicious­

recipe­taste­treat.Cost­is­$35.00­plus­tax.­Call­ahead­to­

­register­and­prepay.

Tomato Varieties•­ Cherry Size: Currant,­Green­Grape,­

Isis­Candy,­Red­Grape,­Red­Pear,­Snow­White,­Suncherry,­Sun­Gold,­Sweet­Olive,­Thai­Pink.­

•­ Small to Medium:­Amish­Paste,­Black­Prince,Garden­Peach,­Green­Zebra,­Heatwave,­Italian­Gold,­Juliet,­Mt.­Gold,­Pink­Ping­Pong,­Speckled­Roman,­Yellow­Stuffer

•­ Large:­Abraham­Lincoln,­Big­Pick,­Black­Krim,­Cherokee­Purple,­Delicious­Golden,­Granny­Smith,­Great­White,­Jumbo,­Mr.­Stripey,­Sausage

•­ Extra Large:­Big­Rainbow,­Brandywine,­Yellow­Brandywine,­Dinner­Plate,­Prudens­Purple,­Watermelon,­Hillbilly

Notes for April Gardeninge

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Hailey's Comments

Looking for planting directions?­Check­out­our­new­ planting­ instructions­ on­ our­ web­ site­ (www.aldenlane.com).­The­new­planting­ instructions­are­simple,­easy­to­follow­and­well­illustrated.­

Now­is­the­time­to­hang­Yellow Jacket Traps.­Early­spring­is­the­time­to­capture­the­colony’s­queens­thus­exponentially­reducing­the­yellow­jackets­in­the­area­later­in­the­year.­

Make­sure­to­fertilize all your plants­to­support­and­nurture­all­the­beautiful­spring­growth.­Drop­in­for­just­the­right­suggestion.

Protect­ new­ plantings­ from­ slugs­ and­ snails­ with­pet­safe­Sluggo­or­Master Snail, Slug & Insect Control.

Grub­control­for­lawn.­Now­is­the­time­to­apply­Bayer Advance Lawn Grub Control­for­a­full­season­of­protection.­Avoid­the­dead­patches­typical­with­grub­infestations.­Apply­this­product­now.­

Control­broadleaf­weeds­ in­ the­ lawn­with­Master Green Weed and Feed;­ it­ fertilizes­ while­ it­weeds.­

The­ toughest­ broadleaf­ lawn­ weeds­ are­ easily­­controlled­at­this­time­by­spraying­with­Monterey Spurge Power.

Raise­the­height­of­your­lawnmower­to­2½"­-­­3"­­for­the­summer.­Taller­grass­survives­hot­temperatures­better­and­helps­shade­out­weed­invaders.­

Alden­ Lane­ Nursery­ has­ a­ wide selection of bedding plants­for­summer­color.­Choose­favorites­like­ cosmos,­ impatiens,­ petunias,­ marigolds,­ and­­zinnias.­ You­ can­ also­ plant­ tomatoes,­ eggplant,­­peppers­and­zucchini­this­month.­Plant­this­month­and­reap­the­reward­of­bountiful­produce­through­the­summer­and­lots­of­fresh­flowers­for­your­home.­

Oxalis­(yellow­flowered­clover­look­alike)­can­now­be­controlled­(amazingly)­in­most­lawns­with­Monterey Turflon Ester­or­Spurge Power.

The­warm­weather­has­also­brought­out­the­aphids.­Check­the­tender­new­growth­on­roses,­ornamentals,­fruit­ trees­ and­ vegetables.­ Hose­ them­ off­ with­ a­stream­of­water.­Control­out­of­hand­populations­with­Ladybugs­or­Pest Fighter Oil.

Kid’s Club Activities

Stepping Stone ClassSaturday, April 25th Cost is: $20. Time: 10:30 a.m.

Come­decorate­a­stepping-­stone­for­Mom­or­that­special­someone!­It­will­be­something­to­cherish­for­years­to­come.­A­stepping­stone­decorated­by­a­child­with­little­pieces­or­­memorabilia­and­a­hand­print­will­capture­a­moment­in­stone­to­be­enjoyed­more­and­more­with­the­passage­of­time.­

We­make­the­mess,­your­kids­get­to­be­as­creative­as­they­wish,­and­we­clean­it­up.­We­will­have­9x9­stones­poured­and­ready­to­decorate.­Bring­your­own­­decorations,­or­use­our­collection­of­stones,­beach­glass­and­pottery­for­“Kids”­of­all­ages.­Call­ahead­to­register­and­pre-­pay.

