- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Colusa County LOVE the Arboretum All-Stars. The All-Stars are mainly water-wise plants that look beautiful. When most people think water-wise or drought tolerant or xeriscaping, they think it's all succulents and cactus. You will be amazed by this list of 100 beautiful plants.
Some of my favorites that I have in my yard are:
- Califonria fuschia, Epilobium canum
- California fescue, Festuca californica
- Pigsqueak, Bergenia crassifolia
- Santa Barbara Daisy, Erigeron karvinskianus
- Coral bells, Heuchera sp.
- Pacific iris, Iris 'Canyon Snow'
- Dwarf oregano, Origanum vulgare 'Betty Rollins'
- Snow in summer, Cerastium tomentosum
- Compact Oregon grape, Berberis aquifolium 'Compacta
- Ceanothus, Ceanothus sp.
- Lavender, Lavandula sp.
- Roses, Rosa sp.
- Rosemary, Rosmarinus sp.
- Mint bush sage, Salvia sp.
Some of these have several species that are just as fantastic! I did not realize I have so many of these in my yard.
So, what makes a plant an All-star?
- Attractive for most of the year.
- Thrives in California's Mediterranean climate.
- Test in the UC Davis Arboretum.
Many of them are:
- Low maintenance
- Drought Tolerant
- Attracts beneficial wildlife
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
February in the garden:
In the Garden
- Around Valentine's Day apply dormant copper spray to peach and nectarine trees no later than bud swell.
- Fertilize mature trees and shrubs after spring growth starts.
- Be sure to remove and discard (do not compost) fallen camellia blossoms to reduce petal blight.
- Fertilize spring blooming and fall-planted perennials.
- Mulch 3 inches deep around plants (without touching stems) to conserve soil moisture.
- Plant in vegetable garden by direct seeding: radishes, beets, chard, and peas.
- Start tomato, pepper and eggplant seeds indoors.
- Flowers to transplant or direct seed: snapdragon, candytuft, larkspur, coral bells, and stock.
- Plant bulbs for summer bloom: dahlias, begonias, gladiolus, lilies, etc.
- Plant potaotes
Pruning:
- Finish pruning roses.
- Prune summer blooming shrubs now.
Pest and Disease Control
- Watch for aphids on spring blooming bulbs; remove with a strong spray of water.
- As the weather warms prepare to battle slugs and snails with traps or pet-friendly baits.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Join the UCCE Master Gardeners of Colusa County at the 50th Colusa Farm Show.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
The Saturday Sacramento Bee's Garden section talks about 7 insects that are relatively new to our area. Read about 2 of them here.
- Asian Citrus Psyllid - This insect can carry a devastating disease. The disease can kill your trees and has devastated citrus orchards in Florida. It is working it's way up the San Joaquin and Sacramento valley. The ACP has been found as far north as San Joaquin County. The ACP has two distinguishing features. The adult sticks it's "hinny" in the air when feeding. The nymphs produce a curly waxy substance. If you think you have this pest please bring it in an air tight container to the Ag Commissioner's office or the UCCE Master Gardener office.
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - This insect is an agricultural, garden and household pest. It is a large stink but at 5/8's of an inch. It has been found in all counties surrounding Colusa County. There is a good chance it will be here in 2015. The distinguishing features are white segments on it's antenna and legs. Also, it STINKS and it STINKS! Currently no household insecticides work on this insect. If you find it please bring it in an airtight container to the Ag Commissioner's office or the UC Master Gardener office.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Pest and Disease control:
Spray horticultural oil on pruned fruit trees to control scale, mites and aphids. Thorough coverage will kill over-wintering eggs.
Later in the month, spray neem oil on roses to control mildew, rust, and black spot. Do not apply oils unless there will be 24 hours of dry weather following application.
Be sure to clean up debris (leaves and twigs) around roses and fruit trees to help prevent disease.
Pruning:
Roses, fruit trees and other perennials can be pruned this month.
Do not prune spring flowering shrubs until after they bloom.
Prune berry canes that bore fruit last year to the ground.
Prune grapevines back, leaving 2 to 3 buds per side shoot.
Order seeds for this year's vegetable and flower garden.
