MBBG_Summer 2012 - Manhattan Beach Botanical

The Gardener’s
Grapevine
Summer 2012
President’s Message
Celebrating 100 and 20 years!
By Martha Andreani, MBBG Secretary There’s nothing quite like a hometown parade to celebrate 100 and 20 years! And celebrate we did in Manhattan Beach’s Centennial Parade on May 19. Not only did the Botanical Garden walk in the parade to help the City honor its 100th birth‐
day, but we walked to celebrate the Garden’s 20th birthday this year, too! During the parade line‐
up we could feel the “buzz” in the air…
Charlotte Marshall was cutely dressed as a bee, several others were wearing bumble bee wings. Heidi Halverson
‐Gordon was dressed as a bee‐keeper and her Great Dane dog, Mimi, was dressed as the tall‐
est bee you ever did see. Kathy Clark was wearing a sunflower hat she made, and Roy Gonella and Marilyn
Marilyn Beaumont was Beaumont passed out seed
smartly dressed as packets along the MB Cen“Mother Earth.” Also tennial parade route.
busy as bees were Julie and Roy Gonella, Renata and Chris Eubank, Bet‐
tycarol Kostan, and Linda Morey. Gretchen Renshaw was driving our “float,” brimming Gretchen Renshaw drove the MBBG “float” with sax
player Matt Gafney.
with native wildflowers just bursting to show themselves off in the parade. At her side was UCLA Jazz student and Mira Costa graduate Matt Gafney skillfully playing “Flight of the Bumble Bee” on his saxophone. Leading the way down the parade route from Pacific School to Polliwog Park were Martha An‐
dreani and Kerry Harling carrying the M.B. Bo‐
tanical Garden banner. All our “bee‐utiful” pa‐
rade volunteers were definitely crowd‐pleasers, with our friendly bees distributing California Poppy seed packets to a smiling, waving crowd! Fittingly from that clever Centennial Parade Committee, there were 100 entries in the parade, and we were delighted to be a part of this memorable event. To those of you who had the opportunity to enjoy celebrating our commu‐
nity’s Centennial as a spectator along the parade route, plant your California Poppy seeds and continue celebrating your Botanical Garden’s 20th year. www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org 2
The Gardener’s Grapevine
MBBG Board of Directors
Published since 1996
Charlotte Marshall, President
Julie Gonella, Vice President
Collaborative Editors:
Julie Gonella
Ann Barklow
Martha Andreani
Charlotte Marshall
Martha Andreani, Secretary
Roy Gonella, Treasurer
Mimi Andersen
Jill Brunkhardt
Layout Editor:
Suzanne Schultz
Mike Garcia
Dave Harris
Eve Kelso
Gretchen Renshaw
The Gardener’s Grapevine is published seasonally by
volunteers of the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden,
a nonprofit corporation whose membership includes
amateur and professional gardeners.
John Scott
MBBG Board of Advisors
Other organizations may reprint an article if credit
is given and the editor is sent a copy.