As official “Watch Dog” for the 2009 spring, the season has officially made its mark at the Alden Lane Nursery. Allow me to introduce my self. I am Hailey, the resident canine of Livermore’s premier garden center. Master Andrea, accessory buyer, is putting out the red carpet for the original, royal line of chicks and colored eggs displayed in Easter baskets and out. Unique, distinctive Orchid baskets can be preordered with Sue, our Pure Bred Orchid Officinal.

Landscaping with dogs, without giving up the quest for a beautiful yard, entails making concessions to our canines’ natural instincts. If a fence surrounds your property, avoid growing plants in the area immediately adjacent to the fence. We dogs are territorial, and our favorite path in a fenced-in yard is along the fence. Unsightly “dog runs” are the result of our genetic, predictable behavior. Rather than fighting it, install stone walkways over existing dog paths. Now we are both content. We have our path, and you have a Blue Ribbon show yard.

Training classes are offered this month to you and your gardening mates on how to be a Natural Edible Gardener. Pat Wagner, landscape designer, will inspire and­provide­tips­on­having­a­successful­garden­this­year.

Paws­for­Reflection:­When out for a walk, alternate between choking and coughing every time a strange human walks by.

­(Mind­Games­Dogs­Play­with­Humans)

Don’t Forget! Moss Basket Workshop, Saturday,­April­18th,­1:00­p.m.Brian­will­teach­this­fun­class.­Come­and­join­in.­

Create­a­beautiful­14"­moss­basket­brimming­with­gorgeous­annuals­for­sun­and­shade.­Cost­is­$48­per­participant­plus­tax.­This­class­will­fill­up­fast,­so­call­today­to­prepay­and­reserve­your­spot­–­(925)­447-­0280.

Containers and Pots Galore!

Just­In!­­Fresh­off­the­ship,­we­have­many­new­pots­in.­­If­you­love­it,­buy­it!­­Many­of­these­beautiful­pots­are­of­limited­availability­and­we­can’t­get­more.­Luscious­reds,­warm­browns,­brilliant­blues,­and­ocean­turquoises­are­in­stock­now!!­­

Orchids 101Need a refresher

course on refreshing your orchids?­Join­us­every­second­Saturday­of­the­month­at­11:00­am­for­Orchids­101.­­The­cost­is­$10­and­bring­a­friend­for­free!­­

Sue­will­cover­all­the­basics­at­this­one­and­a­half­hour­“Boot­Camp”­to­Orchid­Success.­­Our­next­class­is­April­11th­at­11­am­­and­if­you­can’t­make­that­one,­we­have­another­scheduled­for­May­9th­at­11:00­am.

Celebrate­Mother’s­Day­by­giving­this­class­to­your­mom­and­give­the­gift­of­your­presence­too!­­Sign­up­with­our­cashiers­today!­Call­925-­447-­0280.

Around the Nursery

Administrative Professional Day is Coming!Don’t­Forget­Administrative­Professional­Day­on­April­22nd­.­Remember­to­

say­thanks­to­the­person­who­makes­you­look­good­all­year­round!­The­nursery­is­filled­with­wonderful­gift­ideas­or­consider­the­ever­appreciated­Alden­Lane­Gift­card.

Concrete Leaf Classes!

Sunday, April 19th at 11:00Make­your­own­garden­art­using­

real­leaves.­It­is­a­very­fun­project,­and­we­will­provide­all­the­necessary­­materials­and­instruction­to­make­a­medium­size­10"-­­12"­concrete­leaf.­Just­bring­yourself,­a­pair­of­rubber­gloves­and­clothes­you­can­get­dirty.­You­will­leave­the­finished­project­with­us­for­a­week­to­partially­cure­before­taking­it­home.­We­will­equip­you­with­the­knowledge­you­need­to­create­a­garden­full­of­exotic­leaves.

$48.00­per­class,­or­$75.00­when­paired­with­the­Leaf Painting Workshop­held­on­Sunday,­May­17th­at­3:00­p.m.

Grow Nutritious, Delicious Blueberries

We­have­all­heard­the­great­benefits­from­eating­fresh­fruits­and­berries.­Blueberries­are­just­one­of­the­berries­that­really­require­little­care­yet­have­many­great­benefits.­You­can­easily­grow­your­own­and­have­blueberries­throughout­the­season.­The­idea­is­to­plant­an­early­season,­mid­season­and­a­late­season­variety.­Planting­this­way­will­ensure­a­long­harvest.­Why­not­reap­the­rewards­of­growing­your­own­crop­and­enjoy­the­many­health­benefits­that­come­from­eating­blueberries.­

