Photograph by Shari Kaplan
Acacia trees' abundant yellow blossoms this time of year are attractive to the eye, but not always to the nose.
Winter gardening in the Valley offers challenges
By Tony Tomeo
One of the many benefits of living in the Santa Clara Valley is the mild winter weather. Gardening is much more enjoyable without snow or cold temperatures. However, the mild weather also necessitates gardening procedures that are not a concern where more severe winter weather maintains dormancy in plant species, as well as any associated pathogens. In the Santa Clara Valley, gardening continues throughout the year.
I normally do not rush winter pruning of fruit trees and roses. However, it is very important that it is completed before buds begin to swell. Roses are best pruned as late as possible, but before any shoot growth develops. Fruit trees must be pruned before bloom. Late pruning is somewhat of a shock; it also breaks off some of the developing flowers or fruit. If dormant sprays are used, they should be applied shortly after pruning, but not after bloom.
Pruning of fig trees should be done during cold weather, if possible. Slow circulation allows wounds to "cauterize," rather than continue to bleed, as they often do during warm weather. Bleeding is normally harmless, but may be unsightly as it stains stems and often molds. Winter pruning of fig trees is not as critical as it is for other fruit trees and often is only performed to promote structural stability.
Because the first set of "summer" figs appears on growth from the previous summer, their production is inversely proportionate to the quantity of new stems removed during pruning. Production of summer figs may be totally eliminated in favor of autumn figs by complete pruning. The autumn figs eventually appear on new growth of the immediately preceding summer. The type of pruning, if any, is determined by the type of fruit desired. (Autumn figs are smaller, firmer and more abundant; the most desirable for drying. Summer figs are not as abundant, but large and succulent; excellent when fresh.)
Winter is also bare root season. Selection is usually best as soon as bare root stock becomes available. The more popular cultivars may be found at the best prices in the garden departments of home improvement centers. However, it is very important to be able to recognize good quality material. Prices may be higher at nurseries, but selection and quality is usually much better. (A few winters ago I investigated bare root stock at a large warehouse store, only to find that it was all dead!)
Summer bulbs or dormant perennials, such as anemones, callas, canas, gladiolus, lilies and ranunculus, may continue to be planted. Small groups planted at various times through the season will encourage an extended bloom period. Cool season vegetables which may also be planted from seed in phases include beets, carrots, radishes, turnips and turnip greens. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage may be planted as seedlings. Bedding annuals include Iceland poppy, nemesia, pansies, schizanthus, viola and various primroses. (Primroses may cause severe allergic reactions of the skin.)
A good way to learn about winter gardening is by attending some of the many classes presented by Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center. The next three classes include: "Grow Biointensive" Sustainable Mini-Farming on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m.; Understanding Your Soil on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon; and Feng Shui in the Garden on Saturday, Feb. 24, also from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Registration for each class is $15. Common Ground is at 2225 El Camino Real in Palo Alto. More information may be obtained by calling 650.328.6752.
Tree of the Week: Bailey acacia
The fragrance of the Bailey acacia, Acacia baileyana, still reminds me of winter in San Luis Obispo. These trees were always in bloom around campus just after winter quarter break. The pungent fragrance of the blooms is enjoyed by many, but is distasteful to others. Profuse pollen may also be a concern. During bloom, trees may appear to be completely bright yellow. Out of bloom, the finely divided foliage is a soft gray.
At maturity, trees may be 30 feet tall and wide. They may be grown on single trunks, or with multiple trunks, or even as large-scale shrubbery, but should never be sheared. Severe pruning of any species of acacia will compromise structural integrity. Acacias are generally short-lived. The Bailey acacia may live past 50, but often dies before 30. Reseeding may be a problem, particularly in areas that are not maintained as a refined landscape.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
