Spring time awaits the garden

GARDEN FANATIC

“Nothing is so beautiful as spring ... “

-- GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS

“The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem

possible ... “

-- EDWIN WAY TEALE

I’ve been surprised, like many of us, by late winter’s desire to

bring heavy rain, wind and cold temperatures. But now we expect

spring to March in, and with each passing day the odds of additional

blustery weather are decreasing. Although we expect, and even enjoy

the necessary winter storms, nothing is quite as beautiful as a sunny

spring in Laguna.

Catharine, who has dedicated her weekends to our garden between

writing her column, has already planted spring bulbs, responsibly

controlled the first outbreak of giant whitefly with Ultra Fine oil

(without harming our lady bugs and wild birds) and is preparing the

vegetable planter for Early Girl tomatoes. Other garden fanatics,

like Lynn and James, have already laced their trees and checked their

water features for upcoming social gatherings.

Begin your spring cleanup with the trees or your tallest shrubs.

Pruning out deadwood, weak or diseased branches and keeping the

height of your trees under control will allow you to maintain a

healthy tree. A residual benefit is the preservation of views for not

only yourself, but for your neighbors. If your trees are too tall to

safely reach with your pruning equipment, contact a qualified tree

service.

How do your planting beds look? Do your flowers reflect your good

taste? Or has it become the killing fields for helpless flowers? Poor

performance by plantings directly under trees can often be attributed

to lack of sunlight, poor air circulation, smothering and / or

poisoning from leaf drop and berries or competition from tree roots.

Open up your trees and let the sunshine in!

Foundation shrubs, flowering plants and vines also need attention

during these warming months. If a plant is doing poorly in a

particular location, try moving it. Place it in a spot more favorable

to its cultural requirements. For example, don’t plant a shade fern

in the hottest spot in your garden or a sun loving plant in deep

shade. Prune carefully to remove damaged or weak stems and branches,

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

original intended space. Don’t be afraid to prune or pinch, the plant

will grow back!

The number of garden pests you’ll discover during your initial

inspection may surprise you. Aphids, snails and slugs, and thrips are

just a few of the pests that can be identified by either visual

sighting or by the damage they cause. Holes in leaves, deformed

flowers, sticky residue on plants, insect doo doo or slime trails are

strong signs that something bad may be breeding. Many pests and

diseases can be managed by sensible and safe alternatives from strong

pesticides and are available from your local nursery.

Now that you’re finished with the clean-up process, it’s time to

make your garden “plant friendly.” Fertilize and mulch everything,

including new planting beds. Spring is the most important season to

provide nutrition for all plants. Be sure to check the sprinkler

system for leaks and coverage before you need to use it during

periods of warm weather or vacation away from home.

Resist the temptation to horticulturally keep up with a garden

fanatic, unless you have the time and inclination. It is OK to cast

an envious glance at their perfect irises, freesias and croci this

month -- you meant to plant bulbs this past winter, but you were busy

at your daughter’s soccer matches. Buy a dozen tulips from English

Garden and pretend they are from your garden. Trust me, you’ll feel

better. 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 by e-mail at plantm@lagunanursery.com.