Home & Garden South Valley 2022

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF MORGAN HILL, GILROY & HOLLISTER

A supplement to the Gilroy Dispatch & Morgan Hill Times

APRIL 2022

HOME+ GARDEN FLOWER TRENDS P6 | LIVING WITH DROUGHT P12 | HOME TOUR P18

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

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SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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Tarmo Hannula

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POP OF COLOR Hydrangeas made from Syngenta Flowers’ genetics

are shown at the California Spring Trials.

MAGAZINE

7455 Monterey Street, Gilroy, CA Phone: 408-842-6400

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APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

Thank you to all my clients who helped me earn being the TOP Coldwell Banker Agent for all South County in 2021 TOP 1% WORLDWIDE!!

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Publisher

Dan Pulcrano General Manager

Harry Allison Editor

Erik Chalhoub Contributing Writers

Michael Moore, Shawn Novack, Tony Tomeo Advertising Account Executive

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Carrie Bonato Production Operations Manager

Sean George Editorial Production Manager

Phaedra Strecher

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Brilliant blooms

Cover photograph by:

Tarmo Hannula

10 Spring is here 12 Drought is not over 14 Fruit fly

Published by New SV Media Inc., Gilroy, CA Entire contents © 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

16 Water rebates

advertising@newsvmedia.com Phone:

408.842.8313

18 Home tour 20 Kitchen remodeling 22 Horticulture

TO CONTACT EDITORIAL Email:

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408.842.9505

Market Basket Drawing EVERY Month!

Morgan Hill Farmers' Market

Saturdays, 9am-1pm

Promenade & Depot Street Rain or Shine | Year Round

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APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

Brilliant blooms

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HIGH IMPACT Blue face viola

were among the countless varieties on display at Syngenta Flowers’ California Spring Trials.

Flower breeder showcases the latest trends in home gardening

BY ERIK CHALHOUB

T

he “future of work” has accelerated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many workers ditching the commute and instead setting up their home offices.

With people spending more time at home, many want their space to be more visually pleasant.

So, they turn to the brightness that only flowers can provide. ➝8

SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Tarmo Hannula

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COMING SOON

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

Syngenta Flowers showcased the latest flowers set to hit the market next year at its annual event.

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7 “The flower industry in general has seen a lot of growth and renewed interest because of people being at home,” said Ryan Hall, head of marketing at Syngenta Flowers, whose North America division is based in Gilroy. “They’re investing in their personal space.”

Syngenta Flowers held its annual California Spring Trials event at its Hecker Pass Road facility in early April, a weeklong event where flower companies and breeders across the state showcased the newest varieties that will hit stores next spring.

Syngenta, a global agribusiness company, breeds its flowers for North America in Gilroy.

The facility marks the first step in a process to get flowers to the consumers. Syngenta breeds the varieties, and then sells the seeds or cuttings to a grower, which in turn propagates the products.

Syngenta’s genetics can be found in flowers sold at countless big box stores, garden centers, florists

and more, Hall said.

Syngenta is well-known for its geranium breeding, according to Hall, and its best-selling Calliope dark red geranium came from Gilroy.

“This deep, dark red color was innovative in the way it was bred,” he said. “It really brought a lot more garden performance and consumer value.”

Hall said Syngenta’s team of scientists are always looking to use genetics to not only make flowers more brilliant, but also last longer with minimal effort and resist disease.

The products are constantly evolving, which may not always be immediately obvious to the average customer.

“The geranium they bought 10 years ago is not the geranium you can buy today,” Hall said. “It’s always getting better.”

“Color walks” is a motto Syngenta’s salespeople are familiar with, Hall said. People are looking for the

high-impact colors that exude happiness, as well as those that catch your eye even as you drive by at 50mph.

Blue is an elusive color that very few plants can achieve, but remains one of the most popular colors for consumers, according to Hall.

Syngenta recently entered into the hydrangea market. These flowers have a long shelf life and a wide range of colors, including bright blue.