Melanie Baer-Keeley, Horticulturist
Tony Baker, Horticulturist
Ann Barklow, Arborist
Kathleen Bullard, Environmental Consultant
Greg Monfette, Arborist
David Moody, Naturalist
Joyce Haraughty, PR
Andrew Pedersen, Entomologist
Bob Shanman, Bird Expert
Lisa Ryder Moore, Composting
We are grateful to Chevron, the City of Manhattan
Beach, Rotary of Manhattan Beach, and VOICE for
their generous sponsorship. Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is located in Polliwog Park on Peck Avenue,
just north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden
P.O. Box 1156
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267-1156
(310) 546-1354
[email protected]
Committees
Garden Maintenance
Friday Volunteer Directors:
Mimi Andersen, Julie Gonella, and
Gretchen Renshaw
Large Jobs:
Mike Garcia & Enviroscape
Mulch Delivery: Wally Miglin
Volunteers: Julie Gonella
Outreach
PR: Charlotte Marshall
Rotary: Dave Harris
City Liaison: Eve Kelso
Chevron Liaison: Jill Brunkhardt
Education
Interpretive Signs: John Scott
Classes: Martha Andreani
Garden Tours: Gretchen Renshaw
Our Mission
Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is a non‐
profit public education organization dedicated to promoting earth‐friendly gardening tech‐
niques, encouraging the use of California na‐
tive and drought‐tolerant plants, and conserv‐
ing our natural resources. Please join our all‐volunteer‐run organization by helping maintain the Garden on Fridays from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. No need to sign up; just drop in. We’ll teach you earth‐friendly gar‐
dening techniques and provide the needed tools. Non‐gardening tasks are available as well. To learn more about MBBG, visit www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 3
Thank You…
Volunteers who helped MBBG prepare and partici‐
pate in the Manhattan Beach Centennial Parade: Martha Andreani; Gretchen Renshaw; Charlotte Marshall; Julie and Roy Gonella; Kerry Harling; Marilyn Beaumont; Linda Morey; Kathy Clark; Bet‐
tycarol Kostan; Heidi Halverson‐Gordon and her Great Dane, Mimi; Matt Gafney; and Chris and Re‐
nata Eubank. Marilyn Beaumont with parade goers.
MBBG volunteers who helped the Leadership Manhattan Beach Class of 2012 with their landscape makeover: Mike Garcia and Enviroscape: irrigation and water feature; Mimi Andersen: design and oversight; Jim Catella: demo, gypsum, and pavers; Julie Gonella: LMB class member, landscape committee lead; Gretchen Renshaw: plant installation; Roy Gonella, Marilyn Beaumont, Linda Morey, Sylvia Reyner, Ellen Sosin, and Bruce Johnson: demo and construction. The finished Sustainable Garden Project is located at the down‐
town MB Post Office on 15th and Valley. Mike Garcia (right) ensured the landscape’s
irrigation system and water feature are lowwater use and easy maintenance.
Gretchen Renshaw and Charlotte Marshall for the lovely watering can bou‐
quets for the Leadership Manhattan Beach graduation dinner. Bruce Johnson for making name tags for all the Friday volunteers. Charlotte Marshall for creating a delicious blackberry (MBBG grown) cob‐
bler for the Friday volunteers. Bruce Johnson with the
Friday volunteer nametags.
New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 4
Gardening Tips
Worm Suppliers
The City of Manhattan Beach offers free composting classes at MBBG three times each year (check www.mbbgarden.org for schedule). Also discussed are worm bins, a great way for gardeners with limited space, to create Earth‐friendly organic fertilizer from their kitchen scraps. Here’s a list of worm suppliers in CA from the CalRecycle website: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/worms/
WormSupply.htm Red Wigglers are favorites of worm composters.
There is also a worm supplier at the Torrance Farmers Market located at Charles H. Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd. (between Sepulveda Blvd. and Car‐
son St). It is open Tuesdays, 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., and Saturdays, 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Do You Need Soil Testing?
Twenty years ago when the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden site was being prepared, a soil test was performed once the unwanted vegetation was removed and the ground was leveled and graded. The soil test established pH and salt levels, and reflected the need for phosphate and potash fertiliz‐
ers. Gypsum powder was applied based on the finding. If you are preparing for a complete yard makeover or are frustrated by a multitude of sick plants, you may be wondering if performing a soil test would be beneficial to you. According to Colorado State Extension Service, “It is important to know that a standard soil test will not identify the most common garden problems related to overwatering, underwatering, poor soil drainage, soil compaction, diseases, insects, weed competition, environmental disorders, too much shade, poor varieties, or basic neglect.” In addition, “Soil testing for nitrogen has limited use for the home gardener because the nitrogen level constantly changes in response to soil organic matter addi‐
tions, soil microorganism activity, and temperature and moisture levels.” MBBG board member Gretchen Renshaw tells us that, except for the homeowner with an older build‐
ing who suspects there may be run‐off from lead‐based paint seeping into the yard and causing con‐
tamination, pH level is the most important information to be gained by a soil test. All other values will need expert interpretation. To learn more about soil testing, check out this excellent page from the Orange County Master Gardeners: http://uccemg.com/
Soils‐Fertilizers‐Compost/?uid=1&ds=547. The Rapitest can be purchased at a reasonable price online: http://
www.amazon.com/Luster‐Leaf‐1601‐Rapitest‐Soil/dp/
B0000DI845/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn‐
garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1332951424&sr=1‐1. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 5
Pest Patrol
What to Do About
Earwigs?
