 Those of us native to the Santa Clara Valley know that orchards of apricot, cherry, almond, pear and walnut, as well as a few vineyards, had flourished in almost all of the area that is now occupied by urban sprawl. There were wheat fields, cornfields and rangeland (and even a small oil field in my neighborhood) here before that.
Prior to that, there were only native species. Unlike most of the "exotic" species that inhabit the now prominent urban landscapes and confined gardens, native species were perfectly happy here without irrigation, fertilizer, soil amendment or any other environmental modification. Many of the oldest of the valley oaks and coast live oaks that have outlived field crops and orchards are actually now succumbing to the urban conditions that are enjoyed by so many newer inhabitants of the Santa Clara Valley.
Many native species are adaptable to landscape use and are of course easier to care for than exotic species. In fact, most are happiest if simply ignored. Most need irrigation only while they are getting established and extending their roots into the garden after installation. Some, particularly riparian species, might enjoy occasional irrigation during the warmest of summer weather, but almost all are generally satisfied with rainfall. Native species are also right at home in endemic soil.
Native species are also less dependent upon pesticides than the exotic species that are more susceptible to exotic pathogens. This is not because native species are not affected by pathogens but because their pathogens are also generally native and controlled by native natural predators. Pesticides are actually more likely to interfere with natural ecology by eliminating the pathogens of pathogens.
The Santa Clara Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society has organized the spring native plant sale, featuring seeds, bulbs and plants of hundreds of native species. Related books, posters and notecards will also be available for sale. The sale will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 14 at Hidden Villa Ranch, located at 26870 Moody Road, two miles west of Highway 280 in Los Altos Hills. Sales are by cash or check only. More information may be obtained online at www.cnps-scv.org or by calling 650.691.9749.
The last open house at Bay Laurel Nursery will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7 and will feature many later-blooming rhododendrons. I will continue to be available for horticultural consultation throughout the open house. Bay Laurel Nursery is located at 1554 Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley. More information may be obtained online at www.baylaurelgardens.com or by calling 831.438.8770.
Flower of the Week: Doublefile viburnum
This is actually the first time I have ever heard of the name "Doublefile" viburnum to describe what I had always known as Viburnum "mariesii." I do not know if this name refers to a grinding tool or an envelope that contains documents, but I would guess that there are two of them. The full Latin name is actually Viburnum plicatum tomentosum "Mariesii." Other cultivars of the species are more compact or lower than "Mariesii," which can be taller and wider than 10 feet when mature.
It and similar species of viburnum prefer rich soil and regular irrigation but will be less demanding when mature. Too much shade diminishes foliar density and bloom. Too much sun exposure with reflective glare might burn foliage. Any other exposure in between would be just fine. I think that they are best as understory shrubbery in enough shade to encourage delicate horizontal growth, which most effectively displays the clear white spring bloom with fresh new foliage. Most species of viburnum are unfortunately attractive to scale, aphids, thrips and spider mites.
Flat floral clusters are about 3 inches wide with smaller central florets surrounded by larger perimeter florets that are about 1 inch wide. The subsequent small red berries are usually eaten by birds before anyone sees them, just like those of flowering dogwood. The approximately 4-inch-long leaves become deep red in autumn before winter defoliation.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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