FEBRUARY 16, 2001
"To be interested in the changing seasons is... a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring."
- George Santayana
"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"
- Percy Bysshe Shelley
The calendar indicates that we still have four weeks to wait until spring (we have completed 58 days of winter as of today). Two days have gone by since it has last rained. 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 cloudless, blue skies, and Catharine's Mutabilis rose has already begun to display its bountiful blooms.
Spring is in the air in Laguna...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 plants.
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 Maui onions and bareroot roses in plastic bags, they must be planted (NOW!) before it is too late. This also applies to berries, 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.
Of course, the planting of tomatoes and herbs needn't be hurried; the skies may become cloudy and chilly nights may still be lurking. Afterall, 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 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 (like taxes), 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, peat moss, or leaf mold.
Almost lost in the flurry of spring horticulture 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 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. See you next time.
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