California Garden, Vol. 85, No.3, May-June 1994

32 Pages·1994·3.6 MB·English

by  San Diego Floral Association

3
California.
GARDEN
MAY-JUNE 1994 Volume 85 No. $1.50
HORTICULTURAL CALENDAR
Apr.30- SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN RoseShowand Sale
May 1 26300CrenshawBlvd.,PalosVerdesPeninsula.Sat.l-5PM;Sun. 11am-4pm.Call310/544-1948.Fee.
May 1 LOS ANGELES STATE & COUNTY ARBORETUM Annual PlantSale
301 N. BaldwinAve., Arcadia. Unusual Perennials. 9am-4pm. 818/821-3222. $5Fee.
May3 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BasketClass
Casa del Prado, Room 104, Balboa Park. Reed & Dracena Leaf Basket. 9:30am-2:30pm.
Reservations. Costis$25 nonmember, $20member. Call 232-5762.
May7 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BusTour
SpectacularPrivateGardens inNorthCounty. LunchIncluded. Forreservationsand informationcall
232-5762. Cost$30members, $33 nonmember.
May7 LAJOLLA GARDEN CLUB Annual PlantSale
HomeSavingsBank, 777 Girard Ave., LaJolla. Sat. 9am-2pm. Call 459-2825.
May7-8 VISTA GARDEN CLUB 60thAnnual FlowerShow&PlantSale
1400ValeTerraceDr., SeniorCtr., Vista. Sat. 1:30-5pm; Sun. 10am-4pm. Call 724-4828. Free.
May7-8 DESCANSO GARDENS LosAngeles Branch—International Geranium SocietyShow&Sale
1418Descanso Dr., LaCanada. Sat. &Sun. 10am-4pm. Call 213/681-2201. Admissionfee.
May8 AMERICAN IVYSOCIETY SANDIEGO CHAPTER FreeIvy PlantsforChildren
Casadel Prado,Frontarea, BalboaPark. 400Ivyplants,forMother'sDay. 1:00pm. Call 436-0460.
May8 SANDIEGO EPIPHYLLUM SOCIETY 24th Mother'sDay Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sun. 11am-5pm. Free.
May 10 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BasketClass
Basket isDecorativePineNeedle. Instructor, Marci Stone. SeeMay 3 forcomplete information.
May 14 CALIFORNIA NATIVESCAPES BOTANICAL GARDEN Tour
WildAnimalParkKapundaBotanicalCenter. 10am.LakeHodgesNativePlantClub.487-2269.Free.
May 15 QUAILBOTANICAL GARDENS Lecture
230Quail GardensDr., Encinitas. CreatingaNon-ToxicLandscape. 2pm. Fee$2.
May 15 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN 32ndAnnual Garden Show&PlantSale
26300CrenshawBlvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. 9am-5pm. Call 310/544-1948. Fee$5.
May 15 THEHUNTINGTON 20thAnnual BenefitPlantSale
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. "TheHuntington'sHitParade: Top20PlantSaleFavorites".
Sun. 9am-4pm. Call 818/405-2141. Salefree. Gatedonation$5.
May 17 •SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BasketClass
PotatoBasket (LargeFlax, Reed &Rings) SeeMay 3 forcomplete information. Cost$30&$25.
May21 THE VILLAGE GARDEN CLUB OFLAJOLLA JacarandaWalk 10:00am, Free,
Meet at4th and Laurel.
May21-22 SANDIEGO GERANIUM SOCIETY 19th Annual Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm. Free.
May24 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BasketClass
Remedial Basketry. SeeMay 3 forcomplete information. Cost$5 for nonmember& members.
May28-29 BROMELIAD STUDY GROUPOFBALBOA PARK Show&Sale
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. 11am-4:30pm; Sun.lOAM-4:30PM. Free.
May29 SANDIEGO EPIPHYLLUM SOCIETY 4thEPICON IV Conference
HolidayInn, MissionValley. Reservation/Information/SalesTables Call 565-0340.
Jun. 2 THEHUNTINGTON FirstThursdayGardenTalk and Sale
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. "HardyGeraniums" 2:30pm. Call 818/405-2141. Donation$5.
Jun. 2-6 AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY 124th National RoseShow
SanDiegoPrincessResortHotel, 1404W. VacationRd. HostedbytheSanDiegoRoseSociety. Sat.
1:30-6pm; Sun. 9am-4pm. Call 448-0321 or453-7974. Admission$5.
Jun. 4-5 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FuchsiaShowand Sale
26300Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Sat. & Sun. 10am-4pm. 310/544-1948. Fee$5.
66 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
California SINCE 1909 SanDiegoFloralAssociation
GARDEN CasadelPrado,BalboaPark
SanDiegoCA 92101-1619
MondaythroughFriday
LIBRARYOFCONGRESSNO.JSSN0008-1116 10a.m.t6o191/223a2n-d57162to3p.m.
