japanese garden 2013-notes
TRANSCRIPT
12/7/2013
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2013 (our 9th year)
© Project SOUND
In a Japanese Garden: Using CA Native Pines,
Junipers & Other
Gymnosperms
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
December 7 & 10, 2013
2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons
from Gardening Traditions Worldwide
© Project SOUND
What do you think of when you hear the
words ‘Japanese Garden’?
Ponds/lakes
Streams
Waterfalls
Japanese lanterns
Bridges
Green, green & more green
Evergreen shrubs & trees
Careful, formal pruning
Not a leaf in sight
Pink/purple flowers
Colorful fall leaves
Peaceful/meditation
© Project SOUND
http://www.interiorholic.com/outdoors/landscaping/japanese-
stroll-garden-designs/
http://thephotogardenbee.com/2010/03/01/the-huntingtons-japanese-garden-in-san-marino-
california/
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There are actually several Japanese
garden types/styles
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
Dry Zen/meditation Garden
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
Promenade or Stroll Garden
Many local ‘Japanese Gardens’ combine
several types/styles
© Project SOUND
http://www.culturalnews.com/?p=7620
Earl Burns
Miller Japanese
Garden
© Project SOUND
CSULB - 1250 N Bellflower
Blvd Long Beach
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/28218598.jpg
Japanese garden – Descanso Gardens
© Project SOUND
http://www.descansogardens.org/
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Huntington Library
100 years old – very established
Also the new Chinese Garden
Well worth the trip in any season
© Project SOUND http://thephotogardenbee.com/2010/03/01/the-huntingtons-japanese-garden-in-san-marino-
california/
Suiho En, the garden of water and
fragrance - Tillman Water Reclamation Plant (Woodley Park,
6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys)
6.5 acres
Designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana; constructed 1980-1983.
Ranked 10 of300 public Japanese gardens in the United States by the Journal of Japanese Gardening.
Includes: a dry Zen meditation garden (Karesansui); large chisen, or "wet strolling" garden with waterfalls, lakes, greenery; an authentic tea house and adjacent tea garden.
© Project SOUND
http://pumpkinmania.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-visit-to-japanese-garden-suiho-en-at.html
© Project SOUND
Can there ever truly be a ‘Japanese
Garden’ in S. California (or outside of
Japan, for that matter) ?
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/28218598.jpg
Japan’s climate is
not our climate
Much more like the Pacific Northwest or N. CA:
More rainfall; higher humidity (fog)
Colder in winter
Landforms: more vulcanism than tectonic uplifting
Forests/mountains/sea more accessible (at least where some of the famous gardens are - can ‘borrow’ the outside landscapes better than we can)
© Project SOUND
http://www.worldpress.org/images/maps/world_600w.jpg
Bottom line: Japan and Japanese culture are
quite different
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But like all gardening traditions, Japanese
gardening has lessons to teach us
© Project SOUND
http://www.asherbrowne.com/
The Japanese gardening tradition reflects
Japanese history
Shinto religion: Reverence for the natural world
The special holiness of certain places, natural objects
Need to keep ‘animals’ (including humans) and other things in or out:
Fences & gates separate world into sacred & profane
The garden is a ‘place apart’ from the outside world
A ‘retreat’ that allows for renewal
© Project SOUND
http://travelpast50.com/roadside-shinto-shrine-nikko-japan/
http://www.chinagardensociety-kc.org/ChineseGarden_KC.htm
The Japanese gardening tradition reflects
Japanese history
Influence of China & Korea (~700-800 A.D)
Gardening traditions go back > 3000 years – include large public gardens and small
Many elements influenced Japanese gardening tradition:
The idea of gardens producing harmony between humans & nature
Enclosure: walled gardens
Specific elements: ponds, rock works, trees and flowers
Winding paths connecting a series of carefully composed scenes
© Project SOUND
http://www.chinagardensociety-kc.org/ChineseGarden_KC.htm
http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/chinese_garden.htm
The Japanese gardening tradition reflects
Japanese history
Reverence for tradition – and the many 100’s of years of formal gardening tradition
Importance of studying/ studying with the masters
Demographics
City life: need to bring nature to people who were becoming removed from it – and had leisure to enjoy it
Small islands/limited land/growing population – the need for retreat
© Project SOUND
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4093/4782591223_3e68c8420d_z.jpg
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g406/kunouero/41R.jpg
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Roji (Cha-niwa)
Teahouse Gardens
Simple, small rustic gardens, often with teahouses
Purpose: transition – path/passage between the mundane cares/ stresses of the secular world and the detached spiritual realm of the tea ceremony
© Project SOUND http://www.minimalisti.com/architecture/exterior-design-architecture/12/traditional-japanese-
garden.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
The Tea Garden Evokes the remoteness and tranquility of the mountains, and provides an illusion of depth.
Guests are made to feel as if they were walking along a simple mountain path, so the prevailing colors are greens and browns of various shades and intensities.
