Trading Lists: Items available from herbloverCA
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| Plant Name | Cultivar | Type | Thumbnail |
| Melissa Species Melissa officinalis 3" pot from Sandi; Sun to part shade (fewer flowers in shade, but that's OK, it's the leaves that are so useful). 18" tall, 15" apart. Herbaceous perennial, dies down in cold weather. Mint family, so invasive if it has conditions it likes. Once established, drought tolerant. Used for tea or whenever you want a lemon flavor in drinks (lemonade); I take the fresh branches and wrap them around a fresh fish, then poach in wine or BBQ it wrapped in foil, with some lemon slices in the body of the fish - Yum! Do not discard trimmings in compost, as it is a mint family plant and has 9 lives! I save trimmings like these, dry them and use them for kindling in wood fires or a fire pit along with lavender and other aromatics - lovely aromatic way to start a fire. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Peppermint Mentha x piperita One 4" pot from Danville; Perennial herb, invasive if in ground, so plant in pot; partial shade; 12-18" tall. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. I put a handful of water-soaked polymers around root ball so plant will not dry out in our triple digit summer temps. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Monarda Monarda didyma Bought 1 gallon plant at Diablo Valley College horticultural sale on 4/2/11; came infested with aphids. Have soaked new growth in hot water/dishwashing liquid to remove. Check regularly to remove remaining eggs which have hatched. Grows to 4'; needs aftn shade and moisture in summer, but do not overwater. Does not like wet winters! A challenge here. Known as Bergamot and Oswego tea in early America. Scented leaves/flowers (red mix). Attracts bees, butterflies, birds. | 'Panorama Mix' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Nigella Species Nigella damascena 2-4" pots from DVC plant sale; needs part shade in our climate. Blue flowers bloom spring thru summer if kept moist. Airy, beautiful feathery leaved plant 18" tall, 12" spread, will self sow freely. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Ocimum Species Ocimum basilicum 1 gal. from Trader Joe's with about a dozen sturdy stems with luscious green leaves; 12-18" tall, 9-12" apart; summer annual; full sun. Pinch back to keep it from flowering or leaves become bitter and plant becomes woody. Herbal lore: basil is an antidote for self-hatred! A must have for Italian dishes such as pesto, tomatoes with mozzarella and olive oil and so many more. Used in Thai cooking (other species as well as Sweet Basil). I esp. like to take store-bought pot stickers or dumplings, poach them in homemade chicken stock and finish them with a mixture of Sweet Basil, mint and cilantro leaves and a drizzle of sesame oil - Yum! I've made this dish for a quick pot-luck dinner contribution and people rave over it. | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
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| Ocimum Ocimum basilicum Large, rufflled leaves on 16" tall plants. 1-4" pot, with many small plants. Summer annual; plant at least 12" apart. Likes it warm. Pinch back flowers to keep leaves coming. Also known as Green Ruffles Basil. In our hot summer climate I always pack a handful of water filled polymers around the root ball so the plant never dries out. | 'Serata' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Ocimum Ocimum basilicum 1-4" pot from DVC plant sale. Annual herb, sun, 12-18" spaced 6-9" apart. Regular water. A stronger-flavored basil than sweet basil, Thai Basil also has a hint of licorice flavor. The leaves, which are about half the size of sweet basil, have purple stems and make pretty garnishes. Companion plant for all nightshades, i.e., tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Pinch back to keep from flowering so leaves keep coming. | 'Thai' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Origanum Species Origanum majorana Mid-March 2011 OSH SR; 4" pot and 4" pot from Navlet's Danville; sun, grown for highly aromatic leaves - deadhead to promote leaf growth; 18-24" tall x 18" wide. Active spring through fall, dies back in winter. Propagate by dividing rootball. All organic, as leaves are used in sauces, salads, for garnish, etc. Flowers usually white. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Origanum Species Origanum vulgare 1 gal from Sandi Mar 2011; full sun, grown for aromatic leaves; 12-18" tall, 12-15" wide. Drought tolerant. All organic as leaves are used in sauces, salads. Flourishes spring through fall; pinch off flowering tops (usu. pink) to keep leaves coming. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Petroselinum Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum 4" pot from OSH SR in mid-March. Spring to fall, 18" to 24" space 15" apart. Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies. White flower; tends to bolt to seed in heat - deadhead to keep from flowering. Companion plant to nightshade family and most other vegetables. Leaf used in salads, garnish, to make chicken/veggie stock (parsley stalks are especially succulent in chicken stock). Store harvested stalks in freezer with discards from other aromatics for stock-making. 5/28/11 added one 6-pack from Navlet's Danville. 6/23/11 sm 6-pk from DVC plant sale. