Storm watch in the garden

THE GARDEN FANATIC

“There’s always a period of curious fear between the first

sweet-smelling breeze and the time when the rain comes cracking

down.”

-- Don DeLillo

“Who’ll start the rain?”

-- with apologies to CCR

“Long as I remember, the rain’s been coming down,” declared John

Fogerty on KRTH-FM (101.1) this week. But, for those of us in Laguna,

the early rainfall did arrive. Although it may rain again this

weekend, the Santa Ana winds will likely be problematic in many of

our gardens. With the wildest months of the season looming, what can

we do to protect not only our plantings, but also perhaps our homes

from the upcoming winter storms?

Readying your garden begins with personal observation. Do the

trees and shrubs need to be pruned off the house? Is there a

possibility that these plants may remove paint and roofing during

heavy winds? Why was there a big puddle of water in the lawn? Is the

front wall leaning, or are there new cracks in the driveway or

walkway? Early detection and simple maintenance can often save costly

expense and damage later.

Always start your preventive maintenance with the trees and your

tallest shrubs. They are the largest landscape elements and

potentially pose the most problems. An improperly pruned (including

unpruned) tree is most likely to be damaged during a storm, with the

possibility for property damage increasing with tree size. Prune out

deadwood and weak or diseased branches, and keep the height of your

trees under control to maintain a healthy tree.

Planting beds with foundation shrubs and flowering plants also

require attention. Prune carefully to remove damaged or weak stem and

branches, dead flower or seed parts, and branches that have overgrown

the originally intended space. The plants prefer your artistic

pruning to amputation by storm. Don’t be afraid to prune or pinch --

the plant will grow back!

Standing water in the garden, originating from low spots, poor

grading or lack of proper drainage, cannot only create breeding spots

for disease in your garden, but may also find its way into your home.

Raise low areas that are collecting water next to your house and in

garden areas, add subsurface drainage to evacuate unwanted water or

both. In severe cases, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified soils

engineer or geologist.

Unlike the city, Catharine and I haven’t started decorating for

the holidays. However, I do believe that it’s time to think about

shopping. A quick stop at Dan Miller’s, Sound Spectrum and Latitude

33 should get it done. Then, recharge my culinary senses at

Michael’s. With all the great places to shop and dine in Laguna, why

would anyone ever leave town?

PLANT MAN WATCH

A cover of vegetation is the best defense against slope erosion

and runoff during the rainy season. There is still time to establish

protection. The Plant Man looks at the available options:

* Aptenia (red apple) -- ice plant relative that is fire

resistant and drought tolerant. Blooms in spring and summer.

* Myoporum Parvifolium -- dense groundcover that fills in

rapidly. Moderately drought resistant, but appreciates summer water.

* Ice plant -- acknowledged star of fire-resistant ground cover

is still considered a high risk in slope failures.

* Plastic sheeting -- traditional slope protection is a poor

choice when precipitation is directed to unprotected areas below.

* Erosion blankets -- natural mats of straw, coconut, and jute

protect slope plantings, retain moisture, and absorb the effects of

rain. Useful when work goes late into the season.

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

a design-build firm at 1540 S. Coast Highway, Suite 206. A “local”

guy, he makes his home with wife Catharine Cooper, an artist and

writer, and their three cats. He may be reached at 497-2438 or

Landscapes@ ln.coxatwork.com.