The challenges of May

Steve Kawaratani

“A garden is the purest of human pleasure.”

-- Francis Bacon

“A single rose can be my garden ...”

-- Leo Buscaglia

May has brought challenging pleasure to my ever-evolving garden.

The mornings have alternated between hot and overcast. The need to

sufficiently water has encouraged both snails and slugs (I tread

carefully as not to walk on someone’s pet) and fungus gnats in my

driveway lawn.

No matter the morning’s inclination, gardeners have been faced

with a blazing hot afternoon sun that requires sustained watering of

new plantings, while protecting plants and themselves from sunscald.

This rush of unseasonably, warm spring temperatures has also

brought a brilliant display of bloom. I never tire of the blossoms

displayed by Rachel and Brett’s Iceberg roses and Mexican Sage. From

my backyard I shudder at the unchecked growth of Barron’s morning

glory, however, I must concede the flowers are truly spectacular. And

across the street, my neighbor’s bougainvillea has never been as

brilliant.

Mid-May’s gardening list begins with mulching everything,

including annuals, perennials and trees. This will help to conserve

moisture and reduce water consumption. Lately, I have been enamored

with the quality of Orchard

Supply planter’s mix. Mulching will also discourage weeds and keep

roots cool.

Remember to water your tomatoes and roses well. Even levels of

moisture are the key to success. Established plantings should be

watered as needed, in response to the weather, rather than on a time

schedule.

Roses should be fed with a balanced fertilizer... Miracle Gro for

Roses is an excellent product. This is particularly important after a

flower crop ends. Soak the soil thoroughly following application.

Annuals, perennials, and vegetables will also benefit from monthly

applications of fertilizer.

With summer-like weather upon us, raise the lawn mower so the

grass is cut higher. Water deeply and as infrequently as possible to

encourage deeper root growth. Fertilizer should be applied monthly

during the growing season... your favorite nursery can assist you

with just the right product for your specific type of grass.

Judicious use of herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds and

crabgrass.

Many potted plants, such as fuchsia, tuberous begonias and other

shade plants will be peaking soon. Provide plenty of moisture and

light shade.

Watch plants in containers carefully... don’t allow them to dry

out during warm weather.

Spring pruning should be completed carefully ... mainly to

maintain space for your plant and yourself. It is o.k. to pinch back

leggy growth on annuals and perennials to make a plants more

attractive. Don’t forget to deadhead “spent” flowers on all of your

plants!

At Barbara Diamond’s request, I did some additional research on

Cocoa Mulch, a popular product available at many nurseries and home

improvement centers.

Although not a common occurrence, cocoa hulls reportedly may prove

to be poisonous to dogs and even to cats. Regrettably, I can no

longer recommend the use of this product. Guess I have to get my

chocolate fix elsewhere.

See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or e-mail to [email protected].