Few exotic/flowering plants – would distract
Seasons are subtly reflected through autumn leaves or spring buds; variety in diverse shapes and levels of shininess of the leaves.
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden,
Pasadena
© Project SOUND
http://japanesegardenpasadena.com/
But how do we apply the principles of
Japanese gardening to our own gardens?
© Project SOUND
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The lessons of Japanese Gardens are
reflected in the ‘essence’ of the tradition
A garden is at its best when it reflects some of the themes found in nature, yet elevates and interprets those themes into an artful expression of human interaction with the land.
© Project SOUND
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v44/Dragynstorm/Japan2012/Japan20
12_F_57_zps7707e7eb.jpg
http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/garden-styles/asian.html
The ‘essence’ of Japanese gardening is
to capture the ‘spirit’ of the natural world
in which we live - and bring it home
© Project SOUND
The ‘spirit’ of Japanese gardening is
rooted in a sense of place
© Project SOUND
‘The essence of nature created in a smaller space’
So a Japanese-influenced California garden interprets California landscapes – and will never look like a Japanese garden in Japan
© Project SOUND
http://www.zimbio.com/Gordon+Smith/articles/_2JMBjlKz-1/Nontraditional+Japanese+Garden+Arroyo+Grande
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Classical plants for
Japanese gardens
Trees: Japanese maple Flowering cherry Gingko Podocarpus
Shrubs: Bamboo Camellia Azalea Pine Juniper
Groundcovers & perennials: Asiatic jasmine Star jasmine Ginger Ferns Liriope Thyme Mondo grass
© Project SOUND
http://www.interiorholic.com/outdoors/landscaping/japanese-stroll-
garden-designs/
http://thephotogardenbee.com/2010/03/01/the-huntingtons-japanese-garden-in-san-marino-
california/
© Project SOUND
Before designing a garden we must first study
natural landscapes in detail, to determine the
‘essence’ of the California landscape
Choices for ‘Japanese influenced’ CA garden
N. CA coastal and mountain forests – most like Japanese forests
S. CA forests – drier, but still forest communities
More local plant communities
Coastal Prairie/shrubland
Coastal Sage Scrub
Coastal Chaparral (Santa Monica Mtns)
© Project SOUND
First we need to develop a deep understanding of the natural landscape
Then we must determine the ‘essence’ of what makes our California landscape unique
Only then can we apply traditional principles for ‘bringing nature home’
© Project SOUND
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© Project SOUND http://gallery.photo.net/photo/15348535-md.jpg
N. California evergreen forests
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_California_coastal_fo
rests_(WWF_ecoregion)
Cool, damp, foggy with relatively rich, organic soils
Coastal redwood forest
© Project SOUND
Mixed evergreen forest
Closed-cone pine forest
The ‘essence’ of the
coastal northern forest
Shade: medium to dense
Play of light and shade; may be islands of sun
Straight tree trunks: column/pole-like and often large
Evergreen Gymnosperms
Smaller understory plants: often vine-like
Spots of color in mostly green landscape
Mostly flat – fades out into the mist
© Project SOUND
http://www.lizasreef.com/HOPE%20FOR%20THE%20RAIN%20FORESTS/rain_forests_of_the_
world.htm
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Evolution of plants
The gymnosperms are older than the angiosperms (flowering plants) by quite a bit (~ 400 MYA vs ~ 150 MYA)
The gymnosperms:
Have pollen & seeds
Do not have flowers or fruits; are not dependent on living pollinators
Pollen comes into ‘direct’ contact with ovule (seed) for fertilization to occur
© Project SOUND
http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/plantrelat.gif
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-iii/kingdoms-living-world/gymnosperms.php
The Gymnosperms: old and less mighty
than in the past
700 living species
Classically divided into four divisions (sub-classes): Conifers: pines,
spruce, cypress – worldwide
Cycads (such as the sago palm) - tropics
Ginkgos (the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba) - Asia
Gnetophytes (such as Mormon tea, Ephedra
© Project SOUND
http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/biobookdiversity_6.html
A modern representation of the phylogeny
of gymnosperms based on chloroplast DNA.
© Project SOUND
The pine family (Pinaceae) and a sister branch leading to six additional families have a common ancestor within the division Pinophyta.
In other words, the seven major families of cone-bearing trees and shrubs all evolved from the division Pinophyta.
http://sydkab.wordpress.com/tag/gondwanaland/
Division Pinophyta: California natives
Family Pinaceae: Cedrus, Pinus, Cathaya, Picea, Pseudotsuga, Larix, Pseudolarix, Tsuga, Nothotsuga, Keteleeria, Abies
Family Cupressaceae: Cunninghamia, Taiwania, Athrotaxis, Metasequoia, Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, Cryptomeria, Glyptostrobus, Taxodium, Papuacedrus, Austrocedrus, Libocedrus, Pilgerodendron, Widdringtonia, Diselma, Fitzroya, Callitris (incl. Actinostrobus), Neocallitropsis, Thujopsis, Thuja, Fokienia, Chamaecyparis, Cupressus, Hesperocyparis, Juniperus, Calocedrus, Tetraclinis, Platycladus, Microbiota
Family Taxaceae: Austrotaxus, Pseudotaxus, Taxus, Cephalotaxus, Amentotaxus, Torreya
© Project SOUND
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© Project SOUND
* California Nutmeg – Torreya californica
©2011 George Jackson
N. Calif. Endemic
Its range has two distinct parts: Coast Ranges - from southwest Trinity County
south to Monterey County
Cascade-Sierra Nevada foothills - from Shasta County south to Tulare County.