“Hydrangea is one of the top five flowering shrubs on the market,” Hall said.

Zinnias, while always popular, are especially hot with consumers due to their drought tolerance and disease resistance.

“They do fantastic in summer landscapes because they can take the heat,” Hall said. “They do spectacular in our field trials here in Gilroy. This is the perfect addition for Gilroy gardens.”

Syngenta breeders are also fond of petunias, which have “amazing”

genetic potential, Hall said, resulting in various color combinations that mix well with other varieties.

While color trends don’t change much from year-to-year (Hall said anything that is bright with a high impact visually is a top performer), flowers that do more with less maintenance are currently driving the market.

“It’s more bang for your buck,” Hall said. “Crops with really tight seasonal windows that are only good for a month or two, we typically see them going out of favor.

Products that look good longer with less effort are growing.”

In particular, Syngenta’s Madinia dipladenia, featuring blooms resembling a trumpet, flowers nearly all year long.

Hall said one such plant he has on his patio at home is going strong after four years with the occasional drop of water and fertilizer.

To view Syngenta’s flower varieties, visit syngentaflowers-us.com.

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SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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GARDENING SEASON

Refugio “Cuco” Chavez stands under a lemon tree in the garden at his San Juan Bautista home March 21.

Spring is here

Celebration, gardening season Photos by Michael Moore

begin in San Benito County

BY MICHAEL MOORE

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

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or San Juan Bautista resident Refugio “Cuco” Chavez, the first day of spring doesn’t just mean he gets to spend more time in his home garden over the coming months. It is also the wedding anniversary of he and his wife, Esparanza “Espie” Chavez.

The couple celebrated 52 years of marriage on March 21. Early in the afternoon, when this reporter walked by their home on Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista, Cuco was tending to one of the scores of plants in their yard while Espie was relaxing on a bench swing under the garden’s canopy of branches and leaves.

Cuco eagerly offered to stop his work and give a brief tour of the many flowers, shrubs, succulents, orchard trees and more—a variety that wraps around the home and that he cares for daily.

He proudly pointed out a number of just-bloomed flowers that he looks forward to each year with the arrival of spring.

The couple also have a few chickens that lay eggs on the property, and their pet dog, Sparky.

Farming and gardening are in Cuco’s blood, as he grew up on a small farm not far from his current home. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, he is now retired from careers with PG&E and as a barber.

The Chavez’s have lived in their Fourth Street home for 46 years, where they raised their four children who are now grown up with families. The younger generations still live nearby, giving the couple ample opportunities to spend time with their 11 grandchildren.

“We love it here,” Espie said.

“It’s wonderful.”

SUNNY ANNIVERSARY

Refugio and Esparanza Chavez relax outside their San Juan Bautista home on March 21, which was their 52nd wedding anniversary as well as the first day of spring.

PROUD GARDENER

Refugio Chavez admires some of the plants that surround his San Juan Bautista home and that he cares for daily.

SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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Drought: It’s not over until it’s over

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

C

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alifornia’s drought is not over despite a bounty of snowfall and rain over the end of 2021: California’s snowpack—a critical source of water—was 150% of average for early January. But it’s not enough to bring an end to the severe drought and water shortages.

California needed about another foot of snow water content—the amount of water contained in the snowpack—by the end of March to reach its historic seasonal average.

And some experts say that California will need 140% of the seasonal average to make-up for the lack of water in reservoirs.

Feet of snow don't translate directly into feet of water, so state officials report both the height of the snow and the amount of water runoff it would generate. At Phillips Station, where one measurement was taken on Dec. 30, reported 78.5 inches of snow. That amount of snow contains 20 inches of water.

Johanna Miller

BY SHAWN NOVACK

Moderate to exceptional drought still grips the entire state, and a soggy start to the rainy season does not guarantee even an average water year. California has felt that false hope before: In 2013, during the last record-breaking drought, a wet December turned into a dry January and February.

It happened again in 2022.

Weather forecasts indicate a dry spell for the remainder of this year’s rainy season.