Blueberries­like­morning­sun,­afternoon­shade­and­they­also­like­an­acid­soil.­They­do­great­in­the­ground­or­in­containers.­Try­planting­Spartan­(early­season),­Sharpblue, Reveille,­or­Misty­(mid-­season),­Sunshine­or­Ozark­(late­season).­­We­do­have­other­varieties­to­choose­from.­Please­come­by­and­let­one­of­our­­knowledgeable­staff­members­get­you­started.­

Did You Know?? We­can­help­you­

select­color­choices­for­your­event?­Everything­from­putting­together­­blooming­center-­pieces,­small­flowering­

items­for­favors,­or­thank­you’s,­to­rental­plants.­We­can­special­order­­quantities­for­weddings,­graduations,­any­event­you­plan!­Ask­for­Sue­in­the­greenhouse!­Come­on­in­and­let­us­help­create­a­beautiful­event.

Naturalist­View

Window­on­the­World

From The Garden Store

Andrea’s Faves“Artwork that Brings the Beauty

of Nature and Bird Watching into Your Home”

­Artist Arnie Frisk­has­earned­a­solid­reputation­for­his­meticulous­attention­

to­detail­and­his­sense­of­déjà­vu.­Influenced­by­his­childhood­in­the­country,­and­his­interest­in­antiques­and­collectibles,­he­captures­moments­and­objects­in­time­using­his­medium­of­choice,­acrylics.­His­work­is­found­in­collections­around­the­world,­and­has­been­featured­in­numerous­gallery­and­private­exhibitions.­

Born­and­raised­in­Northern­Ontario,­Canada,­Arnie­earned­his­degree­in­fine­art­and­History­at­the­University­of­ Windsor.­ He­ is­ inspired­ by­ the­ clarity­ of­ the­ Dutch­­masters,­the­English­landscape­artists,­and­modern­artists­such­ as­ Canadian­ Alex­ Colville­ and­ American­ Andrew­Wyeth.

Visit­our­Garden­Store­where­you’ll­ find­many­Bird­species­—­ceramic­birds,­feathered­birds,­sculpted­birds­and­wooden­birds.­We­have­birdfeeders­ for­those­extra­hungry­birds­and­birdhouses­for­the­birds­that­are­ready­to­nest.­

Our Bird display is not just for the Birds!

water Features Sooth the Soul & Attract wildlife to Your garden

Enjoy­the­many­benefits­of­a­small­ornamental­pond­or­water­feature­in­your­landscape.

­If­you­are­taking­out­a­bit­of­lawn­this­year­to­conserve­water,­consider­the­­benefits­of­a­small­re-­circulating­pond­or­water­garden­in­your­landscape.­­Because­­Ornamental­water­features­reuse­the­same­water­over­and­over­again­and­if­designed­correctly­and­conservatively,­don’t­lose­­water­into­the­ground,­they­can­produce­a­very­pleasant,­soothing­effect­without­the­water­loss­typical­of­a­lawn.­

­Carefully­placed­where­you­will­enjoy­the­sites­and­sounds­of­water­and­the­birdlife­it­attracts,­a­water­garden­can­provide­“pound­for­pound”­far­more­enjoyment­than­a­­typical­suburban­expanse­of­lawn.­­

­Consider­placing­a­feature­near­the­front­door­or­back­patio­where­you­will­enjoy­the­sites­daily.­­Placing­a­cool­pool­of­water­and­a­trickling­feature­in­a­shady­spot­in­your­landscape,­so­long­as­you­don’t­build­roaring­waterfalls,­will­actually­loose­very­little­­water­to­evaporation­and­will­really­add­interest.­Come­explore­the­options.

SAvE ThE

DATE!! Mosquito Fish Give

AwayDrop­by­the­

­nursery­on­Saturday, May 9th­with­a­pail­or­bucket­and­take­away­some­FREE­mosquito­fish­for­your­ponds­or­large­fountains.­These­fish­are­courtesy­of­the­Mosquito­Abatement­District.­The­hours­are­from­10:00­a.m.­to­1:00­p.m.

Tree for the Season!!western redbud – Cercis occidentalis

­ This­California­native­is­as­rugged­as­it­is­beautiful!­­This­small­multi­or­single­trunk­tree­typically­grows­to­fifteen­feet­or­so,­has­

a­stunning­show­of­magenta­pink­blossoms­in­spring,­and­is­very­drought­tolerant.­­A­common­sight­on­Livermore’s­wine­country­

roads,­Western­Redbud­can­make­a­great­street­tree,­but­also­has­the­artistic­form­to­be­used­as­a­stunning­specimen­piece­in­the­landscape.­­

Once­established,­this­beauty­needs­little­to­no­irrigation,­and­thrives­on­hot­sunny­sites­providing­much­needed­shade.­­Tough­and­useful,­yet­­graceful­and­colorful­–­a­true­Californian!

recipe for good garden Soil!

