GARDEN FANATIC: Merry month of May

May has always been a great month. First came Mother’s Day celebrations, and now there is Catharine’s Day on the 26th and Memorial Day, which marks the beginning of summer. Even the former Soviet Union named May Day as a holiday, dedicated to its ever-suffering workers.

Q. Is the city giving away mulch again?

A. From 8 a.m. to noon May 9, the city of Laguna Beach, Tierra Verde Industries and Waste Management of Orange County will offer free compost to Laguna Beach residents, at the Act V Lot at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road. Contact Liz Vazquez-Avila at (949) 497-0344.

Q. My winter color is fading fast. What should I plant now?

A. Petunias, marigolds, dahlias and geraniums are good choices for the expected warmer temperatures. Don’t forget to remove the tip bud to encourage bushy growth.

Q. What is the origin of Mother’s Day?

A. Anna May Jarvis conceived the idea of an annual day to honor mothers. Let’s hope that the second Sunday in May continues the tradition of being the biggest business day of the year for Laguna restaurants and florists.

Q. How do I get rid of scale on my indoor palm?

A. I recommend moving the plant outdoors and using a highly refined oil spray. Don’t let this one get out of control and remember to spray the underside of the fronds.

Q. I only live in Laguna during the weekends. What can I plant on my west-facing deck?

A. Cacti and succulents are often excellent potted plants. Their water requirements and care are somewhat less than for many other plants, and will survive on weekly watering.

Q. Hello. Do I need to do anything special for my lawn?

A. Lawns need regular mowing. Remember to set the mower higher as the season becomes warmer. Your lawn will respond favorably to regular applications of fertilizer throughout the summer.

Q. What can I do to keep mildew off my roses this year?

A. Overcast weather contributes to the mildew found on roses. You can’t control the weather, so your options are to spray fungicides for control, ignore the problem, or move farther inland. Good cultural practices, such as avoiding excessive moisture on leaves during watering and removing badly diseased leaves, will go a long way in keeping the problem to a minimum.

I would be remiss if the Battle of Puebla wasn’t mentioned as a May event. After all, Cinco de Mayo is as raucously enjoyed by gringos as it is celebrated by Mexicans in Loreto and Mexican American communities in the United States.

Any excuse for a holiday is fine with me.

Hasta la vista.

STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to Greenie, Catharine Cooper, and has four dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected].