The time for planting is now

STEVE KAWARATANI

“I am extraordinarily patient provided I get my own way ... “

--Margaret Thatcher

“Boy, you’re going to carry that weight ... “

--The Beatles

I’ve been patiently watching the weather for the rain to return

... rather than working in the garden. It’s just an excuse to get my

own way; eating French fries is much more fun than pulling weeds.

Another weekend of angst (as if Thursday evenings aren’t tough

enough), knowing that I could have spent time in my garden and shed

some of the accumulation of holiday excess.

Between storms, February is one of the best months for planting.

The soil is naturally moist and temperatures are generally moderate

in Laguna. Such conditions are ideal for root growth, ensuring a good

start for trees, shrubs and lawns. Rose pruning should also be

completed this month ... once done, immediately begin a fertilization

program.

Your recent questions for the Plant Man, my friends, included:

Q. Plant Man! What flowers look good now?

A. Delphinium, English primrose, foxglove, Iceland poppy, pansy,

snapdragon, stock and viola, top the Plant Man’s garden color list

for February.

Q. Hello Plant Man. I have just bought a new home and my neighbors

are really messy. What can I plant that will grow fast and hide next

door?

A. A word of caution -- many plants that grow quickly may also

develop into view blockers for others. I would consider the merits of

hopseed bush, Carolina laurel cherry, and podocarpus as possible

screening plants. Good luck!

Q. Is it OK to prune my pine tree?

A. November through February is the safest time to prune most

conifers. The danger of attracting insect predators is lessened due

to limited sap flow.

Q. My pyracantha turned black and died during the holidays. What

happened?

A. A bacterium, commonly called Fireblight, likely killed your

plant. Symptoms include a blackening of infected flowers, twigs, and

leaves. Prevention includes removing infected branches (disinfest

pruning shears with 10% bleach solution after each cut) and spraying

copper sulfate before bud break in the spring.

Q. Is it too late for bulbs?

A. Spring bulbs, like callas, gladiolus, lilies, and Lily of the

Valley are available at your favorite garden center. If you can find

them, there is time to plant daffodils, ranunculus, and narcissus.

Q. Is it safe to prune roses if the rose bush is still leafy and

is even producing flowers?

A. I would wait until the “flush” of flowers ends and then prune

my roses. Remember, you have until the end of February to prune your

roses in Laguna.

Q. Plant Man! What flowers look good now?

A. Delphinium, English primrose, foxglove, Iceland poppy, pansy,

snapdragon, stock and viola top my garden color list for this month.

Q. I have an apple tree that has produced well, however, there

were no apples this past year. What happened?

A. Apples are produced on short fruiting branches that are two

years older or more. If you pruned your tree severely and removed

these spurs -- no fruit. Many apple varieties will sometimes

experience “off-years,” a lack of fruit after a particularly heavy

crop the previous year. Weather related problems, such as cold or

heavy rains at blossom time can also cause crop reduction.

I’m going to turn over a new leaf, so to speak. I will definitely

be in the garden, garage and gym this weekend. After all, it appears

that we have clear weather ahead ... and I’m growing tired of

Catharine grousing about whale sightings outside of Baja. See you

next time.

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

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. A “local” guy, he makes his

home with wife, Catharine Cooper, an artist and writer, and their

three cats. He can be reached at (949) 497-2438, or by e-mail at

[email protected].