Ground Cover Works Like Mulch, By Tony Tomeo

FEATURED COLUMNIST Ground Cover Works Like Mulch

By Tony Tomeo

Weeding otherwise bare and unused ground is no fun. Nor is weed whacking. Mulching inhibits future weed growth, but requires occasional replenishment. For many situations, ground cover plants are more practical. Once established, many sorts effectively exclude most weeds. Even more contain dust, and inhibit erosion of the surface of the soil below.

As the terminology implies, ground cover plants are simply plants that disperse laterally, over the surface of the ground. Many migrate by subterranean stems known as rhizomes, or by stems on the surface of the soil, known as stolons. Some are vines that behave like stolons. Also, many are merely prostrate shrubbery that does not stand upright very high.

Ground cover plants generally require more maintenance than mulch, and most want for some degree of irrigation. Conversely they require less effort than weeding. Furthermore, ground cover plants can live on slopes that are too steep for mulch to adhere to, and are more appealing than mulch. They might be as colorful or fragrant as other sorts of plants.

Prostrate shrubbery, such as creeping cultivars of juniper, manzanita and ceanothus, are best in areas that are big enough to accommodate their width at maturity. Within confined spaces, they need pruning around the edges, which exposes unappealingly bare interior stems. Prostrate shrubbery generally gets higher than other types of ground cover plants.

The many vines that work as ground cover probably stay lower than prostrate shrubbery, unless of course they climb into bigger shrubbery and trees. Algerian ivy and English ivy are famously aggressive if they overwhelm other vegetation. Also, they can cling to walls and ruin paint and siding. Star jasmine climbs too, but does not cling, and is more docile.

Perennial ground cover plants, such as various iceplant, trailing gazania, trailing African daisy and pigface (freeway iceplant), tend to stay lower than other types. Most require no grooming over their upper surface, so only need trimming around the edges. Scraps from trimming during winter can become cuttings for bare patches or elsewhere in the garden. Several types root efficiently. •••

English Ivy

Compared to Algerian ivy, English ivy, Hedera helix, may seem to be more complaisant. As ground cover, it mostly stays a bit lower, with smaller leaves, and a more refined foliar texture. It is generally easier to maintain and to mow if it does not get too deep. However, where it naturalizes, English ivy is more aggressive and more invasive than Algerian ivy.

If contained, English ivy is a splendidly dense and evergreen ground cover that excludes most weeds. Containment is very important! English ivy must not climb into shrubbery or trees. It otherwise overwhelms its support and disperses seed. Although reasonably safe on bare concrete walls, it ruins wooden, painted and stucco surfaces. Growth is very fast!

‘Hahn’s’ is likely the most popular cultivar of English ivy. It branches well, to fill out fast as ground cover. Cultivars that are variegated with white or yellow grow significantly slower, but provide elegant foliage for big pots or planters of mixed annuals or perennials. Foliar lobes are variable. For example, lobes of ‘Needlepoint’ are distinctly narrow and pointed. •••

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.Ground covers, simply speaking, cover ground.

Rampant English ivy can overwhelm trees.

Meet The Adorable Whiskers!

Howdy, I’m Whiskers (A283024), a black and white male kitty that was transferred here from the Hitchcock road animal shelter down in Salinas! I’m so excited to be in front of new faces, and take full advantage of this second chance for a furever home. So if you’re looking for a cuddly, playful, fun-loving kitty, read on!

As you can see from my photos, I am just as cute as I am inquisitive. I weigh just under 9 lbs, which means I can be picked up and cuddled with ease. I turn into a total purrmachine when I’m being held, and love to be carried around everywhere!

But don’t worry, I also love being on allfours; whether that means entertaining myself or playing with you! I do have to admit, from time to time I can get a little overwhelmed and need a break. You can count on me to tell you, gently, when I’m ready for some me-time.

“Overall, you couldn’t ask for a better kitty,” and that’s coming from the shelter staff themselves!

So what are you waiting for?

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n •••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

23 » crossword on

Legendary Athletes

© Statepoint Media

The Sun entered Leo last Thursday (July 29th) And the next night, Friday, we had a full moon (Leo solar festival). There are two full moons under Leo. The second occurs on the last day of Leo (August 22), nine hours before the Sun enters Virgo.

