Usually Hardy Pittosporum Has Lethal Enemy What's New? News To

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San Diego’s Independent Nursery Since 1928 TM MAY 2017

IN THIS ISSUE Usually Hardy Pittosporum Has Lethal Enemy By Melanie Potter

Pittosporum Has Lethal Enemy 1 News To Make You Cry Over 1 What’s New? 1 Poway Kokedama Class 2 Making Skeeters Scoot 3 To Do List: May 3 Tips For Growing Squash 4 2017 Poway Rose Show 5 You can see the white portions of the stem of the Old Ben: Parasitic Jaeger 6 Pittosporum is where rats have stripped the bark to eat. Once exposed, the nutrients and fluids in the bark A Nod Of Appreciation 7 (the cambium layer) dry out, causing the plant to die. May Garden Classes 7 If you need a low water, evergreen, the plant. Rats eat the outer layer of short and dense shrub that is as ‘skin’, or cambium off the stems or maintenance free as you’ll find, then branches. If they eat all the way around a pittosporum fits the bill. Since it is a stem, they girdle it, effectively cut- difficult to fail with this plant, we were ting off support to any growth beyond surprised when some began dying at their chewing, killing that portion of What’s New? not only Ken Andersen’s home, but in the plant. If they chew close enough the parking lot at our Poway store. to the ground, they can girdle and kill Sure enough, from the center of the the entire plant! If you have large holes plant, leaves began browning and in your normally dense plant, further spreading outward. Sometimes you’ll inspection may indicate damage from find a hole in the center of the plant. someone stepping on it, or a skunk or opossum falling into it. When you look After some analysis and thoughtful at the broken branches and see the cursing, the culprit was identified. RATS! bark is stripped, the culprit is rats. Those nuisance rodents find shelter in the bushes and dinner by chewing We were able to combat further dam- the stems. If your pittosporum begins age by setting rat traps and taking out ® Mandevilla SunParasol ‘Giant Apricot’ looking like that, check the center of the enemy! • Super hot peppers and an apricot colored mandevilla are here for spring. News To Make You Cry Over By Melanie Potter If you are looking toward the top of the Scoville Scale for the hottest of The news that there is a new, spectacular and the hot, we have Carolina Reaper, unique ornamental to enter the tree market Bhut Jolokia, Butch T Scorpion, may leave you giddy. The fact that these Habernero (Red, White, Orange, and Western Weeping Fruitless Olive ‘Hidden Chocolate), and the male anatomy Springs Ranch’ are in short supply might make shaped, humorously dubbed Peter you cry, and act fast. Pepper, just to name a few. We will only receive 20 total and split them Hot peppers are popular edibles between the two stores. They are small now to plant in spring. Did you know but grow fast. continued p2 continued p2 05.17 2

Make You Cry continued from p1 This new variety has all the great drops to the ground. It requires little qualities of olive trees such as being care and can be left natural for life or drought-tolerant, multi or single trunk, pruned for shape or laced to enhance having beautiful bark, able to with- the weeping characteristics. It doesn’t stand temperatures of extreme highs need much fertilizer and grows in the (100-120) and periods of low teens. same soil mix as other olives. It grows What stands out about this new fruit- in zones 8-11. less olive tree is its exceptionally fast If you live in windy conditions, the tree growth and little leaf drop. has been tested to withstand 70-80 These trees don’t set olives, but a few mph winds without leaf tear, leaf loss may set ‘shot berries’ which is a very or broken branches. As for wildlife, in immature fruit that never matures or tests, deer leave it alone. • Hot Peppers

Poway To Hold First Ever Kokedama Class By Melanie Potter What’s New? continued from p1 June 3 | 9:30am | Poway that they are harder to grow than Create a Moss Ball based on the hybrid varieties? They are slow Japanese Traditions growing, tend to be perennial, and prefer the summer heat. Those are We think you’ll have a ball at this class! just a few reasons why you find A moss ball that is and June 3 (9:30 an abundance of hybrid varieties. a.m.) at our Poway store is the date However, we think there is a pretty that you will learn about Kokedama strong selection at our stores and (Ko Kay Da Ma), a unique form of living customers love to plant them every art. It is simply a ball of soil covered by year, with success. moss and then arranging plants that will grow in it. Last year, we had a few Mandevilla SunParasol® ‘Giant Apricot’ hanging Planting a moss ball has a long history, baskets and they were beautiful. originally spinning off from a version Once again, we will have this plant; of the bonsai tradition in pots are expected to arrive by May Japan that began in the 10, with hanging baskets following in 1600s. Bonsai is usually for June. Ready for some inside news? outdoor small trees, but The grower shared with us that they a variety of flowers, wild are still being grown, will soon be flowers, grass and other plant when visiting her pinched back after their first flush, plants can be arranged family in Japan after and left to regrow. The eye-catching with Kokedama. Because being inspired by her apricot flowers have deep orange the moss balls are small, uncle and taught by Instructor Kanako Yamada and yellow highlights on 5” blooms the plants remain small and her father. that flower from summer to fall. grow slowly with minimum nutrients. The class is limited to 15 people and The plant has a vigorous, upright Despite its long history, Kokedama is there is a $28 materials and instruction habit reaching 36” tall and should fading from culture because fewer and fee. Call 858-513-4900 to rsvp and be grown in a large container with fewer artists in Japan are practicing pre-pay for the class. Participants will a stake or trellis to climb on. Or, the art. have access to the supplies (moss, as you’ll see in June, they make a soils, materials, and plants) needed to stunning, exceptionally full hanging The class will be taught by Kanako make a moss ball and are welcome to basket with multitudes of flowers. Yamada, owner of Kodama Forest, who bring gloves and an apron to wear. • This plant has shown excellent heat has lived in San Diego since 1997. She tolerance during warm summer made her first Kokedama with a house months. • 05.17 3 Tool Shed: Making Skeeters Scoot TO DO LIST: May By Melanie Potter

