California Gardening: Wintrer in California, 0 by Twincol

Twincol wrote:
It was 68F degrees (20Celsius) on my patio at 3ish this afternoon. At 4:30 pm it's 65F degrees (18C). This is why I love what I've done with this yard tucked in the inner corner of my house. The two 30+YO Fruitless Mulberries on the western perimeter of my property, adjacent to the patio and house. In the summer they provide near total shade, thus keeping the area as cool as is possible when we have our 100F++ degree (38C) summers in the San Joaquin Valley. In the winter with the leaves GONE from the tree (not necessarily from the ground ) the concrete is in full sun on sunny days, thus grabbing and holding on to the warmth from the sun. It is just delightful, not to mention likely energy-saving. I had both doors open all afternoon, just now closing them.

And, guys . . . help me out, here. 1) Two of my camellia shrubs have bloomed already, with the petals almost all on the ground. Another, my 30YO "whatever-it's name-is" is still in full bud, no blooms yet appearing at all. What's happening with that? Huh? huh? huh? I haven't pruned any of them for years, except to trim an occasional branch growing beyond the overall shape of the plant, or one which is dead. So, how is it that a single shrub is so recalcitrant? This shrub, BTW, as I've watched it over the years, is quite sensitive to temps, it seems. Some years it blooms at Christmastime, other years it blooms later. So, I would guess it is more sensitive to temps than the newer plants. Is that characteristic of the newer plants 'cause they're later cultivars? Is it possible that a camellia can be so sensitive to temps?

And, 2) it may not be apparent, but there is considerable moss growing on the roof in spots. Some of it is light and on the surface. Other areas seem to be "heavier" and growing under the roofing in spots. Doubtless, summer won't solve this problem, as these areas appear to be in shady spots, without access to sun at all. It is, of course, more visible and obvious in winter due to the lack of shade hiding it. Is it damaging my roof? Should I be going after it with some kind of weed killer? Some of it is accessible from the roof edge, but I've only once been on top of my roof and was terrified, screaming at a neighbor to come over to help me down. I aint going back up there ever again! Thoughts? wisdom?

Linda and The MopTops



edited to add: BTW, SacValley, that pic of the flowering jade is mind-boggling to me. I've never seen a jade flower before! WOW!

This message was edited Jan 17, 2009 10:27 PM