And conservation still lags. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for Californians to voluntarily cut water use by 15% in the face of the ongoing drought last July. Residents cut their water use by just 6.8% in November, compared to a year earlier. In response, the State Water Resources Control Board approved new conservation regulations aimed at curbing wasteful outdoor use.

The new, emergency water conservation regulations will stay in place for a year and would

empower cities, counties and other local jurisdictions to fine violators as much as $500. Californians can keep watering their lawns—but are prohibited from allowing water to flow onto sidewalks or into the streets. They won’t be allowed to water their lawns within 48 hours after it rains. They can’t wash their cars unless the hose has a shutoff nozzle. Municipalities can’t use potable water to irrigate turf on street medians. The focus on landscape irrigation is because over 50% of residential water use is used for landscapes.

Locally, water waste is resolved by reaching out to customers and providing education and resources, without having to resort to enforcement. However, local water agencies can escalate their actions for repeat offenders. A formal warning letter sent to these offenders lets them know that they can be fined and that agencies have the right to install a flow restrictor if warnings are not enough.

LOW MAINTENANCE A drought

resistant landscape with native plants.

The Water Resources Association San Benito County (WRASBC) offers many free services to assist the community in using water efficiently. The agency suggests residents get a free leak check, irrigation system assessment and assistance. Be ready for when the irrigation season starts in late spring.

The WRASBC can be reached at 831.637.4378 or via their website www.wrasbc.org The WRASBC represents the City of Hollister, City of San Juan Bautista, Sunnyslope County Water District and the San Benito County Water District.

Shawn Novack is Water Conservation Programs Manager for the Water Resources Association of San Benito County, and the San Benito County Water District.

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SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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O& A

TRAPPED A McPhail trap is shown

on a lemon tree in a Gilroy home’s yard. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is monitoring for the oriental fruit fly in the region.

OUT & ABOUT GARDEN CLUB HOLDING PLANT SALES

Contributed

Crop-killing fly found in Santa Clara County APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

For information, visit cdfa. ca.gov/plant/PDEP/treatment/ oriental_ff.html.

WALKING TOUR VISITS HISTORICAL HOMES

SKphotographer /Shutterstock

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A

under the skin of host fruits, and the larvae tunnel through the flesh, destroying the crop.

“This pest presents a significant and imminent threat to the natural environment, agriculture and economy of California,” the CDFA stated. “Exotic fruit flies are internal feeders of fruit, and their presence therefore makes the fruit unfit for consumption.”

CDFA officials said they will be monitoring in South County for an unknown amount of time.

If a trap has been placed on your tree, contact the CDFA before conducting any pruning activities.

PLANT SALE BENEFITS BARN, SCHOOL GARDEN Gilroy Gardening Group presents its Spring Plant Sale on April 23 from 10am to 2pm at the Miller Red Barn, located at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy.

The sale will include heirloom tomatoes, houseplants, succulents, California natives, and other fruit and vegetable plants.

UC Master Gardeners will be on site to answer questions and help with drought tolerant ideas.

Proceeds benefit the Miller Red Barn and San Martin Gwinn School Children’s Garden.

Officials monitoring trees in southern region fter crop-destroying oriental fruit flies were found in San Jose in fall 2021, California Department of Food and Agriculture officials have recently placed traps on trees at homes throughout South Santa Clara County in order to track the movement of the dangerous pest.

According to the CDFA, seven oriental fruit flies were trapped in San Jose in September, indicating a breeding population exists in the area.

The fly devastates a variety of fruit, vegetable and native plants.

An adult fly is a little larger than a housefly, and is generally a bright yellow with a dark “T” shaped marking on its abdomen.

Females can lay up to 30 eggs

The South Valley Fleurs Garden Club is holding its annual plant and craft sales in Morgan Hill and Hollister.

The sales will be held April 16 from 9am to 2pm at Grace Hill Church, 16970 Dewitt St. in Morgan Hill, and April 23 from 9am to 2pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 649 San Benito St. in Hollister.

