The Case of the Brown Redwood
There has been a great deal of controversy concerning the Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). Many redwoods throughout the area have turned brown and unattractive. Some people contend that it is a virus or some other disease. I overheard a good friend say that friends don't let friends plant redwoods in Bakersfield. The contention is that since the redwood is not native to this area, it should not be planted here and the fact that some trees are turning brown is of little concern.
The redwood is native to the fog belt of northern California. They obtain a large portion of their required water from condensation of fog. The duff or organic matter is very deep under the trees in a natural redwood forest. This provides insulation and sustained moisture to the broad spreading root system. This is not the environment we provide when we plant redwoods in the landscape. Typically the trees are placed in a small island that are many times by the driveway or by a concrete block wall where there is a great deal of reflected heat. The soil under the tree is bare and usually high in alkali. This is NOT what this tree likes. Redwoods like moist, acid soil high in organic matter. But there is hope. Redwoods can be successfully grown in Bakersfield if you follow a few easy steps. When planting, dig large holes 3 to 4 times the size of the root ball Add Penmax and Gypsite to increase drainage and reduce the alkali Use 2 to 4 cu ft of acidic compost or planter mix blended 2/3 compost to 1/3 native soil. Plant with the root ball at least 1" above soil level. Cover the soil with 3" of compost in a circle at least 3' wide. Taper the compost close to the trunk so that there is only about ¼ "on top of the root ball next to the trunk. Use 3 to 5 deep root pipes to provide needed oxygen to the root system. Water with a spray system to cover a wide area a keep the soil moist. A yearly application of an iron product such as Vim will further reduce the alkali and green up the tree. If you have an existing tree, you can't redig the hole, but the rest of the steps will allow the tree to once again be beautiful and green.

Guard Your Trees
Soft wooded trees such as Birch, Cottonwood, Poplar or Willow, are particularly susceptible to attack by a group of insects called Borers. Don't allow these devastating Borers to kill your trees. Look for the tell-tale signs of dead tips or branches. Or on closer inspection, look for sap oozing out of the trunk or crotch of you tree, with holes varying in size from a pencil lead to the size of the pencil itself. If you see these signs, you need to treat the infected tree.	Long Horned Beetle. One of many kinds that can kill your trees.
If not treated it may die, or other trees may become infected as well. Bayer Tree and Shrub insecticide is a good product to kill the Borers and a Great product to prevent the infestation. Simply measure the circumference (the distance around) of the trunk of the tree. Add 1 ounce of the Bayer Tree & Shrub for every inch of trunk in a watering can. Add 1 gallon of water and apply the mixture to the ground at the trunk of the tree. The product will absorb into the roots and travel throughout the tree. It will even go to the top of an 80' tall tree. The best part is that you only need to apply the product once every 12 months. So if your tree has borers, apply the Bayer Tree and Shrub before you have to pay the tree trimmer to remove a dead tree.

BBQ Season is On The Way, Is Your Yard Ready?
Memorial Day marks the official start of barbeque season! Are your yard and garden in shape for your family and guests as well? It's still not too late to take some steps that will help your garden look not only presentable, but terrific.
Besides a thorough clean-up removing weeds, piled-up debris and unwanted stuff... make sure all shrubs get a light pruning. Now, survey your garden and focus on empty spaces between shrubs. Fill in these spots with additional shrubs of the same variety or add Lilies such as Agapanthus, or Cannas Lilies. They are available in 1 Gallon and 5 Gallon pots and blend in well with most leafy shrubs. Next, add color if space permits, plant borders of summer annuals such as Petunias, Marigolds, Vincas and Salvia. If you have limited space, pots of annuals placed strategically in dining areas and around the patio or pool make a huge difference.
Even more so if you feature a focal plant in the center of the pots such as Miniature roses, Patio Tree Roses, Ornamental Grasses, Flax or Palms, add a soil covering such as Gardener & Bloome Soil Building Compost or shredded bark to empty soil spaces to hold the moisture and make them look great. Fertilize monthly, use a good fertilizer such as Red Star Gro-Master, Osmocote or 1 year Nurti-Paks for containers. Water regularly and protect your new plants from snails and cutworms with Lily Miller Slug, Snail and Insect Killer Bait. For a finishing touch add a garden accessory such as a shepherds hook with a blooming hanging basket, a metal trellis, or even a decorative plant stake. Now your garden is ready to welcome the 2004 barbeque season... ~Bon Appetit!

Plant of The Week - The Gold Dust Aucuba
The Gold Dust Aucuba was first brought into the United States from Japan in 1783 by John Graeffer. Many selections have been since made, but the Gold Dust variety remains the favorite. The plant is hardy, drought tolerant, when established, and will brighten up almost any shaded corner. Make sure you plant this one a bit high as it may be susceptible to rots and fungus if the stem is covered when planted too deep. You may control the size with annual pruning. Try this plant in your shade garden to give you that lush tropical appearance without fussing over tender plants. If you have a bit colder winter that - 10 deg F, try this one in a container or in the house with good light.
Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust'	Hardiness USDA ZONE 6 or -10 Deg F Exposure Shade to Filtered Sun Soil Acidic Well Drained Water Moist Flowers Small Magenta Height 3' to 8' Tall & 3' to 5' Wide

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