Gardening In The Grove
by Bill Valuch

OK, OK! So I got a little ahead of myself in the last column. If you recall I stated that we are in a drought and Mother Nature had no plans to cooperate in the month of December. The day my column appeared in the Bulletin it was raining buckets. I am glad I was able to help, and by the number of responses I now know that you are paying attention.

We have finally received that much-needed rain but are still well below our normal level, so do not let your guard down just yet. Several of you responded with favorable input about the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District website and the helpful tips they have for water conservation in the garden. Try googling "Xeriscape" for more detailed information on drought-tolerant landscaping.

The following topics are subjects that our readers have requested.

Felines in the Garden
A customer has shared some very important information with me in regards to plants that are harmful and often times fatal to cats. We were discussing plants that are available during the holidays such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly -- all of which can make a cat ill if ingested. Lilies of most varieties can be very harmful and, in most cases, fatal. A great source for information on plants and other substances that are harmful to felines can be found on the internet. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. has a wonderful website: www.cfainc.org which has a section listing over 100 plants that may cause harm to your furry friend.

Winter Color in the Garden
The shorter, colder days of winter are upon us and many of our local plants are entering their dormant season. The result is less leaves and a lack of vibrant color this time of the year. Cheer up. I am happy to write that we have some great winter annuals in the shop that are sure to brighten up your garden. Try planting some Pansies, Violas, Primrose, Iceland Poppies, or Alyssum.

Violas or Pansies will do quite well in our mild climate and may hold over through spring if they like where they are. It’s best if you pick off the spent blooms to promote continuous blooming. They look great in borders, and the more the better. Full sun in our area is preferred and our normal rainfall is often sufficient.

Primula or Primroses, though thought of as annuals, can act as perennials here on the coast which means years of pleasure. They require regular watering in between the rains but seem to adapt quite well in a good rich soil that retains moisture. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, so your choices are large though the standard varieties range from a couple of inches to one foot in height.

Iceland Poppies are in full bloom right now and will continue to bloom through spring with large flowers on one to two foot stalks. They prefer regular watering and full sun here on the coast. The color schemes seem to be a little softer but provide quite a show as they rise above many of the border plants during the winter months. Readers have told me that they are deer resistant but I do not have first-hand knowledge, so proceed with caution.

So don’t let the winter months slow you down. Get out there and work that soil. Put your plants in now to promote important root growth that will provide a base for healthy plants when spring arrives.

As always you are encouraged to send your tips, questions and plant favorites by email to misstrawicks@sbcglobal.net or stop by the shop at 664 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove. Past columns are now available on our website, www.misstrawicks.com.