Whether growing on the Scottish moors or as Christmas gifts in American homes, heather displays tiny, abundant flowers in a range of colors. Some plants may also be fragrant.




Photograph by Shari Kaplan







Trees, plants have symbiotic relationships with wildlife

By Tony Tomeo

It is no coincidence that acorns are very nutritious and just the right size to be easily carried away by squirrels. It would seem oaks enjoy providing sustenance for the squirrels and various other wildlife that inhabit oak woodlands. However, oaks actually produce acorns as compensation to the squirrels for their planting services.

As acorns ripen and fall from the trees, squirrels gather and bury them for late winter when food may not be so plentiful. Either because the squirrels forget where all the acorns are hidden or because they hide more than can be consumed, a few acorns are left to germinate and grow into trees. Statistically, very few are not eaten and left buried. In fact, in a stable population of oaks among which trees die at the same rate with which they are replaced, only one in several hundreds of thousands of acorns actually germinate and grow into mature trees.

Many other species use similar tactics with squirrels or other animals. Those of us who think of squirrels as rats with furry tails may not understand, but some garden enthusiasts enjoy planting species that will attract and feed urban or migratory wildlife. Most types of nuts and seeds and some berries are attractive to squirrels and most birds, particularly in winter.

During warmer weather, certain flowers also attract birds, as well as bats, butterflies or bees. Many flowers are specialized for the creatures they are most reliant on. Most flowers that are only open at night, such as night blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) and the various cereus cactus, host nocturnal creatures such as bats and moths. (Aren't bats just flying rats?) Flowers that rely on hummingbirds or butterflies are tubular so that other birds or insects are excluded. Instead of distribution of seed, flowers require only the distribution of pollen in return for their generosity.

Fruit of the strawberry tree, contoneaster, toyon, holly, privet and firethorn are currently the most commonly enjoyed in local gardens by overwintering birds. All of these examples indulge their guests in exchange for the distribution of seeds. Unlike acorns that are actually planted by squirrels, the seeds of consumed berries are delivered by "other means" to locations that may not have already been occupied. Those who use such plant species to attract wildlife should be aware that if they are successful, ornamental berries of some of the species may be consumed at about the time they begin to display color.

A list of plants and trees that attract birds is included in the Sunset Western Garden Book. Those wanting to make their garden more hospitable to local wildlife without adding new plant species could install a bird feeder. The most complete stock of bird feeders and other accessories I have ever seen is at the Wild Bird Center of Los Gatos, which has something for just about any bird that may visit the area as well as bats, bees, butterflies and squirrels. The Wild Bird Center is at 792 Blossom Hill Road and can be contacted at 408.358.9453.

I again lack sufficient space for the next important topic. Those who do not want to wait until next week to read about proper winter pruning of fruit trees before getting their own trees pruned by a qualified arborist or company may contact me for information on the certified arborists to whom I refer my clients. I also encourage people to contact me with information about other arborists qualified to prune fruit trees.

Flower of the Week: Heather

Heather, also known as Scottish heather, Calluna vulgaris, actually blooms in late summer or autumn. However, small potted plants in full bloom are popular Christmas gifts. Floral color ranges among the cultivars include purple, lavender, bright to pale pink and white. Foliar color is in various shades of green including yellowish and grayish green. The small leaves resemble needles but grow densely.

The flowers are very small, but profuse. Some cultivars are very low. The tallest are no more than three feet. Heather prefers direct sun exposure but will tolerate some shade. Excellent drainage is essential. Endemic dense soil must be amended as it would be for other related species such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Heaths, Erica spp., are similar to heather, but size and structure are more variable.

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

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Photos: Eucalyptus tree and planting daffodils

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