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Stand Back: The century plant should be given ample clearance, both for its long, sharp fronds and its tall flower stalk.
Photograph by Shari Kaplan
Gardeners get new edition of 'Western Garden Book'
By Tony Tomeo
One of my favorite books in my library is a copy of the Sunset Western Garden Book from 1967. It is identical to my father's copy, which I was 'reading' before I had learned to read. Although I also have more contemporary editions, I often refer to the older copy. It is much more interesting now that I know how to read.
Although some of us would be perfectly satisfied with the older editions, Sunset Publishing Corporation periodically updates the Western Garden Book. After Feb. 1, the seventh edition will be available. Of course, the new publication includes everything found in older editions, but also includes information about new gardening tools, materials and techniques, as well as varieties of plants that have been introduced within the last six years since the previous edition was compiled.
Gardening enthusiasts who are not familiar with the Western Garden Book should be. It has been a standard in the horticultural industries since long before my time. It is perhaps the most comprehensive encyclopedia of plant species used in Western gardens. It also includes a guide to plant selection, a guide to gardening and a description of the West's 32 climate zones.
The encyclopedia of the newer edition has more than 2,000 additional entries for newly introduced varieties of plants. The plant selection guide has been modified to accommodate the many new introductions. The climate zone maps have been expanded to include recently available geographical and weather data and now include Alaska, Hawaii and western Canada.
Those who do not yet own a copy of the Sunset Western Garden Book should seriously consider acquiring one. Those who have an older edition may also want to consider acquisition of this more contemporary edition.
Another publication that may be of interest is the Conservation Trees Booklet ,which is available through the National Arbor Day Foundation. This booklet uses color illustrations and simple instructions to help even the less-than-proficient garden enthusiast plant and care for trees.
The Arbor Day Foundation's Conservation Trees Program is designed to encourage planting and management of trees to conserve energy, soil, water, wildlife and the atmosphere. The Conservation Trees Booklet has been developed to promote this educational project. A free copy may be obtained by writing to Conservation Trees, The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, Neb., 68410.
Unfortunately, I have used all the available space in my column without discussing winter gardening procedures. I will try to include an informational discussion next week.
Perennial of the Week: Century plant
This is another species that is not for everyone. The century plant, Agave americana, is very large and should be given plenty of clearance. The succulent, 6-foot long fronds are edged with nasty hooked teeth and terminate with dangerously sharp and rigid spines. Both the bulk and the spines should be seriously considered before planting a century plant, as they are difficult to remove. They should not be planted where they may be dangerous to visitors to the garden.
Foliage is typically somewhat blue or gray. Some cultivars exhibit green foliage, variegated with yellow or white stripes. After about 12 years, or sometimes longer, a single flower stalk emerges from the center of the plant. The stalk eventually reaches 20 to 40 feet tall and may take more than the first year to develop. Although the greenish flowers are not showy, the stalk is impressive. After bloom, the main plant, unfortunately, dies, but seemingly countless "pups" emerge from the roots. If divided and given enough space, the pups will mature as the parent plant did.
Century plants tolerate drought and adverse conditions. They have naturalized around the perimeter of Alcatraz Island without maintenance or irrigation. Incidentally, various species of Agave have historically been used as a source of fiber for linen and to produce tequila.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