The nonprofit organization gives grants to schools for gardens and plantings done by the students.

It also maintains the downtown planters and butterfly garden in Morgan Hill, gardens at the Senior Center and VFW Hall in Gilroy, and a fire-safe garden in Hollister.

PEST An oriental fruit fly lays eggs in a variety of fruits.

The Gilroy Historical Society’s walking tours take place monthly.

On May 7, the tour will explore homes in Old Gilroy along Forest and Chestnut streets. On June 4, the group tours Gavilan Hill Memorial Park Cemetery (meet at the cemetery, 1000 First St.). Fifth Street will be the focus of the Aug. 6 tour.

Participants are asked to meet at the Gilroy Museum, 195 Fifth St., at 10am.

Donations to the museum are appreciated.

SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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Rebates save water, money Valley Water promotes incentive programs as drought continues

BY MICHAEL MOORE

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

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them inside,” Bob Wells said. “The yarrow dries really nicely.”

Another big advantage: the couple’s water bill went down from about $110 to $95 per month.

Helping in this endeavor is the installation of a solar synchronizing irrigation controller, which Wells said Valley Water offered another rebate for. “That saves water at all stations, for everything,” Bob Wells said.

Rebates for drought-tolerant lawns and water-saving appliances are among numerous incentive programs offered by Valley Water to encourage residents and business owners to limit their water use. Not only is the fall one of the best seasons to undertake a new landscape installation—the county is in the midst of a major statewide drought that has reduced water supplies and could continue well into next year, or longer.

“These programs are very attractive to homeowners as well as commercial” property owners, Valley Water Director John Varela said.

“Over 50% of your daily water use, as a homeowner, is in irrigation.

That’s a huge amount of water, so the board of directors has created the rebate program, which is extremely popular.”

Valley Water Conservation Specialist Ashley Shannon said in July, the district increased drought-tolerant lawn rebates from $1 to $2 per square foot, up to $3,000 per home. The City of Morgan Hill has agreed to supplement the Valley Water program by offering an additional $1 per square foot of converted lawn.

Participation in the program has grown exponentially, and the water savings can be immense.

Michael Moore

H

omeowners and commercial property owners who want to cut down on their outdoor water use and landscape maintenance should consider starting now if they want to install drought-tolerant lawns, according to conservation experts.

Regardless of what time of year one is able to complete such a project, interested property owners can gain rebates from Valley Water— up to $3,000 for residential and $50,000 for commercial properties—to offset the cost of their new landscaping installation.

Morgan Hill residents Bob and Nancy Wells showed off their drought-tolerant lawn on Calle Sienna recently at an event organized by Valley Water, the water district that serves Santa Clara County. Since the Wells installed their low-maintenance yard about three years ago, they have found it much easier to pull weeds and keep the landscape from becoming unruly. They have also seen local fauna such as hummingbirds and butterflies return to their home.

Bob Wells explained how he dug up the home’s previous lawn, which was just “non-functional” grass, after gaining inspiration from a neighbor who had completed a similar lawn conversion.

Wells replaced the grass with a layer of sand, weed cloth and gravel ground covering on top.

He and Nancy also installed a number of native and drought-resistant plants that are on Valley Water’s list of rebate-qualified species: yarrow, plumbago, ceanothus (California lilacs), lantanas and Chinese fringe flowers.

“It’s more visually beautiful, and we’re able to cut flowers and take

DROUGHT RESISTANT Valley Water officials are encouraging county residents

and businesses to convert their thirsty lawns into drought-resistant landscaping, such as Morgan Hill residents Bob and Nancy Wells’.

Shannon said it is estimated that by converting from a grass lawn to drought-tolerant, property owners can save about 35 gallons of water per square foot per year.

Since July, Valley Water has seen about a 250% increase in the number of property owners seeking drought-tolerant lawn rebates.

Shannon explained that property owners should consult with district staff and submit their plans before converting lawns to ensure they meet Valley Water’s criteria for a rebate. The district’s website for the programs includes a list of drought-tolerant plants that owners can install to qualify for a rebate.

