Gardening on the edge

MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 1

Journal of the Monterey bay master gardeners

Summer 2009 #135

The native plant demonstration gardens are abuzz with
bees attracted by sweet nectars, brilliant colors and salvia
scents. An enthusiastic group of insect net-swinging stu-
dents from the popular Wildlife Biology class gather by the
nearby pond to debate the best strategies for collecting the
dragonfly specimens that swoop over the cool waters for
their entomology study.
Over in the lush organic garden, Carmel Middle School
sixth graders are busily harvesting some of the spring time
bounty for a cooking class in the outdoor kitchen: sugar snap
peas, freckles lettuce, red cabbage and bright orange calen-
dula flowers, as part of the Ecoliteracy unit entitled
“Creating a Sustainable Meal” — learning the importance of
ingredients that are LOCAL, SEASONAL, FRESH and OR-
GANIC with their eyes, noses, fingers and taste buds in the
process.
It’s a beautiful spring day and the Hilton Bialek Habitat,
where I work, play, teach and learn, is bustling with life.
Fifteen years ago, the Hilton Bialek Habitat was a glim-
mer in the eye of founder and current Director Craig Hohen-
berger who at that time was a well-seasoned eighth grade
science teacher in the Carmel Unified School District with a
deep passion for birds and nature. For years he would look
across to the abandoned 10-acre Christmas tree lot adjacent
to the public school at the mouth of Carmel Valley and
Landmark Environmental
Education Center
—Tanja Roos, MG06
dream of creating a living laboratory where he could take his
students to study science and nature firsthand.
This vision slowly gained momentum and won approval
from the District Board of Directors in the fall of 1995 — and
then the real work began. Hohenberger wrote grants, local
garden groups like The Carmel by the Sea Garden Club and
Rana Creek Nursery drew up designs and help came from all
directions, including the Carmel Middle School science
teachers and the ready hands of middle school students.
The first step was to plant native gardens, building on
the premise ‘If you build it, they will come’ — they are the 165
species of birds, insects and small mammals that depend on
The Habitat’s now-mature landscape for food and shelter.
The addition of a bird-friendly pond and versatile amphi-
theater opened up possibilities for new educational venues,
while the green house and shade shed empowered students
and staff to propagate plants on a large scale.
In 2001, fifty raised beds were constructed out of red-
wood, an eight-foot fence was raised and the first edibles and
ornamentals were tucked into the fertile earth of the Habitat



Landmark Environmental Education Center —1 IPM: Managing Aphids—4

The 12th Annual Masters Garden Tour—6  The Pruner’s Corner—11
California Monkey Flowers—12  Book Reviews—15 On the Future of Food, Part 2—16
 Try It You’ll Like It: Vancouveria—17 Benefits of Gardening: Nature Deficit Disorder—18
 The Edible Garden: Peppers—19
How Master Gardeners Do It—20Tree Walks—22
Confessions of a Reluctant Gardener—23 Relevant Internet Miscellany—24
Cultivate knowledge
2 summer 2009
site. In its early years, the Organic Garden was solely dedi-
cated to scientific experimentation and study with a few
fun cooking labs on the side. I began my work in the gar-
dens on the heels of a visit from a fellow Berkeley grad, sus-
tainable foods superstar and school garden champion, Al-
ice Waters, when she spoke at the Habitat’s grand opening
in May 2003. Following her recommendation: “Any school
garden that wants to have a cooking and nutrition pro-
gram, must build a pizza oven,” we designed and installed
a wood fired oven which became the cornerstone for our
outdoor kitchen classroom and also set the stage for deli-
ciously expanding the interdisciplinary programs offered
in the gardens.
Every year, as the seasons pass and my experience
grows, the productivity of the land increases and more pro-
grams are developed. It’s incredible to look back five years
and consider that I was originally hired as an 11 hour/week
intern to care for the entire property and develop/run all
the programs. Today I am incredibly fortunate to be joined
by a dedicated and passionate team of five inspiring indi-
viduals who make up the Habitat staff: Craig Hohenberger
(Founder/Director), Ellen Fondiler (Development Direc-
tor), Merrie Potter (Community Outreach Coordinator),
Amanda Yantos (Native Plant Program Director) and Jason
Sharrett (Business Office Manager). It brings to mind the
Mead quote, “Never doubt that a small group of committed
individuals can change the world…” While we may not
have reached world fame yet, we are doing our best to
change the fundamental way little citizens look at the
world every school day.
The thriving progress visible today in the Habitat is
nothing short of inspiring. In 2006, that progress earned
the Governors Environmental and Economic Leadership
Award for Children’s Environmental Education. What
started as a humble outdoor laboratory has expanded into
a landmark environmental education center here on the
Central Coast and with the recent acquisition of its 501(c)
(3) non-profit status, the Habitat is poised to broaden its
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
innovative programming to even wider audiences in the
coming years.
Currently over 1,500 students now participate in pro-
grams at the Habitat each year, from third graders to high
school students (including Regional Occupational Pro-
gram in Ornamental Horticulture and a newly added AP
Environmental Science class) to underserved members of
the Boys and Girls Club and RISE Program (Recruitment
in Science Education-CSUMB) and groups of administra-
tors/teachers from around the world seeking inspiration to
start similar programs at their own schools.
The small native plant demonstration plot has evolved
into an expansive showcase of four distinct habitat types:
native grassland, mixed conifer forest, riparian zone and
coastal dune/chaparral. This thriving ecosystem has be-
come a powerful example for the students and community
of the importance of growing native plants, especially in
these times of diminishing water resources across the state
of California. The Habitat hopes to lead, by example,
homeowners and landscapers looking for responsible ways
to design their landscapes.
The Native Plant Program generates 40,000 starts per
year in contract with such notable entities as the State and
Regional Parks, The City of Carmel and Friends of the For-
est. Students are actively involved in seed collection, plant-
ing, thinning, up planting and the eventual restoration
work with the species that are grown at places like the old
Odello Fields west of Hwy 1, Palo Corona Ranch, down-
town Carmel and the Marina Dunes Preserve. Two popular
plant sales invite the community to participate: one in fall
(Saturday, Oct. 3 this year, in partnership with the Califor-
nia Native Plant Society) and the other in spring (always
the Saturday of Mothers Day Weekend in May, complete
with live music, a farmers market and expert advice).
The Organic Garden, meanwhile, has grown well be-
yond its original fence line, expanding to include a full acre
of year-round cultivated gardens, an off-the-grid, solar-
powered greenhouse to propagate all the veggie and flower
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
starts for the gardens, and large scale vermicompost bins
and compost piles, with a plan to plant an heirloom fruit
orchard next bare root season. (Many more exciting changes are
in store for the gardens, to find out make sure to read Part 2 of the
Habitat article in Fall edition of GOTE.)
Along with the physical expansion, the diversity of
classes and programs that now use the gardens is growing
every year. While science continues to be the backbone,
Chinese, French, language arts, history, art and world cul-
ture are regularly found immersed in the gardens and in the
outdoor kitchen classroom. The goal for the garden pro-
gram is to get all teachers outdoors by helping them meet
their state mandated standards in a creative, hands-on
way.
Any produce that is not consumed directly by students
in cooking classes or sold to the parent community in mini
farmers markets is brokered to Casanova and La Bicyclette
restaurants in Carmel, providing the garden program extra
income for heirloom seeds and plants, and the restaurants
the ability to serve their patrons the best organic local
food, while supporting a growing program.
Three years ago, we began teaching sixth graders a
new six week class called Ecoliteracy, which introduces
students to the pressing environmental issues facing our
planet and empowers them to take personal action to make
tangible changes in their local communities. Students con-
sider the implications of our rising population, (6.7 billion
and counting…) in the face of our planet’s finite resources
and are encouraged to practice more sustainable solutions.
Students are also actively involved in running the campus-
wide recycling program and actively inspire their class-
mates to help them “green” the campus.
Every fall, in an effort to share this ethic with the
broader community, the Habitat hosts a day long commu-
nity celebration of environmental consciousness and ac-
tion, called the Sustainable Life Festival (this year on Sept.
26, 2009). Guided van tours take the public to homes that
3
model green design and sustainable systems; non-profits
and local businesses display their eco-wares; local food is
served in the garden kitchen; music, art and community
connections abound. For more information about this
event: www.solartour.info.
This coming fall, the Habitat will be launching a series
of adult education workshops in partnership with local
experts on increasingly vital topics like edible landscaping,
planting native habitat gardens, water catchment and
other water efficiency techniques, green building design
and home composting.
As inspiring as it all is, what’s coming next might be
more exciting — namely, the groundbreaking of Monterey
County’s first public school green classroom, in the Habi-
tat gardens, from which will we will grow a huge new har-
vest of programs.
To read more about the Habitat’s plans for the future
make sure to read the follow up article in the fall edition of
GOTE. The Habitat will also be a destination on the Mas-
ter Gardener Garden Tour this coming September. We’d
love to have you come by and see this incredible property
first hand. To keep in touch with the Hilton Bialek Habi-
tat and its exciting new developments or to make a tax
deductible donation visit: www.carmelhabitat.org. 
All photos by Tanja Roos
4 summer 2009 MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS

