The Coastal Gardener - April, 2004
Observation to be a better gardener
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"Lawns, it seems to me, are against nature, barren and often threadbare-the enemy of a good garden. For the same trouble of mowing, you could have a year's vegetables: runner beans, cauliflowers and cabbages, mixed with pinks and peonies, shirley poppies and delphiniums.
From Derek Jarman's Garden Derek Jarman with Howard Sooley 1995
My garden is really bursting now. Tomatoes are in the ground already, roses have budded and many perennials are showing their first flush of bloom. Hummingbirds are whizzing from each pendant tube of "Garnet" Penstemon and masses of native Dichelostema are in bloom along the driveway and even in the garden beds.
When I started the garden in August, over 7 years ago, the dry weed-choked soil gave little hint of any wildflowers. But when spring arrived, Star Zigadine, Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja) and Soap Plants (Chrologalum) thrust up through the newly cleared soil. When ever possible, these original plants have been preserved within the garden and even added to as a hint of the rich chaparral ecosystem around us. Soon the red, late summer blooming California Fuschia (Epilobium canum) began to colonize the dry edges of the gravel paths and Lupines, even Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon) took advantage of the removal of weeds to re-colonize the hillside below the outer path. Now I am finding a richer variety of plants such as Mariposa Lilies, California Poppies, Chinese Houses taking advantage of my garden to introduce themselves. In areas where they appear I hold off any weed trimming (or at least avoid flowers as best I can) until they have set their seeds, ensuring a return visit. Then I rake up some of the trimmed grass to prevent a layer of thick thatch. These last two steps help simulate the light grazing that promotes good wildflower production.
In an area at the top of the driveway that used to be trimmed several times each spring, this new sensitive approach has already hosted a patch of native Solidago and a Mariposa Lily colony.
Speaking of observing plants, a daily walk in the garden not only is a great way to start your day but will also keep you abreast of any problems that might crop up. Rabbits snack on flowers in the early morning hours and can be spotted rushing under the fence. Deal with them by fixing the fence or sending the dog to scare them off. Cool moist nights can lead to mildew and black spot on roses. An infection just starting is easier to spot if you check out the roses each day plus it allows to experience the first unfolding flower, still wet with dew. A quick spray of Rose Defense with Neem oil will do the trick. What a disappointment if you only come out into the garden on the weekends, to find the first roses faded and petals falling or am I just rubbing it in that I get out into the garden more than you?
A sharp eye and morning stroll will also get you to the first strawberries before the birds do. Strawberries are most productive in the first two years, then decline. As the summer progresses, let the plants send out runners; root the runners in the spaces or rows between the existing plants, or remove them to a newly enriched bed. Either way, after the runners are rooted, dig out the tired old crowns and put them in the compost heap. The new starts will be ready to fruit next spring. Again, a good way to remember to do this every two years or so is to write it down in your journal!
One last thought: you will probably be bringing home plants bought on your trips to town. Before planting them, dip each plant in a bucket of water until the pot rim is covered, hold the pot underwater until no more bubbles rise from the soil. This ensures each plant will be thoroughly moist for planting with no dry air pockets, allowing it a better start in the garden. Wilted patio pots benefit from the same treatment to revive them. Avoid dry, wilted plants at the garden center or big box retailer; despite their bargain prices they are often so stressed that they will never make a full recovery. A healthy plant from a reputable source is a bargain in the years gained from it's long life. The satisfaction of a penny saved is wasted in the frustration of a bad plant poorly grown.
Enjoy! Dave Egbert
