Happy anniversary, pass the questions

Steve Kawaratani

“Are there memories left that are safe from the clutches of phony

anniversarists?”

-- W.J. Wetherby

“I love the rain. I love the feeling of it on my face.”

-- Catharine Cooper

“I don’t believe that I have ever seen you committed for this

length of time.” Catharine told me, over a glass of Pelligrino. “I

don’t mean to ever congratulate an already, over-inflated ego, but

your next column will certainly be a milestone -- the nine-year

anniversary of writing garden stories for the Coastline.”

I must admit, even I am amazed that a lengthy amount of deadlines

have been met since my first column.

A great deal has happened during this time many new gardening

friends have introduced themselves, with great suggestions made for

horticultural subjects. The Plantman was born as the evangelist and

pontificator of garden issues and lately, a crusader for view equity.

Our family business has become a memory, but I am proud to have a

small part in the ongoing development of our city. However, enough of

the past, I would like to visit the possibility of gardening in

March.

Question: Plantman, should I fertilize my garden, even though it

has been raining?

Answer: Spring is advancing rapidly (at least, that’s what the

calendar tells me). If you don’t fertilize your garden on a regular

basis, this is the most important month to remember to do so. I would

recommend that you try Gro-Power Plus or Gro-Rite because they become

immediately available to plants and are easy to apply.

Q: Who’ll stop the rain?

A: Only a high-pressure ridge; but I hope the rain continues, as

Catharine and Emma have so much fun playing in it.

Q: Plantman, is it safe to start my tomatoes and herbs?

A: If you’re missing those homegrown tomatoes, I would recommend

that you set out varieties like Early Girl and cherry tomatoes, which

do well in Laguna beginning in March. You can, of course, plant herbs

in a protected, sunny part of your garden.

Q: Dear Plantman, I haven’t pruned my roses yet. Am I too late?

A: Absolutely not. Prune lightly to shape, and don’t forget to

fertilize and apply a dormant spray.

Q: What should I do when I see “story poles” going up in my

neighborhood?

A: Assess the impact from your property, talk to your neighbor

calmly about their proposed development, and look at the proposed

plans at City Hall. Don’t forget to attend the Design Review Board

meeting to either express support or concerns about the project.

Besides, the meetings are the best, free entertainment on Thursday

nights in town.

Q: Hello. My camellia has just finished blooming. Do I need to do

anything with it?

A: Fertilize it with a complete fertilizer, one formulated for

acid-loving plants. Mulch with azalea mix or leaf mold; don’t forget

to rake up old flowers.

Q: Plantman, my lawn isn’t looking very green and has a number of

holes in it. Any hints?

A: Your lawn should be fertilized with a product high in nitrogen.

You may decide to select a fertilizer that is combined with a weed

killer. This is a good month to reseed bare spots as well.

Once upon a time, the Plantman wished for a partner who loved

flowers as much as he. Then he met Catharine, who not only has a

passion for blossoms, but remembered to chill (not freeze) tulips and

hyacinths in December. It is a relationship made in a garden each

passing anniversary (17 years this year) finding their love has

grown.

See you next time.

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

1278 Glenneyre 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.