Photograph by Shari Kaplan

Although they resemble ferns when young and palms when older, cycads are related to neither. They are actually primitive relatives of conifers.




Volunteer activities cater to gardening enthusiasts

By Tony Tomeo

Garden enthusiasts who would like to be more involved in the garden than their limited space might allow may be interested to know that The Friends of the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is always in need of volunteers. In fact, on Jan. 24, the group will host two volunteer coffees at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. as informal meetings at which prospective volunteers are given an overview of the park's history, design and development, as well as specific information on volunteer opportunities.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the community, meet interesting people and work outdoors is welcome. Because of the broad range of opportunities available, all volunteers are likely to find practical applications for their individual skills and specific interests. There are also opportunities for those who can only volunteer occasionally or for special events.

The volunteer coffees will be held at the Garden Center, located at 715 Spring St., between Taylor and Hedding streets in downtown San Jose. To arrange reservations or to obtain more information, volunteer coordinator Lucy Perez can be contacted at 408.298.7657 or at lperez@grpg.org. General information concerning The Friends of the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is online at www.grpg.org.

Because our nursery is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Scotts Valley, I completely understand why some garden enthusiasts request that I write about problems with deer. I have avoided this topic because most of us live and enjoy our gardens in urban areas of the Santa Clara Valley, where deer are not a problem. At the urban homes in which I've lived, I have seen more people than deer taking flowers from my garden.

For many years, production at the nursery has been limited to rhododendrons and a few other species that are not eaten by deer. Since camellias and lilacs have added to production, fencing has become necessary. It seems that fencing and use of deer-resistant species are the only practical means with which to control hungry deer. We have used deer repellent successfully in small areas around the home, but the repeated applications every two weeks and after rain have become more work than can be justified.

The Sunset Western Garden Book includes a list of species that are not normally eaten by deer. Some, such as rhododendron and azalea, are never eaten, but others, such as agapanthus and oleander may occasionally be eaten if deer are very hungry. It should not be assumed that species that are thorny or toxic to people will not be eaten by deer.

Perennial of the Week: Sago palm

Cycads, members of the family Cycadaceae, appear to be similar to small palms, with finely textured, pinnately compound foliage resembling that of some ferns. They are actually very primitive relatives of conifers and produce cones. Cycads grow slowly and can attain impressive age. The compact root systems are easily confined to containers and many cycads are consequently grown as house plants.

Some of the very rare tropical species should only be grown in containers because they are easily damaged by frost. The seemingly delicate foliage is actually quite tough and originates from the center of the top of each trunk. Cycads are not particular about their irrigation requirements, but will experience difficulty if the soil becomes too saturated or too dry.

The sago palm, Cycas revoluta, is the most popular of the cycads and usually the only one available from nurseries. Most are about 2 or 3 feet tall, but older or exceptionally vigorous specimens can grow to 10 or more feet. Individual leaves are generally less than 3 feet long, but may be considerably larger among the most vigorous specimens. Direct sun exposure may cause yellowed foliage so partial shade is preferred.

Most mature sago palms exhibit multiple trunks and sometimes branches. Pups (side shoots) that continue to appear at the base after the desired number of trunks have developed may be removed and installed elsewhere. Pups should not be planted immediately, but left out of soil until slightly dry.

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

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