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Guadalupe Gardens volunteers work in a veritable classroom
By Tony Tomeo
One of the greatest natural features of the Santa Clara Valley is its semi-arid climate. The weather here is usually mild and dry, allowing plenty of time for gardening even through the "rainy" season. Many plant species also enjoy the extensive growing season, which is only briefly interrupted by a short winter. The only disadvantage to our climate is the minimal rainfall, which needs to be distributed to such a vast population.
Water conservation has always been an important issue in most overly developed parts of California. I can still remember, while in the second grade at Bucknall School, learning the various rationing techniques from Captain Hydro. By the time I was in college, native California and draught-tolerant species were almost too popular.
Another popular form of conservation is the use of reclaimed water. Irrigation with reclaimed water has become much more common in large landscapes since then. Recently, the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Corporation and the city of San Jose have planned demonstration areas in Guadalupe Gardens to show how successful this form of irrigation can be.
The purpose of irrigating the already landscaped Courtyard Garden with reclaimed water is to monitor any unusual effects the water may have on various species. Areas which have not yet been landscaped will be planted with species which require continued testing of their tolerance to the water. An additional demonstration area, consisting of the two large planting beds in front of the Garden Center on Spring Street, is intended to attract the participation of children, and will be landscaped with a sensory theme. Participants will be able to touch, smell and even taste the various herbs and plants that have been included in the garden. An educational program which will be developed by the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Corporation will give children an appreciation for the ways in which water is acquired and made available.
Involvement with the development of the demonstration gardens is also an excellent opportunity for garden enthusiasts to learn more about water quality, soil preparation and various plant varieties. Interested volunteers may attend training at the Garden Center on Nov. 6, or telephone Laurie Lynch at 408.298.7657 for other scheduled training and workdays.
Unfortunately, I do not have a telephone number for garden enthusiasts who could use some training in their own gardens. In most situations, as long as the garden is being enjoyed, it is performing its primary function. However, I often see various species used in situations where they are more trouble than they are worth. For example, I occasionally drive past an office building on Blossom Hill Road which is surrounded by redwood trees which, for the past nine years, have been sheared into balls and never permitted to grow taller than 14 feet. When I see this, I wonder why the "professional" landscape designer did not choose a species which would stay that size without incessant shearing.
Such problems usually result from a lack of education, experience or concern among the larger maintenance companies, which are also notorious for using improper species to ensure the need for maintenance. Yet, because home gardening is so dynamic and always a learning experience, even the most avid gardeners can make similar mistakes.
Years ago, I thought agapanthus at the curb would be nice, but they have yet to bloom before they get driven over by the neighbors; another bad choice. I cannot adequately stress the importance of choosing suitable plants for each situation.
For those who would find descriptions of their choices helpful, I recommend shopping for plants at reputable nurseries, keeping in mind that reputation does not justify high prices. Two of my favorites are still Capitol Wholesale Nursery and Almaden Valley Nursery. Although most nurserymen are not available for consultation, they will not likely sell you something poorly suited to your specifications. I commonly shop at home-improvement centers because of the low prices, but I am usually reminded of the lack of horticulturally oriented staff. One store in Campbell even sells various palms which will not survive even a mild winter in the Santa Clara Valley. Of course, research is always helpful when choosing plant material. Sunset magazine's Western Garden Book has more information than commonly necessary about almost anything you can find in most nurseries.
Flower of the Week: Oleander
If you have a hot, sunny area in your garden where nothing else will grow, oleander, Nerima oleander, would probably be a good choice. Like any draught-tolerant species, oleander requires irrigation to get established, but eventually does just fine with minimal or no irrigation. The flowers are small but profuse, ranging in color from white, pink and salmon to bright or dark red. Many cultivars produce double flowers in this same color range, but are not as popular because the flowers stay on the plants after they fade to brown. Pale yellow flowering plants may be found in old landscapes, but are not commonly available.
The bloom cycle begins in spring and does not end until cool autumn weather begins. Oleanders tolerate all but poorly drained or soggy soil and prefer full sun exposure. By removing lower growth to expose long vertical stems, any of the large growing cultivars perform well as small trees with several trunks, or with a single staked trunk. The largest and most vigorous cultivar, "Sister Agnes," produces profuse single white blooms.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
