Spring is in the air with planting

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

— Percy Bysshe Shelley

Buster’s calendar indicates that gardeners still have 28 days to wait until the official start of spring. Although rain is predicted over the weekend, 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 splendid blue skies, and Catharine’s Mutabilis rose has already begun to display its bountiful blooms.

Spring is in the air, a time for growth and flowers. It is the 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 garden.

Of course, the planting of tomatoes and herbs needn’t be rushed; the skies will become cloudy and chilly nights are still lurking in an El Niño year. Be patient, and your crops will arrive just a little later. Of course, there is always the rush to see who enjoys the first, homegrown tomato.

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!

The azaleas and camellias were particularly lovely this winter and are now reaching their peak flowering period. Old camellia flowers should be raked up and destroyed to prevent flower blight next season. Once all of the blooms are spent, fertilize both plants with a complete fertilizer for acid loving plants. Finally, mulch the shade beds with azalea mix or peat moss.

February is also the perfect time to lace and trim those view-blocking trees (you know who you are). Although there is no substitute for pruning regularly and properly, there is also no excuse for stealing your neighbor’s views due to neglect or spite.

Almost lost in the flurry 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.

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