VOLUME 85 NUMBER 3
Publishedby
SanDiegoFloralAssociation MAY-JUNE 1994
for84Years
FEATURES
PUBLICATIONSTAFF
69 LandscapeTrainingatLas ColinasWomen's DetentionCenter
EDITOR ConnieBeck
JacquelineColeman 71 ContemplatingtheLotus FredrikLiljeblad
ASSISTANTEDITOR 73 TheRoseMai\ow/HibiscusMoscheutos PeterDargusch
BarbaraS.Jones 74 LivingFences MakeGood Neighbors
CALENDAREDITOR BarbaraS. Jones
NOWISJTeaHnEE.TIJoMhEnsEDITOR 7756 TBrhoemeTloiwaedrsoinfJSeowuetlhsernCalifornia CatherMinaeryL.SZiienmesrksy
AFFILIATSEtaLffISEdTiIteNdGEDITOR 76 Mulch Makes aDifference BettyNewton
LynnBeyerle 77 El MonteGardensofLakeside MarilynJenkins
BOOK &VIDEOREVIEWEDITOR 78 SomeHardenbergia, Sparmanniaand VitexSpecies
RosaleenCox MargeHoward-Jones
TOURSEDITOR 79 Potential Africanized HoneybeeNestingSites .... UC Coop. Ext.
HelenGagliardi 79 TheWhiteGarden CynthiaDrake
PROFILESEDITOR 84 Herbs — PlantsLinkedwithHistory BarbaraS. Jones
SusanFox 84 Homegrown Mesclun Salad BarbaraS. Jones
85 Dandelion BarbaraS. Jones
ADVERTISING 86 Del MarFair StaffEdited
JacquelineColeman 87 Pampas Grass RobertHorwitz
RENEWALS 87 GettheMostfrom YourCutRoses MarianneTruby
JoanRoman
MAILING DEPARTMENTS
LynnBeyerle
EDITORIALADVISORYBOARD 66 Horticultural Calendar JeanE. Johns
VincentLazaneo 70 Gleanings StaffEdited
BettyNewton 80 Now istheTime StaffEdited
TinekeWilders 86 Profiles SusanFox
88 BookReviews StaffEdited
90 Affiliates LynnBeyerle
Manuscripts are invited. Deadline is 90-days prior to 92 BusTours HelenGagliardi
apunbylicaantdionadlalte.subCmailtitfeodrnimaatGearriadle.nresAelrlvesmatnhuesrcirgihpttstoeadnidt Thecoverdrawingisofabromeliad,Ananas
illustrationswillbehandledcarefully,butwecannotassume
responsibilityfortheirsafety. Submissionsmustbedouble SinglecopiesofthecurrentissueofCaliforniaGardenmagazinecanbepurchased
spacedand/orinWordPerfectonacomputerdisk. Encloseself foradonationof$1.50atthelocationslisted.
addressedpostpaidenvelopeifyouexpectthemtobereturned
ntuaoioounsfttteyehCdomnoauedrli.enisndftt,aoihrHnonenodnoiremardtdauo.giGssaanzcroTridthinetiennir.ec.dciseiAmsslNsliatomrhopieipllniyiandeuirodteohrfonoslfrseeimcsetteixymnptitfrhloeeaorsrfvsaipelnerldawobmadsoruetecodatfntsiphtcrowhaoshelediuecnodchfaittmstaoehrriseess CM7OQSW5IAUUAA3SLCANL-SIHI7TIDF1ILEO7IORN7BNER,OUGNH4ATROI4INSA2ALFDENLNALERSIoRORYrCNtBR,SAhUAOELR2RLRN6SaG3EnAE-ANcTSR6URh1SUYRoD1OM,4SESC,Ea2INFnR59AtO05YaTFU0-,IO32FN8OeUD2I,0NN2mA8,p4E,DTen-A2rIc18i3iT5O2an22I7liN-5t1O5,Aa,7FNvs36oeI,62Cr.N4t,,CAI2.SCNS,taCEao9s.nn4c2ta,4ke0D7trd42i-oep34e8nlr6i2g-DPs0o3rre70iaC,S3vdtA6eo.3,,,0,12SS9R3aa2mN0nn1.o1rQDD3tu1iiha0ee5iggB,looaGBlCCadaAlwrAbidonea99nA22vP1D1aer01r.i3k0,v,eA,SracEnnacdDiiniaietCgaoAsCC9AA10990226100213
Sendalleditorialmaterialandchangeofaddressto: FLOWERSHOWS: ShowchairmancontactCaliforniaGarden,232-5762ifyouwantthemagazinesoldatyourshow.
CaliforniaGarden CALIFORNIAGARDEN(ISSN0008-1116)ispublishedBi-Monthlyfordonationsof$7.00peryearor$13.00fortwo
SanDiegoFloralAssociation ySeaanrsD,iefgooreCigAnd9e2l1i0ve1r-y16a1d9d.$c6S.a00nDpieergoyeFalro,rablyAsSsaocniaDtiioeng,o1F9l9o2r.alAlAlssroicgihattsiorne,serCvaesda.SdeeclonPdraCdloa,ssBPaolsbtoaagePapraikd,
CasadeSlanPrDaideog,oRCoAom9120150,1-B1a6lb1o9aPark aStanSaDniDeigeogCoACA.921P0O1S-1T6M1A9.STER: SendaddresschangestoCALIFORNIAGARDEN,CasadelPrado,BalboaPark,
MAY-JUNE 1994 67
Jun. 4-5 SANDIEGO CACTUS & SUCCULENT SOCIETY 26thshow
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. 1-5pm; Sun. 10am-5pm. Free.
