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San Diego, California. - Nursery School

More answers to the questions most frequently asked at nurseries.





Q. What can I plant that won’t attract rabbits?



A. Rabbits are the bane of gardeners everywhere. And as we don’t condone violence against our furry friends (not after reading Watership Down), finding flowers that bunnies won’t eat is a civilized alternative. Besides, you don’t have to look very far or hard to get plenty of blooming color rabbits find distasteful. Any Geranium (Pelargonium) or Impatiens will do. Both are available in a huge selection of color as well as a variety of growing habits.



Q. How do I protect my plants from frost?



A. First of all, choose plants that are appropriate for your climate. If you want to use something that you know won’t survive the year, just resign yourself to a temporary guest – plant them where you can easily dig them without disrupting your entire garden, such as in a border. For the less hardy plants you want to keep, try planting them in containers then move them indoors or to the sunniest part of the garden, preferable up against a wall, when temperatures drop. Plants that can tolerate the cold may still need some protection against frost. Cover them with plastic or burlap when frost is imminent. Construct a tent-like enclosure and drape the fabric over the stakes making sure it doesn’t hang on the plant.



Q. How do I keep my roses from getting powdery mildew?



A. Powdery mildew is a fungus that can infect leaves, buds, flowers and stems of plants. It appears as a gray or white spots. To plants safe, be sure they get adequate light, air and water. To get rid of the fungus, wash the plant with water using a hard spray, then trim and dispose of areas that are infected.



Q. What plants can be used for cooking?



A. Many plants that look great in a garden are also edible. Laurus nobilis (Bay Leaf) is an evergreen shrub with wonderfully scented leaves that spice up stews and soups. It also offers up small yellow flowers and a dark purple fruit for extra garden color. Rosemary is another fragrant shrub that transitions well to the kitchen. Available in a host of varieties, from upright to trailing, most feature delicate blue flowers amid the dark green foliage. Some varieties taste better than others. Thymus is a member of the mint family and offers a host of scents including camphor, lemon, and caraway. Common Thyme and Creeping Thyme are the two varieties used to season food. Viola and Pansy are blooms are edible also and sometimes used in salads or as decorations on cakes.



Q. Which grasses grow well in shade?



A. Ornamental grasses provide wonderful movement in a landscape. Often used in large open areas, borders or even pots, shade is not typically an issue. But if you have a shady area where you want some motion and lightness, choose Stipa tenuissima, or Mexican feather grass. It will tolerate light shade coastal conditions. But don’t over water, it does not like wet feet.



Miramar Wholesale Nurseries is Southern California’s leading supplier of landscape plant material and supplies. MWN grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees at each of its three locations for projects in and around the region. The fully stocked will-call facilities in San Diego, Irvine/Lake Forest, and San Juan Capistrano serve the needs of commercial properties, institutions, property managers, and commercial landscapers. For additional tips on plant care, see your nursery professional or refer to the Sunset Western Garden Book, available at all three MWN locations.

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