Cool, humid, wooded slopes, shady canyons in forest or woodland, sometimes chaparral
© Project SOUND
* California Nutmeg – Torreya californica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torreya_californica
http://www.budomonk.com/california-nutmeg.html
The genus Torreya : an old taxon
~ 170 million years
Once widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere - fossil records from Europe, Greenland, AK, British Columbia, OR, CO, VA, NC
Now extremely spatially disjunction distribution.
? Out-competed
? Climate change
Five species now: three in eastern Asia, one in California (T. californica) and a small range in northern Florida (T. taxifolia) .
© Project SOUND
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Torreya_nucifera_SZ129.png
© Project SOUND
CA Nutmeg: a woodland evergreen tree
Size: 40-60+ ft tall
20-40 ft wide
Growth form: Upright tree from central
leader: conical then rounded
Evergreen; branches appear to droop
Looks like yew or redwood
Slow growing
Bark: thin, gray-brown
Foliage: Small, sharp ‘needles’
Very aromatic – like sandalwood
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Torreya_californica http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=420
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© Project SOUND
Female ‘cones’ : unusual
Blooms: in spring
Flowers: Dioecious: separate male
and female trees (usually)
Pollen cones: small, wind pollinated (typical of gymnosperms)
Seeds: Female cones have fleshy
covering – green then purple-brown
Shape/size reminiscent of the true nutmeg
2 years to mature
Decorative/interesting: food for birds, animals
http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Fall%2003%20project/Nutmeg.html
http://www.conifers.org/ta/Torreya_californica.php
Charles Webber © California Academy
of Sciences.
© Project SOUND
Forest conditions Soils: Texture: any well-drained,
including clays
pH: any local – takes acidic
Light: In our are, best in part-shade to
even full shade
Water: Winter: plenty
Summer: Water Zone 2-3 to 3; young trees may benefit from occasional misting on cool days
Fertilizer: fine with ½ strength fertilizer; best with organic forest mulch
Other: dislikes wind
© Project SOUND
Gardening with Torreya
Specimen tree in shady spots
Large screen/barrier hedge (sharp)
Good for large containers/bonsai – slow growing
http://online.sfsu.edu/bholzman/courses/Fall%2003%20proje
ct/Nutmeg.html
©2012 Belinda Lo
http://selectree.calpoly.edu/Photos/Torreya_califo
rnica/images/tree.jpg
Be sure you smell before
you buy
The ‘essence’ of the
coastal northern forest
Shade: medium to dense
Play of light and shade; may be islands of sun
Straight tree trunks: column/pole-like and often large
Smaller understory plants: often vine-like
Spots of color in mostly green landscape
Mostly flat – fades out into the mist
© Project SOUND
http://www.lizasreef.com/HOPE%20FOR%20THE%20RAIN%20FORESTS/rain_forests_of_the_
world.htm
When choosing gymnosperms
consider their size
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N/central CA Mixed Evergreen Forest
© Project SOUND
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5171898.bmp
Essence of N. CA mountain
evergreen forests
Vistas
Slopes & valleys
Sun and shade
Drier than Coastal forests
‘specimen’ evergreen trees
Rocks/boulders
© Project SOUND
http://travelonastudentbudget.com/?tag=angeles-national-forest
http://www.kcet.org/news/the_back_forty/commentary/golden-green/the-angeles-
national-forest-is.html
The essence of N. CA
forests in a garden
Gymnosperms
Large trees
Light and shade
Illusion of distance & slope
Cool, green appearance
Specimen tree or not
Smaller understory plants: often vine-like
Spots of color in mostly green landscape
© Project SOUND
http://www.moplants.com/secrets-of-coast-redwood/
Take home message: capture
the essential features © Project SOUND
* Incense Cedar – Calocedrus decurrens
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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Montane forests from Oregon south through California to northern Baja California, Mexico and east to western Nevada
Locally in San Gabriel Mtns.