By Andrew Pedersen, En‐
tomologist and MBBG Ad‐
visor Most of us are familiar with “pincher bugs” that we usually see under rocks or around our homes. These insects are called earwigs and the species we most commonly see in California is the European earwig, Forficula auriculara. Adult earwigs are ¾‐inch long, have a brownish color, and a large pair of “pincers” or cerci that are on the end of the abdomen. They have two pairs of wings but these are typically folded up and they seldom fly. Perhaps the most unique aspect of earwigs is the females’ tendency to protect and care for their young after hatching. Despite their maternal instincts, earwigs can be significant pests in the garden. They are gener‐
ally a problem on either seedlings or soft‐bodied fruits, especially strawberries, which are low to the ground. Their chewing mouth parts create small, irregular holes. Earwig damage can be distinguished from that of caterpillars or slugs by the absence of webbing or slime, respectively. A great way to manage earwigs in your garden is to put out traps. You can fill a tuna can with either fish oil or vegetable oil with bacon grease to attract and drown earwigs. Another trap type is any kind of small tubing including rolled up newspaper. Check your tubing early in the morning and dump the accumulated earwigs in some soapy water. Traps should always be placed near earwigs’ preferred habitats like wood mulch or dense low growing vegetation. Another option is to remove these types of habi‐
tats. It is worth noting that earwigs can be bene‐
ficial as they are voracious predators of soft bod‐
ied insects like aphids. It is always best to con‐
firm that earwigs are actually causing damage before attempting to control them. Enjoy the following poem sent to MBBG by Carol Jacobson about our local dune native, Beach Primrose. She enjoys watching them spring to life, in spite of the challenges brought by modern society. On the Hill
By Carol Jacobson I spring up out of dry hard dirt heedless of exhaust fumes on a landslide hill – hardened by a century of ozone and smog, surrounded by tough natives. Photosynthesis is thy Name – survivor of ruggedest – stamen and petals spread open to catch moist sunshine. I reflect sand dunes 300 years ago. My roots grapple, grasp whatever they need to suck, suckle – a foundation as I sprout like so many family trees—close to earth—bound by Nature’s gravity. Green selfish leaves intertwine, spread along my tangled paths. At my tips Glory is announced, amber orange tightly enclosed buds, embryo to come. Riding high: Sunshine matriarch four petals strong yet buttersoft. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 6
Organizational News
The Manhattan Beach Historical Society (MBHS) requested the help of MBBG this spring to advise and assist in the creation of a new “historical dune” landscape surrounding its cottage in Polliwog Park. MBHS board member Gary McAulay recruited Julie Gonella from MBBG for the project, and A.J. Shoemaker of MB Boy Scout troop 849 who was seeking an Eagle Scout project. The site preparation was extensive and, in addition to removing all the non‐native, water‐intensive vegetation, the City was required to relocate the wheelchair ramp from the front to the side of the building. This greatly enlarged the “front yard,” providing plenty of space for dune natives such as Giant coreopsis, Seaside daisy, Dune lupine, Dune tansy, Coyote brush, and Dune poppies. Some grassy sedges, a type of grass similar to those that graced the Polliwog Park area years ago when it was a seasonally flooded vernal pool were also added, as well as the new official Manhattan Beach City flower, Beach primrose. Ice plant was installed along the west side of the house as a historically significant plant. Since the early 1900s, this South African native has been used extensively along South Bay dunes to stabilize the sand. A.J. and his troop finished the Eagle project just in time for the Manhattan Beach Centennial parade celebration on May 19. The parade terminated at Polliwog Park, providing an opportunity for hun‐
dreds of locals to view a new and unique display relating to the history of Manhattan Beach. If you haven’t already done so, stop by the “Little Red House” at 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd. and check it out. The cottage museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:00 P.M. The new garden can be viewed any time. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 7
Do You Need Your Lawn?
