Over hundreds of thousands of years our native plants have adapted to the very conditions that exotic plants must overcome with fertilizer, water and constant care. It makes so much sense if you think about it: They live here!

Native plants have adapted to the unique climatic conditions of their area and, once established, they require little or no supplemental irrigation or fertilization. When we grow plants found in our resident plant community, we use far less water than in traditional garden landscapes. Using native plants in our gardens conserves resources and saves money — as well as saving us a lot of work!

Before choosing which natives you want to grow, first assess your garden's conditions. Is it shaded by tall trees or the side of the house? Is it in an area with no shade at all? What are the soil conditions? Our Celebrity Service staff will help you select plants that are most at home in those conditions

For really interesting and unique native plants, come in and visit our Collector's Corner. We also have a resident native plant expert, Jim Citta, who is available to give you expert advice Sunday through Thursday each week.

Eric was born in Redwood City and moved to San Jose when he was 10 so his mom and dad could start the nursery.

He always had a love for music from an early age and was bitten with the rock 'n' roll bug right out of high school. He played in numerous night clubs during an 8-year career as a keyboard player in all-original hard rock "hair" bands and had a song produced by 70's guitarist Ronnie Montrose.

He met the love of his life, Lolli, 20 years ago and has been happily married to her for 18 years. They share an active lifestyle of hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing, scuba diving, traveling, shell collecting, wave running, and going to the movies.

Actively involved in volunteer work in the nursery industry, Eric has been involved in a number of landscape projects at the San Francisco Zoo, where he has been able to combine his knowledge of plants with his passion for wild animals.

He is a published writer in nursery industry magazines and is a guest seminar speaker at various events across the country. Eric is very involved in student and global ministries at his local church and works with Mission's Partners around the globe. He has participated on teams to El Salvador, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. In June he will be leading a team to help children in Mozambique.

My Celebrity Service staff and I look forward to serving you this year. We'll go out of our way to make your day!

Eric Wilder - President

Growing plants from seeds in containers is one of the best ways to avoid seedling hazards such as weeds, birds, insects and water problems. You will also have a greater choice of varieties if you start from seed — plus you can save and grow seeds from your own favorite plants.

Methods for seed-planting vary, but basic requirements must be met:

1. Disease free medium

2. Warmth and moisture

3. Adequate light

4. Adjustment or hardening off period.

Containers: Containers must be clean and at least two inches deep. We recommend using fiber Jiffy Pots or the Jiffy Easy-Grow Greenhouse flat tray that holds up to 72 plants.

Soil: Start seeds in a moisture-holding soil that is disease free and light in texture. Peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite are good seeding mediums. However, we recommend using specialized seed starting soil such as Gardner & Bloome Seed Starter Mix.

Recommended Procedures:

1. Sow seeds sparingly in containers filled with two inches of moistened medium. Plant at the depth listed on seed package.

2. Water thoroughly and gently.

3. Cover container with clear plastic or slip into plastic bag.

4. Place in a warm area. When germination occurs, remove plastic and keep soil lightly watered and warm. Keep in full sunlight (or under a gro-lamp) for 12 hours a day. Temperatures should be between 70-80 degrees F. during the day and 60-65 degrees F. at night.

5. After the first true leaves appear, transplant to individual containers. If using peat 'plant-it-all' containers, thin to leave one healthy seedling. Small, stocky seedlings make the best plants, remaining compact throughout their lives, blooming earlier and more abundantly.

Seedlings started in trays or flats usually produce many more transplants than needed. Consider swapping varieties with some gardening neighbors.

6. Young plants need to be 'hardened off' before they are set outdoors. Take them to a sheltered, shady area outside for increasing periods of time during the day and bring in at night.

7. When planting outside, disturb the plant as little as possible. As with any transplant, amend the soil as neccessary before planting. If using peat pots, remember to plant the peat below the surface of the soil. This will prevent moisture from wicking out of the soil.