The recent explosion of flowers this spring has caught the attention of many, and one gardener believes that the abundance of blooms can be explained by the mysterious connection between winter cold and spring flowering. Typically, a sufficient amount of winter chill hours is needed for plants to break dormancy and open their flower buds. This year, due to the east San Fernando Valley experiencing its coldest winter in years, with 514 winter chill hours recorded, there has been an increase in flowering, even among evergreen plants, semitropicals, and deciduous fruit trees.
Understanding the importance of vernalization, or cold exposure, in inducing flowering or other physiological processes in plants is crucial for gardeners. Many spring-flowering bulbs produce more or larger flowers when refrigerated before planting, and seeds of some species require vernalization to germinate. The Maximalist garden style, characterized by bold and boisterous designs with a focus on repeating a single color throughout the garden, has been gaining popularity. Gardeners are encouraged to choose seldom-seen species and create different garden rooms to achieve a more maximalist look.
For those interested in exploring maximalist gardens, the Getty Center garden in Brentwood is a must-visit destination, showcasing a diverse array of plants and design styles. Additionally, California native species like coral bells (Heuchera spp.) offer unique foliage colors and textures for gardeners looking to add some native plants to their landscaping. If readers have a maximalist garden they would like to share, they are encouraged to reach out to the author at joshua@perfectplants.com.
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