She added that permeable ground coverings like gravel or wood chip mulch are preferred, as these allow irrigation and storm water to percolate back into the groundwater. Low-flow irrigation systems are among the criteria for a rebate.

Valley Water has a list of qualified landscape contractors, but homeowners can do the work themselves or hire any contractor they want as long as their plans meet the installation requirements, Shannon said.

Shannon listed further advantages of converting to a drought-tolerant lawn: “You can cut down on weekly maintenance—it’s more seasonal (instead of year-round) with yards like this. It reduces

weeds, chemicals you have to use and gas-powered mowers.”

Bob Wells said it was easy to work with Valley Water when he decided to use a rebate to install his drought-tolerant yard. He contacted the water district, which sent staff to his home to take measurements and photographs.

Wells did the work himself, and sent additional photos to Valley Water throughout the installation process. He said he used Microsoft Word to tweak a different set of landscape plans he acquired from his neighbor.

“I enjoyed the creative experience. It was quite fun to generate plans,” said Wells, who is a retired IBM engineer.

The water district also offers rebates and incentives for other water-saving features, including graywater reuse, rainwater capture and irrigation equipment upgrades. For information, visit valleywater.org/watersavingsorg.

While Valley Water officials are encouraged by the growing popularity of the district’s rebate programs, Varela said he would like to see more participation from the valley’s biggest water guzzlers.

“My message to businesses and managers of the community is, we need to talk more about conservation. And you need to play your part as well as the homeowners are, and qualify for the rebate,” Varela said.

SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

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HOME TOUR This home at 849 Second St. in Gilroy will be the check-in spot for the Gilroy Assistance League’s Annual Impressions Home + Garden Tour & Boutique.

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

Home, garden tour with boutique returns

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T

he Gilroy Assistance League’s (GALs) Annual Impressions Home + Garden Tour & Boutique is back for 2022.

Taking place on May 6th and May 7, this event is the perfect outing for Mother’s Day weekend and is also the major fundraiser for Gilroy Assistance League’s grant program that benefits dozens of South County youth programs each year.

“Our commitment to the tour and the community has never been stronger,” said GALs President Therese Martin. “After a two-year hiatus, we felt it was the right time to bring it back. Not only is it a treasured Mother's Day weekend tradition for

so many, but it is also our biggest fundraiser. We are so grateful to our friends in Gilroy and the surrounding areas that always show up and support our organization and this event. Without them, we couldn't do what we do!”

This year’s Home + Garden walking tour offers visitors a glimpse into four new or newly remodeled homes in the established neighborhoods near downtown Gilroy.

“Our search committee outdid themselves this year—each home is so unique and special,” said Karen Isaacson Ginkel, chair of the Home + Garden Tour & Boutique event. “This is the first time we are featuring such a diverse group of homes in terms of

Annual event benefits Gilroy Assistance League’s programs

décor, age and style. Plus, our homeowners are awesome! We are so lucky to have these incredible allies in our community who open their doors to 500-plus friends, neighbors and community members.”

On both May 6 and May 7, check-in at the first house (located at 849 Second St.) begins as early as 10am and as late as 2pm. Upon check-in, ticketholders will receive a program with descriptions of the homes and a map with the locations of all tour homes. At the conclusion of the walking tour, ticketholders are invited to mingle and shop at an extensive outdoor Boutique featuring numerous local artisans, refreshments and a no-host wine bar. The

Boutique will be open both days until 5pm.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For information or to buy tickets, visit the Gilroy Assistance League website at gilroyassistanceleague.org The Gilroy Assistance League is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the welfare and development of youth in South Santa Clara County through its annual grant cycle. All proceeds from the Impressions Home + Garden Tour & Boutique fund these grants.

Since 1993, GALs has distributed more than $325,000 in grants to local programs.

Water Awareness Month May 2022 Review Your Water Usage

Use water efficiently!

It's a precious resource we need to conserve and protect.

