Photograph by Kathy De La Torre

Heavenly bamboo is not actually a bamboo. It can grow to heights of eight feet, but can be kept as a low-level shrub if maintained properly.

Visit Garden Conservancy locations for ideas on style

By Tony Tomeo

Most of us consider our gardens to be extensions of the home, and design them to be comfortable living spaces. Some of us enjoy our gardens so much that we like to share them with anyone else who might also enjoy them.

The Garden Conservancy, which helps preserve notable gardens throughout the country also helps organize events in which garden enthusiasts may view some of these most impressive of private gardens. During The Garden Conservancy's Open Days, many gardens in the Bay Area may be visited.

The next Open Days event will be on Saturday, May 13. Admission is $4 at each garden. The gardens, which are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., include Creekside Garden in Woodside (open till 4 p.m.), the garden of Debby and Rob Ruskin in Palo Alto, and in Atherton, the gardens of Gene and Chuck Pratt, Joan and Mo Sanders, Lynnie and Rich Dewey and The Garden at 130 Selby Lane.

The Open Days Directory for the Peninsula Area describes each garden and provides directions to each location. Directories may be obtained by calling 1.888.842.2442. (I have several copies in my office and will be happy to send them if you leave your name and address at 408.358.2574.) You may also request the directory for the San Francisco Bay Area which describes many other gardens with the Open Days of June 3, June 4, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

There is no better way to learn about gardens than to spend time in them. This is a great opportunity to see different styles and perhaps pick up some new ideas.

In your own garden, it is important to not neglect spring maintenance. After camellias have finished blooming, blossoms should be removed to minimize disease problems. If the camellia plants are sparse, they may be pruned to promote dense growth. If pruned early enough, the bloom cycle for next year will not be interrupted. Likewise, spent rhododendron blooms should be removed. They are not a disease problem, but may be unsightly if left on the plants.

Terminal buds on branches which did not bloom may be pinched (snapped off) to promote fuller growth. Fresh buds of rhododendrons produce a very sticky "crud" which is almost impossible to wash off after too much pinching. Rather than using harsh solvents which do not work anyway, try emulsifying the crud with baby oil (which is not really extracted from babies) and can simply be washed off with soap.

Rhododendrons do not respond well to pruning and should not be pruned farther back than foliage. Stems without foliage will not produce new growth. However, if enough light pruning is done on the outside of the plant, increased sun exposure inside the plant may promote growth of new shoots where the larger stems may eventually be cut back. Geraniums, fuchsias and chrysanthemums (marguerites) will also be more shrubby if terminal growth is pinched.

Plant of the Week: Heavenly Bamboo

Heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica, is actually in the barberry family and not even remotely related to bamboo. Although it can grow to eight feet tall, it can be maintained at three or four feet by removing older canes as new canes emerge; a process known as "alternating canes." Nandina survives shearing, but looks ridiculous deprived of it's lacy texture. Individual leaves are actually quite large, but appear delicate because they are intricately divided into many one to two inch long pointed leaflets. New foliage emerges pink or bronze, fades to green as it matures, turns purplish in autumn and may become bright crimson in winter, especially if exposed to sun and cold temperatures in season. Large clusters of creamy or pinkish white flowers in late spring are not showy, but may produce clusters of bright red berries. Grouped plants produce more berries than single plants. Although they color better where exposed, they can tolerate some shade. Nandina prefers good soil and irrigation, but can be drought- tolerant when established. Various cultivars feature unusual foliar color or texture. Many cultivars are dwarfs.

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Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574.

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