GARDEN FANATIC: May plants and May poles

“April is a promise that May is bound to keep...” — Hal Borland

“Follow with May’s fairest flowers.” — Percy Bysshe Shelley

The sunny, second half of April was a gardener’s dream, and the first days of May promise more of the same. The time spent in the garden last monthwill come to fruition with the fair flowers of May. And fair your garden must look, after all Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are celebrated best at home.

Cherish the memory of those spring showers... expect little or no rain during the next five months. It is imperative to water your garden thoroughly during May, on an as needed basis. Mulch plants to reduce the need for water and be on the lookout for insect pests and diseases. Your questions to the Plant Man for May included...

Q. Where can I obtain mulch for my garden?

A. On Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to noon, Tierra Verde Industries and Waste Management of Orange County will offer free mulch to Laguna Beach residents, at the corner of Broadway and Forest Avenue (across from the Festival of Arts grounds). Contact Liz Vazquez-Avila at the City of Laguna Beach (949) 497-0344, for more information.

Q. What is the origin of May Day?

A. May Day originated from the fertility festival of Flora, Roman goddess of spring. It was traditionally observed in England with dancing around the Maypole.

Q. My gift cyclamen has finished blooming. Now what?

A. Cyclamen are best grown outdoors. Keep it in a cool, filtered sun area. Leaves will turn yellow if conditions become too warm. During the fall, gradually withhold water until the plant becomes dormant. Store the pot in the garage and bring it back out in the early spring. With warmer weather and water, it will return with splendid flowers.

Q. Hello. Do I need to do anything special for my lawn?

A. Lawns need regular mowing... remember to set the mower higher as the weather warms. Your lawn will respond favorably to monthly applications of fertilizer throughout the summer. Scotts Turf builder or Best Turf Supreme are good choices.

Q. My winter color is fading fast. What should I plant now?

A. Early-flowering annuals like pansies, snapdragons and primroses are now finishing their blooming period and should be replaced with others. Petunia, marigold, delphinium and geranium are good choices for the expected spring weather. Don’t forget to remove the tip bud to encourage bushy growth.

May is a busy month... after running around the Maypole with Catharine; we’ll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo down south. With summer just around the month, get your garden and yourself in shape! See you next time.

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 [email protected].