Both full moons under Leo are Festivals of Sirius, with emphasis on the second full moon, as it occurs in the heart of the lion which is the star Regulus, the Law Giver. Regulus is the Royal Star and thus referred to as Magha, Maga or magic. Sirius flows through Leo, offering humanity love, intelligence, liberty and freedom, qualities much needed by humanity at this time of the Kali Yuga when the world is filled with darkness.

Each of the 12 Labors (zodiacal Gates and signs) of Hercules is a story about the Light, the Soul and personality. Leo is the 5thgate, sign, labor and task for Hercules. He is to overcome the Nemean Lion (reactive personality) destroying the lands creating fear in the people. Hercules is courageous, strong and brave - Leos qualities. There are two lions in the story. One is the kingly lion, Hercules himself (the Soul). The other is the animal lion (the roaring personality). The animal lion (uncontrolled personality) is “destroying the countryside” (one’s life).

And so Hercules, alone and unafraid enters the world and tends to his labor. Eventually he hears the “Lion’s roar in all the land, especially in the evening air”, and comes upon a cave and entering it faces the fierce lion whose breath is fiery hot. Hercules grasps the lion by the throat and lifts him into the air holding him aloft “til the lion’s roars of hate subside”. Hercules overcomes the lion with great courage, strength and an act of will. And the great Teacher, looking on, said to Hercules, “The lion is dead, Hercules, but lions and serpents must be slain again and again. You have done well. Rest now.” Hercules in his task wore a lion’s skin. It informed the Teachers he was ready for testing and training. Humanity must now slip on its lions’ skin, gather its strength and courage, stand valiantly with resolve, pluck and willingness, and actually save the world from the “menacing lions”. For humanity’s tests have already begun.

ARIES

You may struggle physically, emotionally and mentally to maintain equilibrium between desires, hopes, wishes, dreams and what is actually possible. It’s good to study the subject of sacrifice (from the heart) — the 1st Law of the Soul. At the center of sacrifice is Love ... a paradox. Love and sacrifice both come from the heart. We’re on Earth because we each chose to be here, leaving heaven to experience earth. You may not have known this before. You have chosen the Art of the Warrior as identity. Your companion is Mars, then Mercury. Spiritual warriors always win.

TAURUS

You assess all relationships in terms of value. You must also assess what you value, whether you are of value, what value that may be, and then the values you offer others. Often you sense there is more you can offer, supply and give. Always you are to begin when giving with intentions for Goodwill which create Right Relations. You offer the goodness, kindness and stability of yourself in relationships. You know love isn’t a feeling.

GEMINI

Tend to all things great and small, to all events and tasks both in between and necessary in daily life. Observe all habits, agendas, and how you serve the kingdoms around you. We evolve step-bystep, beginning with tending to our physical, then emotional, then mental bodies. Then we progress to the Soul. Each day “brood as a Soul upon the work, tasks and service for the coming day.” Emotions are then calmed. And the full moon shines upon you.

CANCER

You reassess goals and aspirations, plans and agendas for the next two months. Interacting with nature (soil, trees, plants, air, sky, weather) is very important for your well-being. Make sure you’re out and about in the sun both morning and evening. Stand in nature, the most balanced kingdom. Its radiations strengthen your heart and mind, refocus your enthusiasm (“filled with God”), allowing calmness to emerge. Where is your garden and are the devas your companions?

LEO

Ponder upon how you want to be seen, known, admired, praised and recognized in the world. Consider your identity as one who is called to use all your talents to build the new culture and civilization. Leos are to nurture the new era at its foundational stages because Leos are leaders. Begin to share with everyone your thoughts, ideas, resources and discoveries about the future. Cultivate all creative gifts. Leo’s talents must move from self to the community called humanity.

VIRGO

You’re coming into a new self-identity. You keep re-identifying yourself. Your newest identity is filled with thoughts of goodness and goodwill. It’s important to tend to the home. Its value is now and in the future. A certain set of teachings holds possibilities for greater Love & Wisdom. This study allows you to enter into the life stream of humanity through understanding the mysteries. Uranus asks if you’re studying astrology and the wisdom teachings consistently?