Visit or call the Water Resources Association of San Benito County to learn about water saving tips and programs.

831.637.4378 www.wrasbc.org

Serving the City of Holli�er, the City of Son Juon Bouti�o, Sunnysfope County Weter Oi�rict ond the Son Benito County Water Di�rict

SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

Below Normal Rainfall and Snowpack Abnormally Dry Conditions Existl

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Affordable kitchen upgrades to consider Renovations that improve functionality on a budget STATEPOINT

Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

I

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s remodeling your kitchen on your wish list? Afraid of how much it’ll set you back?

HomeAdvisor puts the average kitchen remodel price in the $12,567 to $34,962 range. However, you can buck the trend of costly, complicated updates. Consider these three renovations, all of which will improve the look and functionality of your kitchen, without costing thousands of dollars:

Refresh Fabrics Reupholstering just one chair means shelling out $150 to $600, according to HomeGuide. If that’s beyond what you’re willing to pay, but you’re not ready to replace a beloved set of kitchen chairs, you can update their look on a budget and in just a few minutes with stretchable seat covers.

A good choice for families with kids or pets, these covers are typically machine-washable and can be swapped out as often as you like to suit your mood. From geometric designs to citrus vibes to florals, they’re offered in a range of

COMMON UPGRADE patterns that will look great with any style.

New Granite Surfaces Countertops are the most common feature upgraded during kitchen renovations, according to a 2022 Houzz study, which found that nine in 10 remodelers performed this update. The same survey found that 35% of homeowners are splurging to make it happen. If you’ve looked into granite countertops, you probably learned that it can cost thousands of dollars and take months to have them custom-made and installed.

Adding this touch of luxury to your kitchen doesn’t have to bust your budget, involve contractors or mean supply chain hassles. It can actually be an easy, one-weekend DIY project. Using a LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Countertop Kit from Daich Coatings, you can transform your countertops and island surfaces at just a fraction of the price of a professional granite countertop installation. For about $300, a kit

covers 40 square feet of space. This functional and decorative blend of real stone with stunning mineral highlights can be used to give a smooth appearance to countertops, tables or any other surface. And because the authentic stone surface resists stains, heat and impact and is food safe, it’s a great solution for the kitchen.

Each kit includes a prime coat, stone coats, clear epoxy and a clear coat finish, as well as all the tools needed. This revolutionary and exceptionally easy resurfacing project doesn’t require any artistic skills to be a success. Nor does it require technical skills, as sinks, plumbing fixtures and existing countertops don’t need to be removed before application.

If you’re someone who likes the flexibility of changing things up every few years, it’s simple to update granite surface colors using another LuxROCK kit when you’re ready. Both this U.S. patent-pending kit and the brand’s textured countertop kits are available online at The Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Luxury granite countertops can be DIY projects completed in just one weekend.

Optimize Your Pantry Pantries are often tucked away, but you can still give them an eye-catching makeover. For fresh pops of color, paint the pantry door and wallpaper the interior. Group items by height, then use customizable shelving to stretch storage real estate. You may also wish to transfer kitchen staples to uniform containers. This will offer a tidier, more visually appealing look, while helping you make better use of limited space. Whether you opt for mason jars, ceramic canisters, or BPA-free plastic cubes, label containers carefully.

It’s the heart of the home, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to create your dream kitchen. With ingenuity, you can improve its look and functionality at an affordable price point and in just a weekend.

Home Equity Line of Credit Bring your projects to life Kick-start your home improvement project!

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SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2022

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. The initial rate for the Intro Rate Home Equity Line of Credit is a fixed rate not based on the index and margin used for subsequent rate adjustments. The Intro Rate HELOC initial rate of 1.99% APR fixed for the first 12 months. After the introductory rate the APR can vary and is based on Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.00% to +5.00% based on credit rating. The APR is subject to change on the 10th of each month, based on changes to Prime Rate, the highest Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal "Money Rates" table on the 20th of the prior month.

