GARDEN FANATIC: Gardening pleasures

May has brought challenging pleasure to Catharine and Steve’s ever-evolving garden. The mornings have alternated between warm and overcast. The need to sufficiently water has encouraged both snails and slugs (I tread carefully as not to walk on someone’s pet) and fungus gnats in our driveway lawn.

No matter the morning’s inclination, gardeners have been faced with a consistently blazing hot afternoon (even hotter this weekend) that requires sustained watering of new plantings, while protecting plants and themselves from sunscald.

This rush of unseasonably, warm spring temperatures has also brought a brilliant display of bloom throughout my neighborhood. I never tire of the blossoms displayed by Wendt Terrace star jasmine and bower vine. From my backyard I shudder at the first glimpse of my neighbor’s morning glory, however, I must concede the flowers are truly spectacular. And across the street, Byron and Ann’s jacaranda is blooming a brilliant blue.

Mid-May’s gardening list begins with mulching everything. This will help conserve moisture and reduce water consumption.

Mulching will also discourage weeds and keep roots cool. Remember to water your tomatoes and roses well. Even levels of moisture are the key to success. Established plantings should be watered as needed, in response to the weather, rather than on a schedule.

Roses should be fed with a balanced fertilizer. Miracle Gro for Roses is excellent. This is particularly important after a flower crop ends. Soak the soil thoroughly following application. Annuals, perennials and vegetables will also benefit from monthly applications.

With summer-like weather upon us, raise the lawn mower so the grass is cut higher. Water deeply and as infrequently as possible to encourage deeper root growth. Fertilizer should be applied monthly during the growing season. Your favorite nursery can assist you with just the right product for your specific type of grass. Judicious use of herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds.

Many potted plants, such as fuchsia, tuberous begonias and other shade plants will be peaking soon. Provide plenty of moisture and light shade. Don’t allow potted plants to dry out.

Spring pruning should be completed carefully, mainly to maintain space for your plant and yourself. It is OK to pinch back leggy growth on annuals and perennials to make a plant more attractive.

Make sure to attend the Laguna Charm House Tour this Sunday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to view Laguna cottages, contemporaries and gardens. Meet at the Festival Grounds between noon and 3:30 p.m. See you there!

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