PITTISPORUM TOBIRA (Left) Don't Prune Now:
Try not to prune this plant now, though the flowers are apparent but relatively inconspicuous they enrich the garden with a beautiful aroma. There are several types of Pittisporum tobira. Some are variegated. This is a very dependable low maintenance plant.

STAR JASMINE - Trachelospermum (right) Don't Prune Now:
This very versatile, popular plant is just starting to flower. Garden View crews prune this plant only when absolutely necessary at this time of year so that you can enjoy the beautiful flowers and wonderful scent. Star Jasmine can be used and trained as a ground cover, shrub or vine.

DIETES IRIDIOIDES (Left):
To prevent self sowing and prolong bloom break off blossoms individually. Do not cut flower stems because they last more than a year. When they have clearly stopped producing blooms cut stem back to lower leaf joint. (This plant can survive on very minimal water)

LANTANA (right):
If you have not cut back your Lantana yet this may be a good time to do it. Take the opportunity to prune your lantana down by as much as to within 6-12 inches of ground level. Leaves will re-emerge in spring. Lantana isn't harmed at all by such a drastic pruning, and the result will be more compact lantana shrubs. You will loose some bloom but this plant flowers through most of the summer and with so many other plants blooming now this is your opportunity to keep this sometimes vigorous plant in check and ready for summer bloom. (Lantana is a low water need plant and vigorous bloomer)

EURYOPS (left):
This low water use plant blooms almost all year round. Because it is blooming most of the year gardeners are reluctant of pruning it and it can become lanky and unattractive. Garden View gardeners prune the plant several times a year, the flowers are usually not all cut off and the blooms return with increased vigor.

RHAPHIOLEPIS (right):
After this beautiful, low maintenance, low water use plant has finished blooming it is a good time to do minimal pruning. Once this plant reaches its mature size it is slow growing and probably only needs to be cut once a year with a little inside out pruning to let light inside the plant and to keep its natural form.

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May is the month for moms.  Let us celebrate the wonderful women in our lives-mothers or others.  I think mothers should pampered everyday; not just May 10th.  May I suggest 3 great pampering ideas?
 
1. Blueberry smoothies:
Blueberries provide antioxidants.  They're a high-fiber, low calorie fruit that are rich in stress-busting vitamin C.
-1 Cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
-1 cup chilled pineapple-orange-banana juice
-2 cups fresh blueberries chilled
-1 tbsp. sugar
Combine all ingredients and in blender, cover, and blend until nearly smooth.  Garnish with additional blueberries.  At Garden View Nursery we carry Jubilee, Misty, & Southmoon blueberry bushes.
Tip: Blueberries love full sun and well-drained acidic soil.  Use 50% peat moss when planting.
 
2. Avocado Hair Mask:
-1/2 avocado mashed
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup sweet almond oil
Mix up all ingredients into a paste.  Apply to wet hair, then shampoo and condition 30 minutes later.
At Garden View Nursery we have a great variety of avocado trees.  Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Reed to name a few.  Right now we have lots of avocados, but come early because they go quick!
 
3. Pomegranate Body Scrub:
-1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
-1/2 cup White Sugar
-2 tsp. vegetable oil
Crush ingredients together, apply to damp skin, and rinse.  At our nursery we have two great varieties of pomegranate trees: Wonderful & Angel Red.
Tip: Avocado and pomegranate trees love full sun and well drained soil.  Use 50% compost when planting.
 
If you want to give your mom something that also lasts forever, we have the beautiful Cercis "Forest Pansy"  (right), one of my personal favorites.  This beautiful red heart shaped leaf tree also blooms vibrant purple flowers in spring.  It will wow your mother.  Every time she looks at the heart shaped leaves, she will think of you and know she is loved.
 
Roses are also a great gift.  Red symbolizes for love and respect.  "Chrysler Imperial" is a velvety dark red hybrid tea rose with a powerful rich fragrance.  Vigorous and happiest in hot temperatures.  Pink symbolizes admiration and gratitude.  "Queen Elizabeth" is a grandiflora variety with a profusion of pleasing pink buds and large blooms on long-stemmed clusters.  The fragrance is a moderate tea.
(Unfortunately there is not a color or rose that stands for perseverance and patience!)
 
These are the gifts that keep giving. Thank you Mother Nature!

Now you're in the dirt