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GARDENING IN PINE VALLEY The Pine Valley Garden Club says welcome to the Valley! Whether you're moving here from "down the hill" in San Diego or from out of state there are a few things that might be helpful to know before you plant a garden. Pine Valley can experience some extremes in weather during the year, from high teens to low 100's that can drastically impact your garden. Add to that the fact we are a much drier area with lower humidity and less rainfall than the rest of San Diego County and you have some interesting challenges ahead. In the Sunset Western Garden Book we are in area 18. However, if you are checking out county nurseries look for plants that can tolerate below freezing temperatures. Also remember that plants that may be able to take full sun on the coast are going to get much more of it, at hotter temperatures, here. But take heart there are quite a few plants that do better for having 4 seasons instead of 2. As you look around the Valley and see what other people have planted you will see a lot of: African daisies, daffodils, irises, lilacs, English primrose, Mexican evening primrose, marigolds, pansies, and much more. Just keep in mind that we have had snow as late as mid to late April and that in summer you may need to water more frequently than you are use to, but the results are certainly worth the effort. Again, welcome to Pine Valley, we hope you love it like we do and good planting!! Did I mention the critters: deer, rabbits, turkeys, GOPHERS, voles and squirrels? Kathy Carr 473-0007 Photo Gallery's An Alpine Garden An amazing garden at a home in Alpine, one of the best in all Southern California. Kathy's Garden Our own Kathy Carr's front yard garden in the Rancheros of Pine Valley. Join the Pine Valley Garden Club, we meet at 1PM on the second Saturday of each month, meetings are at member homes or the County Library. Feel free to contact Kathy Carr at 473-0007 for information or directions. Hope we see you there.... --==/o\==-- What's killing Pine Valley daffodils? Did you know that there are several really good reasons why rural communities such as Pine Valley and Julian choose the daffodil to plant in their area? First, and by far foremost, is that nothing and I do mean nothing will eat daffodil bulbs. (Ground squirrels and gophers have been known to pop the bulbs up out of the ground but they don't eat them.) Second is the fact that if daffodils like where they are and get the right amount of rain and sun they will multiply and spread each year. And last, ut certainly not least, is that daffodils are a really bright cheerful way to greet spring. Let's face it, they're a happy looking flower. So what could possibly be causing us to see fewer and fewer flowers each year? Yep, you guessed it, people. Well meaning people who don't understand the cycle the daffodil has to go through in order to be happy, re-appear and hopefully spread year after year. The first thing that announces spring is the fresh green leaves the bulbs put out well in advance of the golden cup like flower. The flowers follow and, though not long lived individually, continue to bloom for several weeks if not more. Then only the greens are left and slowly collapse and turn yellow. This is where the daffodil is at its most vulnerable. The leaves must be allowed to do their collapse, turn yellow and ultimate die cycle in order to feed the bulb in the ground below. When people decide that the flowers are gone and weed whack the greenery down then there is a good chance the bulb hasn't gotten enough nourishment to bloom again the next year. We try to plant the bulbs in areas that are not that "well tended" so there is a better chance the daffodils will return but even then there is the risk somebody will decide to get rid of the dead looking leaves. Sometimes too much water (yes, I know that is not usually our problem) can actual rot the bulb in the ground. In any case give the daffodils a break and let the greens die down completely before pulling them up. If you tug on them gently and the leaves come out, okay but if there is resistance then let them go a little longer. (If you don't like the look of the dying leaves in your own garden then plant some flower seeds that will grow and cover the leaves until it's time to pull them up.) We all like the way Pine Valley looks with the daffodils in bloom so please help us keep them alive and well. Thanks, Kathy Carr for the Valley View Monthly --==/o\==-- Other East County Links Pine Valley Mens Club | PV Clubhouse Schedule | California Department of Forestry | The Back Country Messenger Got a question? Contact us HERE.