GARDEN FANATIC: Promises of spring are all around us

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

My Baja Sur whale calendar indicates that we still have four weeks to wait until spring (we have completed 60 days of winter as of today). Three days have gone by since it has last rained.

Subtle signs of the change in the seasons are appearing throughout Laguna. Deciduous trees, like the sycamore and crape myrtle, are beginning to leaf out under cloudless, blue skies, and Catharine’s Mutabilis rose has already begun to display its bountiful blooms.

Spring is in the air in Laguna — a time for growth and flowers. It is the early end of winter and words like dormant spray and bareroot roses leave our vocabulary until next year. Fertilize everything — shrubs, trees, perennials and the lawn. This is the season of rapid growth, and adding extra nutrients will enhance the beauty of your plants.

About the only problem a gardener may face are those plants that you intended to plant, but you’ve been too busy surfing or playing tennis. If you still have Maui onions and bareroot roses in plastic bags, they must be planted before it is too late. This also applies to berries, artichokes and the remaining spring bulbs sitting in the garage. Check with your local nursery person if you have forgotten what you were supposed to do with them.

Of course, the planting of tomatoes and herbs needn’t be hurried; the skies may become cloudy and chilly nights may still be lurking. After all, the days still belong to February.

If you plant too early, your plants may be lost to the cold. Be a little patient, and your crops will arrive just a little later.

The advantages of planting in mid-February are obvious, longer days and warmer sunlight. Once in the ground, plants have a full season’s growth before they enter their first winter after transplanting. But sometimes, due to other imperative spring work, it is simply impossible to complete all of your garden plans. Relax, this is Laguna and we can plant the year around!

Almost lost in the flurry of spring horticulture was the flurry of activity by our feathered friends. Nests have appeared everywhere and the insistent chirping and cheeping seems to indicate that a new generation of hummingbirds, doves and mockingbirds are on their way. Our upcoming spring flowers and bird feeders will provide a delectable and ample supply of food for them all.

See you next time.

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