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Miscanthus sinensis, Wikimedia Commons Whether you want to create a naturalistic meadow, showcase a dramatic backlit border, or line a path, ornamental grasses are up for the job. Ornamental grasses and other grass-like plants like rushes and sedges are easily grown and work with many garden styles.
Wisteria sinensis, Wikimedia Commons Vines are usually grown for a purpose: to cast shade over an arbor, hide an unattractive chain link fence, or splay out over a hillside. If you're considering adding a vine to your garden, it is critical that you know its ultimate size.
Lilies are amongst the most popular bulbs. Julia Kadel, Unsplash If you love showy flowers, bulbs are for you. Bulbs, corms, and tubers store the food that keeps the plant alive during dormant periods.
Chinese pistache, Wikimedia Commons Leaves are so ubiquitous that it's easy to overlook all the benefits they provide and the transition many experience. There's science behind a crimson burning bush (Euonymus), brilliant golden Ginkgo, or neon-orange Japanese maple (Acer palmatum).
Check citrus trees for snails and slugs. Photo: Marie Narlock Observe water runoff during a heavy rain and correct any drainage issues. Protect tender garden plants by covering them on frosty nights.
Pick up dropped camellias to avoid petal blight. Photo: Annie Spratt, unsplash Maintenance and prevention Inspect irrigation system for leaks and non-functioning emitters and sprayers. Run the system for a few minutes, paying close attention to which emitters are not working.
Protect sensitive plants from cold injury when frost is predicted. Photo: Courtesy UC Regents Maintenance and prevention Chop up cover crop foliage into small pieces if you grew a cover crop. Turn under or add the clippings to your compost pile.
Plant painted lady gladiola corms (Gladiolus carneus) in spring for a beautiful summer display. Photo: Creative Commons Maintenance and prevention Troubleshoot irrigation system for missing or clogged emitters and broken spray heads. Begin irrigation as rainy season ends.
May is a good time to repot Cymbidium orchids. Photo: Creative Commons Maintenance and prevention Check hose fittings for spent washers and leaks. Ensure hose has a shut off valve or other water conserving feature. Aerate and fertilize lawn areas using an organic fertilizer.
Powdery mildew is common in warm, dry conditions. Photo: Courtesy UC Regents Maintenance and prevention Check soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule on your irrigation controller accordingly. Water early in the day. Watch container plants which may need daily watering.
