November Thanks!!

Just participated in the Desert Aids Walk on this glorious Hallowe'en day- how fabulous is our weather!?! We strolled through the old "Movie Colony", winding around charming streets, and gawking at the beautiful estates discretely hidden by tall ficus hedges. I'm always amazed at the variety of plants that we can grow here, considering the extreme temperatures. Like October, November is a great month to tend to your landscape. Still plenty of time to plant annual color, vegetables, bulbs, and perennials. For permanent or perennial plants, planting them now gives them at least six months to get established before the heat (oh nooooo!) of summer. Overseed your Bermuda lawns now with the winter ryegrass. Let's talk Nasturtiums! November is the best month to plant these enthusiastic bloomers. Originally from South America, these colorful flowers will come back yearly. Simply toss them on a north-facing hillside, or poke them in some pots- and stand back! Remember to adjust your irrigation- depending on the plant material. Usually once a day is plenty now, especially if your overseeded lawns are in. First frosts are possible by mid-month. Bring tender pots close to house and have an old sheet to throw over sensitive shrubs. Hopefully we all can take a moment, breathe deeply, and spend some quiet time in our own "happy space", and be grateful. Garden on!!