On mesic sites including riparian habitats in mixed-evergreen, yellow-pine forests, 2000-7000 feet
© Project SOUND
* Incense Cedar – Calocedrus decurrens
© 2005 Steven Perkins
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?157,158,159
© Project SOUND
Incense Cedar: magnificent
Evergreen tree in large yards, parks, business parks, schools, other large areas
Used as a large screen
Good for large Asian-themed gardens
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/37860873 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calocedrus_decurrens http://shriverfarms.com/default.aspx
© Project SOUND
* California Juniper – Juniperus californica
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juniperus_californica_Mount_Diablo.jpg
Mountain slopes of W. CA into Baja; desert mountains of S. CA, NV & AZ – locally in Antelope Valley & desert side of San Gabriels
In S. CA commonly occurs in pinyon-juniper woodlands that border and integrate with chaparral along desert margins
© Project SOUND
* California Juniper – Juniperus californica
© 2003 Monty Rickard http://www.conifers.org/cu/Juniperus_californica.php
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© Project SOUND
Use where ever you
want a juniper
As an unusual bonsai
On hot, dry slopes
As a specimen or hedge plant
For it’s great habitat value http://www.fourdir.com/p_california_juniper.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Juniperus_californica_Mount_Diablo.jpg
Bonsai in Japanese
gardens
The purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation (for the viewer) and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity (for the grower).
Not usually included in Japanese gardens per se
Take home message for small gardens: large plants that can be trained for bonsai are good candidates for container plants (junipers, pines, oaks, some flowering shrubs)
© Project SOUND
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Atlas_Cedar,_GSBF-CN_120,_September_12,_2008.jpg
http://valavanisbonsaiblog.com/2013/11/23/japan-international-bonsai-tour-exploration-autumn-
2013-part-5/
© Project SOUND
* Common Juniper – Juniperus communis
var. montana (saxatilis) Juniperus communis, the common juniper
Has the largest range of any woody plant, throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic south in mountains to around 30°N latitude in North America, Europe and Asia.
© Project SOUND
http://shelf3d.com/i/juniperus%20communis
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© Project SOUND
* Common Juniper – Juniperus communis var. montana
In CA: Klamath Ranges, High Sierra Nevada, Warner Mountains
Dry rocky soil and rock crevices on slopes and summits
Yellow Pine Forest, Douglas-Fir Forest, North Coastal Coniferous Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, slopes http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu
/cgi-
bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=60424
©2012 Jean Pawek © Project SOUND
Common juniper: woody groundcover
Size: 1-5 ft tall
4-10+ ft wide
Growth form: Evergreen
Mounded to mat-like; spreading w/ age
Live 150+ years
Moderate growth rate
Foliage: Blue-green or medium green
Sharp needles in bundles of 3
Bark – red-brown, thin peeling
Foliage makes nice orange dye
©2009 Barry Breckling
©2012 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Female fruits are showy
Blooms: spring
Flowers: male and female; usually on separate plants
Female fruits/cones: Look like berries – typical of
junipers
Take 2 years to ripen
Begin green, then red; blue with white bloom when ripe
©2012 Jean Pawek
©2010 Louis-M. Landry
Juniper berries spice
up foods
The cones from a handful of species are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine and native SW U.S. - also give gin its distinguishing flavor
In addition to J. communis, other edible species include Juniperus californica which is said to have ‘sweet’ berries
The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavored with fully grown but immature green berries
© Project SOUND
http://mojavedesert.net/plants/shrubs/juniper.html
© 2005 James M. Andre
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© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: just about any
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade; fine under high canopy
Water: Winter: adequate; no
standing water
Summer: best with occasional – Water Zone 1-2 or 2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils but fine with leaf mulch
Other: nice natural shape, but can be pruned; watch for Juniper Blight
©2008 Louis-M. Landry
http://web.ewu.edu/ewflora/Cupressaceae/Juniperus%20communis.html © Project SOUND
Common juniper in the garden
As an attractive pot plant, bonsai
Evergreen groundcover, under tall trees
Rock gardens
Woodland/habitat gardens
In Asian-themed gardens
http://www.bonsai.de/shop/images/SH040_wacholder_juniperus_communis_bonsai.jpg
http://conservationgardenpark.org/plants/443/common-juniper/ Susan McDougall @ USDA-NRCS
PLANTS Database
Junipers as medicine
Tea from foliage: Tonic
Diuretic/kidney cleanser
Colds/flu
Arthritis, muscle aches
Tea/infusion of ‘berries’ stomach ailments
Colds/lung ailments
Kidney ailments
Smoke: Ritual purification
© Project SOUND
Care must be taken to limit consumption
In the wilds, junipers often grow with other
native evergreens
© Project SOUND
©2005 Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy
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© Project SOUND
* Sitka spruce – Picea sitchensis
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Picea_sitchensis_forest.jpg
Tree of northern temperate rainforests – truly not our climate
Very large – not for most gardens
Sold in nurseries throughout the U.S.
© Project SOUND
* Sitka spruce – Picea sitchensis
http://www.humboldt.edu/redwoods/photos/spruce.php
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Picea_sitchensis_
distribution_map.png
http://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/Olympic/Olympic8.html
Dwarf cultivars: very
different look
Shrub-size: 4-8+ ft.
