Foliar Color Goes Beyond Green, By Tony Tomeo

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Foliar Color Goes Beyond Green

By Tony Tomeo

New England is famous for spectacular foliar color through autumn. Such color is merely seasonal though, and almost exclusive to deciduous vegetation. With few exceptions, its color range is limited to variations of yellow, orange, red or brown. It happens thousands of miles away, and is difficult to replicate on such a grand scale with locally minimal chill.

For smaller scale home gardens, there are many options for foliar color at any time of the year, regardless of chill. Some are deciduous. Most are evergreen. Colorful foliage might exhibit variegation or monochromatic coloration. Variegation might involve stripes, spots, borders, veining, or any combination of divergent colors. Some might entail a few colors.

Besides autumnal yellow, orange, red or brown, foliage can be pink, purple, blue or gray. Variegation can feature any of these colors, as well as white. The size and form of plants with foliar color ranges from small annuals and perennials to vines, shrubbery and trees. A few of such plants that are deciduous might change to different colors through autumn.

Various Hosta, Euonymus, Coprosma, Pittosporum, Hedera and Bougainvillea are some of the more popular plants with white or yellow variegation. New Zealand flax is popular for bronze, brown, gold or pink variegation. Canna can display evenly bronze or purplish foliage, white patches on green foliage, or neat yellow and pink stripes of varying widths.

Purple leaf plum and some cultivars of smoke tree, beech Eastern redbud and Japanese maple have the best purplish foliage. Other cultivars of smoke tree, as well as arborvitae, juniper, Monterey cypress and honeylocust, generate impressively yellow foliage. Agave and blue spruce contribute soft blue. Coleus impresses with various color combinations. Whether deciduous or evergreen, most colorful foliage displays its best color while fresh and new in spring. For some, color fades through summer. Junipers that are gold through spring may be plain green by summer, particularly in dry conditions. Although light colors and variegation are appealing within shady situations, shade can inhibit such coloration. •••

Hosta

As they bloom later in summer, slender floral stalks of Hosta might be more prominent as cut flowers than in gardens. The white or lavender flowers hang in loose clusters, so are more visible if elevated in vases rather than hovering just over their low foliage. Besides, their foliage seems to be more lush without them. Flowers are about an inch or two long.

Lush and colorful, albeit deciduous foliage is really the primary allure of Hosta. In cooler and more humid climates, the biggest plants may get more than three feet tall and nearly twice as broad! In local arid or semiarid climates, the more popular cultivars get no wider than about two or three feet. Of course, all growth dies back to the ground through winter.

The big and broad leaves are remarkably variable among the many cultivars. A few have wavy margins. Most are round, but some are notably narrow. Variegation may be yellow, chartreuse or white. Some cultivars have bluish glaucous foliage. Hosta require frequent watering and partial shade to avoid desiccation. They are vulnerable to snails and slugs, and can roast in arid and warm weather. n •••

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com

Foliar color can exceed floral color.

Hosta is more foliar than floral.

Meet Yuki!

Yuki is a one-year-old husky looking for his furever home! He is quite the goofball and enjoys playing with our other shelter pups. When he’s not running around the yards with his buddies you can find him sun bathing and getting cuddles from our volunteers.

A home with another dog may be appropriate provided they are not huge rough housing dogs. Any resident dogs should meet at the shelter prior to adoption. Yuki was very interested in the chickens in the barn yard so a home without small animals, cats, or livestock will be best.

A home with kids should but fine but all family members will need to meet him at the shelter prior to adoption.

If you’re looking for your new furry best friend you can visit Yuki at 1001 Rodriguez St, Santa Cruz between 10 and 6 every day. 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

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Cars

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PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER CAMPAIGN

The Pregnancy Resource Center, which offers free services, and now low-cost services such as “well woman care” and “STD testing and treatment,” is having its Baby Bottle Campaign through Father’s Day. Supporters can fill the baby bottles at local churches with spare change and donations for the PRC.

No-cost services include ultrasound, counseling, maternity and baby clothing and car seats.