Integrated Pest Management: mentals. Established woody plants are not typically dam-
aged by aphids.
Managing Aphids With a hand lens you can see a lot happening on an
aphid-infested plant. You’ll likely see the aphid nymphs
—Patricia Nicely, MG03 and adults, especially on the undersides of leaves. You will
probably see their molts, the tiny white skins that are shed
Every time I see a wad of aphids in my garden, I feel a
as they grow. If you have a large aphid population, you will
bit violated. I love insects, but I’ll admit that aphids creep
likely start to see the impact of their natural enemies.
me out a bit. I’m always surprised by their sheer numbers;
Predators include lady beetles and their larvae, soldier bee-
and I can’t help but think that if I don’t do something im-
tles, lacewing and syrphid fly larvae, aphid flies, and
mediately, I’ll come back the next day to find a shriveled,
midges. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside the aphids,
lifeless plant laying on the ground, surrounded by a bunch
and the wasp larvae kill the aphids; eventually, adult
of cartoonishly bloated aphids wiping their chins and issu-
wasps emerge, leaving behind large, crisp, aphid
ing satisfied belches in remembrance of their fine meal.
“mummies”. Aphids that succumb to fungal diseases
Once I am able to extract myself from this fantastical im-
(usually during humid weather) will appear fuzzy and
age, I see the aphids in a more realistic light. They are tiny,
shriveled.
fragile critters that provide sustenance for many garden
Aphids also have natural allies; like other honeydew
dwellers and usually won’t cause me too many problems.
producers, aphids secrete a sticky, sugary substance that
There are dozens of different aphid species in Califor-
ants love to feed on, so much so that they will herd and
nia ranging in color from green, yellow, brown, or black, to
protect an aphid population in order to maintain a good
red; some of them also secrete waxy or woolly coverings.
honeydew supply. Large amounts of honeydew can be
All are soft bodied, small (1/8 inch or less), and generally
quite messy, and can also foster the growth of black sooty
pear shaped, with long legs and antennae.
mold, which can decrease the amount of light available to
Adult aphids can be winged or wingless. Most aphids have
the plant. On the plus side, honeydew can attract benefi-
a pair of posterior tubular protrusions called cornicles, the
cial insects to your garden.
presence of which distinguishes aphids from other insects.

Left: Green peach aphid colony; right: woolly apple aphids, UC IPM website
So, given all this info, what is the best way for a home
However, many gall-making aphids and wooly aphids lack
gardener to think about aphids? Let’s go through the basic
cornicles. Aphids undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg
steps of Integrated Pest Management:
-nymph-adult), and during most of the year this happens
1) Correctly identify the pest. If you see insects or damage,
asexually and very rapidly. Females can bear young with-
look for aphids. If you don’t see these, but you have a
out enlisting the help of a male.) In the fall some aphids
plant that is susceptible to root-dwelling aphids, such as
will reproduce sexually, leaving eggs to overwinter.
lettuce or apples, consult the UC IPM website for more
Most aphids feed on plant sap from leaves and shoots.
info on managing these aphids.
Large infestations can cause curling, yellowing, drop, galls,
2) Can you tolerate the pest? If you have confirmed the
or stunting, and can weaken plants. Vegetable seedlings
presence of aphids, determine your threshold of toler-
are very susceptible to aphid damage because of their small
ance. Low to moderate numbers of leaf-feeding aphids
size and rapid growth. Root-feeding aphids can kill lettuce
are not usually damaging. Honeydew is not usually a
plants and stunt or even kill young apple trees. Aphids can
problem unless it is causing a mess in outdoor areas or
also transmit viral diseases to some vegetables and orna-
creating such a mold problem that the plants are suffer-
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
IPM
is an ecologically-based approach to managing pests that
tries to prevent problems through a combination of
methods and uses pesticides only as a last resort.
IPM programs can be applied against insects, weeds,
plant diseases, rodents, or other pests. With IPM, you’ll
have a safer home and environment and you’ll have fewer
pest problems.
Remember these IPM steps as you try to solve your pest
problems:
 Correctly identify the pest
 Determine if it is a problem you can’t tolerate.
 Identify the conditions in your home or garden that
are causing the pest to thrive or invade and change
them to the extent possible.
 If this isn’t enough, consider other methods such as
cultural, mechanical, physical or biological controls,
or use least-toxic pesticides as a last resort.
For more information on identifying and managing ants
in California, consult the Ant Pest Note or Ant Quick
Tip, both of which can be found on the UC IPM website
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu or call the Master Gardener Hotline
at 763-8007.
ing. Most established woody plants will survive a good
bit of aphid feeding. Younger plants and herbaceous
plants that are heavily infested and exhibiting signs of
damage or stress might need intervention.
3) Identify the conditions that are contributing to the
pest’s success, and change them. Control ants that might
be tending the aphids. Avoid overfertilizing and over-
watering, since aphids are attracted to nitrogen-rich, fast
-growing tissues. Control common aphid hosts such as
sowthistle and mustards (host plants can vary with sea-
son and life stage). Protect beneficials by not using broad
Lettuce root aphid; waxy infestation on lettuce roots.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM Online
5
-spectrum insecticides in your garden. Avoid aphid-
susceptible plant varieties, and consider replacing plants
that are routinely imperiled by aphids. Many pests are
affected by temperature extremes, so consider tempera-
ture in your planting plan.
4) Utilize non-pesticide controls. Be patient. Become fa-
miliar with aphid predators and parasites. Monitor your
garden bi-weekly for changes in aphid or beneficial
populations, and changes in plant vigor. Provide benefi-
cials with nectar-producing plants and other food
sources (purchasing beneficials is better in commercial
applications). Grow seedlings indoors or under floating
row covers. Plant virus-resistant varieties. Check trans-
plants for aphids. A moderate water jet can remove many
aphids as well as rinse off honeydew and sooty mold.
Hand-prune localized infestations if appropriate, and
discard in soapy water. Look into aphid-deterrent re-
flective mulches. Some have experimented with insect-
repellant sprays, such as garlic and pepper. Remove and
discard plants infected with aphid-transmitted viruses if
you are concerned about virus transmission to other
plants. Remember, anything you do to remove or deter
aphids might also affect beneficials.
5) Use pesticides as a last resort. If plants are suffering,
and other controls are not helping, choose pesticides
based on soap, neem, pyrethrin, or oil, and use them
properly. Pesticides may be less effective on aphids pro-
tected by galls or curled-up leaves. Dormant sprays are
generally not recommended for aphid-only control.
Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides, because they remain
toxic for long periods, kill beneficials, promote resistant
populations, pollute the environment, and can create a
pest population explosion later on. Aphids have many
natural enemies, so pesticides are usually not required.
Pesticides are not useful in controlling aphid-
transmitted viruses, because virus transmission is so
rapid.
Some great aphid references:
Online: Aphid Pest Note and Aphid Quick Tip, both
available on the UC IPM website (www.ipm.ucdavis.edu).
Books: Pests of the Garden and Small Farm, Pests of
Landscape Trees and Shrubs, and The Home Orchard.
All are excellent UC publications and are available for
consultation at the MG Hotline office or for purchase at
the UC Cooperative Extension office. 
6 summer 2009 MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS

and handcrafted art created by more than a dozen well

known local artisans. You might even be one of many
12th Annual winners of the garden and "surprise" raffle!
Every garden on the 2009 Monterey Bay Master
Masters Garden Tour Gardeners Tour has beautiful, inspiring plant selections
and original design elements that illustrate how one can
Garden Sanctuaries of the transform an ordinary plot of land into a unique and
Monterey Peninsula personal sanctuary. Don’t miss it!!
September 12th The Gardens