Round ball – not statuesque tree
Useful, but not the real feel
© Project SOUND
Picea sitchensis ‘Papoose’
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/images/pisip38.jpg
Picea sitchensis ‘Tenas’ http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/11463464.jpg © Project SOUND
* Douglas fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pseudotsuga_menziesii_2.JPG
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© Project SOUND
* Bigcone spruce – Pseudotsuga macrocarpa
On Mt. Wilson – San Gabriel Mountains
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pseudotsuga_macrocarpa_Mount_Wilson_CA.jpg
http://davisla.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/plant-of-the-week-pseudotsuga-macrocarpa/
Ideas for including the ‘essence’ of big
trees in a smaller garden
If a neighbor has a large pine, cypress or juniper, make use of ‘borrowed landscape
© Project SOUND
Incorporate large uprights in architecture to suggest tree trunks
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/2569495.jpg
http://www.minimalisti.com/architecture/exterior-design-architecture/12/traditional-japanese-
garden.html
Ideas for including the ‘essence’ of big
trees in a smaller garden
© Project SOUND
Use smaller trees (or container plants) to suggest larger trees
http://www.atedadesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/japanese-garden-designs.jpg
Cypresses are common components of
CA evergreen forests
© Project SOUND
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Junipers and Cypresses are similar, but
their cones are quite different
Cypress (Hesperocyparis) are distinguished by woody cones, often persistent on older branches and opening (scales separating) upon fire
Juniperus has succulent cones with fused scales, developing at the ends of leafy green branches (or in axils of leaves).
© Project SOUND
A Cypress is a Cypress: whatever
happened to the genus Cupressus?
Molecular studies have led to splitting of the genus and transfer of species among four genera:
Cupressus - Old World
Callitropsis - nw N Amer.
Chamaecyparis - 2 spp in N. Amer. and 3 in e Asia)
Hesperocyparis - 16 spp. w N Amer. to Columbia
© Project SOUND
Millions of years ago, cypress woodlands containing one or more ancestral species of the cone-bearing Hesperocyparis dominated vast areas of California. During the past 20 million years, as mountains were uplifted and the climate became increasingly more arid, most of these extensive cypress woodlands vanished.
© Project SOUND
Cypress ‘Islands’ are unique and
endangered
Today 10 species (or 8 species and 2 subspecies) are confined to isolated groves scattered throughout coastal and inland mountains, from the Mexican border to Oregon.
Some of these populations became isolated; gradual changes over millions of years resulted in the present-day species and subspecies.
Cypress of arid inland mountains and valleys (such as Piute cypress, Macnab cypress, Cuyamaca cypress, and Arizona cypress) have developed glandular (resinous) foliage and are more drought resistant.
© Project SOUND
Tecate Cypress
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Monterey Cypress - Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
© Project SOUND http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/why-plant-names-change-2/ http://treesofsantacruzcounty.blogspot.com/search/label/Cupressus%20macrocarpa
© Project SOUND
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/gallery/show.php?picloc=images-SturtevantFalls0704/SturtevantFalls041-TheTrack-m.jpg
© Project SOUND
* Tecate Cypress – Hesperocyparis forbesii
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND
* Tecate Cypress – Hesperocyparis forbesii
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=89295
http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrolo
gy/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=784
Very rare – 15 U.S. populations; formerly more widespread – in La Brea tar from Pleistocene
Santa Ana Mountains (Orange County); Guatay Mountain, Otay Mountain (San Diego County); Mount Tecate on the U.S.-Mexican boundary; N. Baja.
Dry slopes, exposed hillsides, ridgetops; also along stream banks/arroyos, 1,500 to 5,000 feet
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© Project SOUND
Tecate Cypress is a well-mannered evergreen
Size: to 20+ ft tall; grows
quickly to 12 ft. then slows
6-8 ft wide
Growth form: Woody evergreen tree;
may be shrubby, many-branched with age
Bark lovely; peeling and nice colors
Long-lived (100’s of years)
Foliage: Pretty typical Cypress
Nice looking; neater than Italian Cypress
Roots: taproot and laterals
http://www.conifers.org/cu/cup/forbesii.htm
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/tecatecypress.html © Project SOUND
Cones are distinctive
Flowers: Separate male & female
flowers
You probably won’t notice it blooming
Cones: Male cones numerous; unusual
looking – on small branches
Female cones are larger and attached to larger branches Start out green – gradually
become dry & hard
Take 2 years to mature; remain on tree for several years
Need hot temperatures (fire) to open & release seeds
http://www.conifers.org/cu/cup/forbesii.htm http://www.conifers.org/cu/cup/forbesii.htm
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: best in coarse, well-
drained soils
pH: any local
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: rain usually adequate
Summer: none or very little after established; over watering can make susceptible to blow-down
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: Easy under proper conditions
© Project SOUND
Uses in the garden
Anywhere you might consider a non-native Cypress
Great on dry hillsides – is fire-prone
Excellent as an evergreen hedge or screen
Impressive specimen plant
http://www.geographylists.com/tecate_cypress.jpg
http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritagevic#detail_places;70998
http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/pictures/Cupressus_forbesii_tecate_cypress.jpg
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© Project SOUND
* Piute Cypress – Hesperocyparis nevadensis
©2008 Matt Teel
Narrow endemic: Kern County: the drainage of Bodfish Creek, and, at 4000 feet, on Red Hill in the Paiute Mountains where it grows at elevations of 5000-6000 feet with Juniperus californica, Pinus sabiniana, P. monophylla and Ephedra viridis
© Project SOUND
* Piute Cypress – Hesperocyparis nevadensis
http://ucjeps.berkel
ey.edu/cgi-
bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=
89300
http://www.conifers.org/cu/Cupressus_nevadensis.php
©2012 Joey Malone
© Project SOUND
Paiute Cypress: majestic tree
Size: 30-50+ ft tall
20-30 ft wide
Growth form: Tree with straight
central leader
Pyramidal in youth; top is rounded with age
Fast growing to 20 ft.