By Tony Baker, Natural Landscapes America loves turf. In fact it’s a downright obsession. Sadly, the vast majority of lawns have no other use than to be green. While driving around the South Bay, I am constantly amazed by the vast expanses of lawn area blanketing our landscapes when we live in a unique Mediterranean climate in which we can grow almost any plant we care to. As a landscaper, I sometimes incorporate small lawn areas into otherwise drought tolerant landscapes. A surface of soft grass can’t be beat for frolicking with your dog, as a setting for the backyard barbeque, or kicking around a soccer ball with your kids. But do we really need a half acre of it around the house, covering the parkway strip, or a vast expanse surrounding an industrial park? The monoculture that we know of as the modern lawn wastes precious resources and has al‐
most zero habitat value. Maintaining a perfect green carpet of turf requires applications of chemical fertilizers, broadleaf herbicides, pesticides, and copious amounts of water. Some H₂0 facts to ponder: Home water use in America is estimated to average about 43 billion gallons per day. About half is used outside the house and much of that is used to irrigate lawns. The total lawn area of home landscapes, golf courses, and sports fields in America adds up to ap‐
proximately 63,000 square miles, an area larger than many states. In order to keep all this turf green, Americans use 19 trillion gallons of water per year. In California, it is estimated that residential lawns take up 300,000 acres. The average California lawn uses about 45,000 gallons of water per year. The amount of water used by California homeowners to irrigate their lawns is equal to the yearly flow of the Kern and Owens Rivers combined. We over water our lawns by up to 50 percent with much of the excess running off into waterways and oceans, polluting them with fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Sod is the largest crop in America and supports a $60 billion turf grass industry. Thirteen percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. is used to pump, treat, and move water from one place to another. Over the next 25 years, the bill nationwide for water treatment and delivery system upgrades is estimated to be about $1 trillion. Due to diversions, the Colorado River no longer reaches the Gulf of California, Owens Lake is dry, and the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta faces environmental catastrophe. What’s a responsible green citizen to do? Well, we can shrink our lawns or lose them altogether and encourage others to do the same. An alternative could be to plant a native California grass or natural meadow that will use much less water than the standard sod. To help you, obtain a copy of Reimagin‐
ing the California Lawn by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O’Brien. This valuable book contains a wealth of information on removing existing lawns and designing and implementing drought toler‐
ant options. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 8
Landscape Transformation at the Post Office
Old Post Office Landscape. The 2011 Manhattan Beach Envi‐
ronmental Task Force, including two MBBG board members, chose the downtown Post Office site to demonstrate sustainable landscaping. Leadership Manhattan Beach (LMB), Class of 2012, took on the funding and labor of the “Sustainable Garden Project.” Site Demo and Grading. Once diseased trees, grass, and old shrubs were removed, the mounded site was leveled to prevent water runoff into streets leading to the ocean. Truckloads of soil were removed along with tree stumps and piles of roots. Smothered with Mulch. Due to time constraints, weeds and the top layer of lawn were removed early on with a backhoe. Their roots were then killed using the “smother method” (newspapers topped with six inches of tree trimming mulch), which denied them sunlight, oxygen, and water. This was left in place for ap‐
proximately two months. (To save the backhoe step, the smoth‐
