Questions about the winter Laguna garden

Steve Kawaratani

“The physician can bury his mistakes, but the architect can only

advise his clients to plant vines.”

-- FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

“Tis the last rose of November, left blooming alone ... “

-- WITH APOLOGIES TO

THOMAS MOORE

November’s first week has been the month of clearing skies. It’s

amazing what one can see when the fog and smoke are cleared by a

gentle storm. Both Catalina and San Clemente Islands have been

clearly visible since last Saturday, as were a number of new story

poles; three were so tall that they were actually swaying like palm

trees.

It was sad to see the pumpkin carnage after Halloween. I think

those gourds would have looked swell in someone’s garden until at

least Thanksgiving, or at least baked by Catharine into pies. I noted

that the local nurseries have been busy -- everyone must be sprucing

up their gardens in anticipation of the endless holidays. Finally,

welcome home Will; I look forward to teasing you soon.

By the way, you did manage to fit in the time for some November

questions for the Plant Man:

Q: What should I be doing in my garden this month?

A: We are in the midst of the season that is considered the best

for planting. It is also cleanup month, the time to fasten trees and

tall shrubs, prune the old tops of perennials and freshen flowerbeds.

It’s not too late for bulbs -- remember to refrigerate the tulips and

hyacinths for later planting. Finally I would suggest mulching

perennials and keeping an eye out for fall weeds.

Q: Plantman, what should I do with my tomato plant? Almost all of

the leaves are gone, and there are only three tomatoes left.

A: Your tomato has reached the end of its season. It’s time to say

goodbye.

Q: What can I do in my garden to minimize the danger of fire?

A: I would recommend that trees adjacent to your home be pruned

away from the roof and eaves. Thin all plantings within 100 feet of

your house and clear away dead vegetation. Finally, clean up dead

leaves and litter that accumulated during the summer. For further

details, contact the Laguna Beach Fire Department.

Q: What kind of plants will give me berries for the holidays?

A: Holly, especially the Chinese and English kinds can be used as

decorations as small plants and then planted in the garden. In

succeeding years they may be carefully pruned to provide branches

covered with berries. Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) and Toyon

(Heteromeles arbutifolia) are also useful as plants with berried

branches.

Q: When should we prune our roses?

A: Laguna generally experiences mild winters, so roses can be

pruned in mid-December, however, a rare frost could damage tender new

growth. One might wait until February to prune, however, early

blossoms could be missed. Those are the reasons why I prune my own

roses in nearly frost free Laguna, around Christmas.

Shortly after admiring my neighbors’ gardens, I called it a day. I

was exhausted from packing boxes. I found myself calming down after

chatting with my best friend. The next day, I moved a few more boxes,

looked at some story poles, and readied myself for Thanksgiving and

beyond. See you next time.

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

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. A “local” guy, he makes his

home with wife, Catharine Cooper, an artist and writer, and their

three cats. He can be reached at (949) 497-2438, or by e-mail at

landscapes@ln.coxatwork.com.