STEVE KAWARATANI:October brings clarity

“October is... a wider horizon more clearly seen.” -- Hal Borland

“When men and women agree, it is only in their conclusions; their reasons are always different.” -- George Santayana

Heavy morning dews and Mary Kate’s sycamore leaves turning color have reminded me that summer has passed. It has been surprisingly warm during this persistent period of on-and-off overcast weather. My salvias appeared bluer and the echinacea brighter than autumns past. The days have closed with a clear horizon over the ocean and the possibilities seemed endless. October is such a splendid month.

I find myself focused on the unusual: jacarandas blooming in the canyon, the council supportive of a DRB approval, and agreement with my betters, particularly the woman in my life. An important survival instinct has guided me to rarely disagree with Catharine. This is a particularly good notion as we continue on the road of life together.

Your questions for the Plant Man included:

Q. How can I tell the difference between a male and female asparagus plant?

A. With much difficulty, however, the male plants yield a greater bounty of spears.

Q. The leaves of my laurel leaf ficus are curling up. What’s up?

A. Your ficus is being infested with thrips. Although unsightly, the damage is not likely debilitating. For aesthetic reasons, I recommend simply pulling off affected leaves.

Q. The last of my Monterey pines is dying. Is there anything I can do?

A. The deadly combination of the engraver bark beetle and the fungus it transmits has destroyed most of the Monterey pines in Laguna. If you are not willing to remove the tree, keep it well fed and watered to increase its vitality.

Q. How can I get rid of oxalis growing in my Korean grass?

A. The broad leaf herbicide, 2, 4-D, is very effective. In small areas, I recommend applying the chemical as a premixed solution.

Q. Besides ruining my view, my neighbor’s eucalyptus tree has spoiled by soil with debris. What can I do?

A. First, rake out all leaves, bark, and pods, and then turn the soil as deeply as possible. Allow the anticipated rains and supplemental heavy watering to leach out the toxic oils. After lying fallow during the winter, the soil should be in fair condition. Constant raking must be continued.

Q. How can I grow a dichondra lawn?

A. The soil should be well prepared and perfectly graded. Monthly feedings with a complete lawn fertilizer and plenty of water is necessary to keep the “lawn” green. Limit mowing to 3 or 4 times a year.

Q. When should I plant a new lawn?

A. Although a lawn may be started at any time in Laguna, the best time is during the fall, particularly in October. This will establish the lawn before the winter rains and before the summer’s heat.

As October began I noticed a renewed lightness in my steps. I could see where I wanted to be. See you next time.