Good Garden Soil Starts Here!!If­you­are­preparing­a­vegetable­or­flower­garden­bed­

here’s­a­tried­and­true­soil­preparation­recipe­that­works­wonders.­ It­ lightens­ our­ heavy­ soil,­ nourishes­ it­ and­­buffers­the­pH­to­make­it­‘just­right’­for­the­success­of­your­vegetable­and­flower­seeds­or­transplants.

For each 100 square feet add: 10 cubic ft. of soil conditioner: Master Gold Rush or Bumper Crop® (5-8 bags) 5 lbs. Iron Sulfate to acidify and add iron. 10 lbs. Master Vegetable Food or Master Flower Food (Master Formula 49 can be used for ground covers). 50 lbs. Gypsum. It loosens hard soils as it adds sulfur & calcium. (An excellent addition in our heavy soil.)

Mix well with your soil to an 8" depth and water well.

Showers of Flowers for Spring!

Can’t­you­hear­them­singing?­Choruses­of­blooms­heralding­Spring­and­Easter­are­around­the­corner!­Color­your­own­Spring­Celebrations­with­fragrant­Lilies,­Orchids,­Roses­and­so­much­more.­Alden­Lane­has­baskets­­brimming­with­the­blooms­of­the­Season­to­pick­up­and­go­—­or­we­would­be­­happy­to­customize­your­living­gifts­and­décor­by­working­with­you­to­pick­out­your­favorites­and­put­them­together­for­a­signature­look.­How­about­a­sweet­African­Violet­in­our­new­self­watering­pots,­or­bright­pink­trumpet­lilies­bursting­with­blooms­—­any­way­you­­celebrate,­color­your­world­at­Alden­Lane!

Celebrate­spring­this­year­with­a­statuary­­animal­for­your­garden.­Not­only­do­we­have­bunnies,­you’ll­also­find­pigs­and­piglets,­darling­birds,­turtles,­frogs,­dogs­and­cuddly­cats!­Check­with­the­staff­for­­suggestions.­

Shop­early!­We’ll­be­closed­on­Easter­­Sunday,­April­12th.

Seasonal Beauties!!

•­ Roses­are­in­their­glory­and­we­have­every­color,­flower­form­and­type­

–­ from­hybrid­tea­to­floribunda,­tree­form­to­David­Austin­roses.­Alden­Lane­has­

­hundreds­of­roses­including­climbers,­tree,­shrub,­hedge,­minis,­Drift,­Flower­

Carpet™­and­many­more.­We­have­the­2009­All­American­Rose­winners­including­

“Pink­Promise”­that­supports­breast­cancer­research.­We­are­also­featuring­a­favorite­red­rose­of­Oprah­called­“Legends”.•­ Peonies­are­an­excellent­addition­to­a­perennial­border­

or­cottage­garden.­Many­of­them­have­a­fragrance­similar­to­old-­fashioned­rose­varieties.­Peonies­are­long­lived­and­are­available­in­

a­range­of­colors,­singles,­semi-­double­or­double­flower­forms.­They­make­excellent­cut­flowers.­No­garden­should­be­without­one!­

iT’S TiMe For BonUS DoLLArS AgAin!

Our­ traditional­ springtime­ event­ -­­Bonus Dollars are back!­Bonus­Dollars­are­distributed­March­28th­through­May­31.­You­earn­10%­of­your­total­purchases­and­are­paid­in­Alden­Lane­Nursery­Bonus­Dollars.­These­ Bonus­ Dollars­ are­ redeemable­ August­ 1-­31.­They­are­to­be­used­for­up­to­50%­of­your­purchases­in­August.­For­example:­if­you­have­10­Bonus­Dollars­you­may­use­all­10­on­a­purchase­of­$20­or­more.(Bonus­Dollars­are­not­valid­with­other­discounts­or­coupons.­Bonus­Dollars­are­not­valid­on­sod,­sale­items­or­other­special­orders.­Sales­limited­ to­ stock­ on­ hand.­ Not­ redeemable­ for­ cash.­In August, select your Bonus Dollar purchases carefully, as there are no returns allowed.)­

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

5­Bags­of­Bumper Crop1­–­50­lb.­Bag­of­Gypsum1­–­5­lb.­Bag­of­Iron Sulfate1­–­10­lb­­bag­of­Masters Tomato Vegetable Food A­$65.00­Value

No­purchase­necessary.­Need­not­be­present­to­win.­Drawing­to­be­held­April­30,­2009.

