Getting ready for autumn foliage

We have caught a break in the weather again, prior to the last holiday of summer. These past warm nights transport me from Laguna to Baja and Costa Rica by merely closing my eyes. With autumn only a few weeks away, I treasure the clear, sultry afternoons and evenings.

September garden chores begin with shopping for spring-flowering bulbs and sowing sweet pea seeds for winter bloom. If you like your lawn a rich, green color, it is a must to maintain watering and fertilizing. If your tomatoes have petered out, it’s time to seed cool-season vegetables, such as carrots, lettuce, peas and spinach.

Your September questions for the Plant Man included:

What flowers can I plant near the ocean?

It depends on how close, but alyssum, geranium, lantana, petunia, portulaca and statice generally do well, as we head into September.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and dedicated to the achievements of American workers. It’s also a good day not to labor.

What are good plants for a low hedge?

Nothing surpasses Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica), but dwarf myrtle (Myrtus communis compacta) deserves consideration.

My Strawberry tree (Arbutus undeo) blooms but does not set fruit. Why?

Trees prefer good drainage, acid soil and protection from wind. If conditions are favorable, the tree might just be a poor bearer.

Is there any special care for my bird of paradise?

Let it grow as it pleases, with plenty of water and fertilizer prior to blooming in the fall.

Why is my lemon losing its leaves?

A heavy crop of fruit will often strip a lemon of most of its foliage. Over-watering in poor-draining soil may also cause the condition. Thoughtful watering and application of citrus food should bring the plant back.

Should I prune my crape myrtle after it stops blooming?

Pruning of unsightly shoots should be considered this month, to encourage new growth and further flowering.

Labor Day weekend means a long walk with Catharine and Buster, from Heisler Park to Pearl Street and back, and possibly a pancake breakfast with the town. I can count on some laughs with Mary Kate and Kirk in their beautiful home. And for sure, I’m going to enjoy my homegrown tomatoes and watch the grass. It’s going to be a perfect weekend! 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.