Sharing garden wisdom and joy

Regardless of the reasons one may pursue gardening, I believe it is more fun when shared with a friend, partner or family member. This activity inevitably leads to a synergistic expression and may inspire a garden experience that is rewarding and pleasurable.

Preparing for the fall, your questions to the Plant Man included:

Q. What camellia is blooming now?

A. Camellia sasanqua is just beginning its spectacular display of white, pink or red flowers that may last for months. They will grow either in sun or shade.

Q. Can I grow daffodils in pots?

A. Yes! Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the bulbs.

Q. Do systemic insecticides work for house plants?

A. Most systemic insecticidal products, labeled for use on house plants, enter the root system and move by the flow of sap. I have not found that this chemical will translocate more than three or four feet, so it is not useful for taller plants.

Q. How can I get my potted poinsettia to bloom again?

A. The first week of November is generally the last time you may prune poinsettias and still expect holiday color. Potted plants should be placed in a closet each night for 14 hours, and then moved into light in the morning for a maximum of 10 hours. Continue this for eight weeks.

You’ll have blossoms around Christmas.

Q. Why are my climbing rose leaves going yellow with brown spots and why are some branches dying back?

A. Blackspot is a fungus that develops rapidly during warm, humid weather. The fungus appears as an enlarging black ring on both sides of leaves. Remove dying leaves and branches.

Q. Someone once told me that you can grow a bougainvillea from a slip. Do you know this to be true?

A. Bougainvillea may be propagated by cuttings, or slips. Take a soft cutting and dip it in a rooting hormone, place the cutting in a rooting medium and you’ll have a new plant!

Q. Something is making trails through the leaves of my dahlias.

A. Leafminers are eating through your dahlia leaves. Spray infested plants with a systemic insecticide and remove and destroy infested leaves.

Gardening is a wonderful pastime or profession and it often attracts those who possess a naturally sunny disposition. Once hooked, it may allow happiness for a lifetime! See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to award-winning writer Catharine Cooper, and has two cats and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected].