GARDEN FANATIC: Hoping for clear skies

The calendar indicates that we are still in spring, although it seems that Laguna weather is more the seasonal equivalent of the Southern Hemisphere recently. Nevertheless, the first day of summer begins in less than three weeks, with Flag Day, graduations, Father’s Day, and the summer solstice filling our datebooks.

The June birth flowers are the rose and the honeysuckle, as both bloom prodigiously throughout the month. And so, let’s get back to the garden with the Plant Man:

Q. What flowers can I plant near the ocean?

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

Q. The overcast weather has killed all of my tomatoes. Can I still plant them?

A. You still have plenty of time to plant tomatoes, although the selection has probably diminished at your local nursery. Look for Better Boy as a good summer selection, and keep hoping for clear, warm weather!

Q. Is there any special care for my bird of paradise?

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

Q. My neighbor tells me I have rust on my lawn. What can I do?

A. Rust is a common problem on both bluegrass and ryegrass. The most common control is to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to maintain rapid growth, water regularly, mow frequently and remove the clippings. If the disease is severe, treat as recommended with a lawn fungicide.

Q. Why is my lemon losing its leaves?

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

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

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

Q. Why are new rose leaves red?

A. It is one of the beautiful acts of nature that new rose leaves are a burgundy color, until sunlight activates the chlorophyll process, to turn the foliage green.

It is the hope of many that the onset of the summer season will bring tangible changes to Laguna, a return of prosperity for the local merchants, restaurants, taverns, hotels and the festivals.

And the skies regain their blue hue, the ocean is clean and warm, and the surf is up. I wouldn’t mind if it even becomes difficult to find an empty parking space again downtown.

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 [email protected].