Nursery School Notes

Q. My nursery recommended that I plant some ornamental grasses. I don’t see their appeal – no colorful blooms or leaves. Can you shed some light on why I should use them in a landscape?

A. Pretty flowers are wonderful, but a landscape with more complexity is vastly more appealing. Ornamental grasses add movement, height and subtle variations in color. As a backdrop, they can make your flowering plants pop, and many species remain attractive in winter to keep your landscape interesting.

Q. I have some scary-looking bugs in my garden – big black beetles with legs like a cricket and a pointy posterior. They’re fearless, walking across my patio like they own it (which they do, as they scare me indoors). How can I get rid of this pest without damaging my plants?

A. Don’t. What you describe sounds like a ground beetle, one of many “beneficial” bugs that can inhabit a garden. Ground beetles eat other insects that are detrimental to a garden, including grubs and slugs. Many insects are desirable in a garden, so before you begin any indiscriminate slaughter, check them out in the Sunset Western Garden Book – it has photos and descriptions of many “beneficials.”

Q. The preceding answer begs a follow-up – how can you attract these beneficial bugs?

A. To fill your landscape with helpful bugs that will combat detrimental bugs, intersperse your garden with plants they love; use them in borders as well. Some to consider include coreopsis, dill, tansy and yarrow.

Q. The leaves on my rhododendrons and azaleas are turning yellow; the new growth is especially pasty-looking. What could be the problem?

A. Sounds like your plants are getting proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. Minerals really, such as iron, zinc and manganese. The problem lies in the soil. Try adding some nutrient-rich compost. If the problem persists, you may have to purchase an iron “supplement” and apply it directly. Check with your nursery for assistance.

Q. I thought raised beds were purely cosmetic but have learned I was wrong. However, I still don’t know the benefit to raised beds.

A. Raised beds are a good choice when you have conditions such as poor drainage, nutrient-poor soil or especially hard, dry soil. Also, it’s easier to avoid problems with pests such as gophers. Within a raised bed it’s possible to create the perfect soil conditions for the plants you want to grow.

This monthly feature is provided by Miramar Wholesale Nurseries, Southern California’s leading supplier of landscape plant material and supplies. MWN grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs and distinctive trees at each of its three locations to supply landscape professionals and nurseries in the region and around the country with high-quality plant materials. MWN is a member of TruGreen LandCare, a ServiceMaster company.