Jun. 11 QUAILBOTANICAL GARDENS SeminaronPropagation
230Quail GardenDr., Encinitas. PropagationforHomeGardener. 1-5pm. 436-3036. Fee.
Jun. 11 SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN OrganicGardeningSeminar
26300CrenshawBlvd., PalosVerdes Peninsula. 8:30am-4pm. 310/544-1948. $40Fee.
Jun. 12 SOUTHWEST HEMEROCALLIS SOCIETY 21stShow
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sun. Noon-5PM. Free.
Jun. 13-20 CONTINUING EDUCATION -RANCHO BERNARDO GardenSafari
ATourofGardens inSeattle, Victoria&Vancouver. Reservationsby April29th. Call 487-0464.
Jun. 14 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION QuarterlyMeetingand Program
Casadel Prado, Rm. 101, BalboaPark. Dinner/Program5:45pm. ReservationsPlease. 232-5762.
Jun. 15- DELMARFAIR Flower&GardenShow "Lambs andLettuce"
Jul.4 ViadelaVallewesttoFairgrounds. 10AM-12midnightdaily. Parking $3. General Admission$7.
Jun. 17-19 WORLD BROMELIAD CONFERENCE Show, Lectures and Sales
HanelaiHotel, 2270Hotel CircleN. Fri.&Sat9am-5pm; Sun. 9am-4pm. Call 298-1356. Fee$5.
Jun. 18 *SANDIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION BusTour
SevenPrivateGardens. SponsoredbyAmericanSocietyofLandscapeArchitects. $40members, $43
nonmembers. Reservationsand informationcall 232-5762.
Jun. 18 AMERICAN SOCIETY OFLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS GardenTour
Selfguidedtourofsevengardens. Reception/Lecture/Tour informationcall 467-9984.
Jun. 18-19 SANDIEGO FUCHSIA & SHADEPLANT Show
Casadel Prado, MajorcaRoom, BalboaPark. Sat. Noon-5PM; Sun. 10am-5pm. Free.
Jun. 19 AMERICAN IVYSOCIETY SANDIEGO CHAPTER Lecture-FreeIvyPlants
Del Mar Fair, O'Brien Building. Pat Hammer, National President, Ivy Society. Free Ivy Plantsto
childrenforFarmer's Day. Lecture3pm. Call forInformation436-0460.
Jun. 25-26 LOS ANGELES STATE & COUNTY ARBORETUM Gladiolus&FlowerShow
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Gladiolus and Flower Arrangement Show. Sat. lpm-4PM; Sun.
10am-4pm. Call 818/821-3222. Fee.
Every LOS ANGELES STATE & COUNTY ARBORETUM Free GuidedTours
Wednesday 301 N. BaldwinAve., Arcadia. GuidedWalkingToursofGardens. 11am Call 818/821-3250.
Every OFFSHOOT TOURS One-HourPlantWalks inBalboaPark
Saturday Meet in front ofBotanical Lath House. Canceled for rain or less than 4 attendees. 1stSat. History
Walk; 2nd Sat. Palm Walk; 3rd Sat. Tree Walk; 4th Sat. Desert Walk; 5th Sat. Tourofthe Day.
10am. Free. No reservations.
Weekends SANDIEGO NATURALHISTORY MUSEUM Canyoneers OutdoorProgram
1994 Freeguidednaturewalks. Information&BrochureCall 232-3821 Ext. 203.
Weekly SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDENS SpringEvents
Forlectures, toursand springgardenschedulecall 805/682-4726.
Weekly QUAILBOTANICAL GARDENS FOUNDATION, INC. SpringClasses and Events
230Quail GardensDr. Encinitas. Call forSchedules. 619/436-3036.
Weekly SANDIEGOJAPANESEFRIENDSHIPGARDEN DocentTours
BalboaParkbyOrganPavilion. Tues., Sat. &Sun.: 10am-4pm. Donation. FreeTues. 232-2780.
DeadlineforsubmissiontoHORTICULTURAL CALENDAR forJul/Aug. issueis May. 15.
SAN DIEGO FLORAL ASSOCIATION is not responsible for changes in information which has been submitted by the
organizations.
TWOBROMELIADEVENTS
TheBromeliadStudyGroupofBalboaPark'sAnnualShowandSaleisMay28-29(seepage66).Membersofthisnonprofitgroupwilldisplay
theirmostexoticandspectacularspeciesandhybridsforthepublictoenjoy.Expertswillbeavailabletoanswerquestions.Also,ademonstration
onhowtopotnewplantswillbepresentedonSaturdayat2:00pmandSundayat1:00pm.