ering layer can be applied to a closely mowed lawn and left on for two to six months during the dry summer/fall seasons). Conduits and Permeable Paths. With the Art Commission’s approval, the large metal sculpture was moved closer to the building and lowered to put it in scale with the building. Trenches for the main water lines and power conduits were dug and the pipes installed underground. Using Epic Benderboard, a product created from recycled plastic, “circulation” paths were laid out, directing pedestrians through the landscape. These paths were filled with three to four inches of decomposed granite (DG), a porous material that allows rain water to soak into the ground where it can be naturally filtered before reach‐
ing the water table. New & Improved: www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org or www.mbbgarden.org 9
Garden and Soil Enhancements. Boulders were strategically placed throughout the garden and the soil was fortified with donated amendment and gypsum. Plants and Irrigation. Fifty‐four different species of climate ap‐
propriate shrubs and trees were installed including succulents, native ceanothus, sages, bunch grasses, Western redbuds, and a donated Western Sycamore. An area of sod was planted for dog owners. Lines of underground drip irrigation donated by Rain Bird were placed near each plant. A rock fountain was added to provide interest for people and a drink for wildlife. Pavers and Benches. Cement pavers were laid in heavy traffic areas. They were installed without cement in order to maintain as much permeability as possible during rain. Sparkling recy‐
cled glass was added to accent pavers and two custom made benches. Ribbon Cutting, Enjoy, and Learn. At the May 12 ribbon cut‐
ting ceremony, Mayor Wayne Powell congratulated LMB and the more than 150 volunteers, including many MBBG members, who contributed to the new sustainable garden. The community is invited to enjoy and learn from this project. 10
Thank You MBBG Sponsors!
Oak ($5,000) Chevron Corporation Alder ($1,000) Mike Garcia Helen Ristani Rotary Club of MB Redbud ($500) Julie & Roy Gonella Bruce Johnson David Lesser & Family Kim Lewis MB Property Owners Association John Scott Sage ($250) Martha Andreani Charlotte & John Barry Kathy Clark Kristie Daniel‐DiGregorio Hermosa Garden Club Kellie Hunter Edie Merrifield & Family Neptunian Women’s Club Deborah & John Porter & Family Bob Shanman of Wild Birds Unlimited: Free Birdseed Buckwheat ($100) Ann Barklow Janet Brownlee Kathleen Bullard Dr. Maria Capaldo Ann Dalkey Maria Doiev The Goshtigian Family Dave Harris Deborah & Will Hass Russ & Charlotte Lesser Marina del Rey Garden Center Cheryll Lynn & Scott McNabb Lisa & Patrick Moore Robin & Sharon Nakazaki & Family Laura & Layton Pace Bernard & Shirley Reyner Hans & Rachel Vandenberg Geoffrey Yarema Zwissler Family Poppy ($50) Anonymous Isa & Barry Anderson Diane & Lou Charbonneau Jim Catella Cathy Clous Thomas Conroy & Alice Neuhauser Stana Edgington Virginia Evans Gail & Wayne Fenner Kaye Gagnon Georgette Gantner Stephanie & Gabriel Goshtigian Mike Gumino Joyce & Ken Haraughty Betty Keel Kris Lauritson Liza Levine Charlotte Marshall Ann Martin McAree Family Don & Jeanne McPherson Pamela McManus Meyers Family Andrea Miller Vickie Ruch Dixie Roy Carol Tanner Temple Shalom Phyllis & John Wormington Become a Sponsor and/or Member of Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden
Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden—P.O. Box 1156, Manhattan Beach, CA 90267‐1156 Name _______________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________ E‐Mail Address if you would like to receive The Gardener’s Grapevine electronically along with occasional bulletins_________________________________________________________________________ Membership:  Student, $12  Senior, $18  Regular, $24  Family (Household), $36  New Member  Renewal Sponsorship Levels:  Poppy $50  Buckwheat $100  Redbud $500  Alder $1,000  Sage $250  Oak $5,000 Please support our all‐volunteer organization. Dues and donations to the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden are tax de‐
ductible and are used for outreach and education, as well as for the purchase of new plants, the replacement of garden tools and materials and occasional special projects requiring hired contractors. The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is located in Polliwog Park
on Peck Avenue, just north of Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Printing Courtesy of Chevron Printed on Recycled Paper www.manhattanbeachbotanicalgarden.org