Nurseries are shifting their stock from bare root trees and woody shrubs in preparation for the planting frenzy that will start when the weather turns warm. Timing is critical; avid gardeners want to plant while rain is still in the forecast, but much of Northern California can still have cold snaps until the middle of April...a delicate balance that plays out every year. My preference is to buy plants in the fall, so they can take advantage of all the winter rains. However, nursery stock tends to be the last pickings as they prepare for winter. Yet another balancing act of inventories and demand.
Today I trekked to a consistent favorite, Annie's Annuals in Richmond, California. With most plants in 4" containers, leaving without a couple flats or more never happens. So, the garden is expanding with these few treats (photos courtesy of Annie's Annuals):
Left to right
Row One: Papaver atlanticum 'Flore Pleno', Dasylirion serratifolium, Buddleja globosa
Row Two: Brugmansia 'Double Apricot', Sphaeralcea 'Newlease Coral', Asclepias physocarpa
Row Three: Brachychiton rupestris, Psoralea fleta, Ranunculus cortusifolius spp. major