Christmas questions galore

STEVE KAWARATANI

“Holidays are an expensive trial of strength. The only satisfaction

comes from survival.”

-- Jonathan Miller

“At Christmas I no more desire a rose ... “

-- William Shakespeare

December has just begun; clear skies and rather frigid

temperatures for our usually balmy Laguna. I pick at the garden,

removing the crabgrass that poke their unwanted heads between the

bellflowers and feather grasses. Uninspired with a quiescent

landscape, my thoughts reluctantly turn to the holidays.

Although I appreciate the festive atmosphere of the holiday

season, I resent the unabated expense that often displaces the

spirit. I will not be seen at the malls, frantically accumulating

gifts. Instead, I will spend time with my family, hangout with good

friends, and take long walks with Catharine. My one affectation will

be the hanging of holiday lights on our deck railings -- it wouldn’t

be Christmas without them.

Your autumnal garden questions for the Plant Man included:

Q: Can I plant poinsettias outdoors for the holidays?

A: Of course. However, they will wilt and possibly be damaged if

temperatures fall below 45 degrees. Avoid overhead watering as well.

Q: My daylilies are covered with an orange powder. What can I do

to get rid of the stuff?

A: The moist weather has been ideal for the fungal spores of

“rust,” to infest your plants. I find the best control is to simply

remove affected foliage. You might bait for slugs, they’ve made an

early appearance too.

Q: I noticed that your cymbidium orchids are blooming. Why aren’t

mine blooming?

A: It is true; I have up to seven spikes on my orchids. However,

there is no secret to cymbidium culture. Simply fertilize them

monthly and place them in as much sunlight as they will tolerate

(without burning the leaves).

Q: I don’t have any flowers on my roses. Is it time to prune them

for the winter?

A: You may prune your roses most anytime, particularly if gangly

stems are bugging you. Don’t cut them back more than half way and

mulch the roots.

Q: Do I need to fertilize my lawn even though it is cold?

A: Cold is relative, as long as daylight temperatures reach 50

degrees; monthly fertilization is beneficial for lawns.

Q: I am growing spinach this year. Can I expect more than one

cutting?

A: Not likely. The entire spinach plant is cut at soil level, not

picked off a leaf at a time.

Q: Why are my ficus leaves turning yellow and falling off?

A: When central heating is used, the air becomes too dry for many

houseplants. Either buy a humidifier for Christmas or try spraying

water on the leaves daily.

It was with great pleasure, that I spent part of the Thanksgiving

holiday at Danielle’s home. She invited Catharine, my mother, and

several of her friends and family for a great dinner prepared by my

former editor, Stu. It was a wonderful way to begin the holidays ...

sharing time with people that you care for. See you next time.

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

1278 Glenneyre, No. 49, in Laguna Beach. He is happily married to

local writer, Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached

at (949) 497-2438, or e-mail to [email protected].