GARDEN FANATIC: Getting ready for rain

“The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust”¦” “” W. Somerset Maugham

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Rain is frequently noted in Laguna as a diversion from our genial, but generally seasonless climate. However, each storm with a little pop has the potential to wreak myriad problems in our gardens. With the prospect of rain this weekend, what can we do to protect not only our plantings, but our homes?

Readying your garden for rainy periods begins with personal observation. Do the trees and taller shrubs need to be pruned off the house? Is there an opportunity for these plants to damage eaves and remove paint and roofing during heavy winds? Why is there a big puddle of water in the lawn? Is the front wall leaning even more and are those new cracks in the walkway behind the house?

Begin your preventive maintenance with trees and your tallest shrubs. They are the largest landscape elements and have the greatest potential to create problems. An improperly pruned (including unpruned) tree is a likely candidate to be damaged during a storm, with the possibility for property and personal damage increasing with tree size. Prune out deadwood, weak or diseased branches and keep the height of your trees under control to maintain a healthy tree.

Planting beds, foundation shrubs and flowering plants also require your attention. Prune carefully to remove unhealthy or weak stems and branches, dead flowers or seed parts and branches that have overgrown their originally intended space. Plants prefer your artistic pruning to removal by a storm. Don’t be afraid to prune or pinch the plant will grow back!

Standing water in the garden, originating from low spots, improper grading or lack of proper drainage can not only create breeding spots for disease in your garden, but may also find its way into your home. Raise low areas that collect water next to your house and garden areas and add subsurface drainage to evacuate unwanted water. Finally, keep a watchful eye on slope areas, particularly those with “thin” landscaping. In severe cases, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified soils engineer or geologist.

Although never-ending rain may be unappreciated by many, it certainly is good for the quality of my life. The pitter-patter of rain ensures a good’s night sleep for Catharine, the dogs and cat, and myself. Laguna appears fresh and clean the morning after a storm and the view becomes limitless from our home. And for many, everything seems possible again. See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is married to writer Catharine Cooper, and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected].