And summer's lease hath all too short a date."
–William Shakespeare
"No spitting allowed at the FOA"
–FOA Board decree
The summer season is waning, although we’re still in August, the days are becoming shorter; the sun is still behind the hills when I leave for work and invariably it’s setting when I return home. The other season is coming to a close as well… the season of discontent at the Festival of Arts.
Admittedly, I would write this column in September, when we’re closer to the first day of autumn. However, because I’m in search of a spittoon, I may not have time to write a column next week (I understand they are in short supply). So, if you’re not ready for the end of summer, save this column until you’re prepared… meanwhile, let's get back to the garden with the Plant Man.
Q. Plant Man, can it be time for bulbs already?
A. Yes, it is true, start collecting your winter bulbs now for best selection. Bearded iris, amaryllis, watsonia, sparaxis, ranunculus, anemone and narcissus are all available now.
Q. Mr. Tomato Man, what's up with tomatoes?
A. This is last call for tomatoes; my father planted his last crop a few days ago. Most commercial growers feel that we are now past prime tomato time. However, I have seen Celebrity, Champion, and Patio at your favorite nursery, which are great choices for late summer, and there is still time to start Early Girl tomatoes from seed.
Q. Help! My rose leaves look like they are scorched on the bottom. What can I do?
A. The fact that the problem is on the undersides of your rose leaves probably indicates spider mites. These mites, related to spiders, suck sap from leaves and results in the removal of chlorophyll, and a "scorched" or stippled look to the leaves. Try washing them off with water twice a week, this usually gives good control. If the problem is advanced, I would recommend spraying a pesticide containing Kelthane for best control.
Q. Dear Plant Man: Can I plant any vegetables now?
A. Besides the tomatoes I mentioned earlier, eggplant, cucumber, and zucchini are available and are good choices for September.
Q. Mr. Plantman. I’m tired of my summer flowers. Is it too early to plant pansies?
A. The growers believe that it's time to plant certain fall flowers, because they're shipping pansies and violas in quantity now. However, pansies and violas should only be planted in morning or filtered sunlight prior to Indian Summer.
Q. I have four large hibiscus trees in my yard; Question #1 - How long should the flowers last? Mine last one day at the most. Then they fall off. Question #2 - Why do 75% of my buds fall off before the flower fully opens? Or, the buds fall off before they even start to open. Is this a bug of some kind? Oh please, Mr. Plantman, what can I do?
A. Hibiscus flowers generally will last 4 or 5 days. The plants require loose, very well drained soil. From the symptoms, I would say that your hibiscus trees may be overwatered or suffer from poor draining soil. Try to keep the soil at an even moisture level. Be on the lookout for aphids and giant white fly, which are bothersome this time of the year.
Q. Help! Our neighbors hired a man to trim their trees, however, at the same time he reached over the fence and pruned our trees as well. Is that legal? I kow it isn’t neighborly.
A. Neighbors are entitled to prune foliage from any plantings if they grow onto their property. If they intend to prune plantings on your property, that is a different matter. Generally, neighbors will seek permission first. Otherwise, unsolicited and improper pruning may result in a civil dispute.
I really dislike heat and humidity... that’s why I live at the beach with Catharine (who dislikes heat and humidity even more than I do). I am also incredulous that the FOA board has allowed their negotiations to drift so unfortunately south…. FOA members, you know what to do to keep the Festival in Laguna. See you next time.
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