AWorldBromeliadConference,sponsoredbytheSanDiegoBromeliadSociety,willbetakingplaceJune15-19(seeaboveforpublicdays).
Detailswe'vereceivedonthismeetingaresketchy,butplantsforsaleareexpectedtobefromallovertheUSAandforiegncountries—provided
thattheyclearCustoms.
ROSECONVENTION
AspartoftheAmericanRoseSocietyNationalConvention(June2-6), aNationalRoseShowwill beheldonJune4-5(seepage66).Top
nationalandinternationalcompetitorswillexhibitoverfivethousandroses.Therewillbeoveronehundredflowerarrangementspreparedwithroses
fromthebestlocalandnationalexhibitors.
Arosefragrancecontestisopentoanylocalrosegrower.Thewinnerwillreceiveonehundredraffleticketsfortworound-tripticketstoParis.
(Deadlineforentriesis10:30am,Friday,June3.)Sevenprogramsonroseculturewillbeofferedbyexperts.Therewillbeanextensivetradeshow,
hoursSaturday, 10:00am-6:00pmandSunday,9:00am-6:00pm. J.L.C.
68 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
«£$|;;f',;;-m w
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LANDSCAPE TRAINING
AT LAS COLINAS WOMEN'S DETENTION CENTER
by CONNIE BECK
INJULY OF 1989Iwas giventheopportunityto starta The program was established as a cooperative effort
landscape maintenance training program at Las Colinas between the Sheriffs Department and Grossmont Union
Women's Detention Facility in Santee. The Sheriffs HighSchool District. Originally itwasoffered asaROP
Departmentprovidedmewithagenerousstartingbudget, class but it is presently administered by Santana Adult
a barren sunbaked corner of the weed-infested facility Education. As instructor for the class, I meet with the
grounds, andfifteensuspiciouswomen inmates. Together inmates for three hours every morning to teach them
we immediately began constructionon agreenhousethat landscape maintenance procedures. Lawns are mowed,
wassoonfollowedbyashadehouse. Wecleanedupanold trees arepruned, flowerbeds areweeded. Other inmates
shed and filled it with shovels, hoes and lawnmowers. take care ofthe greenhouse and shadehouse plants on a
Over the space of a few months we worked our way daily basis. Each afternoon the same inmates meet with
aroundthefacilityrepairingirrigationlinestobringwater mefortwohoursofclassroom instruction.Iteachtwenty
back to empty flower beds. Stakes that had been tied to areas of competency including propagation, fertilizers,
treesfifteenyearsbefore, wecutloose. Graduallyshrubs weedanddiseasecontrol,design,plantingtechniques,etc.
andflowersreplacedtheweedsandgophermounds. Four It takes an inmate about four months to complete the
years lateras youwalkthroughthefacilityitlooks likea course and receive a full certificate with a six page
collegecampus insteadofChernobyl duetotheeffortsof resume,butlessercertificatesaregivenforpartialtraining
more than seven hundred inmates who have passed after as littleas sixweeksofclass.
throughtheprogram so far. The expenses oftheprogram are paid by theInmate
MAY-JUNE 1994 69
WelfareTrustFundthatismoneygeneratedfromthesale benefits of a natural healthy lifestyle free of chemical
ofsnacks and toiletries to the inmates themselves. Since dependency for the inmates as well as the plants. It was
thenurseryproduces alargevolumeoftrees, shrubsand oneofmy inmateswhofirstpointedoutthatthecompost
flowerseach year, everyeffortismadetodonatetheseto pile can be seen as a metaphor for their lives. Compost
public facilities for use. Regular donations are made to takes a pile of garbage and waste and turns it into
variouscountyparks, theCityofSantee, Quail Gardens, something valuable and useful. The training program at
the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies. At present Las Colinas offers the inmates a chance to claim a
Engelmann oaks are being grown for the Cara Knott differentwayoflifeforthemselves afterrelease,n
Foundation,pinyonpinesarebeinggrownfortheCampo
Indian Reservation, and dozens of flats of California CONNIEBECKisaninstructorinvocationalhorticultureandLandscapeand
redbudtreesarebeinggrownfornumerouscountyparks. NUnuirvseerrsyityM.aAnsagaelmaenndts.capSehdeesihganserasheB.sAp.eciailnizeAsntihnrloopwolmoagiyntefnraonmceSatnadnfloorwd
Jobtrainingisnottheonlygoalofthisprogram. Iam waterusegardens.
a member of the American Horticultural Therapy
Association. Horticulturaltherapy isalittleknownaspect
ofthehorticultural industrythatusesgardeningas away Gleanings . . .
to improve people's health and mental attitudes. Stress You can grow a pineappleplantjustliketheoneon our
reduction and behavioral modification aretwo important cover. Cutthe top offa grocery-store pineapple leaving
goals of this program. It has been documented that aboutoneto two inches ofthefruitattached tothegreen
working with plants has a tendency to lower blood top leaves. Trim the outer skin offthe bottom halfand
pressure and increase feelings of well being. Inmates placethecutsurface inwaterin ajar. Itwilltakeatleast
frequently express their pleasure in being able to hoe a quartjar. Be sure you keep the base of the plant in
weeds or digtrenches to work offstress and feelings of contact with the water. In a shorttime, roots will grow.
acnagreirn.gfOotrhneurrsseersypepcliaanltlsy. Ienljiokeyttohedrnauwrtpuarrialnlgelasspbeecttwseeonf Twhaernmpalnadcemotihset,plaanntd iinn atimpeotyoofupwlialnltisnege amisxm,alkleespteimt
organicgardeningpracticesand ahealthier, drugfreelife growingoutofthetop. Soonyouwillhaveathreetofive
fortheinmates afterrelease. inch pineappleonthatstem. (Seepage76.)
