Take advantage of warm weather, but with care

Steve Kawaratani

“Avoid being impatient. Remember time brings roses.”

-- UNKNOWN

“Patience buddy!”

-- BAJA-INSPIRED EPITHET

The calendar indicates that we still have about five weeks to wait

until spring (we have completed 53 days of winter as of today). It

has been almost two weeks since it last rained. Subtle signs that

this may be a dry year are apparent. Deciduous trees are beginning to

leaf out under sunny, clear skies and my mom’s Iceberg roses have

already begun to display bountiful blooms.

Spring appears to be in the air in Laguna, or is it? Winter storms

could be lurking up north, poised to wreak havoc with the impatient

gardener who is already planning and planting for the summer. Still,

take advantage of the warmer temperatures and fertilize everything

shrubs, trees, perennials and the cool season lawns. Adding extra

nutrients will enhance the beauty of your plants.

Of course, the planting of tomatoes and herbs needn’t be hurried;

the skies could become cloudy and chilly nights are still the rule.

After all, the days still belong to February. If you plant too early,

your plants may be lost to the cold. Be a little patient and your

crops will arrive just a little later. Of course, there is always the

rush to see who has the first home-grown tomato.

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, peat moss or leaf mold.

About the only problem a gardener may face are those plants that

you intended to plant, but you’ve been too busy golfing or playing

tennis. If you still have berries and bare root roses in plastic

bags, they must be planted now! This also applies to Maui onions,

artichokes and the remaining spring bulbs sitting in the garage.

Check with your local nursery person if you have forgotten what you

were supposed to do with them.

Time heals all wounds, even perhaps injuries, insults and slights

almost everything, except for being unkind, untruthful or

unneighborly. Be good to yourselves, your neighbors and your gardens

(not necessarily in that order).

And Mike, patience buddy! See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre St. in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438 or e-mail to landscapes@ ln.coxatwork.com.