GARDEN FANATIC: Lots to do in the February garden

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” “” Oscar Wilde

“A bargain is in its very essence a hostile transaction . . .” “” Lord Byron

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Although I freely dispense advice weekly in this column, I also have the pleasure to view neighborhood gardens while walking Buster and Blondie. A peek through wrought iron gates revealed bricked paved courtyards, with fountains gurgling and paper whites filling the space with sweet perfume. A block away, neighbors competed to see whose lemon trees had the most fruit. I wondered if they ever pick them?

A garden in progress, where the new owner had completed a major cleanup, was filled with yet-to-be planted purchases from a warehouse outlet. The plants were attractive enough and priced competitively, likely the major influence in the purchase. There was only one problem. Few of the plants were appropriate for use in Laguna.

For those of you who had forgotten, this is the month for rain. After numerous storms, it appears we are leaving last year’s dry period and returning to a more normal period of rainy weather. This is the prime time to plant bareroot roses. Moist soil and our warm winters will have those roses blooming before March. Your favorite nursery is currently offering its largest selection and best values of the year.

We have until the end of February to plant bareroots and/or prune our existing roses. Generally, I don’t recommend removing more than 1/3 of a rose. And I suggest 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.

This is also a great time to plant lawns, either to fix a small spot or an entire plot (believe the Marathon grass commercial, it’s true). It is important to prepare the soil properly first, add redwood compost, gypsite, and pre-plant fertilizer. Cool season grasses like Marathon, other tall fescues, and bluegrass will benefit from fertilization during the winter.

Pest alert. Catharine tells me that aphids are already appearing on the new, red foliage of roses because of the slightly warmer days. Use water and Ultra Fine Oil to wash them off. Snails and slugs are active, particularly after a rain shower.

Winter 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.

I always believe it makes sense to get your money’s worth. But shop wisely. A truckful of plants from an inland warehouse may appear to be a bargain, until they fail to meet your expectations. Caveat emptor! See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is married to writer Catharine Cooper and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.