Colorful Evergreen: Cineraria plants are perennials often grown as annuals. They produce an abundance of small, brightly colored composite flowers.




Photograph by Shari Kaplan







Spring is time for garden chores, gardening events

By Tony Tomeo

I usually read the news in the morning, so consider the gardening column from last week to be the last in winter and this one to be the first in spring. For those who read the column after the official beginning of spring at 11:16 a.m. on March 20, this column would be the second of spring. Regardless, spring has begun, and space in this column may get scarce for all the information that should be discussed.

Gardening becomes much more involved in spring and requires implementation of a broad range of horticultural procedures. Most horticultural events also occur at the same time. I will discuss two events in detail next week, but thought that some people would prefer to know the dates earlier. The John E. Stowell Dahlia Society will conduct its annual Root Sale on April 6. The Clara B. Rees Iris Society's 44th annual Spring Show, "Iris Inspirations," will be the following weekend, April 13 and 14.

A more imminent event is the eighth annual Spring Garden Market, conducted by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County, the Prusch Park Farm & Cultural Arts Foundation, and the city of San Jose. The market will be open to the public April 6 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and is located at the Prusch Park Farm, at 647 S. King Road in San Jose.

Many varieties of chile peppers, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes (115 varieties!) and ornamental species that attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds will be on sale, as well as gardening supplies and UC publications. The Master Gardeners who grew these vegetables and ornamentals will be available for consultation. Tools may be sharpened for a small fee between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Food and beverages will be sold and may be enjoyed in the picnic areas. Admission and parking are free.

The composting demonstration area, farm animals and Heritage and Rare Fruit Orchards of Prusch Farm will be open for exploration. A guided tour of the orchards will begin at 11:30 a.m. More information can be obtained by calling 408.299.2635, ext. 1017.

In the garden, new growth should have already begun to appear on most species as they respond to the longer, warmer days. Specimens damaged by inappropriate shearing, as discussed last week, may begin to recover if the new growth is permitted to mature. Many species can eventually replace their damaged trunks and stems with properly structured stems if nothing is done to them, simply because the new stems "outgrow" the damaged stems. However, most species benefit from structural pruning during recovery.

Corrective pruning can be severe, but is less stressful if performed gradually through several seasons. As properly formed stems mature, the shrubby, thicket-like growth below can be removed as preferred, but need not be completely removed if upper growth is inadequate. Maturing stems should be inspected so that any originating from unsalvageable stems may be removed with the damaged parts to minimize competition with desirable growth.

Many species, such as lilac and abelia, produce new canes from the roots. Among such species, the older, damaged canes can be removed as they are replaced. In fact, this is the proper procedure for pruning lilac and abelia even if the older canes have not been damaged.

If properly used, "bypass" shears, with a hook and blade, cut much more cleanly than "anvil" shears, which crush the part of the stem that is against the anvil. Anvil shears also cannot cut as closely because half of the anvil gets in the way. The blade of bypass shears should be against the stem from which the secondary stem is removed to ensure a close, clean cut. If the hook is on the inside, it gets in the way of a clean cut and crushes the cambium (somewhat), as an anvil would.

Flower of the Week: Cineraria

Cineraria, Senecio hybridus, produces profuse and brightly colored composite flowers that resemble small daisies. The color range includes white, pink, rose, red, bright purple and bright blue. Many exhibit multiple colors. Although perennial, cinerarias are usually grown as annuals or as "pot plants"--usually discarded after bloom. They prefer cool, humid and partly shady areas, and can be damaged by heat, a drying breeze or too much exposure to direct sunlight. Regular fertilization is appreciated. Cineraria is usually less than 2 ¹/2 feet tall, with almost all of the flowers on top.

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

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