Barbara Schilling, MG04

Maryann McCormick, MG04

This year's exciting Masters Garden Tour will take

place on the Monterey Peninsula September 12 between
10am and 4pm. Enjoy strolling through nine private, two
public and one school garden in Carmel, Carmel Valley,
Monterey and Pacific Grove.
The featured gardens represent a wide variety of
design and usage ideas and provide examples of Master
Gardener sustainable gardening practices such as the use
of water-smart plants and irrigation techniques, compost-
ing, and creating healthy and productive kitchen gardens.
The public Cooper-Molera and Monterey Museum of
Art La Mirada Gardens are fine examples of community
projects that are shaped and tended by Master Gardeners
who also volunteer at Carmel Middle School where
the organic gardening experience is integrated into every
student’s curriculum.
New this year is a Thumbnail Lecture Series compris-
ing twelve short talks repeated three times so that the The Braddock Residence, Monterey
visitor has ample opportunity to hear each one. (See page This garden was a winner in last year’s Water Smart
10 for details.) Topics include: turning your kitchen waste Gardening contest because of the dramatic decrease the
into rich compost with a little help from some friendly owners achieved in water consumption. This lush, wooded
worms; recycling your yard waste into compost; vegetable landscape includes roses and hydrangeas along with at-
gardening; a demonstration of how to establish a colony of tractive, water-wise features such as dry creek beds, per-
bees; the best ways to prune your trees and shrubs; creat- meable pavers and French drains.
ing sacred spaces; container gardening; low-water garden-
ing; how to arrange your garden’s bounteous flowers;
succulents; wildlife gardening; and fire-safe gardening
techniques taught by Dave Egbert, our locally famous
Coastal Gardener. See your ticket for Thumbnail Lecture
locations.
Shoppers can choose from among hundreds of plants
representing many diverse species gently propagated by
Master Gardeners and browse gardening-related books
Tickets include maps and
provide all the information you need
to make your experience truly
exceptional. Tickets may be
purchased at the fine stores listed
on page 9 or online at
www.montereybaymastergardeners.org.
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
Carmel Middle School & Hilton Bialek Habitat, Carmel
Native plants thrive without irrigation in the Hilton
Bialek Habitat, which is comprised solely of vegetation
carefully selected to support our native species of birds,
animals and insects. The Organic Garden is beautiful and
bountiful. Monterey County's first green public school
classroom is under construction in the western part of the
gardens and will feature a living native grass roof, wind
turbine, solar photovoltaic panels, gray water recycling
and eco-materials. (http://www.carmelhabitat.org/)
Carr-Schilling Residence, Monterey
Casa Buelna is located on two acres that have been
transformed from extensive lawn areas into mounded beds
with drought tolerant Mediterranean plantings. A mature
oak forest, Salvia, Penstemon, Euphorbia, Grevillea, lavender,
roses and various succulents as well as native Ceanothus,
Arctostaphylos and grasses are just some of the plants that
are artfully combined to create a natural look. The
“localvore” resident has a large food garden of vegetable
and herbs in raised beds, a small fruit orchard, and a berry
patch. This is an open, sunny, gardener’s garden.
7
Cooper-Molera Adobe, Monterey
This garden represents the golden era of historic Mon-
terey featuring heirloom plants and cultivation techniques
that were in use before 1865. The two-acre property houses
four adobe structures, an orchard, a vegetable garden, and
an extensive ornamental area with a large selection of heir-
loom roses and herbal plantings. All of the plants have
been extensively researched to ensure that they were
available before 1865. (http://www.historicmonterey.org/?
p=cooper_molera_adobe; http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=956 )
The Gillooly Residence, Carmel
This immaculate garden demonstrates effective and
picturesque ways to deal with the challenges of planting
under coast live oaks and gardening on steep hillsides.
Carmel stone pathways wind through trees, up and down
terraces, and past vine-covered arbors and trellises. A
container garden adorns a large deck that overlooks the
mouth of Carmel Valley.
8 summer 2009
The Grate Residence, Pacific Grove
Over the past thirty years this property has been trans-
formed from a plot of bare earth into a garden wonderland.
Well-placed walls reflect scant Pacific Grove sunlight to
beds of roses and fruit trees. Angular pathways are
softened by planted pots and beds burgeoning with unique
succulents, vines and giant camellias. The owner is locally
renowned for her expertise in heirloom roses and garden-
ing techniques.
The Kent Residence, Monterey
Winding pathways lead the visitor through a se-
ries of “rooms” in this densely planted half-acre garden in
the sunbelt of Monterey. Large, esthetically pleasing oaks
and artfully placed vines and trellises create private nooks
and hide-a-ways that the owner designed as a “total re-
treat.” There are also vegetable beds, fruit trees and a well-
established compost area that demonstrates several
different composting techniques.
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
The Lloyd Residence, Carmel
This largely-native wildlife garden lovingly enfolds a
storybook cottage. The owner, who spent years working as
a gardener in England, was inspired to add cottage charm
to the graceful oak terrace landscape by creating individu-
alized spaces in themes: a shady refuge, a tête-à-tête
seating area, a reclined-oak resting bench. A separate guest
room looks over salvias, callas and an incredible view of
Point Lobos.
The McCormick Residence, Pacific Grove
This playful garden blends the interests of children and
adults in a series of garden “rooms.” A lovely live oak
woodland abuts a small native grass lawn; a shade/fuchsia
garden lies next to a spa; the herb garden overlooks hybrid
tea roses and old climbers; and a food garden shares space
with a hand-made playhouse. Seating nooks and patios add
to the relaxing atmosphere. This garden has something for
everyone.
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
MMA La Mirada, Monterey
Part of the Monterey Museum of Art, La Mirada is an
historic adobe comprised of galleries and gardens. At the
entrance under a canopy of Monterey cypresses is a large
rhododendron garden with pathways that meander
through the sedimentary Carmel stone hillside. The formal
rose garden is historic and particularly noteworthy
because of its many examples of hybrid teas and older,
heirloom varieties. There is also a well-developed propaga-
tion center, a flower cutting garden, and many romantic
nooks with water features and specimen plantings.
(http://www.montereyart.org/about_us/facilities.html )
The Murray Residence, Monterey
Visit the personal sanctuary of local artist Elizabeth
Murray and experience the mélange of play and creativity
in her garden. Liz’s historical home and garden, nestled in
the oak woodlands of Monterey, embody her personal
gardening philosophy. Features incorporate color, texture,
mystery, and movement highlighting a garden
designed for play, spirituality, and practicality.
9
The Walzer Residence, Carmel
This garden embraces two common challenges –
limited space and deer. The house sits at the back over-
looking the front garden that is densely planted with a re-
markable variety of species. The owner, a local expert in
succulents, created a “specimen garden” that showcases
excellent examples of cacti, drought tolerant plants and
native species.
Where to Buy Tickets
Advance purchase ~ $20.00; day of Tour ~ $25.00.
Purchase online too —
www.montereybaymastergardeners.org/tour2009/tour_main.htm
Carmel: Brinton’s ~ FezQ of Carmel ~ Homescapes
Carmel Valley: Valley Hills Nursery
Gilroy: West Side Nursery
Monterey: Drought Resistant Nursery ~ Cypress Garden
Nursery ~ Swenson & Silacci Flowers ~ Wild Bird Center
Pacific Grove: Miss Trawick’s Garden Shop ~ Pacific
Grove Florist
Prunedale: Bokay Nursery ~ McShane’s Nursery and Land-
scape ~ Swenson & Silacci Flowers
Santa Cruz County: Aladdin Nursery ~ Far West Nursery ~
Garden Company ~ Hidden Gardens ~ Native Revival ~ Pot-
tery Planet ~ Plant Works ~ ProBuild Garden Center
(formerly Lumbermans) ~ Scarborough Garden Center
Seaside: Seaside Garden Center
Watsonville: Sierra Azul
(Please call ahead; locations subject to change.)
10 summer 2009
Tour Thumbnail Lectures
(See ticket for times and locations)
Vegetable Gardening – Marcia Smullen
Learn tips and techniques for organic vegetable
gardening and see examples of heirloom varieties of every-
thing from tomatoes to greens. The talk will also discuss
the enhanced value of organic vegetables and the benefits
of companion planting and crop rotation. Marcia Smullen
has studied heirloom and historic vegetable gardening for
many years, and holds a U.S. patent on an organic method
of pest control (soil solarization).
Worm Composting – Bob McCormick; Larise Baker
Why use worms to compost? Explore how to start a
worm composting bin: what type and size of bin will suit
your family; what worms to buy; what to feed them and
what NOT to feed them; what are the pitfalls. Bob
McCormick is a local environmental science/biology
teacher and a worm afficianado. Larise Baker has been a
vermiculturist for over 10 years.
Beekeeping – Richard Carr
If you want to know the buzz about the bees, this talk
explores the benefits of bee keeping in an urban environ-
ment – the production of honey, pollination for your
flowering plants, and the enjoyment of many, many
outdoor pets! It is easy and fun. Richard Carr is an
amateur beekeeper and is active in the local bee commu-
nity.
Low-water Gardening – Bob Costa
If you’d like to learn how to maximize water efficiency
in your own gardens, this talk will cover several helpful
techniques, including irrigation, drought-tolerant plant
choices and other useful practices. Bob Costa is a horticul-
turist, an irrigation specialist, and a consultant to Water
Awareness Committee of Monterey County.
Succulents – Stuart Walzer
Rock garden lovers will enjoy this talk about cultivat-
ing succulents and integrating them into your garden. This
lecture is set in a collector’s garden and will showcase a
wide variety of unusual specimens, highlighting Aeonium
and Echeveria. Stuart Walzer has been growing succulents
for over forty years, both locally and in southern California;
he been a Master Gardener for thirteen years.
Container Gardening – Speaker TBA
Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of
vegetables or a garden of flowers. The container gardener
is limited only by his or her imagination. Come and learn
how to make your own bountiful beds.
Composting – Speaker TBA
Learn how to turn your garden and kitchen plant
waste to a garden bonanza. You can refresh your garden’s
nutrients, enhance your soil’s water carrying capacity and
keep your household refuse down to a minimum. With
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
proper compost management techniques, you can keep
your plants healthy, your fertilizer needs low and your
wallet full! Speaker - TBA.
Flower Arranging – Erik Croonquist
Create your own bouquets and nosegays from the
plants in your garden. Learn to use fronds, prunings and
leaves as well as the flowers in unique ways with fabulous
results. Erik Croonquist is the manager of Swenson and
Silacci Flowers, Inc., a well-known Monterey flower mer-
chant.
Pruning Trees and Shrubs – Peter Quintanilla
Learn the principles and basic techniques for pruning
small trees and shrubs. Good pruning practices revitalize
mature plants and control and shape larger plants. Peter
Quintanilla is a Certified Arborist and Master Gardener.
He teaches pruning classe for Monterey Bay Green Gar-
deners, Master Gardeners and bilingual pruning work-
shops for landscape crews.
Wildlife Gardening – Speaker TBA
For many gardeners, attracting a variety of animals
into the garden is one of the major goals of their efforts.
Invite living creatures into the garden, extending their
range into an urban environment and allowing you to enjoy
and observe them.
Fire Safe Gardening – Dave Egbert
September is fire season. Learn how to create a beauti-
ful blooming landscape to help protect your home from
wildfires. Dave Egbert, the Coastal Gardener, is a local
television personality, an avid plantsman and volunteer
firefighter.
Creating Sacred Spaces – Elizabeth Murray
This talk focuses on gardening for the soul. The gar-
den owner shares her personal gardening philosophy and
encourages listeners to transform their own private gar-
dens into places that satisfy their need for the sacred, for
play, for meditation, and for connecting with the earth.
Elizabeth Murray is an author, an artist and a professional
gardener who lives locally.
And there’s more!
Plant Sale: A wide selection of perennials lovingly propa-
gated by our very own Monterey Bay Master Gardeners.
Art Sale: Wondrous arts and crafts by local artisans.
Book Sale: Choose from Master Gardeners’ favorite new
and lightly-used books.
Raffle: Enter for a chance to win one of our fabulous raffle
prizes! 
Buy Your Tickets Online!
www.montereybaymastergardeners.org
Proceeds support school and community garden projects.
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 11