Minimum APR 4.00%, maximum APR 18.00%. Intro Rate Home Equity Line of Credit up to 80% CLTV with loan amounts of $10,000 - $500,000. During the draw period, you may withdraw (advance) funds up to your credit line limit and pay interest accrued on that balance monthly. After the draw period, you may not withdraw any more funds from the line. Your loan is then amortized and you begin to pay the principal and interest monthly. Offer not applicable on refinance of existing CommonWealth HELOCs. There are no loan processing or early closure fees and no prepayment penalty.

Borrower is responsible for closing costs ranging from $450 to $1,500 including appraisal and escrow. Offer not applicable on refinancing of existing CommonWealth HELOCs or within 24 months after the closed date of the 12 mos or 24 mos Intro Rate Home Equity Line of Credit. All third-party fees associated with the loan at origination that was not collected at the time of origination will have to be reimbursed to the credit union if the line of credit is closed within 24 months of the opening date. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

21

BEST OF BOTH Hyacinth is

both colorful and fragrant.

HORTICULTURE

Some extensively hybridized modern cultivars are not sterile, though. Some can produce feral progeny that are less appealing than the hybrid parents, but are vigorous enough to displace them.

Deadhead grooming eliminates most or all of the unwanted feral seed. Of course, for wild grape hyacinth and snowdrop, seeds can be left to develop and disperse.

Established colonies of feral freesias can be allowed to make seed for more of the same. However, hybrid freesia benefits from deadhead grooming to eliminate feral seed. Dutch iris, narcissus, daffodil, tulip, hyacinth and lily can also benefit from deadhead grooming, for a variety of reasons.

Some are sterile. Some are not.

Some get shabby. Some do not.

Highlight: hyacinth

APRIL 2022 | SOUTH VALLEY MAGAZINE

22

Contributed

Deadhead spring bulbs after bloom

BY TONY TOMEO

F

ruiting warm season vegetables that are now in season, such as squash, tomatoes and beans, are more abundant with regular harvest.

Plants that produce such fruit respond to their natural obligation to generate seed. Deprivation of the fruit that contains their seed stimulates production of more. Similarly, it is helpful to deadhead some flowering plants.

Deadhead grooming is a type of pruning, even if it does not involve pruning shears. It is, in simple

terms, the removal of deteriorating flowers after bloom. For some plants, it only improves aesthetic appeal. For many others, it redirects resources from seed production into subsequent bloom, or vegetative growth that eventually sustains subsequent bloom.

Now that early spring bulbs are finishing bloom, it is time to deadhead them. Most bloom just once annually, so without the distraction of seed production, will prioritize vegetative growth into new bulbs to bloom for next year. Many

of the summer bulbs that bloom later bloom more than once annually, so divert conserved resources into subsequent blooms.

However, many cultivars of spring bulbs are too extensively hybridized to produce viable seed.

For them, deadhead grooming merely eliminates unappealing deteriorated floral carcasses, while their foliage continues to sustain the development of new bulbs for next year. The foliage of most deteriorates slowly through warming spring or summer weather.

The most fragrant of flowers generally lack color. The most colorful of flowers generally lack fragrance. Most flowers employ either fragrance or color to attract pollinators, but not both. Hyacinth is an exception that is as colorful as it is fragrant. Bloom can be rich hues and tints of most colors except for green. The captivating fragrance is sweet and intense.

Hyacinth are spring bulbs that are now finishing bloom, but are ready for planting during autumn.

They require a bit of chill through winter, so must be dug and refrigerated for two months or so while dormant in milder climates. Dormant bulbs are plump and round, like small but toxic onions. They appreciate rich soil, regular irrigation, and a sunny situation.

Bulbs generate only a few strap shaped and somewhat rubbery leaves during late winter prior to early spring bloom. These leaves resemble lily of the Nile leaves, but stay rather short, and may not flop. Hyacinth blooms with one or two short, stout and neatly cylindric trusses of several small flowers. Foliage lingers for only two or three months after bloom. Bulbs may not be reliably perennial.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

DH

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