IN THE GARDEN

By Doreen Trudel

Winter is a cerebral time for garden enthusiasts. We read about gardens, we day dream about our own gardens and we plan visits to grand show gardens. It is also a good time to increase our horticultural knowledge.

Previously I have noted the importance of using both the common/popular name and botanical/ scientific names to lessen confusion when locating a plant. A grey January afternoon is a good time to expand or review common gardening terms. Here are a few you will find in gardening books and nurseries.

Acidic soil refers to a pH soil level less than 7.0. A neutral soil pH level is between 6.5 and 7.0 and a pH level above 7.0 indicates an alkaline soil. To lower a pH level sulphur and aluminum or iron sulphate can be added to the soil. Conversely adding lime/calcium to acidic soil will raise the pH closer to neutral pH levels.

An annual plant matures from a seed, blooms and produces seeds within one year and dies. A biennial plant lives for two years frequently producing foliage during the first year then blooms and seeds the second year. Perennials usually refer to herbaceous plants with longer life cycles.

A bedding plant is meant to provide interest for one season only. A hardy plant will survive both summer and winter within its designated hardiness zone. Hardiness zones are not universal so always check to see which hardiness zone chart is being used to determine if your location is within that zone.

If a plant is noted as half hardy it will survive typical mild winters in the designated zone but will not survive severe winter weather. A tender plant will be damaged by frost.

Plants are commonly sold as either bare root meaning dormant and without soil, B&B which is balled and burlapped, meaning the tree or shrub is dug up and wrapped in burlap which should be removed before planting. The most common packaging of perennials is in a pot of varying sizes.

Chlorosis is a condition of deficient chlorophyll commonly causing leaves to turn yellow or white. It can be a symptom of insufficient nutrients such as nitrogen or iron, disease, or over watering.

Over watering can also cause edema or watery blisters which break and form rust colored lesions.

A leader is the main and tallest stem of a tree or shrub. If the leader is removed by pruning or damage the shape and growth of the plant is changed. The original shape of the plant can frequently be maintained by tying the second tallest branch into a vertical position to replace the missing leader.

These are just a few garden terms but if you really enjoy words I suggest you expand your vocabulary to include some gardening Latin. Understanding basic plant nomenclature is useful and informative.

The Latin or botanical names of plants describe in detail the characteristics of a plant. For example; the prefix atro means dark and purpea refers to the color purple so if you see this on the plant tag you know that a prominent feature of this plant will be dark purple. Many other characteristics are noted such as salici for a willow like shape or foetid for unpleasantly scented. A Gardener’s Latin by Richard Bird is one easy to use reference for the most commonly used Latin gardening terms that the home gardener will encounter.

It is not too early to make plans to attend the 20th Annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle February 20 to 24 at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. It is the third largest flower show in North America and well worth a visit. There will be 26 display gardens, free seminars sponsored by Sunset Magazine, demonstrations and booths full of great gardening gadgets and the latest plant introductions. After spending a delightful day at Chelsea Flower Show I look forward to experiencing our local show which, Duane Kelly, the event’s founder, says is comparable to the Chelsea show.

The next Point Roberts Garden Club meeting is January 10 at 7 p.m. at the community center. Everyone’s help is needed to make this year’s garden tour a success so feel free to join the club and meet other gardeners.

Things to do in January

Weather permitting continue to plant bareroot roses, live Christmas trees and Lillium (lily) bulbs.
Dormant oil spray deciduous trees.
Protect low growing blooms such as Hellebores from snow damage by covering them with a large pot or plastic covered frame work if snow is predicted.
Sow seeds for summer blooms.
Prune Wisteria leaving two or three buds from the main stems.
Force Rhurbarb by removing dead leaves and then covering the crown with a large pot or small trash can. This will help warm the plant encouraging an early crop.
Plants in bloom in the garden
Sarracococca hookeriana (Christmas box), Erica carnea (winter heather), Hamamelis (witch hazel) Lonicera x purpusii (winter honeysuckle), Skimmia japonica, Iris unguicularis (Algerian Iris) and Garrya elliptica (silk tassel bush)