Wonderful rustic bark
Foliage: Medium to gray-green
Scale-like leaves
Strongly aromatic
©2008 Matt Teel
©2002 Dr. Louis Emmet Mahoney
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cupressus_nevadensis_resin_glands.jpg © Project SOUND
Cones are cypress-type
Blooms: winter-early spring; separate pollen, seed cones on same plant
Female cones: Round; brown becoming gray
with age
Ripen in 1 year
On short lateral shoots near branch tips; nice appearance
Only open when exposed to high temperatures
©2008 Matt Teel
©2002 Dr. Louis Emmet Mahoney
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© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any well-drained
pH: any local
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: looks best with occasional to somewhat regular water – Zone 2 or 2-3, though quite drought tolerant
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: can be pruned to shape, even hedged - but has a nice natural shape; watch for fungal diseases, bark borers
©2012 Joey Malone
© Project SOUND
Uses for Piute Cypress
Planted as an ornamental tree, particularly for gray foliage
Nice large background plants – or drought-tolerant large hedges/screens
Hardy – planted along roads in Santa Monica mtns
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/cupressus-nevadensis
http://www.worldbotanical.com/images/145-Cupressus.jpg
http://jaysullivan.org/cypresn.htm
Essence of a drier CA forest
Moderate size trees – some with straight, vertical trunks
Open vistas with distant hills
Evergreens often mixed with other plant communities (patches in chaparral/ oak woodland)
Dry shade (more open); light/shade
© Project SOUND
©2010 Rebecca Wenk
Ideas for small gardens
‘borrow’ a nice landscape – if there’s one to borrow
Suggest distance Medium gray-brown to gray-
green fences
Living ‘screens;
© Project SOUND
http://agardenbydesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/something-borrowed-part-1.html
http://freshfurnitureidea.com/garden/asian-garden-design-ideas/
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You may have noticed that cypress’ and
pines go together – in nature and gardens
© Project SOUND
http://achefinthegarden.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html
© Project SOUND
* Coast Pine – Pinus contorta var. contorta
http://sjgbloom2012.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/pinus-contorta-shore-pine-15-2/
Pinus contorta subsp. contorta — Shore pine; Pacific Coast, S. AK to N. California
Pinus contorta subsp. murrayana — Tamarack pine, or Sierra lodgepole pine (large tree) – in San Bernardino Mtns
© Project SOUND
*Coast Pine – Pinus contorta var. contorta
©2012 Vernon Smith http://www.mostlynatives.com/plants/pinus-contorta
© Project SOUND
Coast pine
Size: 20-50 ft tall
10-25 ft wide
Growth form: Variable with age, environmental
conditions
Usually multi-branched, irregular; may be wind-swept
Foliage: Needles short, medium/dark
green – may be sparse or dense
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/plants/trees/conifer/pine/pinus/contortacontorta.html
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© Project SOUND
Cones are irregular
Blooms: in spring - pollen
Flowers: Separate male, female cones
Female cones: two years to mature; may remain on tree for long time
Cones relatively small, irregular shape
Seeds: Ripen in fall
Edible – good for jays and other birds that eat pine nuts
©2012 Aaron Arthur ©2012 Vernon Smith © Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: most, including sandy or
poorly drained
pH: any but high pH (> 8.0)
Light: Full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: adequate – remember
where plant originates
Summer: semi-regular best; Zone 2 to 2-3 depending on soil drainage
Fertilizer: none; fine with poor soils
Other: organic mulch as must
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_contorta
© Project SOUND
Gardening with Shore pine
As an attractive container plant
Pair with Bishop pine (Pinus muricata), Common juniper (Juniperus communis) and naked sedge (Calamagrostis nutkatensis) for ‘N. coast garden’
Fine for immediate coast
http://science.halleyhosting.com/nature/plants/trees/conifer/pine/pinus/contortacontorta.html
http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=179
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/picoc1.htm
© Project SOUND http://sjgbloom2012.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/pinus-contorta-shore-pine-15-2/
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S. CA mountains have lovely pines
© Project SOUND http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mattmcgrath/sets/72157604318436716/
© Project SOUND http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/pinus-ponderosa
http://activerain.com/blogsview/253030/traveling-to-shingletown-from-redding-california-
ponderosa-pines-bar-and-grill-is-a-must
*Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/pinus-ponderosa
© Project SOUND
*Coulter Pine – Pinus coulteri
http://www.conifers.org/pi/Pinus_coulteri.php
Grows in San Bernardino Mtns
http://www.gardensandplants.com/uk/plant.aspx?plant
_id=2497
© Project SOUND
* Jeffrey Pine – Pinus jeffreyi
On Mt. Pinos
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pinus_jeffreyi
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© Project SOUND
* Bishop Pine – Pinus muricata
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
Narrow endemic: several places on N/Central coast and in Baja (incl. Cedros Isl.)
