...and some to grow on!

I have mentioned in the past the my garden survives on benign neglect, but even so, I do try to help out the plants, on occasion. Today, I whipped up some liquid fertilizer and fed all the roses on the property. I noticed they were beginning to spin off some Fall grow, and after checking my favorite handbook, Pat Welsh's Southern California Gardening Guide, I found that it was indeed time to feed. One small job off my list!

As I was out in the garden, I was also reminded that it was time to do a little pre-rainy season cleanup around here. While I love how many trees we have on the property, they can lead to a few problems. We have tons of leaf drop every year and it is almost more than I can handle. I have been remiss in cleaning up for the last few months, but now the neighbors may be treated to the odd site of me on the rooftop with a push broom, or even my leaf blower.

The fact is, I need to clear the roof before the first rains arrive. I have seen leaves dam up the water on the roof and force it back under the shingles in a very heavy downpour. I certainly don't need to be inviting any damage to the house, so up I go. It isn't really a lot of work, but I am not terribly comfortable up there, especially on the steep angle of the addition in the back. I will take the opportunity, though, to do a little light pruning on the trees that I can reach more easily from the roof. Might as well get as much done as I can.

Looking in my journal, I see that Halloween night was our first rain of the season last year, so I have a little time. Still, I don't want to be surprised by an early storm.

Book: Sharp Gardening

I came across this book while browsing the gardening section of my local book store. While it is certainly a niche book, if you are into using cactus and other succulents in your garden, you will want to take a look as soon as you can. the plant information, writing and photos are all top rate.

From Amazon.com...

Book Description

With a keen interest in spiky plants, Holliday argues that gardens don't have to look "nice"---packed with delicate roses and pretty clematis. There is much to be said for a crisp, clean-lined planting style featuring swords, straps, and spikes. This book presents a careful selection of plants that are spiky, sharp, or brittle, whether in their stems, leaves, or flowers, so that gardeners can choose new and exciting plants that work well in their landscape. From xeriscapes to maritime gardens and everywhere in between, all adventurous plantspeople will find fresh ideas for adding a little excitement to their garden.

From the Inside Flap

With a keen interest in spiky plants, Holliday argues that gardens don't have to look "nice"---packed with delicate roses and pretty clematis. There is much to be said for a crisp, clean-lined planting style featuring swords, straps, and spikes. This book presents a careful selection of plants that are spiky, sharp, or brittle, whether in their stems, leaves, or flowers, so that gardeners can choose new and exciting plants that work well in their landscape. From xeriscapes to maritime gardens and everywhere in between, all adventurous plantspeople will find fresh ideas for adding a little excitement to their garden.