The Pruner’s Corner plums) have done well for me with summer pruning. If I
see a branch growing in a direction I don’t want it to go, I
—Paul McCollum, MG ’04 cut it off.
Some plants need different types of pruning. Shearing
Greetings to all you gardeners! I hope your spring usually means trimming back the outer layer of foliage so
season was as beautiful for you as it has been for me. Well, the foliage grows back denser. Some plants respond well to
here we are at mid-year already and the work and enjoy- this treatment and others do not. Golden aster can be
ment of our gardens continues to keep us busy and hope- sheared with scissors or a weed trimmer. Sage (don’t cut
fully out of harm’s way. There is so much to do this time of into the old wood), wax myrtle, Escallonia, and sugar bush
year that the days just seem to fly by! are other examples.
As for summer pruning, we need to consider at least Another technique is coppicing, which means cutting
five things: the plant down to the ground. Two examples that respond
1. Decide what you are after. Why am I doing this?
well to this method are the Toyon and mock orange.
2. Use proper tools that are sharp and sanitized. Your
Selective pruning is perhaps the most widely used
pruners, shears, loppers and other tools should be
method of pruning and involves the removal of particular
sharp and clean. Also, the blade of your tool should be
branches to achieve a desired shape. Using this technique
wiped with alcohol between each cut.
you can effectively open up the plant and allow more light
3. Begin by removing any dead wood. This is good for
and air to go through; and when done conscientiously it
the health of the plant, and leaves you with a clearer
will show off the plant’s natural beauty.
view of the work left to be done. Sometimes the re-
Besides the plants mentioned above examples of others
moval of the dead wood is all that needs to be done to
that respond well to summer pruning are manzanita,
make a tree or shrub look its best.
Oregon grape, wild lilac, flannelbush, monkeyflower, holly
4. Use your imagination! Try and visualize how the leaf cherry, coffeeberry, and oleander.
plant will look after you remove crossing branches or One last reminder: after you prune your plants add a
take away the top third, etc. little organic fertilizer to the soil, dig it in and top it with
5. Work slowly. Before pruning a branch, bend it out of good compost (homemade if possible) as a mulch to con-
the way if possible and decide if you really want to serve water — and watch your plants show their apprecia-
remove it. tion for all your good efforts.
Summer pruning of roses means deadheading the spent Any questions can be directed to me at pulpit
blooms down to a 5-petaled leaf and usually one with the
paul@razzolink.com. See you in the fall issue. 
node facing away from the center of the plant. Climbers
and ramblers that have been trained to have their canes at
45 degrees or parallel to the ground can have the flowering
vertical stems pruned so that two or three nodes are left on
each; they will produce more flowers. One-time bloomers
that have not already been pruned should be cut back now
so that they will be in top condition for next year. Canes
and new growth that are blocking walkways or are other-
wise in the way should be cut out.
Shrubs and plants that flower should be deadheaded to
clean up the plant and rejuvenate them. Flowering peren-
nials like columbine and penstemon will appreciate the
attention. With seed-producing plants, stalks can be just
left in the garden so birds and other wildlife can feast (and
they’ll also get rid of many of the unwanted insects). Those
of you who may want a clean and sanitary garden may not
want to leave this kind of compost laying around and that
is just fine – different strokes! All native perennials should
be deadheaded at the end of their blooming cycle or in the
early fall – keep an eye on the plant and it will tell you
when it is time. Prune most broadleaf shrubs to keep their natural shape by using
As for trees, the time for heavy pruning is past but primarily thinning cuts. Avoid making heading cuts or shearing
light pruning will help shape the tree and keep it in the whole plant. Cut off the largest, oldest branches at or very
bounds. Many people are summer pruning their fruit trees near the ground. Leave the younger, shorter stem.
to keep the size down and the fruit at a reachable height. (http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/5764/26329.pdf)
Trees that put on a lot of summer growth (like many of the
12 summer 2009 MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS

Featured Plant:
California Monkey Flowers
—Sue Tarjan, MG06

Left: Mimulus lewisii, pink or mountain monkey flower

Right: Mimulus bifidus cultivar, possibly 'Trish'
Photos by Sue Tarjan
My love affair with monkey flowers began twenty or
more years ago when my husband and I lived in Los Ange- Monkey flowers placed in the genus Mimulus are the
les in the Eagle Rock area between Glendale and Pasadena. annual and herbaceous perennial species that prefer
Almost every morning or evening, we’d load the dogs into riparian areas and welcome some shade, doing quite well
the car and drive to the head of one fire trail or other and under cottage garden conditions. Those placed in the ge-
hike up into the chaparral covered foothills of the San nus Diplacus are woody, upright perennials that tolerate the
Gabriels, the mountains that loom above the LA basin. full sun and dry conditions found on rocky slopes. You’ll
Spring through midsummer without fail, there would be find them alongside coyote bush, buckwheats, salvias,
the monkey flowers, school-bus orange cascades of cheer- artemisias, etc. Thus, the monkey flower I first got
ful little blooms on scrubby, woody bushes with thin, acquainted with may be called either Diplacus aurantiacus
sticky leaves. Paintbrush, penstemons, poppies, lupines,
and other natives would blossom there, too, but none as A Few Monkey Recommendations by Plant Community 
reliably or for as long. (from Designing California Native Gardens)
I had no idea, however, just how diverse and ornamen-
tal these plants are and how easy to maintain in the garden Community Species
until I first visited Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (all here classified under Mimulus)
(http://www.rsabg.org) in Claremont, the largest (86 acre) Chaparral Any bush monkey flower
botanical garden anywhere devoted solely to California (Diplacus)
native plants. Founded in 1927, it’s well worth a visit for
Coastal bluffs M. aurantiacus
any native plant enthusiast planning a trip to Southern
California because you’ll see a vast array of natives growing M. longiflorus
in one place along with a wealth of educational resources M. bifidus
for the gardener. There I saw monkey flowers displayed in Coastal sage scrub M. longiflorus
rock gardens, containers, borders, slopes, and together
with almost every California native plant community. Desert garden M. bigelovii
I was captivated!
Speaking of diverse, here’s a bit of plant classification. Grassland M. kelloggii
Monkey flowers have traditionally been placed in the fig- Mixed evergreen M. guttatus
wort family, Scrophulariaceae, although this appears to
have changed recently to the lopseed family, Phrymaceae. Montane meadow M. primuloides 
Most gardeners familiar with monkey flowers refer to M. lewisii
them as Mimulus, but be aware that many authorities—
among them the Integrated Taxonomic Information Sys- Oak woodland M. aurantiacus
tem (http://www.itis.gov) and Las Pilitas Nursery (http:// Redwood forest M. dentatus
www.laspilitas.com)—divide the plants between two genera,
Mimulus and Diplacus. Riparian woodland M. guttatus
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
australis or Mimulus aurantiacus australis, depending on the source you
use. I find the distinction useful myself, as it readily identifies the
ecological niche a particular monkey flower belongs in and its likely
cultural requirements.
Monkeys range in color from yellow through red with bi- and tri
-color combinations. Hybrid monkeys, often called Verity hybrids,
add near white, rose-purple, and bronze to the palette. Blossoms
have an almost pansy-like appearance, tubular and with two ridges
on the lower throat. Among the natives of our region are Diplacus
aurantiacus, Mimulus cardinales (scarlet monkey flower), and Mimulus
guttantus.
Left: Mimulus
bifidus ‘Pumpkin’
Photo by C Kriedt
Right: Mimulus
puniceus, red
monkey flower
Photo by S Tarjan
Although monkey flowers tend to be short lived, they’re not too
fussy and propagate and transplant easily. Herbaceous monkey flow-
ers do very well in well draining containers. Water herbaceous mon-
keys once every week or two if it’s hot—less often if woody. Prune
woody types before growth starts in spring. If you prune after their
first flowering, they will bloom again in fall or more if watered. I
leave herbaceous types alone—many die back completely in winter
to pop up again in spring—I have some monkeys (Mimulus moschatus
or musk monkey flower) in a planter that have been returning faith-
fully for five or six years.
You’ll be pleased to see the insect pollinators, hummers, and
other birds gravitate to these plants for nectar and seeds. In fact, the
leaves are edible to humans, and young leaves can be used in salad or
stir fry if you’re adventurous. They tend to be salty, so watch out!
DEER AND GOPHERS LEAVE MONKEY FLOWERS ALONE,
ALONE, ALONE! I've never had one incident of either bothering
them. They ARE brittle sometimes, however, particularly the woody
species, so don't plant them in heavy traffic areas or where dogs and
kids will run through them all the time.
Native Revival Nursery in Aptos usually has a great selection of
monkey flowers. The best time to plant is fall after the first rain, but
I’ve had good luck planting any time but dead winter at my house
(which means strong wind, heavy rain, and even snow). 
Mimulus propagation — before and after. Photos by Kari Olsen
13
Monkey Business—Kari Olsen, MG06
Learning to propagate from cuttings can be
daunting—all those sterile conditions required,
rooting hormone, controlled temperature range,
the secret medium mixture. As it turns out, the
keys to learning propagation are not any of those
things—they are patience and having a first suc-
cess.
Mimulus (Monkey Flower) is an incredibly
easy plant to propagate from cuttings, the perfect
“first plant” for beginners.
Two years ago, Sue Tarjan and I went on our
annual fall shopping spree at a local native plant
nursery. As always, the back of the Prius was
crammed to bursting point, and as we unloaded
the plants, I found a piece of her new Mimulus
had broken off in the crush. Without forethought,
I cut it to just the tip and stuck it in a small pot
filled with potting soil. There it sat outside on my
porch the remainder of the fall, through winter,
and into early spring. Its appearance never
changed during those four months, and while it
didn’t look very healthy, it also didn’t look dead,
so I left it alone and pretty much forgot about it.
Midway through spring, I rediscovered it and
thought it looked a little greener towards the tip.
A week after that, it looked like it might have
grown. I tipped it out of its pot, and to my aston-
ishment saw the entire pot filled with roots.
While there had been no signs of life above the
soil, the cutting had been busy during those
months establishing a root system and waiting
for the proper season to begin its top growth. I
repotted it in a larger container, added fresh pot-
ting soil and a spoonful of balanced fertilizer,
and that sprig took off going from a 2-inch twig
to a blooming one gallon plant in about two
months time. By that point, I had long forgotten
which Mimulus species it was, so the first flower
to open was a wonderful surprise. It was a Mimu-
lus bifidus, a “mock azalea,” named for its large
blooms that resemble an azalea flower.
Since then I have propagated many more
plants from that first cutting, and those successes
led me to experiment with other plants with vary-
ing results. Some live and some don’t, but some-
where along the way, I realized that propagating
by cuttings isn’t as mysterious or complicated as
I’d thought. True, there is a lot to learn and there
are many tools you can invest in to improve your
odds if you find yourself trying to propagate eve-
rything in sight (I did). But nothing is as impor-
tant as having that first successful cutting; Mimu-
lus can help you make that step.
If you’d like to try propagating by cuttings,
find a fellow gardener who has a Mimulus, break
off a couple of tips, and follow my not-so-
scientific method. Watching a new plant grow
from a piece of broken stem is extraordinary. It
changes the way you see your garden. 
14 summer 2009 MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS

Mimulus ‘Changeling’

Mimulus moschatus (musk monkey flower)

Mimulus auriantiacus

In a bed with mallow, buckwheat, etc.

Mimulus lewisii. Photos by Sue Tarjan.

Mimulus cardinalis.
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
Book Reviews
Garden Your Way To
Health and Fitness
Bunny Guinness and
Jacqueline Knox
Timber Press, 2008
— Sharon Tyler, MG04
We have all done it. We
step into the garden to take
care of a five-minute job –
pull those few weeds or clip
some small twigs or branches
– and one thing leads to an-
other. An hour or two later, we realize how long we have
been working, made all too apparent by a new painful
muscle or a familiar joint pain. To prevent injury from gar-
dening, look at this book!
The first chapter, “Elements of Garden Fitness,” is de-
voted to preventing injury by stretching and strengthening
core muscles on a regular basis. Excellent photos and care-
ful instruction assure correct body alignment and success-
ful performance of the prescribed exercises. Post-
gardening stretches are tailored to muscles that have been
used in the garden.
The next chapter, “Using Your Outdoor Gym,” de-
scribes how to use gardening chores to burn calories. Spe-
cific exercises are incorporated that can be done in the gar-
den. The authors present equipment ideas that include
exercise opportunities such as a bench that could be used
for casual sitting or as a place to stretch tendons or per-
form power lunges and much more.
“Safer Gardening: Tools and Techniques” explains how
to use tools safely. Also presented are techniques to care
for knees, shoulders, neck, back, hands, wrists, elbows and
feet, while pruning, weeding, digging and planting. Help is
given to choosing the right tool, and then using it correctly,
which can prevent many strains.
The chapter “Design Ideas for a Healthy Lifestyle” sug-
gests that walkways and paving are elements for a wel-
coming and safe garden. The sections on lawn maintenance
and plant selection will be less relevant to California gar-
dening, since the authors wrote these for their own region
of England.
The final chapters are entitled “Health and Fitness in
the Ornamental Garden” and “Health and Fitness in the
Productive Garden.” In the first, the composition of bor-
ders, weed control and other design ideas are suggested. In
the second, the authors discuss the vegetable garden, fruit
trees, herbs, and how to plan ergonomic workspaces for
these. Happily, instructions for how to create and main-
tain a compost heap using correct body mechanics are in-
cluded.
Using the Pilates principles in the guided system of-
fered in this book may make the physical demands of gar-
dening less damaging. More enjoyment and less pain! 
15
The Complete Compost
Gardening Guide
Barbara Pleasant and
Deborah L. Martin
Storey Publishing, 2008
— Patricia Nicely, MG03
As compost gardeners
go, I am neither sophisti-
cated, nor adventurous, nor
particularly well-educated
about composting tech-
niques. I do win some vari-
ety points, though; I’ve got my very pokey worm bin, and a
bin where I toss my extra veggie waste, and a new bin
where I’ve used the tried-and-true but labor-intensive fast
composting method. But something clicked in me this
year, a desire to try new things in the garden. Also, my
back is killing me, and frankly I’m tired of forking my com-
post. I think that’s why I picked up a copy of The Complete
Compost Gardening Guide at the Capitola Book Café.
It’s a 318-page book, and I read most of it that same
weekend. The authors’ writing style is easy to read, being
a refreshing mix of casual yet highly informative. They dis-
cuss a wide range of composting techniques, from a simple
pit in the ground to a standard, high-maintenance hot pile.
Some of their techniques are very creative yet practical,
and most come with amusing names (I can’t wait to make
my very first “honey hole”). I found their willingness to try
new things inspiring, and was relieved that most of their
methods involved little maintenance, honoring the idea
that slow is good. They discuss composting tools, appara-
tus that you can make yourself (even a solar soil cooker!),
the nuts and bolts of decomposition, plants that grow well
in compost piles, and many other topics. I especially appre-
ciate that they discuss composting in the context of re-
source conservation, not just in terms of re-use and recy-
cling, but also in terms of the petroleum you might use (or
save) collecting materials and supplies for your compost-
ing endeavors, and how you might help your community
by composting its “waste”.
For gardeners new to the realm of composting, the in-
formation in this book would definitely inspire you and
guide you in the right direction; for more seasoned com-
posters, I see this book as an infusion of potentially novel
techniques, and maybe a fresh perspective on what rot can
do for you. And, it’s a fun read…. 
16 summer 2009
On the Future of Food, Part 2
—Thomas Karwin, MG99
In the spring issue of Gardening on the Edge, I wrote
about the first part of Michael Pollan’s essay, “Farmer in
Chief,” which is his critique of America’s food system in
the form of an open letter to the President. Pollan lists
problems with the food system and calls for reform guided
by the following three principles
 Provide a healthful diet for all people
 Improve the resilience, safety and security of our food
supply
 Reconceive agriculture as part of the solution to envi-
ronmental problems like climate change
This article summarizes Pollan’s recommendations for
change.
Resolarize the American Farm
Pollan notes that most of the problems with our food
system exist because it relies on fossil fuels, and concludes
that federal policies should support a return to the tradi-
tional reliance on the energy of the sun.
Pollan recommends using federal policies to drive
America’s farmers away from “subsidized commodity crops
grown in monoculture” and toward growing “as many dif-
ferent crops—including animals—as possible.” He ob-
serves, “the greater the diversity of crops on a farms, the
less the need for both fertilizers and pesticides” both of
which are made from petrochemicals.
Currently, federal farm policy provides subsidies to
farmers who grow corn, soybeans, wheat and rice
(“commodity crops”) and prohibits them from growing
fruits and vegetables (“specialty crops”). Federal subsidies
to farmers should instead increase with the number of dif-
ferent crops they grow or the number of days that their
fields are used to grow food, replenish the soil with cover
crops, or control erosion.
Related policy changes include:
 Require municipal composting of food and yard waste
and free distribution of the compost to area farmers.
 Promote continual use of farmland (rather than leaving
it fallow) and conduct research to develop varieties of
grains than can be grown “like prairie grass.”
 Encourage farmers to move animals off of feedlots and
back onto farms: “sunlight nourishes the grasses and
grains, the plants nourish the animals, the animals
then nourish the soil, which in turn nourishes the next
season’s grasses and grains.” This change involves end-
ing federal subsidies of grains, ending the use of antibi-
otics in feed, and requiring feedlots to clean up their
wastes like any other industry or municipality.
Pollan acknowledges that these changes could increase
the cost of food, but argues that complex, sun-based agri-
cultural systems could produce more and better food than
today’s high-yield commodity crop systems, and also gen-
erate multiple social benefits. These are realistic goals, he
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
says, but the food industry needs more research on sustain-
able agriculture.
Re-regionalize the Food System
Pollan notes, “resolarizing the food system means
building the infrastructure for a regional food economy–
one that can support diversified farming and, by shorten-
ing the food chain, reduce the amount of fossil fuel in the
American diet.” This change involves a series of related ac-
tions:
 Establish four-season farmers’ markets
 Establish agricultural enterprise zones
 Provide local meat-inspection corps
 Establish a strategic grain reserve
 Regional federal food procurement
 Create a federal definition of “food”
On this last bullet point, Pollan says, “We need to stop
flattering nutritionally worthless food-like substances by
calling them ‘junk food’ —and instead make clear that such
products are not in fact food of any kind.”
Rebuild Americas Food Culture
Pollan urges the President to use federal policy, public
education and his own examples “to promote a new cul-
ture of food that can undergird your sun-food agenda.” Pol-
lan’s ideas for rebuilding America’s food culture include
the following:
 Require gardens in schools as part of the curriculum
 Introduce a School Lunch Corps program to forgive
federal student loans to culinary-school graduates in
exchange for two yeas of service in the public-school
lunch program
 Assign responsibility for food labeling to the surgeon
general, rather than the Department of Agriculture, to
avoid having to negotiate regulations with the food
industry
 Require that labels on packaged foods show how many
calories of fossil fuel went into its production
 Post daily menus for the First Family, including at
least one meatless meal each week
 Replace five acres of the White House lawn with an
organic fruit and vegetable garden
Pollan concludes his open letter to the President by
noting, “cheap food is only cheap because of government
handouts and regulatory indulgence…not to mention the
exploitation of workers, animals and the environment on
which its putative ‘economies’ depend. Cheap food is
food dishonestly priced—it is in fact unconscionably
expensive.”
Michael Pollan is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley,
and the author of several well-researched and provocative books and articles
on food, gardening and agriculture.
To read “Farmer in Chief,” browse to the New York Times Magazine’
October 12, 2008 issue on food. Use the following link, and scroll down to find
Pollan’s piece. http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/10/12/magazine/
index.html
To learn of Pollan’s other writings, visit his personal website: http://
www.michaelpollan.com/ 
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 17