Dry ridges to coastal, windshorn forests, often in or around bogs in Redwood forest, n coastal conifer forest, closed-cone-pine forest, chaparral < ~1500 ft
© Project SOUND
* Bishop Pine – Pinus muricata
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=38287
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences © Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
© Project SOUND
Bishop pine reflects its environment
Size: moderate for pine 40-70 ft tall
20-30+ ft wide
Growth form: May be rounded and wind-
swept on coast; taller and more pyramidal away from coast (and in youth)
High canopy; dark, furrowed bark with age
Relatively fast growth to 20 ft; 50-150+ years
Foliage: Dark green; medium
length needles
©2013 Jason Matthias Mills
© Project SOUND
Cones stick around…
Blooms: in spring
Cones: Separate pollen/seed cones
Seed cones long and pointed’ usually hang down from branches
Remain unopened until exposed to high heat (usually fire; may open with hot weather); many on mature tree at one time and old ones are ultimately enclosed by bark (‘eaten’)
Seeds: Mature in 3 years
©2004 Charles E. Jones
©2012 Aaron E. Sims
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© Project SOUND
Bishop pine: N. CA
coastal tree
Soils: Texture: any well-drained,
including sandy or rocky
pH: any local
Light: Full sun (foggier coastal areas);
part-shade elsewhere
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: occasional to moderate (Water Zones 2 or 2-3; 2 or less with age)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; organic mulch
Other: susceptible to Aphids and Beetle Borers, Phytophthora, Root Rot, Rust and Pitch Canker
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/pinus-muricata © Project SOUND
Bishop pine takes to local gardens
Wherever a moderate-size pine is needed, including coastal gardens, semi-dry slopes, windbreaks/tall hedges
Asian-themed gardens
Large plantings, including public/ commercial (schools; parks; etc.)
Prune up and can garden beneath (grasses; ferns; other natural understory
Introduced into CA gardens by Theodore Payne http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=1058
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pinus_muricata Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5683301494
_a469cd8fbf.jpg
© Project SOUND
* Knobcone pine – Pinus attenuata
http://www.baumkunde.de/Pinus_attenuata/
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/pinus-attenuata
© Project SOUND
* CA Foothill Pine – Pinus sabiniana
©2003 BonTerra Consulting
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Foothills in coastal ranges, Sierras south to Ventura Co.
Dry slopes & ridges below 4500 ft. in foothill woodlands, n oak woodland, chaparral
AKA: Bull pine; Gray pine
Fossils suggest only recently adapted to the Mediterranean climate - closest relatives are at higher elevations in the southwest US and Mexico.
Humans likely contributed to the current distribution pattern, including the large gap in distribution in Tulare County.
© Project SOUND
* CA Foothill Pine – Pinus sabiniana
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?PISA2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_sabiniana
© Project SOUND
CA Foothill Pine: moderate size but looks big
Size: 40-80 ft tall (40-50 in garden)
25-35 ft wide
Growth form: Pyramidal in youth; high, rounded
canopy with age
Single leader
Fast to 40-45 ft in 15 years
Lives 200+ years in wild
Foliage: Color: most often gray-green; open
airy – can garden beneath
Longish needles
Graceful appearance
Roots & twigs used for basketry
©2013 Susan McDougall
©2011 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Seeds: among the best
Blooms: spring
Female cones: Produced after 10-25 yrs
Large (6-10 inches; 1-2 lb) with long, sharp ‘beaks’
Mature in 2 years; persist 5-7 years
Open slowly, releasing seeds
Seeds: Large; predictable crop
Hard-shelled; need to process
Eaten fresh, roasted, boiled or pounded and mixed with cold water and other seeds for small cakes, thin mush
©2011 Neal Kramer
©2011 Jean Pawek
© Project SOUND
Foothill Pine: Dry Soils: Texture: well-drained a must
pH: any local
Light: full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: adequate; supplement
if needed
Summer: drought tolerant; best with occasional water (Water Zones 1-2 to 2)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: susceptible to western gall rust and bark beetles; don’t over-water, and watch for signs
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© Project SOUND
Foothill Pine
©2012 Jean Pawek
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/pinus-sabiniana
From California Native Plants, Theodore
Payne's 1941 catalog: "A rapid growing
tree and the best pine for hot dry
locations. Beautiful long drooping silvery
green foliage. Quite distinct in appearance
from other pines. In typical specimens the
trunk has a habit of parking into several
erect branches forming a broom-like top.”
http://www.backyardnature.net/sierr
as/pinedigg.htm
How else might you use
CA foothill pine?
