Autumn 2008

Autumn in Northern California

While no one can dispute that the fall foliage east of the Rockies puts on a great show, Northern California offers some quiet competition. Nature provides us with milder winters, so the colors are not as intense as those in New England or other parts of the Eastern United States. However, a short drive in the autumn along any country road in Northern California can be an exhilarating experience.
As we move closer to the autumnal equinox (September 23), we celebrate the bounty of the land. The grapes have been harvested, leaving the hills and fields draped in the vibrant oranges and yellows of their turning leaves. The last apples still cling stubbornly to their branches, and the pungent aromas of California bay (Umbellularia) and Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) fill the air after a light rain. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and western redbud (Cercis occidentalis), nestled in among evergreens, offer a subtle contrast of colors and textures.

Our transition into winter often comes with many warm memories and associations⎯the cool, crisp morning air of Indian summer, the scent of burning wood from long-dormant woodstoves, pumpkin farms and jack-o-lanterns. Autumn offers the last bit of quiet before the holidays begin, a time to rest and enjoy the land we love.

Autumn Checklist

Plant spring corms and bulbs. Planting tubers, corms, and bulbs later in the fall allows them to remain dormant in the cold weather. Warm weather, and just enough rain, will cause early sprouting. Be sure to use wire baskets in the ground if gophers are a problem. Need some ideas for spring plants? Grape hyacinth (muscari), crocus (crocus), tulip (tulipa), daffodil (narcissus)—usually not bothered by gophers, Persian Buttercup (ranunculus asiatucus), and Siberian squill (scilla siberica) are just some of the many early-blooming favorites. If planting in pots, be sure to pack the corms and bulbs tightly so that they make a great show in the spring. Plant them about 4-5 inches from the rim of the pot with 2 inches of soil on top. To keep some color while you’re waiting, plant pansies on top. Your spring flowers will appear just as the pansies are beginning to fade.

Don’t clip your roses! Clipping roses encourages new growth. Roses need a dormant period to rest before recharging themselves for spring. Instead, clip the rose hips and make an herbal tea, rich in Vitamin C. Simply chop up the hips and boil them in water for 5 minutes. Use one cup of water for each tablespoon of chopped hips—more, if you like your tea strong.

Mulch your flower and shrubbery beds. Rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel and other shrubs of the heath family should be mulched with a heavy covering of oak leaves. The decaying leaves will help maintain the acid conditions preferred by these plants.

Apply a “fall” fertilizer to your lawns. Follow the manufacturers directions for the type of lawn you have. This is also a good time to install new lawns and shrubs. The mild California winter conditions will allow for good root development and less watering on your part. Creative Environments can help you choose and plant the right shrubs for your landscape.

Fire Safety

This past year has been a drought year in California. That translates to more than just a water shortage. It also means that property owners are at a higher risk of fire danger as trees and plants must grow in drier conditions. Creative Environments will work with you to ensure that your property meets the fire safety standards set by the California Department of Forestry.

We also specialize in designing and installing landscapes that use water efficiently. Call for a free one-hour consultation to find out how to make your property not only attractive, but also sustainable.

Call Us!

Creative Environments would like to meet with you to discuss your landscaping needs. Please feel free to call us at (707) 827-7980 for a free, one-hour consultation with one of our landscape specialists. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

© Deborah North Web Design