CONSERVE WATER

Mulch under and around plants and open areas with decorative bark to reduce evaporation. Water in the early morning or cooler evenings to reduce evaporation. Consider replacing sprinklers with drip irrigation. We sell easy-to-use conversion products.

FERTILIZE

For lawns, use Marathon Fertilizer for tall fescue, and Hi-Yield Weed & Feed to feed grass and control broadleaf weeds. Feed ornamentals A few years ago, my family and some Z Fence products are specially- with Gro-Power. Feed vegetables friends ventured to June Lake. We had formulated repellents that are gentle, with Gro-Power Tomato and a grand time with the exception of all-natural, and safe for the whole Vegetable Food or Dr. Earth Organic being outdoors where we fast became family. They work through a slow- Tomato and Vegetable Food. Feed the food of choice for mosquitoes. release technology, which diffuses into soft material so it releases at a steady Citrus, Avocado, and Fruit trees Now, I have a hankering to return and and consistent rate. The release of the with Gro-Power Citrus and Avocado do combat with the pesky pests as I repellant creates a 6-foot wide “safe Food. Feed palms and tropicals will be armed with products from Z zone” around the user or area, which Fence and am anxious to see how with Gro-Power Palm Tree and serves as a barrier against insects. they work. Tropical Food. Look for kid’s bracelets and adult The ingredients used in Z-Fence PEST CONTROL bracelets to wear. There’s also a nifty products are made from a mix of clip that attaches to backpacks, hiking plant extracts, including geraniol, Watch for insects beginning to invade packs, tents, or umbrellas. Refills are thyme, geranium oil, peppermint oil, the garden. Pay close attention for available, too. and citronella. These are all registered Aphids, Whitefly and Scale. Use with the EPA as acceptable active I’m not sure if a trip to June Lake this systemic controls from Bayer for ingredients with minimum risk. The summer will materialize so I’ve sent longest control. Watch for slug and products have also been tested at an three items to family in mosquito abun- snail damage and apply Sluggo or independent lab in the U.S. to make dant Florida to satisfy my curiosity. • sure they are both safe and effective. Sluggo Plus as needed. Watch for and treat plants attacked by Citrus Leaf Miner, use Spinosad or Bayer, Staghorn Need Remounting? or Pheromone attractant. Do you have a staghorn fern that needs PLANT remounting? Our staghorn experts on Bedding plants for color such as staff at both of our locations can han- Marigolds, Zinnias, and Petunias. dle any job from a 12 x 12 inch board Trees, shrubs, fruit trees, tropicals, to a custom mount of any size! Rich Harrison in our San Diego store stands and roses. Look for Ceanothus, next to one he recently completed for Viburnum, Fuchsias, and a customer. • Dipladenia. • 05.17 4 Tips For Growing Squash By Botanical Interests When to Grow or Sow Squash Comparison Chart Available as seedlings now at garden centers, or grow from seed. Sow outdoors now. Squash and pumpkins are sensitive to root disturbance so plant carefully if transplanting. Prevent Pests Covering the seeded area or newly transplanted seedlings with row covers can prevent pests. ‘Tatuma’ summer- squash and ‘Waltham Butternut’ winter squash are resistant to squash vine borers. Stop Powdery Mildew Stop the spread of powdery mildew by treating the plants with Daconil or neem oil. Small Space Ideas Making space can be a challenge in a small garden, but smaller-fruited, vining, winter squash and the uniquely vining ‘Tatuma’ summer squash can be grown vertically on a trellis. Summer squash can also be grown in a large container big enough to accommodate a 3’ x 3’ plant. Some winter squash grow bushy rather than vining and would be well suited for a container too. Try; ‘Gold Nugget’, ‘Sweet REBA’ acorn squash, or ‘Table King’ acorn squash. Heat-Tolerant Options The species, Cucurbita moschata, is more heat-tolerant than other squash and pumpkin species. In hot summer areas, you may want to try ‘Waltham Butternut’ or the pumpkin, ‘French Musquée de Provence’. •

Mother’s Day Is May 14th!

