Plant Man answers some January inquiries

STEVE KAWARATANI

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

-- Oprah Winfrey

“January made me shiver ... “

-- Don McClean

The onset of the New Year has found me getting back to the garden,

to loiter and unwind and defrost from the demands of the holidays.

Problems are solved there, commitments reaffirmed and new challenges

invented. My occasional bouts with moodiness dissolve to make room

for calmer introspection.

Gardening produces magic for many of us, because it allows for

personal space and freshness of thought. Rather than waiting to

garden because I need therapy, this coming year I resolve to enjoy my

garden more often, and fix myself prior to December.

Your questions for the Plant Man, for this first month of the year

included:

Q: Is this a good time to plant roses?

A: The best! Your local nurseries will have their largest

selection of roses at the best prices, because it is bare root season

through February.

Q: What is the most important garden job this month?

A: January is the month for pruning. Prune carefully to encourage

the type of plant growth you desire. Early-flowering shrubs and trees

may be pruned after they have flowered.

Q: My tuberous begonias are going down now. What do I do with them

in Laguna Canyon?

A: When the stems have fallen off, remove the tuber and shake off

the soil. Dry them for a few days, place tubers in a paper bag, and

store in a cool, dry place. You can set the begonias out again in

early spring.

Q: Dear Plant Man, my azalea plant was in blossom when I bought it

about two weeks ago, but most of the flowers have turned brown and

many leaves are dropping. What can I do?

A: Azaleas have a difficult time growing indoors. Rapid leaf drop

is an indication of too much heat (perhaps it’s next to a heater),

lack of water or possibly the plant is sitting in saucer water. Plant

it outdoors soon.

Q: My roses have been so beautiful this past year. But now, they

are losing leaves. Is it too early to prune for the winter?

A: Rain, insects and cold winds have stripped many rose leaves. If

you have the time, it would be OK to prune your roses now.

Q: Do hydrangeas bloom on old or new wood?

A: The common hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) flowers on canes

formed the preceding year, and should be pruned after flowering or

not at all.

Q: Can I grow chives from seeds?

A: Yes. They can be sown now, but I think buying a plant is much

easier.

Catharine and I spent the end of the year with friends Lynn and

James. Our favorite getaway was as beautiful and soothing as always.

I resolved there, to look forward each day; not dwelling on the

events of the past. And of course, as always, love my wife

unconditionally -- but not too tightly. See you next time.

* Steve Kawaratani is happily married to local writer, Catharine

Cooper, and has two cats. He

can be reached at (949) 497-2438, or e-mail to landscapes@ln.cox

atwork.com.