The Science Behind Fall Color

The brilliant colors of deciduous trees and shrubs display in fall are actually the grande finale of the compliceted process of photosynthesis. That's how plants produce food. It takes place in the leaf cells that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that makes leaves green. Leaves make chlorophyll all through the growing season. But as temperatures get cooler and the days get shorter, chlorophyll production slows down and eventually stops. As the chlorophyll declines, the green starts to fade away, revealing pigments that had been hidden by green. This is when the show begins.

Carotenoids are yellow pigments that turn aspens and ginkgos stunning shades of yellow and gold. Tannins are responsible for the dull browns of some oaks. And since all leaves contain at least some tannin, that's why most of them eventually turn to brown, especially after they fall to the ground.

Camino Garden Center News

It is with some apprehension and sadness I bring some news about Camino Garden Center.  Some have heard the rumors, and know what I am about to write.  After 23 wonderful years serving the people of Pollock Pines, Camino, Placerville, and the surrounding community, we are shutting our doors.  On August 29^th we will open 10:00 to 4:00.  All nursery product will be 50% off until gone.  No refunds or deliveries. 

Economic conditions, weather, and age have taken its toll on all of us.  It is with bitter sweetness that I tell you; we are starting a new chapter in our lives.  Our community is more than just customers; you have become our friends.  You are as much of our family as anyone else.  We have dined together at the local pub, and visited each other’s homes. We have seen so many of you grow from children to parents and grandparents.  Watched your gardens grow and bloom.  We have memories that will last us all the rest of our lives.

Some of you know that I have already left for a job with the State of California.  I miss all of you.  I won’t go into names because there are just too many to do so.  I feel we have gotten to know each other over the years.  We know the plants, tomatoes, and soil we have in each other’s gardens.  We have shared more than just business, we have share a part of our lives. 

John and Lori are going to finally retire and pursue some of their own passions in life.  Dad will finally have the time to spend in his own garden making it as pretty as you probably have imagined it to be.  Mom will go on to be the supporting wife she has always been through this adventure.

Thank you so much for supporting us through out the years.  Each one of you has touched us all in memorable ways.  

Update to Summer Vacation

Camino Garden Center will be closed from August 6 through August 28th.  We will open on Wednesday August 29th.

Summer Vacation

Camino Garden Center will be closed for summer vacation August 6th through August 27th.  We will reopen August 28th.  Hopefully we will miss the triple digit temperatures.

Newsletter May 2012

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April Dirt Sale

Check out some cool plants at: Garden University

Nandina Domestica

Heavenly Bamboo

Lacy green leaves on upright stems that turn brilliant red in autumn. Creamy flowers are followed by clusters of red berries. Use in groupings or as a small screen. Grows as an evergreen in full to part sun, 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Hardy to minus 10 degrees F.

Daphne Odora Marginata

Winter Daphne

Evergreen shrub prized for beautiful rosy pink flowers that open to white, sweetly fragrant. A great foundation plant where the soil is well drained. Grows 3 to 4 feet in partial sun. Hardy to 0 degrees F.

Pieris Japonica Spring Snow

White Lily of the Valley

Evergreen shrub to 3 feet tall and wide with drooping branches. White flower clusters in early spring. A very heavy bloomer. Grows in part shade, hardy to minus 20 below zero.

Rhododendron Cheer

This well known plant group is valued for the attractive trusses of brilliantly shell pink color flowers each spring. These hardy evergreen shrubs are best in semi shade with acid soil. Grows from 4 to 6 feet tall. Hardy to minus 5 degrees F.

Rhododendron "PJM Elite"

Evergreen shrub 4' - 6' with pink lavender flower clusters in spring. Part shade. Hardy -10 F.

Seed Potatoes are in

It's time to plant your potatoes, asparagus, onions, and garlic. We have lots of varieties.

March & April 2012 Newletter

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Yellow Jackets

I saw the first yellow jackets of the season so it's time to place your traps out in the garden.

The exclusive Rescue! Attractant replicates the sex pheromone of the yellow jackets to draw them inside the trap. The yellow jackets enter the trap through the holes on the bottom section, then fly up through the interior cone into the clear catch chamber. Catches multiple species. Attractant lasts for weeks without daily maintenance.

Super Red Quince

Super Red Quince
Chaenomeles Japonica Moned

Huge, bright red blooms precede foliage, among first to appear each year and long lasting. Wonderful upright grower for hedge or shrub. Deer resistant. Grows in full sun to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Hardy to minus 20 degrees F.

Time to add a little color to the garden

Pansies, snapdragons, and primroses love the unpredictable weather of early spring. These fun little plants will provide color and joy all the way until the heat of summer.

Season Reopens

Camino Garden Center starts its spring season on Thursday March 1 2012.  Check out our newest project at: Garden University

Camino Garden Center Needs Your Help

Last summer a wild cat abandoned her two kittens at the nursery.  We have had a lot of fun watching these two kittens grow up, but having just lost Smokey we are not ready to take in two new cats.  We are looking for a new home for these cats.  They are wild but very friendly and would make great barn cats.  They seem to like being indoors especially during this cold weather.  They are very bonded to each other so we would like them to go to a home together.  If you are interested in giving these cats a home please call us here at: Camino Garden Center 530-647-0910.