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Petunia Species Petunia violacea 6-pack from Home Depot San Ramon; very lush plants, 3 violet, 2 white/magenta striped and 1 red and white striped. Summer annual; likes heat, 18-24" tall, same distance apart. Good companion plant for beans, fragrant esp. with group of plants together rather than spread all over the yard. Good in containers. Because we sometimes have triple digit summer temps, I always place a good handful of polymer crystals (which I have pre-soaked) around the root ball. This way they may wilt in the heat, but never actually dry out. When it cools down (mercifully) in the evening, the plant perks right up. I LOVE this color and have grown it for many years - something about the way the light hits it really lifts my spirits! | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Snap Bean (String Phaseolus vulgaris 6 pack from Berkeley Hort w/12 seedlings! Annual vine, vegetable, full sun. Plant 9-12" apart, vines grow to 6-8' tall, 60 days. The Trionfo Violetto Pole Bean is early with superior vigor and a sublime nutty sweet flavor. Very ornamental plant with lavender flowers, purple veined leaves, and dark purple beans. Stringless pods are tender even at 8", and turn green when cooked. Dependable. Harvest 10 weeks, or longer. Hard to find a pole bean of such gourmet quality. | 'Trionfo Violetto' | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
| Pisum Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon 4-pack from Home Depot San Ramon with 8 healthy plants; height 18-24" with 3-4 inches between plants; Stringless. Dwarf plants grow 10-24 in. and don't need staking. 52 days. Full sun. Companions: Petunias, beans, carrots, corn, peppers, radishes, spinach, tomatoes, turnips. Avoid: Any allium family such as onions, garlic, leeks. Train on a trellis. | 'Sugar Ann' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Plumbago Plumbago auriculata Bought 4" pot at DVC sale 4/2/11. Height to 4' with 10' spread. Says full sun but completely withered in full sun so needs dappled shade; all parts poisonous. Blooms all year; deer resistant. Average water. Powder blue billowy flowers - does well in this area. | 'Imperial Blue' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Radish Raphanus sativus Annual vegetable, height 6-12" spaced 3-6" apart. Full sun, 20-30 days. Round red 1.5" fruit. Succession sow to keep 'em coming. Seeds planted late May/early June 2011. "One of the workhorses for the garden. Companions for radishes are: radish, beet, bush beans, pole beans, carrots, chervil, cucumber, lettuce, melons, nasturtium, parsnip, peas, spinach and members of the squash family. Why plant radishes with your squash plants? Radishes may protect them from squash borers. Anything that will help keep them away is worth a try. Radishes are a deterrent against cucumber beetles and rust flies. Chervil and nasturtium improve radish growth and flavor. Planting them around corn and letting them go to seed will also help fight corn borers. Chinese Daikon and Snow Belle radishes are favorites of flea beetles. Plant these at 6 to 12 inch intervals amongst broccoli. In one trial, this measurably reduced damage to broccoli. Radishes will lure leafminers away from spinach. The damage the leafminers do to radish leaves does not stop the radish roots from growing, a win-win situation. Keep radishes away from hyssop plants, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and turnips." (from http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html) | 'Champion' | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
| Rudbeckia Rudbeckia hirta 1-6 pack from DVC plant sale. Annual but reseeds if happy. Large, golden flowers with dark, reddish-brown centers. Flowers measure 4" across.Grow them in full sun, are somewhat drought tolerant once established. Upright growth habit, 24" - 36". Spread of about 10". Mid to late summer bloomer. | 'Sputnik' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Salvia Species Salvia apiana Young plant about 14" tall with single stem from Sandi. Perennial herb, used for tea, smudging. 24-36" tall, space 18" apart. Keep watered while establishing, once established water needs decrease and overwatering will actually deter growth. Partial shade or sun. Evergreen silver foliage, large leaves, flowers white. Active spring through fall. Cut back flower heads to encourage bushy growth. Flower heads can be cut leaving about 12" stem, then hang upside down inside paper bag to dry. | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
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| Salvia Species Salvia elegans Mid-March from OSH SR, 4" pot; perennial herb; full sun; if in soil it likes, will spread to 4' x 4'; blooms spring to fall, tall spires of fire red, hummers/birds go crazy for it! All organic; leaves used for fruit salads, teas. | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
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Scabiosa japonica 4" pot bought at DVC sale 4/2/11. Mounding perennial, dwarf - oh no! 8" tall, 12" wide. Sun, pale pink flowers blooms summer to fall on wiry stems. Small pink flowers; good in a pot. Didn't realize it was a dwarf - rats! I love the big scabiosa I'm used to. Will have to keep an eye out for them. | 'var. alpina, Ritz Rose' | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
