top of page

a gardener's (landscaper's/designer's) work is never done

Over the years, I have fielded countless questions regarding maintenance...what to do, when, and why.  These questions come from homeowners and their gardeners, commercial property owners and landscapers, and many others having trouble with their houseplants.  This section attempts to address some of the more significant concerns by promoting participation in gardening, virtually or amongst the plants.

​

This living document will continue to be edited with more content as time allows.  To find information, click on a month and more information will be provided.

Tend to Indoor Plants Prune Roses Explore Bare-Root Trees and Shrubs Mail Order Dormant Species Harvest Citrus and Winter Crops, such as Brassicas Test Irrigation Lines for Leaks or Poor Performance Care for Winter Annuals, such as Cyclamens Slippery Pavement? Remove Undesirable Moss and Algae Clean Bird Feeders and Tools Remove Old Hellebore Leaves As New Ones Emerge

January

Snow or no snow, California's gardens and landscapes still need considerable care.

Read More
Prune Trees and Shrubs Before Spring Buds Emerge Seek Out and Plant Native Species Consider David Austin Roses Over Hybrid Teas Divide Cymbidiums Plant Bareroot Fruits and Veggies, such as Strawberries and Asparagus Prune Winter Dormant Perennials

February

For no-snow areas, February is an opportunity for proactive weeding and planting.

Read More
Consider Helleborus, Camellias, and Rhododendrons for Winter Bloom Consider a Herb Garden, and for Early Start Veggies and Flowers, Use a Cold Frame Install or Reinvigorate Compost or Mulch Continue to Repair, Replace, Upgrade, and Test Irrigation Where Needed Start a Compost Bin to Keep Waste Onsite Tune Up Lawnmowers by Sharpening Blades and Make Sure of Optimal Operation Consider Adding Rain Sensors or a Weather Station to a Smart Irrigation System Prepare Winter Dormant Veggie Planters with Fresh Soil and Compost Lift and Divide Perennials While They are Still Dormant Consider Moving Evergreens if Needed to Balance a Design Deadhead Daffodils and Other Flowering Bulbs, but Allow the Foliage to Remain Attached to the Bulb Prune Back Finished Early Blooming Shrubs Like Forsythia and Chaenomeles Let "Good Weeds" Flower and Even Reseed (Project Specific) Continue to Manage Weeds Check for Slugs and Snails Looking for Tender New Plant Shoots

March

In March, many California landscapes shift from winter to spring in rapid succession.

Read More
Fertilize Citrus Selectively Prune Species that Benefit from Compact Growth Plant Dahlias When All Danger of Frost is Over Add Summer Veggies to the Kitchen Garden There is Still Some Time to Plant Natives Prune Hardy Fuchsia, Buddleja, and Other Shrubs When All Danger of Frost is Over Stake Perennials that Tend Toward Brittleness or Floppiness, such as Delphiniums or Peonies

April

Rewards of spring are immeasurable in California's gardens and landscapes.

Read More
Check for Birds Nests Before Pruning Hedges

May

The rush of color and change in the garden continues through May.

Read More
Continue Deadheading Spent Flowers to Promote More Blooms Check for Insect Infestations that Could Cause Damage Over the Summer Plant Summer Annuals to Replace Spring or Winter Annuals

June

A dynamic shift from spring to summer

Read More
Irrigation Schedules Should Run Early Mornings Not Late Afternoons or During the Day Raise Lawnmower Blades for the Warm Season Protect Sun-sensitive Plants, Such as Some Tropicals and Succulents Deadhead Spent Flowers on Roses, Annuals and Perennials to Promote Seasonal Blooming Watch for Poison Oak if Your Project is in the Suburban to Rural Margin Trim Conifers and Other Evergreens to Maintain Form, such as Hedges and Topiaries Seek Out "Best Management Practices" to Address Pest Infestations and Diseases Target Hand Watering Missed by Supplemental Irrigation Consider Using Grey Water for Supplemental Irrigation Prune to Shape Deciduous Magnolias Prune Early Summer Flowering Shrubs, such as Philadelphus and Weigela Continue to Remove Unwanted Weeds Remove Fruit Tree Suckers See Any Monarchs? Support Their Migrations by Planting Native (Not Tropical) Milkweeds Deep Water Trees (Especially Non-Irrigated, Non-Native Species) Cut Back Geraniums Tie Up, Train, or Prune to Shape Growing Vines

July

July is not a month-long holiday in the California garden!

Read More
Continue Deadheading Pruning Profusive and Aggressive Vines and Climbers, such as Roses & Grapes Keep Houseplants Well Hydrated Deep Water In-Ground Rhododendrons, Camellias, and Non-Irrigated Trees Selectively Retain Rose Hips for Birds or Cut Ornament Check Fruit Trees if Branches Need Support Due to Fruit Development Maintain Water Levels in Birdbaths and Water Features Lightly Trim Conifer Hedges or Retain Growth for Winter Holiday Ornament

August

Before the day at the beach, remember plants and trees might need extra water, too.

Read More
Preorder for Winter/Spring Delivery Mail Order Plants, Including Bareroot Trees & Shrubs Chill Tulip, Daffodil, Hyacinth Bulbs Until Winter Planting Prepare for "Fire Season" by Keep Debris From Cluttering New Structures Are Fall-Color Trees Already Turning? It Might be a Sign of Drought Conditions

September

Moisture is still critical for arid regions. Sufficient rain is still months away.

Read More
Ensure Landscape is Well Hydrated Without Overwatering Clean Up Debris Collecting in Corners Due to Wind Resist Cutting Back Herbaceous Plants Unless There is a Fire Concern After First Rains, Check Soil Moisture Content to Consider Irrigation Reductions Allow Desirable Plants to Reseed, such as California Poppies

October

I hate to be a downer, but....

Read More
Consider Frost Protection for Tender Plants Refrigerate Tulips for Winter Planting Remove Drainage Dishes or Raise Pots to Avoid Sitting in Standing Water Protect Ladybirds (Ladybugs) and Other Beneficial Insects Ensure Climbing Vines are Secure Against Winter Winds Store Dahlias (Pending Regional Location) Determine Which Leaf Debris Should be Removed While Leaving Some for Winter Insect Shelters Install New Turf that Will Benefit from Winter Rains Consider Planting Shrubs with Berries to Benefit Wildlife

November

Holidays and fall color at its peak

Read More
Consider Having a Certified Arborist Inspect Your Trees Before Winter Storms (Every 3-5 Years) Keep Birdbaths and Water Features Clean and Free of Debris and Algae

December

Holidays galore, but some maintenance is still needed

Read More
bottom of page