Welcome to the California forum, bellcanyonblonde. Your place sounds like paradise; all of that, and Sperling Nursery too! A gardener's dream.

I am sure you will be very happy with the effect of Joseph's Coat on your arch. Unfortunately, I had to remove mine last year because it kept reaching out to bloody my arms and head, but I intend to plant another some day soon, since nothing beats that riot of color.

Have you considered squash, eggplant, and peppers for this spring? They are all so easy to grow and the squash and eggplant, at least, taste nothing like the stuff in the supermarket.

Be sure to hop on over to the rose forum- there are many very helpful and friendly people over there.

Renee

Thanks Renee. I actually prefer Treeland (on the other side of the 101) to Sperling. Much cheaper and the place is HUGE. I was thinking about trying eggplant and peppers.Any specific varieties you'd suggest?

Sounds like you have paradise there! 3 acres! And a manure supply! Wow, I can only dream.

I got the best bell peppers ever last year at Lowe's, cheap 6 pack of generic "bell pepper" and yet we got the best yield ever. I must have gotten 200 peppers. Those are both heat-loving plants, so they should do well for you inland. My DH worked in Calabasas, he said it gets pretty hot there in summer.

I'll try Treeland this weekend- thanks for the tip.

The only eggplant I will eat is the Ichiban variety they sell at Lowe's and Home Depot. It is a very small eggplant that is crisp and sweet instead of spongy and bland. You harvest when they are still shiny, about 5-6 inches long and an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Take squash, bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant, add garlic and onions, and you have ratatouille!
Renee