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Inaccuracies in gardening column
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments There were a number of inaccurate statements in Kathy Robinson’s Nov. 10 gardening column.
The liquid amber varieties that are purchased for good fall color are grafted cultivars, not “hybrids.” There is a big difference in how cultivars are propagated and how hybrids are propagated.
Chinese pistache is the most widely-used and accurate name for the shade tree often planted in Bakersfield, not “Chinese pistachio.” Pistachio is the name usually reserved for the nut-bearing species, which is almost never grown for ornamental purposes.
Many Chinese pistaches turn bright red in the fall, not just orange.
I don’t think it’s the best advice to recommend the planting of potentially large trees like red and scarlet oaks in small areas. Even though these trees may grow slowly, homeowners will eventually be faced with the task of pruning them many times over the years to keep them in bounds.
 John Sweetser
Editor’s note: Thanks for the feedback, John. I asked gardening columnist Kathy Robinson to respond to your letter, and here’s what she had to say:
“In writing this column, I am trying to get as much info out to the average homeowner/gardner as possible. I am also trying to make it a fairly easy read. John, you obviously have much more than average knowledge on this subject. Thanks for the input. Yes, there are differences in cultivars and hybrids. Here, I was trying to convey the idea that there are varieties of liquid ambers that are not seedlings that will give different color combinations. I hope that is the idea that most people got. When people ask for Chinese pistachio in our nursery they are referring to the Pistacia chinsensis, and when they ask for fruiting pistachio we know it is the fruit-bearing variety, Pistacia vera. (I thought my “fiery orange” description was pretty good.) Yes, you’re right, oaks can get to be good-sized trees. That’s why I said they could be adapted with pruning or planted in larger areas and let go. I then tried to make the point of how important tree choices are. I had hoped that came across to my readers. Thanks again.”

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