Try It, You’ll Like It: Vancouveria

—Christina Kriedt, MG06
From top: The inside-out
One of my favorite dry shade plants is Vancouveria or flower (Photo: http://
inside-out flower. I believe the species that is living on the www.rainyside.com/features/
north side of my house is V. planipetala, redwood inside-out plant_gallery/nativeplants/
Vancouveria_hexandra.html)
flower, native to southern Oregon and northern California.
Second: Close-up of leaflets
It looks a little raggedy in the winter but has never been Third: Nice dense mat of green
what I would call deciduous as is V. hexandra, northern in- Bottom: The Vancouveria is
side-out flower, native to Washington and Oregon. Both about 15” tall.
species have white flowers. The only other species in the
genus is V. chrysantha which has yellow flowers, is evergreen
and is reputed to be the most drought tolerant; I have
never seen it. They are members of the Berberidaceae, or
barberry, family, cousins to Epimedium.
I researched several of my gardening-with-natives and
gardening-without-water kinds of books and was dis-
mayed to find it absent from all but two of them. Sunset
Western Garden Book (of course) lists it as does Marjorie
Schmidt’s Growing California Native Plants (University of
California Press. 1980).
Its dainty laciness reminds me of maidenhair fern, an-
other favorite. Ms. Schmidt notes that Vancouveria has “few
equals for rambling ground covers in shaded areas.” Also,
“Its attractiveness continues over a long period, and it is
apt to hurdle retaining logs, grow into paths, and ignore
tree roots which sometimes discourage highly cultivated
plants.” She recommends that you “mingle it with wild iris,
azaleas, or as a cover for lilies.” I second her suggestions.
Although established Vancouveria will do better than
survive without supplemental water, it looks happier if it
has a drink once in a while. The plants were well-
established in my yard before I arrived and, as I recall, the
only other plants living in that bed were Juncus (a rush)
and a couple of as yet unidentified ferns. During my
second year here, the owners had that side of the house
repaired and painted; in a few hours the workers (clearly
NOT gardeners) trampled the Vancouveria to a mush that
resembled pesto sauce. In that decimated space, I sadly
stored a 6” potted hydrangea and three small bamboos
(also in pots) and only watered the containers—sparingly
at that. And to my absolute surprise, the Vancouveria
jubilantly reclaimed the bed, filling it in completely in one
season.
Vancouveria grows from rhizomes and spreads around
fairly rapidly—or so it seems to me. I never water the
plants directly, but I do continue to water the pots—all of
which, I’m embarrassed to admit, are still in storage there.
Heronswood carries it online: http://www.heronswood.com/
perennials_perennials-t-to-z_vancouveria/; and in the Santa Cruz
area, after eight phone calls, I only found it at Redwood
Nursery where they have gallon cans. Charlie at The Gar-
den Company will special order it. Maybe I’ll try propagat-
ing mine. 

18 summer 2009
The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind, they'll ease
Your will, they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
—Nursery rhyme by Wayne Fields
What the River Knows, 1990  attention for his ideas and inspired parents and communi-
Benefits of Gardening—
Nature Deficit Disorder
—Kathleen Sonntag, MG06
Let’s broaden the definition of “horticulture” to include
time spent outdoors in a natural setting as well as time
spent improving land to create a garden or tend a garden.
Nature Deficit Disorder describes what happens to
young people who become disconnected from their natural
world. Richard Louv links this lack of experience in wild
natural settings to some of the most disturbing childhood
trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and
depression. Research supports Louv’s claim. A recent Uni-
versity of California study shows that 90 percent of 9-year-
olds get a few hours of exercise outdoors most days and
fewer than three percent of 15-year-olds do.
A recent study found that children today spend an av-
erage of 6 hours each day in front of the computer and TV
but less than 4 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor
play, leading researchers to discover a new condition spe-
cific to this current generation that they have called
“nature deficit disorder.” This emphasis on indoor time
spent in front of screens versus outdoor play and discovery
has been correlated with negative psychological and physi-
cal effects including obesity, loneliness, depression, atten-
tion problems and greater social isolation due to reduced
time with friends and family.
A growing body of scientific evidence identifies strong
correlations between experience in the natural world and
children’s ability to learn, along with their physical and
emotional health. Stress levels, attention-deficit hyperac-
tivity disorder, cognitive functioning—and more—are
positively affected by time spent in nature. “In the same
way that protecting water and protecting air are strategies
for promoting public health,” says Howard Frumkin, direc-
tor of the National Center for Environmental Health at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “protecting
natural landscapes can be seen as a powerful form of pre-
ventive medicine.” (http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/
articles/article/4401/)
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
The Children and Nature website (http://
www.childrenandnature.org/) has links to articles and in-
formation about connecting children to nature. Over the
last 4 generations change has occurred that makes it un-
common for children to “go outside and play” without su-
pervision and programmed activities. On this website
there is a Nature Clubs for Families toolkit that suggests
ways for families to get out and enjoy activities in a natural
setting.
Richard Louv appeared on the Today Show (http://
richardlouv.com/appearances) where he was able to get
ties to bring their kids outdoors. As the correlation be-
tween children’s health and their connection to nature is
validated by more scientific studies, interest in existing
programs and development of new opportunities for na-
ture education and experience are growing.
The junior ranger program at Yosemite National Park
has been popular since the 1930s. Today a lot of people
have heard about nature deficit disorder and about kids
being disconnected from nature and being “plugged in” all
the time, so there is a renewed focus on junior ranger pro-
grams. Thanks to that renewed interest, rangers in Yosem-
ite have gone from one Junior Ranger Program a day to
three in recent years. The kids in the program don't seem
to notice that the TV's, iPod's, and cell phones are nowhere
in sight.
Environmental Education helps address “nature deficit
disorder”
Perhaps the greatest change will occur when environ-
mental education is added to the educational standards
outlining required curriculum in K-12 schools. The No
Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) pressured teachers to nar-
row instruction to prepare students for the barrage of stan-
dardized tests that measure the students’ performance and
the schools’ success at educating the students. Several
states are working on the enactment of state
“environmental literacy” plans. Such a plan, developed lo-
cally, spells out how a state will integrate environmental
instruction into the curriculum to ensure that students
have a basic understanding of their natural world.
The House of Representatives approved the No Child
Left Inside Act of 2008 on September 19, 2008. The legisla-
tion is currently making its way to the president's desk.
(http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=687) 
Get involved.
Sign a petition encouraging Congress to pass the
"No Child Left Inside Act"
at the following website:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?
sm=2qBkLid1Nk2wUTFSZktxIA%3d%3d
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 19