LIBRA

It’s a spiritual practice, especially in Leo to realize that one is valuable. Is this consideration as one who is of value difficult for you? If so make lists of all your gifts, abilities, talents, kindnesses, good deeds, thoughts, ideas and plans and all that you give. There you discover, realize and recognize your value. Place the lists on your walls, reading them each day. This knowledge of self as valuable harmonizes you. It’s the beginning of your self-identity as a server of Goodwill for humanity.

SCORPIO

Things, stars, people sometimes go into hiding. You understand this because hiding away for Scorpio is second nature. Sometimes you find someone else hiding away and make their acquaintance. There’s someone in your life of great value to you. They’re knowledgeable and have the skills needed for your next creative stage. They are concerned with humanity’s future. Call forth all your resources, using them to help others. Then you have a reason to come out of hiding.

SAGITTARIUS

Life becomes subtler, slightly different, a bit inside out, upside down, too. These changes in our lives awaken many feelings. One is that of compassion. In daily life, tend to all debts and then give (tithe) to charity. Example of giving to those in need: St. Jude’s Hospital; Doctors Without Borders; the Heifer Project. These are difficult financial times for many. The spiritual law is what we give is returned ten-fold. When we give to others our life in turn is cared for. You need deep and loving care.

CAPRICORN

Things seem transformative at times, restricted other times. Then along comes joy streaming in from the garden through the back door. An interesting photography book to consider doing would be called Dinner in the Garden. Sometimes the days and evenings seem moody. And sometimes a new identity is forming with the sense of a new self. The river of life is taking you downstream into new territories, showing you new ideas for the new culture and civilization. What do you think is your part in its creation?

AQUARIUS

You see the need for nourishment of self and others. One source of nourishment is financial security in terms of home and land. Visualize a home on vast amounts of land. Include many small cottages, a barn or two, a large workspace for the arts, multiple gardens, fruit and nut trees, ponds, a communal professional kitchen, a lodge. See friends and loved ones living close by, Work daily on this through visualization. Draw and paint and talk about it. These begin to anchor your dream.

PISCES

You sense the need to be creative, to construct and build something. Returning to a previous, perhaps put-aside creative work allows you to reaffirm its importance in your life. There’s a renewed fire in the mind, calling you to two things. Laughter with a sense of play, much missed in your life since childhood. And a new level of creative work reflecting art and beauty . All parts of you yearn to create a close spiritual community, offering humanity refuge. It will appear in its right timing. It will be a paradise. “Clean Water” from page 20

As this is Water Quality Month, I thought it would be fun to share with you a few ideas to help you and your family do your part in keeping our water quality to the very highest standards. How many of these are you already doing? How many more can you put into regular practice? • Put nothing but water down storm drains. Water in those drains flows to our natural waterways, the groundwater, and the ocean, taking with it any contaminants or trash it may contain.

Only stormwater and other clean water should go into storm drains — no litter, chemicals, soaps, pool water, or other water that contains harsh chemicals. • Decrease polluted runoff on your property by replacing paved surfaces, where possible, with low-water-use landscaping or porous surfaces. • Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These can easily wash off your property and enter the natural water system, ending up in waterways. • Choose non-toxic cleaners, avoid antibacterial soaps, and never put medications down the drain or toilet. • Pick up after your pets — that waste material can also get washed away into the storm drains. • Check your vehicles for fluid leaks — this ends up on the street and eventually into the natural water system. • Try to patronize “green” car washes that recycle their water.

The District’s water quality goals are a big part of the new supplemental water supply coming to the District — Pure Water Soquel. This project will put recycled water (purple pipe water) through an additional, three-step advanced purification process: Microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation.

The result is purified water of neardistilled quality. The purified water will be pumped underground to recharge the groundwater basin, providing a droughtproof supply of clean, safe water, and creating a barrier to seawater contamination (that is already occurring in some areas).

The quality (and quantity — 1,500 acre-feet per year!) of this purified water is of great importance to not only the District and its customers, but to Santa Cruz, Central Water District, and the thousands of others who share the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin.

I encourage you to learn more about National Water Quality Month at national waterqualitymonth.org and about the relatively small amount of fresh water we have on planet Earth.

Protecting that water quality starts right here, in a partnership between the District and the community we serve. Together, we are contributing to our water quality — and what we and others do on a local basis, will in turn contribute positively to the worldwide issue of water quality. n www.soquelcreekwater.org