Imagining the garden of your dreams

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“I should like to enjoy this summer flower by flower ... “

--Andre Gide

“What a day for a daydream ... “

--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.

I thought I was dreaming, when I saw the city re-landscaping the

Forest Avenue planters. Kudos to new Parks Manager Vic Hillstead and

Municipal Services Director Terry Brandt for brightening the Downtown

landscape. At this rate of improvement, it won’t be long before that

fountain is removed from the front of city hall (hah!). 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 was told recently to use Miracle Gro’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 non-flowering/fruiting

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 ok 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 fungi are 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. Plantsman, What can you tell me about Angel’s Trumpet?

A: Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia candida) 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, rocked softly

to sleep as we sail across the Atlantic. See you next time.

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

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949) 497

2438, or e-mail to landscapes@ ln.coxatwork.com.