GARDEN FANATIC: Easter sweets beckon in garden

I remember Easter as an image of fellow, well-scrubbed boys squirming in Sunday school, anticipating the hunt for brightly colored, hard-boiled eggs in the church parking lot. Gardening was the last thing on my mind; after all, it’s still the ’50s, and I haven’t progressed beyond raking bougainvillea leaves.

April stirs a gardener’s blood with a host of gardening opportunities in Laguna. The largest selection of flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees are available this month. Your favorite nursery is literally overflowing with tempting spring bloomers, vying for attention with Easter holiday plants. Let’s get back to the garden with the Plant Man.

Q. I forgot to fertilize last month. Am I too late?

A. Absolutely not. But the sooner you do so, the quicker your plants will benefit.

Q. Should I prune my fuchsias?

A. Catharine has begun to prune our fuchsias, so it’s OK. Prune them to make them bushier this month, and to stimulate new growth.

Q. What is that orange stuff on my rose leaves?

A. Rose rust is a fungus that appears on the undersides of the leaves first. The onset of moderate temperatures and the presence of moisture allow the spores to infest roses. Spray either Funginex or Orthonex at seven-day intervals for best control. Keep the ground beneath your roses raked up and clean!

Q. What’s the best annual color now?

A. I would recommend planting marigolds, petunias, cosmos, phlox and bedding begonias for brilliant color in April.

Q. Is it time to plant vegetables?

A. Vegetable planting is well under way. Seeds of most kinds may be sown now, such as beets, carrots, corn, lettuce, peas and radishes. Tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper and eggplant may be found from starters.

Q. Will daylight saving have an effect on my plants?

A. Only that your plants will have more attention from you, because you’ll be able to garden into the early evening!

I call every Friday good, because the fifth day marks the beginning of the weekend, and an opportunity to unwind at the Marine Room. However, the second Sunday of this month will be very special, as it will find me “opening” my Easter basket at my mother’s home. Nestled amidst the artificial grass will be brightly colored, hard-boiled eggs and jelly beans that I will place aside for later. At that moment, heart racing, I only want to savor — and it will be there for the 55th year — the foil-wrapped, chocolate Easter bunny.

See you next time

STEVE KAWARATANI is 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.