GOOD GARDEN SOIL RECIPE KITApril 2009

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Yes, I would like to receive the newsletter online.

Win Free Soil AmendmentsGood Garden Soil Recipe Kit

Great­gardening­begins­with­your­soil.­Win­this­Good­Garden­Soil­Recipe­Kit­to­start­your­vegetable­garden­on­the­­right­foot­this­year.

plan on a Bumper Crop This Year

April­is­high­season­to­start­your­vegetable­gardens­and­to­encourage­you­we­are­offering­Bumper­Crop­soil­amendment­at­a­special­price,­buy­4­bags­for­the­price­of­three.­ That’s a 25% savings!

­Bumper­Crop­is­a­blend­of­composted­fir­bark­and­forest­humus­fortified­with­15%­chicken­­manure,­worm­castings,­bat­guano­and­kelp­meal.­pH­balanced­with­dolomite­and­oyster­shell­lime.­

­We­love­Bumper­Crop­for­Vegetable­­gardening.­It­adds­nutrients­and­improves­­texture­resulting­in­better­yields.­Apply­a­couple­of­inches­into­your­garden­soil­every­year­to­­nurture,­nourish­and­refresh.­Use­5-­8­bags­per­100­square­feet.

­Our­Special­price­through­April:­buy­4­bags­for­the­price­of­3­(Save­$8.99,­regular­price,­$8.99­each)­Offer­Good­through­April.

guess who’s Coming to Dinner . . . Snails, Slugs & other Bugs!!!

Consider­earth­and­pet­friendly­Sluggo!­The­base­ingredient­of­Sluggo­is­naturally­occurring­Iron Phosphate­that­does­a­great­job­of­controlling­snails­and­slugs­in­the­garden­while­not­harming­other­creatures­including­pets­and­people;­and­as­it­breaks­down­it­actually­nourishes­the­plants.­Sluggo Plus­includes­an­organic­control­for­earwigs­and­cutworms­too.­Check­out­our­Slug Pubs.­These­beer­or­yeast­reservoirs­are­a­great­organic­way­of­ridding­your­garden­of­these­plant-­eating­pests.­A­penny­apiece­bounty­is­a­great­incentive­for­kids.­Remember­to­tightly­secure­the­bag­before­putting­into­the­trash­or­you­could­turn­your­quarry­into­escargot.­Our Copper Tape­is­a­good­mechanical­barrier­that­can­be­used­to­protect­your­plants.­Use­2­widths­of­it­to­keep­snails­and­slugs­from­devouring­your­plants.­Old­standby­favorites­are­Master’s Snail, Slug and Insect Control­granules.­It­does­a­great­job­at­­combating­earwigs­and­pillbugs­(rolly­pollies)­too.­

Aphid Control – Lady Bugs to the rescue!Ladybugs­are­handy­critters­to­release­in­your­garden­in­the­spring,­summer­and­fall.­They­can­help­keep­the­

­populations­of­aphids­under­control.Aphids­are­a­greater­nuisance­than­perhaps­any­other­garden­insect,­they­suck­the­juices­out­of­fresh­tender­

growth,­weaken­the­plant­and­deposit­a­sticky,­sugary­residue­on­items­below­their­work­site.­They­are­prolific­in­their­­reproduction.

For­those­wishing­an­organic,­or­natural­method­of­controlling­aphids,­We­suggest­a­one-­two­punch,­first­with­Master­Nursery­Pest­Fighter­Year-­round­Spray­Oil,­followed­up­with­fresh­release­of­Ladybugs.­The­spray­oil­simply­sprays­on­at­the­end­of­a­hose,­no­mixing.­It­smothers­pests,­rather­than­poisoning­them.­The­Ladybugs­mop­up­the­leftovers­and­sort­of­stand­guard­against­local­aphid­uprisings.

981 Alden LaneLivermore, CA 94550

(925) 447-0280Change Service Requested

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #274Livermore, CA

IMPORTANT!Time Critical

Please Deliver Promptly

ALDEN LANE NuRSERY HOuRS:­­ 8:30­a.m.­to­6:00­p.m.­each­day

SPECIAL COUPONPresent This Coupon & A Canned Food Item

TO RECEIVE FREE

HOW TO FIND ALDEN LANE

NURSERY

Food Donations are Optional. All donations go to local relief agencies. One coupon per family, please!

Offer Good April 1-30, 2009.

(Limited­to­stock­on­hand.­Value:­99¢)

A­2"­Seedling­Tomato­Plant!!­