An important part of the class revolves around the
compost pile. All organic materials generated from WHITEFLY INFESTATION
pruning and mowing are composted as well as a large . . .
percentage of the kitchen waste. Compost is passively As yet, there have notbeen any reports ofbad whitefly
managed by spreading the organic materials in six inch infestations. Lastyear was averybad yearand everyone
layersseparatedbythinlayersofdirtorfinishedcompost. was exchangingtipsonhowto controlthem. Mostfound
Thepileis notturned butit is watered duringprolonged thatadailyearlymorningspraywithcoldwaterwasquite
dryperiods. Thepilegraduallymigrates around the yard effective. Others recommended weekly drenching with
as it is added to on one side and finish compost taken dilute dish soap in the cold water. Just heard a new
fromtheother side. Thefinishcompost isused as mulch cure—use a sticky yellow trap to attract the whiteflies.
in the planted areas ofthe facility and to fill new beds. Paint5" x 8" (approximately) 1/4" plywoodormasonite
The most significantuse ofthe compost, however, is in boardswith abrightyellowpaint. Whendry, coatwitha
creatingthepottingsoilused inthenursery. Thefinished mixtureofonepartpetroleumjelly(vaseline)toonepart
compost is sifted and then mixed fifty-fifty with perlite mineral oil or detergent. Place the sticky traps near the
andusedastheplantingmediaforall containerplantsone infected plants, or plants that were formerly badly
gallonsizeand larger. infected. The traps can be hung, mounted on stakes or
The inmates arepresently working on an experiment placed on the ground. When the boards become covered
incomposting.Two4x4footpilesarebeingconstructed with dead insects and debris, theycanbewashed offand
in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial recoated.
compostbioactivator. Thissameexperiment isalsobeing
used to try an old German composting technique called CARLSBAD RANUNCULUS FIELDS . . .
hugelkulturthatcallsforplantingontopofapitcompost Ifyouhaven'tbeenuptoseetheworld-famousranunculus
pile. fields in Carlsbad (adjacent to 1-5 at Palomar Airport
Inteachingthevarioussubjects,whetheritisstressing Road) youstillhaveachancetoseethem. (Wegetmany
the use ofcompost and natural organics in gardening or callsattheFloralofficefromvisitorsaskingfordirections
teaching selective pruning to preserve the health and to the fields.) The ranunculus should be blooming until
natural integrityoftreesand shrubs, Itrytopointoutthe mid-May. You can take pictures and purchaseblooms.bj
70 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
CONTEMPLATING THE LOTUS
by FREDRIK LIUEBLAD
AS WITH HUMANS, CERTAIN plants have a habitof size of a big banana. Don't get fobbed off with a
hoggingthelimelight.Thus,theadmittedlysplendidwater thumb-thick runner which, ifitgrows at all, will takea
lily (Nymphaea spp.) seems to bethe inevitablefocus of coupleofyearstogetestablished.
the water gardener's attention, with the lotus (Nelumbo Mostlotusplants need alargetub—atleast 18 inches
spp.)gettingrelativelyshortshriftinbothpondandprint. wide.Someauthoritiesmaintainthatyoushouldavoidany
On closer inspection, rectangular containers. If a
however, the lotus surpasses growing lotus tuber
water lilies in a number of encounters a corner it may
areas. The velvety, stop growing or even die,
blue-green foliage is held while it would presumably
well abovethesurfaceofthe follow the curve of a round
water on supple stems, tub. I can't vouch for this
creating a much more myself, having always,
interesting play oflight than coincidentally, used round
the flat, leathery leaves of tubs, butbetterto erronthe
water lilies. Perhaps it'sjust side of caution. You'll also
theindoctrinationofcenturies need heavy clay garden soil
of Asian art works, but the for potting. Fill the tub to
tallflowerswiththeirslightly within 4 inches of the top.
pointed, inward-curving Withabroomhandleorother
petals carry an authority and similar device, poke two
agrandeurthateventhemost holes about 6 inches deep
exquisitewaterlilyhasahard near the sides of the tub.
time matching. Ifwater lilies Push one fertilizer tablet
are the peacocks of aquatic (available from any aquatic
horticulture, then lotuses are nursery) into each hole and
itsswans. cover with soil. If your
While it's true that aquaticnurserysuggestsmore
establishedwatergardens are fertilizer, follow their
probably the lowest instructions—the lotus is a
maintenance item in the greedy feeder and is hard to
landscape,thereisabitmore overfeed. Itwill also require
to lotus culture than potting additionalfeedingeachmonth
the tuber up and plopping it duringthegrowingseason.
