After-storm gardening chores

STEVE KAWARATANI

“A liberal is a person who believes that water can be made to run

uphill. A conservative is someone who believes everybody should pay

for his water. I’m somewhere in between: I believe water should be

free, but that water flows downhill.”

-- Theodore H. White

“Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people

vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”

-- Franklin P. Adams

Did you remember to turn your sprinkler clock to “rain” this past

week? If so, your garden was watered for free, courtesy of our second

early storm. No need to turn it back on for a week ... the garden is

soaked.

In anticipation of last week’s rain, I had fertilized my bamboo

with blood meal. The steady soaking carried the nutrients deep into

the root zone, an action not possible by sprinkler or even hand

watering. I can already see new, green leaves and the elongation of

the culms skyward.

Battling my usual column deadline, I peered at the clearing skies

and the majestic view of Catalina and Palos Verdes as inspiration.

With no words forthcoming, I moved to the media room, with only the

computer screen to distract me.

Our young, coastal live oak had dropped a lot of its foliage the

last week, in response to cooler temperatures, shorter days and of

course, the windy storms. I checked the stems to ascertain that buds,

which are future leaves, were in place (and they were). I left the

fallen leaves on the ground, as they form attractive mulch.

I raked up the combination of shingles and roofing materials that

had blown in from the neighborhood cottages. After a storm, I truly

appreciate the beauty and practicality of our metal roof and siding.

I will also rake up the eucalyptus and pepper leaves that have found

their way into the garden. These leaves are toxic to the soil and

ocean, and should be placed into the green waste can.

The autumn weather has also brought the first onslaught of

cool-season weeds. These unwanted plants squat in your garden by

various means ... blown in by seed from the hills or your neighbor’s

unkempt garden; unwashed, gardener’s lawnmower blades or uneaten bird

seed. Don’t allow them to become settled, as they will grow rapidly,

but are easily removed from moist soil.

Prior to viewing this week’s story pole offerings, Catharine

helped me complete the deadheading of the “Alaska” azaleas, Santa

Barbara daisies and “Mutabilis” rose. This simple act of grooming

will help forestall bacterial and fungal infestations and ensure

blooming into the now palpable holidays. Finally, I straightened and

cleaned the Baglin and Kinsman for City Council signs, for passersby

to consider.

Make your vote count this Tuesday, by selecting candidates you

truly support, rather than relying on the distortions of smear

campaigns. The elections will be close and every vote will matter. I

wish every candidate the very best, and depart with one final thought

... please vote. See you next time.

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

1278 Glenneyre St., No. 49, in Laguna Beach. He is married to local

artist, Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached at

(949) 497-2438, or e-mail to [email protected].