Garden chores and love

STEVE KAWARATANI

“On Valentine’s Day, millions of men give millions of women flowers,

cards and candy as a heartfelt expression of the emotion that also

motivates men to observe anniversaries and birthdays: fear.”

--Dave Barry

“Birds do it, bees do it

Even educated fleas do it

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love”

--Cole Porter

Valentine’s Day was initially observed with the exchange of

romantic greeting cards, called valentines. Through skillful

marketing (retailers needed a sales boost in February) and exploiting

lovers’ fear of guilt, the ante for St. Valentine’s Day has risen

considerably. Today, a culinary treat at one of Laguna’s fine

restaurants would be a good beginning ... accompanied by pearls,

Belgian chocolates and an outrageous bouquet of flowers ... fait

accompli.

February is also the month for rain. With predictions of showers

this week, it appears that the trend will continue. This is the prime

time to plant bare root roses. Moist soil and our warm winter will

have roses blooming by March. Your favorite nursery is currently

offering their largest selection and best values of the year.

We have until the end of this month to plant bare roots and/or

prune our existing roses. Generally, I don’t recommend removing more

than 1/3 of a rose. And I suggest that you just strip the leaves off

existing climbing roses. Otherwise you will be pruning off this

season’s flowers.

Add pruning ... seal cuts when they are larger than 1/2-inch in

diameter on roses and other deciduous plants. Pruning paint is a

convenient way to keep diseases from entering pruning cuts (think of

it as a bandage). Dormant sprays should be applied after pruning,

prior to the appearance of new leaves.

Late winter is also a great time to plant lawns, either to fix a

small spot or an entire plot. It is important to prepare the soil

properly; add a good quality compost, gypsum, and starter fertilizer.

Cool season grasses like Marathon, other tall fescues, and bluegrass

will all benefit from fertilization.

Pest alert ... Catharine tells me that worms are already appearing

on her snap peas because of the mild temperatures. Use Bacillus

thuringinensis for safest control. Snails and slugs are also active,

particularly after a rain shower. “That’s It” snail granules will

provide excellent control without endangering you or your pets.

Winter color ... this is my favorite time for color. I love

pansies, snapdragons, stock, the primroses and particularly Iceland

Poppies. Once again, prepare the soil properly to ensure success.

Valentine’s Day, need I remind everyone, arrives on Monday. It is

the day we proclaim our love for that special someone. There won’t be

diamonds this year, but I’ll continue to practice being happy,

healthy, wise and nice (for Catharine’s sake); and say, I love you

... and mean it more than ever.

* 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.coxatwork.com.