into a pool. More Place the tuber
importantly, lotus culture horizontally on the soil
differs in some small but significant ways from that of surface with the growing tip pointing upward. Barely
water lilies. Firstly, the lotus tuber usually has several coverthetuberwithadditionalsoil (nomorethananinch
extremely brittle sections, so care must be taken not to or two), leaving the growing tip exposed. Cover the
break them apart. Beyond this, almost all growth issues surfaceofthetubwith athinlayerofcoarsesand, again
from a slender, equallybrittle, green pointatone end of avoiding the growing tip. This will keep the soil from
the lasttubersection. This isthe "growingtip," and ifit muddyingthewater. Ifyouhavekoi inyourpool, you'll
is damaged or broken off, that's the end of your need to use something to keep them from invading the
lotus—andatanaveragepriceof$30.00-$40.00pertuber, pottingsoil intheirendlesssearch forfood. Trybuilding
that'stheunkindestcutofall. It's importantto orderand a"tomatocage" ofplastic-coveredhardwarecloth,letting
plant lotuses as early as possible, because they deeply itextend tojustan inch ortwo belowthe water surface.
resent any repottingoncespringgrowth has started. One Initially, alotusshouldhaveonlyamaximumof4inches
recourse for late starters is to buy potted lotuses at local (as littleas 2 is acceptable) ofwater coveringthetop of
nurseries.Agoodqualitylotustubershouldatleastbethe thetub. Propthetubup withbricksorconcreteblocksto
MAY-JUNE 1994 71
achievethis. Ifalotus isplanted toodeeply attheoutset dwarf-sized, lotusfromJapan(withdeeppinkratherthan
itwill(atbest)sulk,or(atworst)rot. Asitbeginstosend carmineedging) iscalled 'ChawanBasu'. Anotherdwarf
outleaves, you cangraduallylower itto afinal depthof from Japan is 'Momo Botan' (the name means "peach
nomorethan8 inches. blossompeony"), and isaverydouble,deeprosepinkof
Beyond the planting depth, there are other a slightlywarmer shadethan isusually found in alotus.
requirements neitheraquatic nurseriesnorbooksseem to Both 'Momo Botan' and 'Chawan Basu' are the perfect
address. Light—i.e.fullsun—isanessentialforalmostall choice for tub culture. Yet another Japanese hybrid is
aquatic plants, but in addition to that, the lotus thrives 'Shiroman', a double white that has a creamy tintto it.
with as much heat as possible. If your summer 'RoseaPlena' isadoublepink,palerandslightly"bluer"
temperaturesseldom reach intothe 80's, you'llhavefew than 'Momo Botan' and isveryeasytogrow.
flowersunlessyoucansomehowprovideheat.Thisisone For pureyellow, a native American lotus, Nelumbo
ofthereasonsthatmanySanFranciscogardenersfindthe lutea, is available. Although notsostrikingas itsAsiatic
lotus a shy bloomer. Within reason, then, try to locate "cousin" {Nelumbo nucifera), Nelumbo lutea does add
your lotus where it will have as much reflected heat as yellowto the color range. Perhaps the most exquisiteof
possible—aparticularly important consideration for San allisanothercandidatefortubculture, asmallwhitelotus
Diego's coastal fog-belt gardeners. One way to achieve whose slightly translucent petals are more quilled than
this (although not usually recommended because ofthe other types, hence its popular name "tulip" lotus. The
possibility of excessive algae growth) is to leave a hauntinglygracefulflowersbearanuncannyresemblance
generous amount of water surface exposed. While the to the camellia 'Magnoliiflora' ('Hagoromo'). My
usual rule-of-thumb is 60% coverage, 50% or even less, personalfavorite,however, isthesumptuous 'Mrs. Perry
particularly in the immediate vicinityofthe lotus, helps D.Slocum',whichprogressivelychangescolorfromdeep
buildup heat. Inland gardeners, ofcourse, don'thaveto pinktopaleyellowwith apinkblush.
