WHAT TO PLANT NOW AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR SPRING

BY ASSIA MORTENSEN

“THE FIRST STEP IS TO LAY A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR THE PLANTS,” says Gary Kamisher of Gary’s Greenery, Inc. Kamisher, an avid gardener who has been in the landscape design business since 1976, says preparation now will make for a bountiful garden later, and winter is the ideal time to restore and prepare for the year to come. Clear out any dry brush, trim back plants and trees, and add compost.

After completing some cleaning and clearing, you may want to spend some time dreaming about your new garden—this may mean clipping inspirational magazine photos of how you wish your spring garden to look, and even making a few sketches before heading to the gardening shop.

Getting ready for spring also includes adding a thick layer of organic mulch, which will make for more productive plants, less weeds, and pests, and keep moisture in and help protect against large fluctuations in tempera•ture, adds Kamisher. You can add worm castings to help ward off certain pests — like white fly that sometimes attacks hibiscus. You might also choose an organic spray as an alternative to pesticides, he says.

“For the New Year I’m recommending that people think about using less water, as we’re in a drought cycle. Using succulents, drought-tolerant plants and natives will all tend to save water,” says Kamisher. His long-established L.A.-based landscape firm specializes in finding the appropriate natives for a particular site, as well as alternative water-saving options. Some of his favorite flowering natives—which can go into the garden this month—are mountain lilac, rock rose, and various types of manzanita.

Another water saving tip from Kamisher is to add permeable surfaces to your garden area wherever possible, instead of cement. “This can mean adding flagstones, rocks, or gravel for drainage, so that you keep more of the water on the property,” Kamisher says; “As much as possible, try to keep water in your garden, rather than letting it drain out.” Try to install a low flow sprinkler system, and use water less sparingly during the winter months. Kamisher says he regularly installs these kinds of water-saving systems—like MP Rotators—for his clients. Also, if you can switch out a grass lawn for a native ground cover, this can save greatly on the water bill too, he adds.

Winter is a wonderful time to plant citrus trees, as well as to establish lettuces, chard, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, beets, leeks, or carrots. “I’m really encouraging people to add things that they can use in the garden, which adds to the enjoyment of the garden and health of the gardener.” Hardier herbs like oregano, different kinds of sage, or rosemary can also withstand the colder nights, suggests Kamisher. Though he says one should avoid more delicate herbs and plants like basil until later in the season. “I especially recommend sages if you would like to attract hummingbirds to the garden, and you can plant butterfly bush to attract butterflies.”

As for bulbs, the end of January through the beginning of February is an ideal time to plant lovely flowering plants like gladiolas, dahlias, and begonias. Great annuals to plant this time of year include pansies, snapdragons, daises, and violas. Each will add a splash of color if your garden seems sparse.

Another way to bring wildlife into the garden is by adding a water feature, says Kamisher. Water features not only add relaxation and respite to the garden’s visitors, but it also brings birds, bees, and other wildlife. The water feature can come in the form of a pond, waterfall, or fountain. These days water features come in a huge variety of sizes, and most can be found in a plug-in-and use option at a garden supply store. Finally, this season is also time to consider adding trellis or an arbor, suggests Kamisher. Jasmine, wisteria, and bougainvillea will do nicely on a trellis; you can train berries and even fruit trees to climb them.

For more on Gary Kamisher at Gary’s Greenery custom landscape design and instillation, visit www.garysgreenery.com or call 310/991-2331.

YOUR GARDENING NEEDS MET

Here are some of our favorite venues for finding fantastic gardening supplies and plants:

Armstrong Garden Center
25225 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance
310/326-1892

Botanicare Plant Services, Inc.
2905A Sepulveda Blvd Ste 235, Manhattan Beach
310/445-2540

La Crescenta Nursery
3654 La Crescenta Ave., Glendale
818/249-2448

Green Arrow Nurseries & Hrdwr
8845 Sepulveda Blvd., North Hills
818/894-8301

Luigi’s Pottery & Gardenware
5630 San Fernando Rd., Glendale
818/246-7579

Moneta Nursery
13633 S Vermont Ave., Gardena
310/324-4077

Mordigan Nurseries
7933 W Third St., Los Angeles
323/655-6027

Simply Fresh
2628 Mission St., San Marino
626/441-7250

Smith & Hawken
519 S Lake Ave., Pasadena
626/584-0644

Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery
1905 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles
310/473-5444

Wildwood Nursery
4015 N Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks
805/529-9471