Palm Appeal

Pygmy Date Palm, is one of the most widely used palms in landscaping in America. Not only can it be used outdoors in variety of settings, but it also looks great in a container. The Pygmy Date Palm is also known as Robellini Palm and Miniature Date Palm.

Sago Palm, is a cycad. Cycads are known to be among the oldest plants on earth, unchanged for millions of years. Sago's are very slow growing palm that can get up to 7-10ft tall. It is also called Japanese Sago Palm, King Sago Palm, and Sago Cycas.

Queen Palm, is one of the most popular palms in tropical and subtropical climates because of its beautiful appearance and low maintenance. The Queen Palm is also known as Cocos plumosa. Groupings of three or more Queen Palms provide soft filtered sunlight perfect for shade gardens.

King Palm, is another popular palm in tropical and subtropical climates. This sun-loving palm is mostly used outdoors, but it also makes an excellent house plant if given the right environment. The King Palm is also known as Alexandra Palm and Alexander Palm.

Fishtail Palm, leaflets are shaped like fishtails, therefore the palm's common name is Fishtail Palm. The Fishtail Palm is also known as Clustered Fishtail Palm.

Kentia Palm, is by far the most popular indoor palm because of its durability and elegant appearance. It is also great for outdoors. It is also known as Sentry Palm and Paradise Palm.

Majesty Palm, is a very shade tolerant palm that will reach 10 feet in height, very quickly. It grows and looks best situated under a canopy of tall trees. It is also known as Majestie Palm and Majestic Palm.

Bamboo Palm, is a small graceful palm that commonly used in landscapes and indoor decoration. The Bamboo Palm is also known as Reed Palm, Clustered Parlor Palm, and Cane Palm.

Illuminate Your Landscape with Lighting

A well-lit home is also safer and more secure. Illuminated steps, paths and driveways prevent after-dark accidents. Motion detectors light up obscure spots when someone passes by. Photocells automatically turn on fixtures at dusk and off at dawn, providing protection even when you're away from home.

Growing Blueberries

You don't usually associate blueberry plants with Southern California, but certain types will do well here.

The blueberry varieties that grow well here are the "Southern Highbush" types. They have a low chill requirement and will withstand hot weather and also tolerate our mild winters and are among the most flavorful of all blueberries having a marvelous wild blueberry flavor.

Although these plants are self-fertile and will produce fruit if planted alone, they will produce more fruit if two or more varieties are planted together so they can cross-pollinate.

Here are a few varieties to grow together

• Misty - bears good-sized berries that have terrific flavor.
• Georgia Gem - great flavor, very reliable under most climatic conditions; heavy production.
• Blue Crisp - a new introduction, good quality fruit, prolific producer.
• Star - very similar to Blue Crisp.
• Cape Fear - old-timer, quite popular and reliable, probably the most likely variety to be found at local nurseries.

The biggest obstacle to growing blueberries in our area is proper soil. Blueberries should be planted in large pots or barrels. Do not plant in the ground.  The soil in Southern California has a lot of alkaline and the plants will not thrive. They must have an acid soil. They thrive in soils with low pH range.  

Blueberries require an area that receives full sun. When planting in barrels, moisten the peat moss ahead of time and mix it thoroughly with the commercial soil mix.

Blueberry plants will live and produce for many years. They are deciduous and will lose their leaves in the winter. Incidentally, the foliage will turn a brilliant red in late fall and this makes a showy addition to a landscape.

Many local nurseries should have blueberry plants, available now for planting.