resorttosuch stratagems. For flower arrangers, the lotus, with its inherently
Another important point is that while water lilies sculptural qualities, provides striking material for
prefer still water, lotus plants strongly dislike anything arrangements. Since the flowers are open from shortly
else. Ifyoudohaveafountainorwaterfall in yourpool, after dawn to midafternoon, use this arranger's trick to
be sure to locate the lotus as far from it as physically keep them open for evening viewing (it works outdoors,
possible. One other little idiosyncrasy ofthe lotus is its too, ifyou wantto takethetrouble): melt someparaffin
tendency to not bloom the first year after planting. inadoubleboiler,whentepidbutstillliquid,applyafew
Althoughthey will continueto bloom steadilyfrom June dropswithaneyedropperattheinsidebaseofeachpetal
toOctoberfordecades, youcan'tusuallycountonlotuses whereitmeetstheseedpod.Theflowerswillthenremain
for a quick summer effect. The Chinese, probably the constantly open. Despite the extra effort, lotuses are
world's greatest connoisseursofthe lotus, providemany unforgettable,andonceyou'vegrownthemyou'resureto
ofthenecessarygrowingconditionsbyfrequentlyplanting beaddicted forlife.n
the tubers in huge urns of glazed pottery. Some very
hnuarnsdesrioemseanedxacmapnlepsrovoifdethaessetunanriengafvoaciallablpeoinattinlotcahle wFHeeRllEisDasRthIaeKparuoLtdHhuoJcreEroBfoLfnAeudDmuechraaotsiuosbneatleenxvtiabdoepoorkso.sfeoHsnesilhoaansnalgguawarrgideteenlreeadfroinrninocgvleiamrnadttewcseonaotskyedryiyev,aerrsas.se
garden—particularlyifyouwantto tryoutalotusbefore asSweden,England,Thailand,andJapan.
planning a real water garden. Gaudier versions ofthese
urns,ifyourtasteorgardencandigestthem, areavailable Growingtip
atstoresspecializinginChineseartifacts.
If you haven't been turned off by all the above
caveats(anddon'tbe—lotusesareincomparableandworth
everybitofeffort), herecomes thegood news: thereare
some perfectly stunning lotus colors. In fact, except for
blues and purples (for that you'll have to grow tropical
water lilies), they cover theentire spectrum. Asidefrom
themostcommonpastelpinkandpurewhite,thereisalso
astunningdeep, carmine red lotus thatoncewas sold as
'Peking Rubrum', but now usually goes by the more
straightforward 'Red Lotus'. 'Album Striatum', also
known as 'Empress', is snow white with very distinct,
deep carmine edging on each petal. A similar, though Tuber, greatlyreduced
72 CALIFORNIA GARDEN
THE ROSE MALLOW
Hibiscus moscheutos
by PETER DARGUSCH
THE MALLOW FAMILY, MALVACEAE, is a varied pink, deep red, white and bicolor pink and white. The
group of plants that include the commercial cotton, the flowershaveadarkred eyeinthecenterandcanreacha
food bearing okra and the ornamental hibiscus. Hibiscus size ofup to a foot in diameter. Dead or fading flowers
is the largest genus in this should be removed to keep
family, andhavebeengrown the new blooms coming or
forfood, fiber and medicinal from havingseed podsform.
purposes. Mostaregrownas The foliage is attractive; the
ornamentals. One such leaves are broadly ovate.
ornamental, H. moscheutos, Being deciduous, the plants
can be found growing in a stop growing in the fall. In
garden area located behind SanDiego'smildclimate,the
the Botanical Building in plants are hardy, and the
Balboa Park. These are not rootswill survivethewinter.
theusualtropicalhibiscuswe Newplantscanbestarted
see in Southern California from seed, but seed taken
and Hawaii that are varieties from hybrids may not be
of//, rosa-sinensis. genetically true. They can
H. moscheutos is also also be propagated by taking
known as wild cotton, the stemcuttingsandbydivinga
rose mallow, and the swamp portion of the crown with a
mallow. Native to the rootand plantattached.
marshesintheeasternUnited Snails can be aproblem,
States, this hibiscus is a especially to the young
herbaceous perennial. In San shoots. Applying
Diego, the plants begin to methaldehyde when growth
grow in March, when begins can solve this
multiple tender shoots problem. Snails can behand
emerge. They grow in an picked off larger plants.
erect shrub-like form, Other pests observed are
reaching heights of four to aphids and whitefly.
size feet or more, depending Overhead sprinkling
on sun, soil, water and discourages these pests.
feeding conditions. Being Periodically hosing off the
hydrophilictheydowell with plants (including the
ample regular watering. undersidesofleaves)helpsas
Feeding can begin inthefall, whenbone meal is worked well. Insecticidal soap can be used or, if necessary,
intothesoil around therootareas. Aftergrowthstarts in pesticidessuch as diazinonormalathion.
thespring, periodicfeeding (every six weeks or so) with Whentheplantsstopgrowinginthefall andbeginto
a balanced fertilizer keeps the plants growing and dieback, theyshouldbecuttotheground. Therootswill
blooming. Mulching with organic compost benefits the remain dormant until spring when the cycle begins
plants greatly by aiding in moisture retention, weed anew.
control, and the slow release of nutrients as compost
decomposes. PETERDARGUSCHisaCityofSanDiegoGroundsman-Gardener.
Sun and heat loving, H. moscheutos, are best grown
in full sun, but light shade is tolerated. Blooms last pEldainttosr,scNoovteer:edDwiistchohBueglelepaHryabsroli-dliskeeedfsloawreersa,vamialkabeleafqruoimckcastuamlomgeuresd.isTphleasye.
throughout the summer. The spectacular five petaled Ifplantedon2-footcenterstheywillmakeadramaticmassorhedge.Theplant
flowers are huge and colorful. Blooms are in shade of bloomscontinuously,eveninhotweatherifgivenadequatewater.
