Thinking Green
For the Safer Alternative
by Jeff Evans, Horticultural Consultant

The Honey Bee Mystery:
Without bees we would have no pollination. Without pollination we would have no fruits or vegetables. Something is mysteriously diminishing our bee population. Any chance it might be blossoms laced with pesticides and fungicides?

On a brighter note, spring is well under way and summer is near. It's still not too late to plant vegetables, fruit trees, roses, grass seed, summer annuals, and perennials. It's a safe time to plant tropicals, such as palms and bougainvillea. No more excuses. Put on the gloves, grab the shovel and rake, and get some exercise that makes both you and your yard look good. Nurseries are fun to visit and they have more stock now than any other time of the year.

Gardening Tips

• Amend, amend, and amend some more. Before planting, always mix in plenty of organic matter, such as compost, manure, and leaf mold. Also, add some sand, pumice and gypsum. With these additions you add air that is vital to the roots, and you build the perfect environment for beneficial microorganisms that help the plant enormously. You also increase drainage, which allows the water to travel freely through the root zone and below while pulling in fresh air from the surface. Don't put a $50 plant in a $5 hole! When you're all done, mulch with any organic matter to preserve moisture and provide a consistently damp condition for beneficial fungi and bacteria to protect your plants roots.
  
  
• Watch for aphids, whitefly, and spider mites. They can be controlled easily and safely with a weekly shampoo. Use a mild biodegradable soap whenever you see the little pests. I like to use a hose-end attachment. The timely release of lady bugs and other garden friends will help as well. B.T is a bacteria that is deadly on caterpillars but safe for us, pets, and the environment.
  
  
• With the changing of the seasons, the sun and shade change with them. Make sure the plants you choose are going to accept the year-round light changes.
  
  
• Weeds should not be a problem if you're mulching heavily enough. There are many advantages to this, as I mentioned above.
  
  
• The closer you design your yard to become a natural habitat, the more fun it will be and the fewer problems you should have. Invite birds by planting shrubs that produce seeds for them as well as shelter. You could also add a water feature for them to drink and bathe in.

Did you know there are many beneficial predators besides ladybugs and praying mantis?
A host of others that are not so well known include bacteria, wasps, nematodes, lacewings, beetles, and mites, to name a few. There are even beneficial thrip. What do they all prey on? The dinner menu is very complete: aphids, mites, mealy bugs, grubs, scale, caterpillars, thrip, fly larva, fungus, and gnat and mosquito larva. Yes, there's even a predatory snail. It kind of makes you wonder why they still make poisons. If I'm going to be carrying a complete line of most of these in the near future. If you are interested please e-mail me or call.

Do you have a concern about chemical sprays and fertilizers?
So do I. The concerns are well founded. As stated by John Wargo, Center For Children's Environmental Health director, "More than 90% of the pesticides and inert ingredients are never tested for their effects on the developing nervous system." So much for our kids playing safely in the yard.

Whether you are a property manager with a large list of multifamily projects or a homeowner with a small patio, size makes no difference. Periodic inspections with a follow-up report are a great way to take the worry out of the condition of your plant material, especially when you leave town.

I have worked professionally with plants for more than 33 years and am now offering my expertise in the plant world as a consultant. Any issues or concerns you have in your landscape, whether it pertains to pests, disease, lawn problems, fertilizing, pruning details, design suggestions, or just someone to check on things while you're away, I can help. I can also help in the release of beneficial predators, such as ladybugs, to help control aphids, scales, whitefly, spider mites, or milky spore for the control of grub worms.

Worried about your yard while you're gone for summer vacation or extended business trips? Call to set up scheduled inspections, followed by a written report of the condition of your property while you're away.

For an appointment, or to receive an informative free quarterly e-letter, contact Jeff.
(949) 370-8554 jeff@jehc.biz or www.jehc.biz