September 2007: Page 34 Contents
34 FALL 2007 | HOME www.fresnomag.com A common question homeowners ask is, "how big does this tree get?" The question they should be askingis,"howfastdoesthistreegrow?"Manytypes of trees are slow-growing and can take upwards of seven to 10 years before providing adequate shade. Chinese pistache (Pistachea chinensis), Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) and Maidenhair (Ginkgo biloba) are a few examples. Each can grow more than 40 feet tall but that may take 20 years or more. You may not even be living in that house by the time they mature. Purchasing slow-growing trees in 15-gallon or larger sizes not only saves you two to four years but also the training, pruning and staking (things many people are not inclined to do or have little experience at). Even moderately fast-growing trees like California pepper (schinus molle) or Flowering pear (Pyrus kawakami) take several years from a five-gallon container. As I get older (50s...enough said!), I prefer to buy larger trees, even those that are fast-growing, because I want to be around to enjoy the shade! Obviously you wouldn't plant a large-growing species of tree in a small yard or too close to the house. Look around the Tower District, old Van Ness, Huntington Blvd. or Sunnyside; these are some of the most beautiful districts in Fresno and trees are what make the difference. | g a r d e n i n g s o l u t i o n s | Not Getting Any Younger The Best of September The Worst of September Zephyranthes candida, better known as Fairy Lily, is an easily grown clumping perennial. The slender leaves look like young onions or chives and the white crocus-like flowers show above the foliage in fall. Native to Central and South America this bulb adapts to a wide range of conditions. Plant it in light shade to full sun with adequate water and good drainage. It can be evergreen in protected locations. It's easy to propagate, just dig up the clump in winter and separate the small bulbs and replant them in any location. If you want to soften the look around rocks and pathways, or just want something fun, check out Zephyrantes in your local nursery now. It's hot, dry and whitefly and leaf hopper time! These small insects are destructive in both the larval and adult stage by sucking the life out of your plant. They can live on a wide range of host plants that are commonly found somewhere in your yard (roses are a favorite). One of the reasons whitefly and leaf hoppers are a late summer to early fall problem is their lack of food. Many fields, orchards and vineyards are now dry in preparation for harvesting, and corn and alfalfa are being cut. Where's a hungry bug gonna go? Right to your lush green garden. Spraying either organic or chemical insecticides will only give you some control as legions of insects keep coming day after day. This situation may last from two weeks to a month as most of the hoppers and whiteflies will migrate toward the foothills for wintering areas. Some years nothing happens while others can be like the plague. Hey, it's just nature. SEPT_2007_Mag_104.indd 34 8/22/07 8:32:04 PM ----Inside Back Cover ----
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