There’s still time to shop for Mother’s Day. Both stores have blooming plants, gift cards, and gift items for the special lady in your life. 05.17 5 05.17 6 Old Ben: Old Ben's Specials

The Parasitic Valid May 1-31, 2017 Jaeger By Old Ben Old Ben’s Nyger Seed The staple food for gold finches and many other small birds. The Parasitic Jaeger is the medium fish stolen from other birds. On land, 25lb. bag sized of the three Jaeger species. It is eats many birds and their eggs, ro- also as its name implies quite a keen dents, insects, and berries. Sale $49.99 Reg. $59.99 kleptoparasite, and often focuses on Nesting: terns as well as smaller gulls when Old Ben’s No Mess trying to steal food. Like the other Usually breeds at age of 4-5 years. May nest in colonies or in isolated Wild Bird Seed jaegers this is an arctic breeder. They The No Mess Advantage. Seed is pairs. Early in breeding season, pairs winter as far north as Florida, northern hulled, will not sprout, birds can eat or groups perform acrobatic display Mexico, and southern California. all the seed which attracts fewer flights. Courtship includes upright Of the three jaegers, this is the one feeder pests. posturing, calling, and male feeding fe- which is most likely to be seen from male. Nest site is selected by the male. 20lb. bag the coast. Perhaps the fact that terns Nest is on open ground, sometimes on Reg. $39.99 are preferred victims for its chases Sale $34.99 a slight rise. Nest built mostly by the keeps them close to shore. To see this female is a shallow depression, usually Jaeger chase down its victims is to see with a sparse lining of plant material. Old Ben’s Classic something acrobatically exciting and Wild Bird Seed Eggs: exhilarating. The Parasitic Jaeger is Attracts a wide variety of wild birds. big enough to look powerful, but slim One to three eggs, olive brown, dotted No fillers in this mix. enough to be incredibly maneuverable. with brown spots. Incubation is by 20lb. bag Hands down , it is the king of the chase, both sexes, 25-28 days. Young: Downy Reg. $29.99 more so then its relatives. young may leave the nest a few days Sale $24.99 The Parasitic Jaeger has a tremen- after hatching, but remain nearby. dous range, an estimated 10,000,000 Both parents feed the young. Young Old Ben’s Oriole or square miles. This bird can be found can fly at 25-30 days, but remain with Hummingbird Kit in native populations on all inhabited parents for a few more weeks. Everything you need in one continents and many island groups Identification Tips: package: feeder, food, ant barrier as well as vagrant populations in & cleaning brush. Length 16 inches, sexes similar, medium locations that include Antarctica. Its Reg. $29.99 preferred habitat is grasslands and sized, not heavyset or dainty, Powerful, Sale $24.99 tundra or marine environments and yet agile flight, juveniles take several estuaries. The global population of years to reach adult plumage. • Old Ben’s Dove and this species is estimated to be around Quail Seed Blend 500,000 to 1,000,000 individuals. Blended to attract both species. WALTER ANDERSEN NURSERY’S OWN Feeding Behavior: Must buy 2 to get sale price. At sea, does much of its foraging by 5lb. bag chasing other birds and forcing them Sale 2 for $10 to drop their catch. Also dips down in Reg. $8.99 each flight to catch fish at the surface. On breeding grounds, also hovers and swoops down to catch prey, and feeds All specials limited to stock on hand. while walking. No special orders. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Diet: Includes fish, birds, and rodents. Diet at Choose Locally-Grown Flowers sea and costal nesting areas is mostly and Vegetables for Your Garden. Look for 1st Prize Plants at WAN! 05.17 7 Garden Classes MAY Date To Remember

Saturday classes are FREE and last about an hour. Complimentary coffee is Our Poway store will close at 5pm served. During inclement weather, classes are held indoors in San Diego and on on Memorial Day, May 29th. the covered, heated patio in Poway. Topics are subject to change. See the full schedule at www.walterandersen.com/calendar/. Spring Bloomer SAN DIEGO | 9:00AM POWAY | 9:30AM

5/6 5/6 Dr. Earth Organics Your Own Food Forest, Elieha with Oscar Fortis 5/13 5/13 Poway Rose Show No Class (Poway Rose Show— No Class Scheduled Take Your Roses to the Poway!) 5/20 5/20 Summer Lawn Care Containers & Small Space with Richard Wright Gardening 5/27 Pretty as a picture is this Kwanzan 5/27 Citrus Varieties & Care Flowering Cherry with a blue sky in Cacti & Succulents the background. A beautiful spring with David Miller bloomer they are world famous for profuse blossom displays and festivals. •

A Nod Of Appreciation

Walter Andersen, Jr. and San Diego store manager, Mark Mahady, accept a plaque from the San Diego Floral Association, “In Appreciation for Your Many Years of Support to the San Diego Floral Association. For the last 15 years, the nursery has provided about 40 Christmas trees for Decem- ber Nights and Christmas on the TM Prado. The nursery also supplies San Diego’s Independent Nursery Since 1928 decorative plants for other special events the Floral Association holds. The plaque was presented by Kay Harry, a dedicated volunteer for the Floral Association. • walterandersen.com Visit Our 2 Locations facebook.com/walterandersens twitter.com/walterandersens SAN DIEGO POWAY online store 3642 Enterprise Street 12755 Danielson Court San Diego, California 92110 Poway, California 92064 videos {619} 224-8271 {858} 513-4900