 The importance of selecting the most appropriate species of tree for every application cannot be overemphasized, but it can be discussed so frequently that the topic becomes tedious. I will therefore not bore those who are aware of my adamancy of proper arboricultural procedure. I could have one of my esteemed colleagues do it instead, but thought it would be more constructive to recommend one of their websites for those who legitimately need some help to determine what species of tree would be the best for their respective gardens.
The website of Saratoga Tree Service, www.saratogatreeservice.com, does much more than explain in great detail many of the arboricultural topics I can only briefly discuss. My favorite feature of the site that can help with selection of tree species is actually not a list or description of some of the more popular species. It is instead more like a questionnaire, which asks about features of the landscape and intended functions of a tree in order to relate these concerns with natural characteristics of the various species. For example, if a tree is to be installed near a residence, it should be deciduous so it can provide shade during summer, but allow more sunlight to heat the home during winter.
The website for Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is www.grpg.org. Information about any of the events there may be obtained at this website or by calling 408.298.7657, but those interested in learning about the variety of volunteer opportunities are also welcome to attend either of the two volunteer coffees being held on Jan. 25. The first will be at 11 a.m. and the second will be at 7 p.m. Both take place at the Garden Center, located at 715 Spring St., near Taylor Street in San Jose.
Various workdays are conducted regularly within each of the specialized gardens throughout Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Rose Garden workdays are every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the Heritage Rose Garden (which should not be confused with San Jose's Municipal Rose Garden on Naglee Avenue). Volunteers at these workdays prior to Feb. 16 may attend a free rose pruning clinic. Courtyard Garden workdays will be at the same time on Wednesdays (but not Saturdays). Volunteers for the Compost and Drought Tolerant Garden workdays should meet at the Garden Center on the first Thursday of each month. Office volunteers are always needed for various tasks.
Training for educational volunteers and river docents has already begun. River docents will be trained to lead tours of Guadalupe River Park. Educational volunteers will learn how to work with school groups and after-school programs. There are, of course, many other opportunities that can be investigated in more detail at the website or by calling volunteer coordinator Lucy Perez at 408.298.7657.
Species of the Week: False Aralia
If protected from frost in gardens that do not become too uncomfortably cold, false aralia, Dizygotheca elegantissima, can become a shrub as high as 10 feet tall. However, it is almost exclusively grown as a houseplant for the lacy juvenile foliage. Leaves are palmately compound, composed of several long and narrow leaflets. These serrate leaflets are about five inches long, but outer leaflets are shorter and those nearer to the middle may be longer. Upper surfaces of foliage are very dark green and lower surfaces are brownish green. Individual leaflets of "adult" growth of large specimens grown in the garden may be wider than two inches and longer than 10 inches! Flowers are rarely seen, particularly among houseplants.
False aralia is not difficult to grow, but has somewhat discriminating taste. It likes a sunny location, but can be scorched by direct exposure. Potting media should be rich and well-drained. Irrigation should not be so frequent that potting media is always damp, but it should not get too dry either. Occasional application of fertilizer is appreciated. Like many palms and other tropical species grown as houseplants, false aralia can be susceptible to infestations of various pathogens, such as spider mites, scale and thrips.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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