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Pelargonium Violareum, Growing From Cuttings
Question from Zane: I have 200 plants Pelargonium Violareum, I never grow them. Can you tell me more information about these plants? I would like to know about soil, moisture, about propogation with making cutings. Thank you before! Answer from Pat: Pelargonium...
Duranta
Question from Eliana: Thanks for all your wonderful writings! I am thinking of siting a duranta erecta in a small area next to a house with full sun, where preferred height is really only 7′ high x 5′ x 3′ wide and deep. I realize...
Native Plants Suitable For Planting Near A Coastal Lagoon
SHRUBS Adenostoma fasciculatum—Chamise Most abundant shrub in some local coastal chaparral, often called “Chamise chaparral”. Known for spring bloom but often flowers in fall. Arctostaphylos glandulosa, ssp. crassifolia—Del Mar manzanita Coastal...
How to Determine the Correct Spacing of All Garden Plants
Controlling Algerian Ivy & Plants that Attract Birds All nurseries will provide you with information when you purchase plants as to correct spacing of the plants you buy. Most plant labels have size and spacing listed on the label. Always ask the...
How to Space Plants when Planting a Bank
From Kathy: Oh for goodness sake I never thought of Ellwood’s as I hardly go there. I got turned off by coldness in attitude there and never went back. I’ll check it out. Okay will cut off the thatch too. Thanks again. Now I have...
Planting on a Bank & Best Substitutes for Lawns
Question from Howard: We are a Homeowners association with a steep bank, 45 degrees or steeper, three blocks long and about 30 feet high. What drought tolerant plant(s) would you recommend? Also, what ground cover, if any, would you recommend to replace...
Plant to Prevent Erosion on a Steep Hillside
Question from Kathy: I love your book and use it as my garden bible. I have a new problem and do not know what to do. I live on top of a steep hillside and have been here for 34 yrs. I have never had a mudslide. However, the hillside is in three levels...
Plant Zinnias Seeds
Plant seeds of zinnias now. “Benary’s Giants” (sold as “Parks Picks” by the Park Seeds) is immune to mildew. Choose a spot in full sun, till the ground to spade depth, work in organic soil amendment and balanced fertilizer into the top six inches....
Granulated Sulfur
Question from Robin: Hi. I have a problem and I need some advice. I spread granulated sulfur on the top of heavy clay soil. Hindsight shows me this is not optimum, and I would like your opinion on my options. I want to establish vegetables on the site....
Epidendrums
Question from Randy: What is the best medium to plant epidendrums in? Cymbidium bark, soil or a mix. Thanks. Or none of those? Answer from Pat: Epidendrum orchids grow well in ground bark or small gauge pathway bark. I don’t ever purchase orchid...
Princess Plants (Tibouchina heteromalla and Tibouchina urvilleana.)
Question from Shannon: I have two sickly Princess Plants (Tibouchina heteromalla) that I planted about 3 months ago. I had had one at the beach (in Playa del Rey CA) that was as big as a house, hearty, and virtually care-free. The ones in question...
Companion Planting Has No Scientific Basis but Planting a Wide Range of Crops Works
Question: The other thing you said was that companion planting has been proven ineffective – by that do you mean that researchers have failed to find that planting certain CROPS in proximity to each other does them ANY good? Or that certain non-crop...
Planting & Growing Zone
Question from Nancy: I live in Hesperia, CA. My zip code is 92345. My elevation is approximately 3700 ft. What is the planting/growing zone for my area? Answer from Pat: Hesperia, California where you live is in the Mohave Desert roughly 15 miles north...