The PRC is a nonprofit with three locations serving women, families and students:

Santa Cruz: 1570 Soquel Drive, Suites 3 & 5, Santa Cruz, across from Dominican Hospital, Walk-ins welcome. 24-hour helpline: 831-475-2200. Volunteer opportunities available.

Downtown: 128-B Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Plaza de la Cruz. Free parking. 831-454-8481.

Watsonville: 55 Brennan St. Room 201, Grace Harbor Women’s Center. Newest location. 831-7260011. Info: www.santacruzprc.org

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM

June 1 — July 31 Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, dancers, drumming, and a virtual interactive bilingual presentation featuring Delrita the Elephant. The goal is to prevent summer learning loss. With the Aptos branch demolished and reconstruction to follow, Aptos residents must look for activities in La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special dates include:

June 18: Jungle James Animal Adventures, La Selva Beach, 3-4 p.m.

June 28: Seed Balls, La Selva Beach, 2:30-4 p.m.

July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 p.m.

There are incentives that encourage children and teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use to select a book.

After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor exploration, and creative expression while practicing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

The Library’s extensive collections along with lists of recommended books for all ages, make it easy to find reading materials of interest.

Parents are encouraged to read together with their children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by June 24

Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Adults who sign up by June 17 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Santa Cruz Shakespeare. The drawing will take place the week of June 21. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR APTOS JULY 4 EVENTS

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers to assist with the Party in the Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aptos Village Park after the World’s Shortest Parade.

To register as a vendor, go to https://tinyurl.com/ wsp-volunteer2022 (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwX174-TwY9oAYCX7bJfnRZRr1_ uKcnxgWM0J3oxUYxmnvPw/viewform)

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July, The theme is Team Spirit. To register to participate, go to https://tinyurl.com/wsp-team-spirit (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLScE1CAbMW9Sr5WzTDEJEspT5FS7g8EVIGFlhtXH s1S2N_i8jQ/viewform) To sponsor, call the chamber at 831-688-1467.

CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS JULY 18

Candidate filing begins for the Nov. 8 election. Visit votescount.us for more information.

VENDORS WANTED

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park.

The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, produce, and more. What do you have?

Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations are due by July 31. Proceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 for information.

RED CROSS DONATION DRIVES

Come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30, 2022, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Memphis and Graceland for two. Trip includes air fare and a three-night stay at The Guest House at Graceland and Elvis Entourage VIP tour and more.

Along with the contest entry, donators will be sent a $5 e-gift card for a merchant of your choice. •••

Aptos

Wed., June 29, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. — Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive

Ben Lomond

Fri., June 17, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Lovecreek Road Sat., June 25, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9

Capitola

Sat., June 18, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave.

Santa Cruz

Sat., June 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St. Tues., June 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Thurs., June 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St.

Watsonville

Tues., June 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. Fri., June 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. ••• Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/ elvis-movie.html for contest details

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS Watsonville High: Class of 1960

Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m.

Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd ••• Soquel High: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m.

The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion

There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset.

Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenknight-tickets-269816316867 Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com. •••

Watsonville High Class of 1981

Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. •••

Harbor High: Class of 1972

Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz For information, call 408-568-0302.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

No meetings on Monday holidays: June 20 (Juneteenth), and July 4 (Fourth of July).

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK

2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

BINGO AT THE MID-COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

1-3 p.m., 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola The Mid-County Senior Center is hosting Bingo games. The event includes coffee and tea or lunch is available for purchase.

The cost is $10 to get started, must be over 18 to play and proof of vaccination is required. Proceeds benefit the center and local seniors. For information call 831-476-4711.

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. First Tuesdays of the Month

UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. arboretum.ucsc.edu Thursdays thru Aug. 11

PVUSD COVID VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC

1-5 p.m., 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville Pajaro Valley Unified School District Office will house a free Inspire Diagnostics COVID-19 vaccines/booster clinic through Aug.

Most sessions are in the Boardroom, except June 30 and July 28 are in the human resources conference room. No appointment is needed. Saturdays & Sundays

ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH

Tours start at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/