The Edible Garden

—Tammy Tahara, MG06
Good Eats and Gardening Tips

Peppers
Onions, peppers, garlic and tomatoes, sounds like the
beginning of a salsa recipe, doesn’t it? Those are the crops I
have growing in my garden this spring.
Just about every article I’ve read about peppers men-
tions how easy they are to grow from seed. I used a seed- Candy’s Chicken Soup with Chilies
ling mat for bottom heat and a grow box to start my seed- Shredded, cooked chicken, amount to taste
lings and it took almost 3 weeks for them to sprout. I did 32 oz. container of chicken broth or more to taste
soak the seeds in water as suggested on the seed packet, 1 large sweet red onion, chopped medium
but I might just as easily have used a hydrogen peroxide 1 large avocado
solution or weak chamomile tea to help break the seed coat 2 ears corn, grilled and shucked from cob
down and speed germination – ah, research! 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, if desired
Once the seeds sprouted, my plants languished with 2 – 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
two leaves for a couple of weeks and I decided to put them Fresh lime juice, to taste
outside once their second set of leaves emerged and the Cilantro, chopped, to taste
weather grew warmer. When our recent weekend heat Corn tortilla strips, baked until crispy
wave hit they sprang to life! With any luck, I’ll be harvest- Queso fresco, to taste
ing jalapenos, Thai hot chilies, pepperoncini Greek, Corno
di Toro, Jimmy Nardello’s Italian and cayenne blend pep- Combine cooked chicken, broth, onion, tomatoes and
pers this summer. cilantro. Simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes. Mean-
Capsicum, a member of the family Solanaceae, has been while, slice jalapenos into thin strips and remove seeds if
cultivated in the Americas for over 5,000 years with evi- desired. Grill, along with corn, in a cast iron pan over me-
dence of their utilization by native peoples since 7500 BC. dium-high heat until lightly browned, stirring often. Re-
move from heat and shuck/scrape corn from the cob. Add
The five domesticated species consist of C. annuum, C. bacca-
the corn and jalapenos to the chicken, broth and veggies
tum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, and C. pubescens. Members of this
and simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Just before
genus are now grown world-wide.
serving, add chopped avocado, lime juice and a handful of
Peppers like it hot, about 80 degrees for germination
chopped cilantro. Stir. Garnish with baked tortilla chips
and below 90 degrees for growing and developing fruit.
and a sprinkling of queso fresco or other crumbly cheese.
Plant seedlings outside, once the danger of frost has
passed, in soil rich in compost and well-rotted manure; Above: Cayenne pepper
peppers do not like wet conditions but do require consis- Below: Thai peppers, Wikipedia
tently moist soil so take care to avoid over-watering. Plants
should be spaced about 18 – 24 inches apart in rows 24 –
36 inches apart in a sunny location. To conserve moisture
and keep weeds at bay, be sure to mulch around your
plants.
Critters most likely to visit your pepper plants are
aphids and spider mites. Blast them with a stream of water
from the hose being sure to hit the undersides of the leaves.
You might also try an insecticidal soap or oil for heavy in-
festations.
Peppers may be harvested in their green, immature
stage or left to ripen to a red, yellow or orange color, de- Sources
pending on variety. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1996/V3-479.html
My sister, Candy, is an excellent cook. She gave me her http://www.calantilles.com/capsicum_peppers.htm#General%
recipe for Chicken Soup with Chilies in 2002 and I’ve been 20History
making it ever since. This is an excellent use of peppers http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/pepper.htm
and corn so abundant during the summer months. Enjoy! http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html
20 summer 2009
How Master Gardeners Do It
—Compiled by Sharon Ettinger, MG00
What Australian or New Zealand plants do
you grow? Do you have any tips about care, etc?
Candice McLaren, MG01
Years ago when I designed and planted my front yard, I
selected some vertical, sword-like plants that produced
flowers. I liked them as they clump and don't need a lot of
care after they get established. Once in a while I will clean
out the dead leaves and after the flowers are spent, cut the
stem down. They’re very easy care plants in spite of being
in the salty winter winds and the summer fog.
Kangaroo paw plants (Anigozanthos, Haemodoraceae
family) are perennials and native to open eucalyptus
forests in western Australia. I started out with a variety
‘Pink Joey’ that only grows to about three feet and has red/
pink flowers. Since it did so well along side my dry creek
bed, I added a taller one, Anigozanthos flavidus that is about
four feet tall and has yellow-green flowers. The flower
stems can get to five feet tall. They make good cut flowers
for unique arrangements. They like moderate water.
Debra Van Bruggen, MG06
I am growing New Zealand flax (Phormium) also
Westringia. The only tip I can offer is one I received from a
teacher at Cabrillo, Lisa McAndrews. She suggested that
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
no phosphorus be used when fertilizing New Zealand na-
tive plants. According to what she told the class, it will
eventually lead to the plants demise since phosphorus is
not naturally occurring in the New Zealand soil.
Tammy Tahara, MG06
I have two Adenanthos sericeus (woollybush) - one in a
big pot and one still in its 1-gallon nursery can, mostly be-
cause I haven't had that much luck growing them well.
Clearly I'm not doing something right because it's growing
taller but not bushier, even after I gave it a little pruning.
When I mentioned this to a nurseryperson they were sur-
prised, saying they had never heard of having to prune this
particular plant. I love the plant and would like to plant it
in the ground and will once I do more research on the best
growing conditions.
Red kangaroo paw on left and yellow on right.
Photos by Candice McLaren.
Which Hydrangeas do you grow? Please share any
tips you may have on care and watering?
Claudia Boulton, MG99
Hydrangeas are not doing wonderfully in my shady Rio
Del Mar garden and I haven't quite figured out why. The
best is the Oak leaf - Hydrangea quercifolia - which blooms
well and has nice fall color if I don't prune it. The H. macro-
phyllas do the worst. One, a lacecap which I think might be
'Blue Wave,' had only two blooms last year that never fully
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009
developed. The other one which does well is H. serrata 'Beni
Gaku'. I'm working on enriching the soil, but some of them
may come out next year to make room for some other
shrubs that might be happier here.
Barbara Gordon, MG98
I grow regular ones. They bloom red when the soil is
acid and blue when the soil is basic. I don't water them
frequently. I have lacecap hydrangeas and 2 other types.
What methods have you used to successfully grow
strawberries?
Candice McLaren, MG01
This year I went out and bought some strawberries
for a large plastic container that I had. Since I don't have a
lot of garden space, I figured I could move the pot around
to keep the plants in the sun. One can see from the photos
that these plants don't have a lot of room to grow but
hopefully enough to produce a good crop. As my winter
backyard is very shady, I probably won't keep them over
the winter but will treat them as an annual.
I purchased a variety ‘Pajaro’ that Sunset Western Garden
book says produces a large conical berry with promised
good flavor (the jury is still out). It has a long fruiting pe-
riod starting in June, and is "Best in California." I have
small berries now and will feed the plants later this week.
Sharon Ettinger, MG00
Strawberries are surprisingly easy to grow in 3’ long
window box containers. Two plants per container works
best. The strawberries can hang over the edge of the con-
tainer to keep them dirt free and make great treats during a
gardening session. The ‘Seascape’ variety is sweet and deli-
cious in this coastal climate.
One year I found some Alpine yellow strawberry
plants at the farmer’s market and planted them. They were
some of the best strawberries I’ve ever tasted. They were
small, more like the size of a raspberry, but the taste was a
very distinctive sweet pineapple flavor.
21
Christina Kriedt, MG06
I don’t grow a lot of strawberries, but have always had
a few plants around for my grandchildren; I have had these
plants for 12 years now and I have no idea how old they
were when I inherited them. They are not prolific produc-
ers, but do squeeze out just enough luscious fruits every
year. When I recently transplanted them, I created a tower
of three clay pots in graduated sizes and planted into each
level. I drove a bamboo stick through the drainage holes of
the top two pots to keep the whole thing relatively stable.
The plants are very happy and watering is easy.
Left: From the ground to
the rim of the topmost pot the
stack measures 21”
Below: Tower of pots from
above; on top is a 6” pot
Do you have any water saving tips for this thirsty
time of year?
Mary Koch, MG00
Check www.cagwin.com (our large Bay Area land-
scaper website). They have a great ‘links’ section regarding
water conservation. Also the High Country Gardens web-
site is focused on low/no water plants.
Claudia Boulton, MG99
Start now to help your plants develop deep roots. Wa-
ter deeply and let them go almost to the wilt point before
watering again. Try to increase the time between water-
ings, so the roots will be well developed by the time the
(ordinary!) hot season arrives. Monitor plants regularly
during the hot months and be sure to cut back on watering
as soon as the season begins to cool. Water in the early
morning
Barbara Gordon, MG98
Non-thirsty plants are #1. I water drought tolerant
plants about once every 12 weeks. Veggies
don't count here!
Carol Kaplan, MG01
I have been collecting rainwater in large containers
during the winter. I am using it now to water.
22 summer 2009
Melita Israel, MG95
Use lots of mulch. I've even used shredded paper when
chips and other material are not available. It looks a bit
weird.
Scuffing the top layer of the soil helps to stop evapora-
tion. Shade plants with trees and other shrubs or trellises.
Check the soil to see if plants need to be watered. Use a
coring device or shovel. Some plants look wilted, but revive
the next morning. They are protecting themselves from too
much sun. I have a small catchment system that collects
water from my lath house plastic roof. The gutters run the
water into two old hot water tanks that are raised a bit off
the ground and are linked together. The roof collects water
when we have morning fog. I do dishes by hand and carry
the spent water into the garden. Some particles of food lay
on the ground which the birds eat (as well as, one day,
an opossum).
Learn about the Trees in Santa Cruz
Before you visit the Boardwalk and Mystery Spot, take
a stroll among our trees.
On Saturday, July 18th at 9:00 AM, meet arborist Leslie
Keedy at City Hall Courtyard for a walking tour of about
25 different species of trees that grow in downtown Santa
Cruz. Learn horticultural information such as tree family,
place of origin, growing characteristics and interesting
facts. Wear walking shoes and be prepared to stroll about
one mile up minor hills and along city side streets for 1.5 to
2 hours. No reservations required. More information: City
Parks and Rec, 831-420-5270
On Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 AM, Leslie will guide
you on another plant walk, this time at Evergreen Cemetery
near Harvey West Park where you will learn about its
charming combination of plants and trees. FREE. More in-
formation: Museum of Art and History, 831-1964 X20. 
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS
Aerin Martin, Water Conservation Representative, City of
Santa Cruz
Pull weeds while they are growing like crazy in spring
as they are also competing for water and soil nutrients
with plantings.
Reduce the irrigation schedule times starting in
August and into the fall as the light changes.
Avoid fertilizing and pruning that would stimulate
excessive growth and a greater need for water.
Inspect irrigation systems regularly for leaks, broken
pipes and heads, and needed adjustments.
Use a soil probe to check moisture levels before water-
ing plants.
Water the soil before you lay down fresh mulch.
Christina Kriedt. MG06
Don’t water the lawn. Ever. 
Summer Beauties!
Top: Bougainvillea and Hydrangea cuddling
Bottom right: Anigozanthos, kangaroo paw, flowers
Bottom left: Sunflowers and Alstroemeria (C Kriedt)
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 23

