There are many fine web sites that I like to visit and hope you will too!
Monrovia Growers
Horticultural Craftsmen since 1926, each fine introduction from Monrovia Growers seen on
The Coastal Gardener is available at independent retailers throughout the US. Please visit
www.Monrovia.com
for a list of retailers in your area and to learn more about Monrovia Exclusive Plant introductions.
Kelp Sea Life
Dave's grows organically with the help of Kelp Sea Life liquid fertilizer. A complete fertilizer, apply Kelp Sea Life as a foliar feed to provide your plants with essential nutrients, amino acids, micronutrients and vitamins. Always gentle to your plants and the environment! Please visit the Natural Farmers website to order direct or find a retailer in your area. www.naturalfarmers.com
Forestfarm
An incredible selection of trees, shrubs, perennials and conifers. A well-respected source featured in the Garden Watchdog Top 20. It takes a whole week just to read through the plant descriptions. (800) 846-7269, print catalog $5.00.
Mountain Maples, experts in fine Japanese Maples
Mountain Maples in Potter Valley, CA has one of the best collections of Japanese Maples in the country. Japanese maples have several seasons of interest from spring leaf color to flaming fall foliage and winter bark with many growth habits and leaf shapes to choose from. Japanese Maples make ideal candidates for bonsai, container gardens, patios or small gardens. Each tree is careful hand-raised and grafted. Trees seen on The Coastal Gardener are available at www.mountainmaples.com or by calling 888-707-6522 for their fall 2005 Preview Flyer.
Mountain Maples offers helpful guides to growing Maples, pruning and potting as well as onsite classes and lectures.
Tao Of Surfing
Mike Allen wrote this inspiring Pulitzer Prize nominated book as a reflection of his experiences in life and on the swells. He is currently working on a motion picture of the same name. To find out more about the book, Mike, surfing and how to purchase fine notecards with photos from the book, please visit: www.taoofsurfing.com
Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade
The BSVFB responds to emergencies on the coast with a staff of highly skilled volunteer firefighters, first responders, and rescuers. Your donation to the Fire Brigade could help save a life of one of the millions of people who visit our spectacular coast and beaches each year. The Bal Masque at Nepenthe is a popular fundraiser and very good time held each Halloween night.
Dave volunteers as a firefighter in the Brigade, assigned to Engine 7811 under the direction of Captain Ira Commello, Deputy Chief James Barrow, Chief Frank Pinney and Administrative Chief Martha Karstens. - www.bigsurfire.org
High Country Gardens
A collection of drought-resistant and hardy perennials for Western gardens, specializing in plants for the desert and intermountain states. An excellent source for penstemons and winter-hardy cacti, along with drought tolerant grasses and lawn alternatives.
David Austin Roses
Now you can purchase beautiful English Roses directly from the hybridizer, David Austin. one of the most respected rose breeders of our time. Mr. Austin has melded the beauty and scent of antique roses with the repeat flowering and rich color pallet of modern hybrids.
Fungi Perfecti
Dave has enjoyed growing his own mushrooms with Ready-To-Grow Indoor Mushroom Patches. Each kit comes with illustrated instruction and is guaranteed to grow. Out in the garden, Dave is using beneficial mycorrhizal fungi to enhance his plants ability to draw up water and nutrients. Now you can revitialize your garden soil with MycoGrow products including Plant Success Tabs and MycoGrow Soluble Potting Soil and Rooting Media. www.fungi.com
Big Sur Arts Initiative
A wonderful organization that supports learning in the arts and music for local schools. The Hidden Gardens Tour each June features several incredible private gardens to visit plus the Garden Market at Ripplewood Resort.
UCSC Arboretum
The Arboretum features gardens of South African, Australian and California native plants plus the popular Norrie's Gifts which offers books, gifts and plants related to the collections.
For more information about the Arboretum, please visit http://arboretum.ucsc.edu.
