How to grow a dreamy summer garden

Steve Kawaratani

o7I should like to enjoy this summer flower by flower ...

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--Andre Gide

o7What a day for a daydream...f7

--John Sebastian

I enjoy designing gardens, and although my own garden is not by

any stretch of the most elastic imagination, Eden; it is to me, my

own personal paradise. While gardening, I am free to plan and do as I

please, and the pleasure of working outdoors is only matched by the

pleasure of daydreaming. In minutia, I conjure garden ideas which may

never come to fruition -- of transplanting this or growing that,

musings of cathartic gardening which purge me of anxieties.

Read on, and let’s get back to the garden with the Plant Man.

Q. Because of its ease of application, I use a hose end sprayer to

apply liquid fertilizer to my plants here in Laguna Beach. I use

Miracle Gro’s 15-30-15 formula for all flowering shrubs, vegetables

and annual flowers, but I was told recently to use Miracle Grow’s

Miracid with a 30-10-10 formula. Which is better for these types of

plants?

A. The original Miracle Gro is formulated to encourage flowers,

vegetables and fruits -- exactly the type of plants you are

fertilizing. Miracid may be used during nonflowering/nonfruiting

periods to encourage green growth. Stick with the Miracle Gro during

the summer to keep your flowers blooming!

Q. Hi, Plant Man. Should I be fertilizing my cymbidium orchids

now?

A. I would recommend a high nitrogen fertilizer like Grow More

30-10-10 every two weeks until the end of August. I would then switch

to a 6-30-30 fertilizer, through February, to help initiate flower

spikes.

Q. Help. My ficus is dropping sticky stuff on my sofa. What can I

do?

A. Your ficus probably has some type of insect attacking it, with

mealybugs and scale at the top of the suspect list. These insects

feed on the sap of the plant but are unable to digest all of the

sugar they extract. They secrete a fluid called honeydew, which

covers the leaves and may continue onto furniture below. Take the

plant outdoors, inspect for pests and spray with Orthene every seven

to 10 days until the problem disappears.

Q. Hi, Plant Man. I plan to start a vegetable garden in rocky

soil. Am I heading for a pratfall?

A. To avoid a rocky start, I would recommend removing as many of

the rocks as possible. Rocks don’t present a problem for plant growth

or drainage; however, they can be a nuisance when you’re planting

your veggies or attempting to prepare or cultivate the soil. If there

are more rocks than soil in your plot, consider adding topsoil for a

raised bed.

Q. Plant Man! Is it OK to prune my flowering plants now?

A. It’s always o.k. to trim back lightly, particularly plants that

have become straggly. Lantana, pelargonium, petunia and verbena

benefit particularly from pruning, as it encourages a more compact

growth.

Q. Help, Plant Man. My cucumber plants are covered with a powdery,

white fungus. What should I do?

A. Yes, the fungus is indeed among us this summer. The prevailing

favorable conditions of humid, overcast weather can spread powdery

mildew throughout a garden in a matter of days. The fungus attacks

the cucumber leaves and fruit, causing yellowing and even death of

the plant in severe cases. I would recommend treating your cucumbers

with Daconil on a weekly basis, as long as the disease is a problem.

For those wishing an organic alternative, Safer Fungicide is less

effective, but less toxic. Be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly

before consuming.

Q. Mr. Plant Man, what can you tell me about Angel’s Trumpet?

A. Angel’s Trumpet (o7Brugmansia candidaf7) is from Peru and

produces extraordinary, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in white,

yellow and apricot. The plants grow quickly, will tolerate some

shade, and can become small trees. The lengthy blooming period, from

mid-summer until early winter, make this a spectacular -- although

large -- specimen for summer gardens.

The garden of my daydreams is quite extravagant, but of course,

all gardeners’ dreams are fanciful. If only I had more time, more

space, more money. I could realize the garden of my dreams. And

speaking of dreams, I’m ready to cuddle with Catharine, serenaded

softly by the wind rustling through our bamboo. See you next time.

o7* Steve Kawaratani is happily married to local writer Catharine

Cooper and has two cats. He can be reached at (949) 497.2438, or

e-mail him at [email protected]

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