Silene vulgaris Silene vulgaris maritima, but no maritima in Dave's garden list. 1 gallon bought at 4/2/11 DVC sale, came with tiny gold bugs, which I have removed by hand, checking daily, very healthy plant. Low growing evergreen perennial 4 to 6 inches high, 1 foot spread or more with 1 inch white flowers spring, summer. Sun or part shade, low to average water. Quite deer and cow resistant. Trails nicely. Needs a little water and some sun for a good show of blooms. Confusing taxonomy, as plant tag says: Silene vulgaris maritime - not maritimA. Will plant in pot and place on etagier in mostly shade, some sun. Said to drape well over sides of pot, the gray-green leaves and small white flowers looking very fine this way. Warning: Silene vulgaris alone (not this subspecies) is said to be invasive | 'Sea Campion' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Eggplant Solanum melongena var. esculentum 4-pack from Home Depot San Ramon with 7 plants, about 3-4" tall, very healthy. Full sun, loves heat. Plants get 24-36" tall, plant same distance apart. 50-60 days. Long purple fruits. Usually have to be staked, as the fruit can be quite heavy. Good choices for vegetables to combine with eggplant include bush beans, pole beans, peas, amaranth, spinach and the herbs thyme or tarragon. Pole beans can be staked and grown together, while the bush variety or spinach can be grown near the base of the plant, providing open space between the higher-growing eggplant while filling in the space closer to the ground and discouraging weeds. Create an attractive visual by planting and eggplant with a pole bean, and alternating a spinach plant or thyme between each stake. Or take a section of the eggplants and add in peas instead of beans, and use marigolds as an infusion of color. You will have a beautiful palette of colors and shapes clustered together as well as a variety of height to add diversity to your garden. Things to Avoid: Since eggplant is related to peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, it attracts the same type of pests. Therefore, avoid planting them in close proximity. If you grow marigolds as a pest repellent for your eggplant, it's best not to grow beans as the companion vegetable, since marigold can be an herbicide to certain beans. Finally, crops should always be alternated due to soil depletion or pest attraction, so rotate your eggplant and similar plants such as peppers out of the same area and do not grow them in the same location one after the other or in consecutive years. (above from e-how) | 'Ichiban' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Tagetes Species Tagetes lucida 4" round pot from OSH San Ramon with 4 seedlings 5-6" tall, several stems; full sun, 24-36" tall, space 18" apart; leaves used like tarragon, medium green and shiny. Dies back in winter, returns in spring, average to slight water once established. Divide root ball, take woody stem cuttings or layer to propagate. No fuss plant. Yellow flowers late summer/fall. | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
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| Marigold Tagetes patula 1-6 pk. from OSH San Ramon, very healthy plants, mix of colors, bi-colored orange and yellow, lt. and dark orange, pure yellow and pure orange, 2-2.5" across. Summer annual, fast grower 6-12" tall, 9" apart. Average water, somewhat drought tolerant once established. Companion plant in entire garden, as the roots secrete a substance that destroys root-eating nematodes (microscopic worms which can decimate entire trees!). | 'Bonanza Mix' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Thymus Thymus citriodorus Golden Lemon Thyme NOT Mother of Time as the DG program allocated it. 1-4" pot from OSH; Perennial herb, Sun, 10" tall, 13" spread. Small, upright spreading plant forming a dense mat of lemon yellow-edged green leaves spring through fall. Leaves look variegated. Likes well drained soil; may try it in a container as soil in garden is so clay heavy. Culinary herb - to strip tiny leaves, take a long stalk and starting at the bottom, use a fork to pull off leaves to the top of the stalk. I find crushing them a bit with a spoon or mortar and pestle releases the flavor much better than just tossing the leaves in as is - they are so tiny, less than a half inch! | 'Aureus' | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
Viola cornuta Mounding to 6" - afternoon shade in hot summer sun. Plant with polymers around root ball in planters to keep roots moist during hot spells. | 'Penny Lane Beacon' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
| Viola Viola tricolor Mid-March 2011 from OSH SR, one 6 pack; to 6'; blue/purple/yellow/white heart shaped violas, fragrant; sun or part shade and keep moist in summer (plant with polymers around root ball); all organic as use flowers in salads and as part of garnish. Will bloom all year but prefers it cool. Sold as annuals but can be wintered over in containers/window boxes here | Plants |  (herbloverCA) |
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Viola wittrockiana 6-Pack, Mid-March 2011 OSH SR; Kawahara Nursery named Imperial Lavender from Goldsmith Seeds, Lavender Splash. 6-9" tall and wide; partial sun in hot summer, blooms all year but dies back in winter. All organic as use flowers for salads, garnish. Plant with polymers around root ball to keep moist during hot summer. Annual which acts like perennial if needs met. | 'Lavender Splash' | Plants | (PlantFiles) |
(PlantFiles) |
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