In past articles I described how some rather esoteric plant species may be found at the various local Farmers’ Markets. Because vendors at the markets are not normally affiliated with mass production oriented growers, they may grow and market cultivars and varieties with which they are truly interested. For example, Mr. Chi - Tao Yuan, of the Saratoga and Mountain View Farmers Markets grows some of the most extraordinary Japanese maples I have ever encountered. I have grown many Japanese maples, but nothing which compares to his.

Garden enthusiasts considering attending this event should be aware that although Mr. Yuan grows very exotic Japanese maples, he does not promote the more common varieties or the larger specimen trees often found in nurseries or garden centers. In fact, he often directs patrons at the Farmers’ Markets to nurseries for  commonly available  Japanese maples.

Some of Mr. Yuan’s cultivars which many of us are not familiar with, but would impress Japanese maple enthusiasts include but are not limited to: Hanami nishiki, Kotonoito, Kinran, Tsuma beni and Tsuma gaki.