Leona Heights Garden Club Tip of the Month

by Marge Laverty

Summer Into Fall

Fall changeover time in your garden means mixed weather is coming. Hot days and even a couple of rainy days can come this month.

Importance of Water

Keep watering, especially container plants. Summer heat can be a real detriment to the health of trees and shrubs if you don't deep-water them. For new plants, let the water soak in slowly with the water volume low.

Dangers of Heat

Tree bark, leaves, and fruit can get burned by the sun especially apples. Red dwarf Japanese maple is a prime example. Their leaves are subject to burn not only by sun but to drying by wind. To correct this, gently pull or snip off the damaged leaves. Follow this with an application of a good balanced fertilizer. The maple will leaf out again in three to four weeks for the fall. Remember, never feed a thirsty plant, and avoid feeding on very hot days. This maple really prefers a well-shaded, protected area.

Autumn Planting (September-November)

Fall is the best time to plant almost everything. Days are shorter and cooler, the ground is still warm, and autumn rains begin. It's also the optimum time to "go native" and plant low-maintenance and California-native plants. What are native plants? These are the originals; they were here before camellias, hybrid roses, hibiscus, and the like. So, why should we consider planting natives? Aside from the fact that restoring the flora that made California "golden" is important, there are other more practical reasons when considering native plants:

Natives are adapted to leaner, dryer landscapes than are usually found in the average garden. Hence, they don't need irrigating or fertilizing once established.

Native flora attract "native critters" like birds and butterflies, as well as beneficial insects.

Native plants growing together help to restore the soil. Everything from earthworms to beneficial bacteria returns.

Good drainage is essential. You might also consult with your nursery for planting instructions.

A few natives you might consider are ceanothus (wild lilac), mostly evergreen shrubs and groundcovers known for their glorious white, light blue, sky blue, or deeper-hued blossoms in the spring; Cleveland salvia, reaches six feet in height, and both flowers and foliage have a pleasant fragrance; Christmas toyon, also known as the Christmas berry, small white flowers in June and July, followed by bright red berry clusters with no thorns.

We acknowledge Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore for part of the above information; it is an interesting place to visit. You can also get native plants at the annual Merritt College Sale in October.

More Planting

This is the time to plant poppy seeds. But they have to be kept watered to have them sprout in absence of rain.

Chrysanthemums are delightful perennials that can be planted now for fall color.

Leona Heights Garden Club meetings start again on the fourth Wednesday of September, at 10 a.m., at the Imani Church, 3344 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland. You are welcome to attend.