A Time to Plant
Planting season is the time when work on the land intensifies. While there are a multitude of projects to be done year round, the presence of rain dictates the nature of those projects.
In the mountains of Nicoya Peninsula, the rains arrive in May and usually last until early November; the heaviest rainfall is in September and October. Those months are not ideal for planting because the intensity of the downpours makes it too difficult to work outdoors. The best time for planting trees and plants of all varieties is several weeks after the rains start in May which allows for the earth to soak in the water after the 6 month long dry season. Mid-May to mid-July is prime time for planting.
Moving Perennials Around the Property
Transplanting the ornamentals takes priority in the rainy season.
One of my favorite showy plants is the Dwarf Poinciana known locally as Puntarenas in honor of the region that borders Guanacaste.
This ornamental is not only an eye pleaser, it is a hardy plant that provides nectar for the butterfly population when the rains come. The plant’s profusion of red blossoms with tiny yellow flowers are often surrounded by thirsty winged creatures.
The working planters’ first step is to examine how many Puntarenas plants can be dug up without compromising the health and beauty of these abundant plants which decorate the property.
The Dwarf Poinciana appears to respond well to the thinning process and will soon send up new shoots.
The sturdy quad, a four-wheeled workhorse, is loaded up with Puntarenas that are transported to locations throughout the property.
Renal, Demercio and Darwing plant Puntarenas all over the farm…
Vibrant splashes of color will soon dot the property for years to come thanks to the efforts of the dedicated, energetic landscapers of Refugio de Los Angeles.
Profusion of Perenials
Another perennial with multiple benefits for the landscape is the Yucca Gloriosa, aka Spanish Dagger. Locally this resilient flowering evergreen is called “Itabo”.
Itabo is planted along the borders of some of the trails that crisscross Refugio de Los Angeles. An excellent erosion deterrent, this robust perennial protects trails while adding decorative value for all that walk the trails.
When the rains come, transplanting begins. One of the easiest plants to move around the property is the Yucca Gloriosa, aka Itabo.
More cuttings are placed on the quad to plant all over the property…
When the Itabo are in the ground, erosion is thwarted and trails thrive.
Flor de Itabo
Within a few years a local delicacy, Flor de Itabo, will begin to bloom. This is a popular source of food for those who appreciate the nutritional value of the flowers that grow in large bunches at the crown of the plant. The clusters of white blossoms have a short lifespan that usually lasts for a few months in the dry season.
Fortunately there are so many Yucca Gloriosas on the property that everyone shares in the bounty.
The Fabulous, Nutritiously Edible Flor de Itabo!
When the rains arrive to our farm on the Pacific slope, a time to plant begins the ritual work of replenishing those perennials which have served the land with distinction.