Confessions of a Reluctant Pigeon Point Lighthouse surrounded by wildflowers (and

ice plant)...
Gardener
—Christina Kriedt, MG06
I may not do a lot of gardening myself, but I do really
enjoy other people’s gardens. Just driving around town this
time of year is a treat. The photo below is of an absolutely
stunning dogwood that is growing on the Westside of
Santa Cruz. The owner says it’s about five years old, but
she doesn’t recall the name; it’s definitely a show-stopper!

And then there are the wild flowers! This a profusion of

monkey flowers growing in the road cut on Pacheco Pass The rose garden at the mission in San Juan Bautista—
on the west side of the mountain.

And the yellow bush lupine is equally profuse along

Highway One; these are growing at Pescadero. Kangaroo paws in downtown Santa Cruz. I rest my case.
24 summer 2009 MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS

Relevant Internet G ARDENING ON THE E DGE

Journal of the Monterey Bay Master Gardeners
Miscellany www.montereybaymastergardeners.org

—Christina Kriedt, MG06 EDITOR Christina Kriedt

ASSISTANT EDITORS Sharon Ettinger & Kathleen Sonntag
“Food, Inc.” Movie—Starring Michael Pollan and Eric DESIGN/LAYOUT Christina Kriedt
Schlosser
CONTRIBUTORS C & STAFF S
A movie for people interested—or rather, worried about
Amy Savage S Maryann McCormick C
our food. “Food, Inc. exposes America's industrialized food Barbara Schilling C Patricia Nicely C,S
system and its effect on our environment, health, economy Bonnie Pond S Paul McCollum C,S
and workers' rights.” (http://www.foodincmovie.com) Christina Kriedt C,S Sharon Ettinger C,S
“Sustainable foods can be found in your community by Darcy Horton S Sharon Tyler C
purchasing organic and/or locally grown produce and Cynthia Jordan S Simon Stapleton S
products. It's easy to find farmers markets, Community Denise Weatherwax S Sue Tarjan C,S
Kari Olsen C,S Tammy Tahara C,S
Supported Agriculture programs, restaurants and more
Kathleen Sonntag C,S Tanja Roos C
with the user-friendly Eat Well Guide. Simply type in Thomas Karwin C,S
your zip code to find out what's in season near you.”
(http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home)
“Warning: Food Inc. is not for the faint of heart. While The Monterey Bay
its focus is not on the gory images of slaughterhouse floors Master Gardeners extends
research-based
and filthy feedlots, what it does show about the journey of horticultural information;
our food from "farm" to plate is not pretty.”  creates and promotes
educational and recreational
Red Hot Chili Peppers gardening activities in
The seeds are NOT the hottest part of peppers. It is at Monterey and Santa Cruz
the point where the seed is attached to the white counties; and supports the
membrane inside the pepper that the highest educational program of the
concentration of capsaicin (the compound giving peppers University of California’s
Cooperative Extension.
their pungent flavor) is found. Capsaicin, the 'hot'
constituent in chile peppers, is not water soluble - it is
soluble in fat and alcohol. So don't drink water to cool Board of Directors
Cynthia Jordan, President
your mouth after eating very hot chilies. Drink milk or Simon Stapleton, Vice President
beer, or eat some ice cream or guacamole if your mouth is Gigi Tacheny, Treasurer
on fire. (I can vouch for that.)  Bonnie Pond, Secretary
(http://www.foodreference.com/html/fchilepepper.html)  Barbara Gordon
Betsy Shea
Salty Monkeys Christina Kriedt
Darcy Horton
Mimulus species tend to concentrate sodium chloride Denise Weatherwax
and other salts absorbed from the soils in which they grow Patricia Nicely
in their leaves and stem tissues. Native Americans and Sheryl McEwan
early travelers in the American West used this plant as a Susan Suddjian
salt substitute to flavor wild game. The entire plant is Tom Karwin
edible, but reported to be very salty and bitter unless well
cooked. The juice squeezed from the plants foliage was A 501 (c) (3) Corporation
used as a soothing poultice for minor burns and skin
irritations. (http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Mimulus) Post Office Box 1786
Capitola, CA 95010
Drying Hydrangea Flowers HOTLINE 831-763-8007
Leave blooms on the shrub until late summer.
One can cut the blooms, strip off the leaves, arrange them
in a vase, with or without water, and leave them to dry. It CULTIVATE KNOWLEDGE
is not necessary to hang hydrangeas upside down to dry
Many thanks to all the dedicated
unless the stems are very thin and weak. To retain
Monterey Bay Master Gardeners who readily share
extremely natural hydrangea color, use Silica Gel to dry
their knowledge, expertise and advice.
fresh blooms. (http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/
dryingnat.htm)
Copyright © 2009 MBMG. All rights reserved
MONTEREY BAY MASTER GARDENERS summer 2009 25

Visit Our Super Sponsors!

Sierra Azul Nursery, Watsonville, http://www.sierraazul.com, 763-0939,

email: sierraazulnursery@yahoo.com
The Garden Company, Santa Cruz, http://www.thegardenco.com/, 429-8424
Actively Aerated Compost Tea, Aromas, pulpitpaul@razzolink.com
Bokay, Salinas, http://www.bokaynursery.com/, 659-1268, email: jeff@bokaynursery.com
Hidden Gardens, Aptos, 688-7011
Wild Rose Landscape Design, Aptos, 539-5841, claudia@wildroselandscape.com