MAY-JUNE 1994 73
LIVING FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
by BARBARA S. JONES
TIRED OF THE UTILITARIAN look ofyour wooden, If it is preferable to have shade or covering in the
concreteorchainlinkfence?Wouldyou likeittobepart summer only, a deciduous vine should be chosen. The
ofyourgarden?Well, there isasolution—plantit. wisterias have spectacular flowers. Although sometimes
Therearemanyplantsthatcanbeusedto enhancean difficult to get started, wisterias will live for years and
existing fence. One must decide what use or effect is requirevery littlecare or water once established. Edible
desiredbeforeaplantcanbeselected, and iftheplanting grapes are attractivevines, and because heat is collected
is to be temporary or permanent. The fence must be inafence, goodfruitcanbeproduced evenwhenplanted
examinedtodeterminetheamountofsunshine,wind, and inborderlinegrapecountry.
animal or human interference. These may seem simple Dramatic emphasis can be given to a wall by
points,butthesuccessofyourplantingdependsonproper espaliering trees or shrubs. The form is determined and
plantselection. controlled by trimming certain portions of twigs and
Consideravine.Atwiningvinecanclimbachainlink branches annually. Pyracanthaiseasytogrow, uses little
or latticefence, butwill beunableto clingto aconcrete water, issomewhatdiseasefree, and isattractivewithor
or wooden fence. Clinging vines can be used on most without its brilliant red berries. On a solid wall, a
fences, butcandamagethesurface. framework forsupportshouldbeused.
Most evergreen vines need regular trimming but are Ifa"livingfence" ispreferred, therearemanyshrubs
easytogrow.Theiviesarepopularandcanbeusedonall that can be used. Unfortunately, two ofthe old-standby
fences. AlgerianIvy(Hederacanadensis)isfastgrowing, favorites,eugeniaandsomeofthecypresses,havebecome
but can cause serious problems in Southern California. infectedwithdiseasesthataredifficulttoeliminate.Hedge
Tinystemsgrowthroughcracksorknotholesonwoodand widthscanbecontrolledbyheavypruning. (Awidthof3'
into cracks in cement or brick fences. Within five years isaboutthenarrowestthatahedgecanbetrimmed.)This
thesetiny stems canbecomehuge6" diameter stemsthat shouldbeconsideredwhenplantingsothehedgewill not
splitfencesand crack walls. Thethatch (underneath dead grow into a neighbor's yard or over the sidewalk or
part) provides a cozy home for roof rats, too. Several driveway. Ifthe hedge is to be used as a barrier, some
other ivies are better choices. 'Ripple', which was typeoffencing shouldbebuiltatthetimeofplanting. If
developed in San Diego, grows quickly but has smaller pets or small children are to be contained, a heavy wire
leaves and stems. (Italso makes agoodground cover.) fence, 18" to24" high, supportedby metal poles, canbe
Bougainvilleasarehardyevergreenvines inSouthern built. If it is to be used for traffic protection, heavy
Californiaandarecoveredwithcolorfulbractsmostofthe cementpoleswithchainscanbeconstructed.Inabouttwo
year. Climbing roses have beautiful flowers with a years, noonewill knowthehiddenbarrierexists.
wonderful perfume. The 'Cecile Brunner' has been a Therearemanyplantsavailablethatwillmakegood
popular rose in San Diego since the early 1900's. For hedges.Thebottlebrushes(CallistemonorMelaleuca)and
mostofthe year itis covered withtiny pink flowers. It oleanders (Nerium oleander) are easy to grow and
isalustygrower,issomewhatdiseasefree,andhasspines maintain and are low water users. The hibiscus and
thatdiscouragemanandbeast. Onceestablished,allthese pittosporums are denser and do not require too much
vines use very little water, need minimal care, and are water. The Meyer lemon (Citrus limonia) is popular,
somewhat disease free. Your local nurseryman can because it bears fruit about eight months of the year.
recommendotherlow-water-usingvinesthatwilldowell. Unfortunately, it can look a bit scrawny. Natal plum
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) vines grow quickly and {Carissa grandiflora) makes a dense hedge, has edible
produce fragrant flowers for most ofthe year. The root fruit, and, best of all, has long thorns that discourage
systemisveryinvasiveandmaycauseproblemsinnearby invasions. Indian hawthorne {Raphiolepis indica) is
plantings. Morning glory (Ipomoea leari) is another fast covered with lightpinkflowers all spring.
grower. The vines bear many blue flowers for months. All these plants are easy to grow, inexpensive and
Both plants were "old time favorites" and were usually always available. There is an extensive list of useable
used on back alley fences. There are new honeysuckles plantsthatcan provideseasonal colororbrilliantflowers
thatareless invasiveand havelarger flowers. Theseand or fruit that are sold in Southern California. Whatever
other flowering vines are available at local nurseries. you choose, you should be pleased with your "good
Manyofthemneed regularwateringto flowerwell. neighborfence" Californiastyle, a
74 CALIFORNIA GARDEN