© Project SOUND
http://www.pinetum.org/PhotoJEFFsabiniana.htm
© Project SOUND
* Pinyon Pine – Pinus edulis (SW U.S.)
http://www.conifersociety.org/conifers/conifer/pinus/edulis/
© Project SOUND
Singleleaf Pinyon – Pinus monophylla
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla
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© Project SOUND
Singleleaf Pinyon – Pinus monophylla
green - Pinus monophylla subsp. monophylla
blue - Pinus monophylla subsp. californiarum
red - Pinus monophylla subsp. fallax
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla
Tree of the Southwest: CA, AZ, NM and northern Baja California; in the dry mountain ranges of NV, UT, and southeastern ID
Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Foothill Woodland between ~3000 & 7500 ft.
Widespread and often abundant in this region, forming extensive open woodlands, often mixed with junipers, Jeffrey pine, sagebrush & montane white fir
Single-leaf Pinyon occurred as early as the Late Wisconsin glacial period (20,000 to 11,000 years ago).
Large area of distribution and, therefore, probably a large degree of genetic variation
Conservation implications – esp. in CA
© Project SOUND
Singleleaf Pinyon – Pinus monophylla
green - Pinus monophylla subsp. monophylla
blue - Pinus monophylla subsp. californiarum
red - Pinus monophylla subsp. fallax
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla Mark W. Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Singleleaf pine: typical pinyon
Size: 10-35+ ft tall
5-20 or 25 ft wide
Growth form: Shrubby-appearing tree
Many branches – often irregular shape with age
Slow-growing; long-lived (100’s of years)
Foliage: Short, gray-green needles
in bundles of one
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla © Project SOUND
Seeds are fantastic
Blooms: in spring; separate pollen & seed cones on same plant
Female cones: Small: ~ 2”; round ; 35 years old
when start to bear
Crops every 3-7 years; 2 years to mature
Open widely when mature – typical pinyon trait
Seeds: Absolutely delicious!
Consumed by humans, birds and animals
Primarily spread by Jays, Clark’s Nutcracker
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla
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© Project SOUND
Singleleaf pinyon Soils:
Texture: most any
pH: any local
Light: full sun to part-shade
Water: Winter: good soil moisture
Summer:
Most xeric pine in the U. S.
Mean annual precipitation range is 8 to 18 inches; most precipitation falling December-April
Once established, needs only occasional watering
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Management: Native Californians pruned out dead branches; removed underbrush – fire can kill this species
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
Gardening with pinyons
Container or bonsai plant
Screen/hedge; good for mild, coastal conditions
Neat, bold appearance; gray color blends well with dry high-desert and mountain landscapes as well as modern and mediterranean gardens
http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=1054
http://paridevita.com/2013/04/20/drip-drop-drip-drop/
http://www.washoecounty.us/parks/arboretum/burke.html
© Project SOUND
©2012 Steven Perry
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Conifers/Pinus_mon/_Pin_mon.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Pinus_monophylla
Many good resources on
Japanese Gardening
http://www.japanesegardensonline.com
Books: Japanese Gardening Ortho’s All About Creating Japanese
Gardens
Joe Earl (ed): Infinite Spaces: the Art and Wisdom of Japanese Gardening
many others – see your local library
Books: CA Landscape Gardening M. Francis & A. Reiman: The California
Landscape Garden G. Keator & A. Middlebrook: Designing
California Native Gardens: the Plant Community Approach to Artful, Ecological Gardens
© Project SOUND
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Get out and visit a local garden
© Project SOUND
Look at our local landscapes with new eyes
© Project SOUND
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/gallery/gallery.php
My Gardening Philosophy – circa 2013
1. Knowledge is power
2. It’s better to understand how something works rather than to just follow rules
3. It’s easier to work with the physical conditions in a garden (soil characteristics, light, etc.) than to try to change them dramatically
4. California native plants from the local area are often the best suited for local gardens
5. Look to Mother Nature and Native Californians for gardening advice
6. Make a garden plan – even tho’ it may change over time
7. Choose plants based on their suitability for your needs and garden conditions
8. Save ‘Heritage’ trees and large shrubs – unless there’s a good reason to remove them
9. Choose plants for their habitat value
10. Choose plants for their usefulness (food; dyes; etc.)
© Project SOUND
http://www.the-philosopher.co.uk/
2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons
from Gardening Traditions Worldwide
© Project SOUND