GARDEN FANATIC: Holiday gardening and giving

The Thanksgiving turkey had barely begun to settle in for most of us, but the opening salvos for Black Edit MediaFriday had already been proclaimed through various media venues: SALE BEGINS @ 4 A.M. TOMORROW! And can you believe it, shoppers were actually queuing up early. I even saw a few of you, hiding behind your designer sunglasses.

Since you are planning for the holidays, your questions for the Plant Man included:

Q. What kind of plants will produce berries for Christmas?

A. Holly, especially the Chinese and English kinds, can be used as decorations as small plants and then be planted in the garden. In succeeding years, they may be carefully pruned to provide branches covered with berries. Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) and Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) are also useful as plants with berried branches.

Q. I want to make spraying “remedies” easier for my wife. What garden sprayer do you recommend?

A. The professional quality Gilmour sprayer mixes chemicals automatically while you spray. It’s so foolproof; you might even assist your wife with some of the work.

Q. I know roses should be pruned soon. What kind of clippers should I buy?

A. I highly recommend the Felco family of hand pruners. They are “simply the best pruners in the world.” The original design of the Felco 2 has remained unchanged for 40 years. For smaller hands, I recommend the Felco 6.

Q. When will the new roses arrive in nurseries?

A. Bare root roses will be arriving at beginning this week through January. Look for the largest selection and best prices by purchasing bare root roses early.

Q. When is the best time to transplant my camellia?

A. The only time you may transplant camellias (Camellia japonica) is now, while they are in bud and prior to flowering.

Q. Can I plant vegetables now?

A. Yes you can. Catharine prefers broccoli, but carrots, cabbage, kale, lettuce, parsley, and turnips can also be planted either by seed or from starts.

One can’t really blame the retailers if they desperately view this recessionary season with dollar signs tied to the Yuletide spirit. So much is at stake for everyone, including us. No one wants to give an unwanted gift to a friend or loved one. That’s why I like to give plants as presents — you know, “The gift that keeps on living.” Or something like that. See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is happily married to award winning writer Catharine Cooper, and has one cat and four dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to [email protected].