Mahonia lomariifolia can make a dramatic accent plant with its tall stems, long branches, prickly leaflets and bright flowers.




Photograph by Shari Kaplan

Bare root trees, roses and bulbs can be planted now

By Tony Tomeo

Gardening is certainly much more enjoyable during the pleasant weather of spring and summer than during cold, damp winter weather. However, late autumn, winter and early spring are the best times for installation of new plant material. Bare root trees and roses exemplify how natural dormancy cycles may be utilized to the advantage of garden enthusiasts and their plants and trees.

Bare root specimens are less expensive and less cumbersome than nursery stock in cans and are more likely to survive installation. In winter, they are dormant and not bothered by abuses that could cause serious damage or even death if incurred during active growth.

Bulbs and many other ornamentals are planted in winter for the same reasons. In fact, with the exception of frost-sensitive species, most ornamental species, including most annuals, should be planted during the cool, damp weather prior to early spring if practical. Annuals that thrive in heat, such as petunias, need not be planted too early in winter, but may be planted in early spring.

Some species that prefer warm weather may not appear to be active at all, but are actually producing roots in the cool, damp soil. Roots do not grow as quickly as they would during summer, but are better dispersed because the soil is so evenly moist. These resulting roots allow growth to begin as soon as the weather becomes conducive. If planted during warm, dry weather, foliar and floral growth is limited to what the confined root system can sustain. Consequently, plants installed during summer are slower and require more regular irrigation than those installed in winter.

Garden enthusiasts interested in acquiring more esoteric annual and perennial species before the weather becomes warm may be interested in attending the open houses at Annie's Annuals in Richmond. It doesn't grow some of the more common annuals but rather specializes in those more exotic and rare. Because Annie's Annuals is a wholesale grower, it is only open to the public during the open houses.

Open Houses will be Feb. 8-10 and 22-24, March 9-10, and every weekend during April, May and June. Annie Hayes will be serving Greek refreshments during the grand opening, which will actually be the weekend of April 6 and 7. The garden of horticulturist Anni Jensen will be open on April 6. All mothers receive a free plant on Mother's Day weekend, May 11 and 12; the same for fathers on Father's Day weekend, June 15 and 16. For directions or more information, call 510.215.1326 or visit www.anniesannuals.com.

Those interested in growing their own annuals and perennials from seed may enjoy a class titled "Seed Propagation," conducted by John Jeavons at Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center. The class runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 9; admission is $19. Participants will learn about "grow biointensive" seed propagation techniques to improve production and efficiency in the garden.

Participants should register in advance by visiting or sending a check to Common Ground at 559 College Ave., Palo Alto, 94306. More information is available by calling 650.493.6072 or at the website www.commongroundinpaloalto.org.

Perennial of the Week: Mahonia Lomariifolia

Mahonia lomariifolia is not as ancient as the sago palm discussed last week but is useful for similar functions. Its striking sculptural appearance is desirable as a prominent feature in small garden spaces. The vertical stems mostly originate near the soil, with a few originating higher up. Height is limited to about 10 feet.

The pinnately compound leaves may be as long as 2 feet and are composed of as many as 40 stiff, thorny leaflets. Foliage is usually nearly horizontal, but may fold back in shadier environments or during bloom. The healthiest of plants are dark green, but most are yellowish, particularly if sun exposure is too intense. Stiff clusters of bright yellow flowers appear at the tips of the branches in winter or early spring, eventually followed by blue or black berries.

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Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.

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