Aptos Times: April 15, 2021 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Happy Feels The Love

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appy (A279050) came into the shelter as a stray, in notso-great condition. He had been found by a good Samaritan who passed by as another dog was attacking Happy. People were standing-by filming it. Thankfully, the Good Samaritan stepped in and took Happy away from the situation. Unable to keep the dog, and concerned for his condition, he reached out to the SCCAS to get Happy the medical treatment he needed. We don’t know about Happy’s past but it is evident that he has been through a lot. The scars of numerous bite wounds cover his body. His mouth was infected from years of neglect, and this likely led to the loss of his lower jaw. Through the medical care of Shelter staff, as well as Dentistry for Animals, Happy is looking and feeling so much better! Despite his medical struggles, Happy thrives in the home. He is housetrained, and LOVES to hang out on the couch. It’s his favorite spot to snuggle up and squeak around on his many toys!. But he’s not ALL about laying around; Happy is also an active puppo! He loves exploring with his nose, and makes a great hiking and walking partner. Happy is anxious about interactions with other dogs but has warmed up on walks with easy going dog pals. He gets overwhelmed in areas with lots of doggos, but has made several walking friends through slow introduction and positive reinforcement. Happy has spent the past 5 weeks blossoming into quite an endearing and quirky little pup. His positive attitude suggests that he would do well with children, but we still recommend they meet at the Shelter first. On the other hand, a home with cats and small animals is not recommended for Happy. He would likely do best as the only dog in the home, and with an adopter that is prepared to show him patience and love. Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076  SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Reasons to Deadhead Spring Bulbs

By Tony Tomeo

ow that the various spring bulbs have finished blooming, or will soon, many will benefit from deadheading. The techniques are simple, and actually benefit many plants besides spring bulbs. In the most basic terms, deadheading is merely the removal of deteriorating flowers after bloom. Ideally, it should happen prior to the development of seed structures. A most obvious advantage of deadheading is that it eliminates unappealing carcasses of finished flowers. This neatens the appearance of remaining foliage. The foliage of some spring bulbs shrivels soon after bloom, but remains intact through the process, to sustain development of new bulbs. It is easier to ignore without prominently shabby floral stalks. Deadheading also conserves and redirects resources that would otherwise sustain seed production. Such resources can instead promote vegetative growth, including production of new bulbs to replace the old. Furthermore, depriving bulbs of seed provides an added incentive for vegetative regeneration. If unable to survive by one means, they try another. Some bulbs are more reliant on deadheading than others. Grape hyacinth and snowdrop are too profuse with bloom for minor seed production to inhibit their performance. In fact, they produce viable and genetically stable seed, which could be an advantage if more of the same are desirable. Although seed production is limited, seed disperses extensively. Dutch crocus are an example of sterile hybrids that are unable to produce viable seed, or waste associated resources on such

What happens when daffodils finish blooming?

efforts. Other extensively bred bulbs that are not so sterile may not be true to type. Consequently, their progeny are likely to be very different. Freesia do not require deadheading, but can produce feral seedlings with insipid bloom. Lily, narcissus, daffodil, tulip and hyacinth are some of the popular spring bulbs that now are ready for deadheading. Summer bulbs and perennials will get their turn later. Canna, dahlia and perennials that continue to bloom through summer will be tidier, and perhaps bloom more abundantly with efficient deadheading. They need not wait until next year to express their gratitude. ••• Grape Hyacinth re they reliably perennial or invasive? In ideal situations, old fashioned grape hyacinth, Muscari armeniacum, can get a bit too eager to proliferate and migrate. Not only do their bulbs divide efficiently, but their seed disperse beyond bulb colonies. However, bulbs do not migrate too rapidly for containment. Thorough deadheading inhibits seed dispersion. Grape hyacinth provides some of the earGrape hyacinth is very liest spring bloom. reliably perennial. Floral spikes of tiny rounded flowers do not get much more than six inches tall, but are delightfully abundant. The rich blue color is exquisite. Hybrids and other species can bloom with pale pink, pale purple, white, yellow, or various shades or tints of blue. The grassy foliage is somewhat rubbery. If they do not migrate efficiently enough, established colonies of grape hyacinth are easy to divide in autumn. Of course, it will be necessary to mark their locations as their foliage dies back at the end of spring. Division is easier and faster than growing new plants from seed. If hybrids produce seed at all, it may not be viable. If it is, it may not be true to type. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com