Re: Autumn color in a Medit. climate

At 04:12 PM 9/29/99 -0700, Janet Smithen wrote:
>    <snip>
>After having raved on like this, it occurs to me that perhaps it's not
>suitable or beautiful to try to promote alot of intense "continental
>autumn color" in a Mediterranean climate. Wasn't it Alexander Pope who
>wisely warned us to "consult with the genius of the place". In other
>words, to try to create a garden that looks like it fits into the
>climate and location it is in. Whadda y'all think?

Jan - 

I would agree that it is foolhardy to try and make where we live
something that it is not - even the light is different here in Calif.
than in the mid-west and eastern states - much more bright, washing
out colors more.  But autumn color is a nice treat in any garden.
Just one more element to add to the mix of seasonal changes.

What people seem to miss here is the massive amounts of autumn color
found in other parts of the world.  It just isn't going to be here -
get over it!  ;-)  And many autumn coloring plants can be unsuited to
our growing conditions year 'round - not good.  

Being a native to California, and growing up in the Bay Area, I found
lots to be excited about in the change of seasons.  Right now, as we
start the transition into cooler fall weather with a bit more
moisture, many plants are leaping into growth again, showing new
growth tips, unfurling new leaves.  This would strike terror into the
hearts of easterners, who are concerned about their plant 'hardening
off' for the cold winter ahead.  The mediterranean climate 'second
spring' is a wonderful time of year, often promoting a rebloom of
spring flowering plants (I've seem Lilacs in October!).  Paperwhite
Narcissus often growing so quickly that they flower heavily in the
fall and then again in spring!  Most of my garden, after looking
rather sad and parched over the past few months, is starting to
come back and green-up.  Irrigation at this time of year not only
maximizes the effect, but also helps plants gain enough momentum to
make it the growth worthwhile, attaining size more quickly, adding
to the overall health and vigor.  A good thick mulch will help keep
the soil cool and moist during our 'indian summer' hot spells,
also helping to keep plants growing well during this time.  

An exciting time of year, lots of clean-up, planting new plants to
take advantage of the rains, dealing with plants both coming into
growth and going into dormancy!  I love it!

Sean O.

Sean A. O'Hara                       sean.ohara@groupmail.com
h o r t u l u s   a p t u s          710 Jean Street
'a garden suited to its purpose'     Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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