If my plants could talk, they’d have a long list of requests for Christmas.
A lot of people tell me they talk to their plants, but I don’t. Hopefully, we are in sync without any words spoken by either of us.
I do know they have some needs and wants, so here are few of what made it to their Christmas list.
From the fruit trees
All I want for Christmas are my two prunings per year, my two prunings per year, my two prunings per year. Gee, if I could have one each summer and winter, I’d produce lots of fruit each year. And Santa, I’d also like some nitrogen from composted manure or an organic fertilizer in March, then after I’ve set fruit in June and again after harvest. Also, don’t forget to water me regularly and deeply during the dry months.
From the California native plants
All I want for Christmas is a place in the landscape. Here in California, we are blessed with thousands of plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth, that have evolved with our unique climates, soils and fauna. Renew and rediscover the value we provide to conservation and habitats. Plant some of us to connect you to the land. And remember, we need water and pruning, too, just on our own schedule.
From the houseplants
All I want for Christmas is a little light in the winter, not much fertilizer, if any, and to dry out a bit between waterings. Also, who likes cold drafts from the front door? Dust my leaves occasionally, and don’t repot me during the winter. In return, I’ll keep your indoor air cleaner and healthier.
From the birds in the garden
Please, Santa, send me some berries to eat. I like redtwig dogwood fruits and also elderberries, toyon, wax myrtle, mahonia and coffeeberries. My hummingbird friends would like some flowering currants, manzanita blossoms and any salvias you happen to have in the workshop.
From the perennials
All I want for Christmas is the right growing conditions for me. If I’m a sun lover, don’t try to grow me under the trees. And if I like it cool and moist, please put me where I’ll be happy winter and summer. I’ll thrive and bloom and be happy and healthy, and you won’t waste valuable time and money. If I could talk, I’d also ask for some fresh compost in the spring, and a light haircut would be nice, too.
From the spiders among the plants
We’re in all healthy gardens, and we’re good for them. As important predators of pests, we reduce insect damage on plants. We eat more insects and other invertebrates annually than the weight of all humans combined. All we want for Christmas is a pesticide-free garden so we can do our work.
From me to you
All I want for Christmas is for everyone to have a happy holiday.
Jan Nelson, a landscape designer and California certified nursery professional at Plant Works in Ben Lomond, will answer questions about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Contact her at [email protected] or JanNelsonLandscapeDesign.com.
