Earlier sightings were first reported in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, but it has since been observed in other locations throughout the Santa Clara Valley. It's uncertain why the beetle has only recently decided to make its presence known, but it fortunately seems to be harmless.

The name and large size of the green fruit beetle suggest it might be in the habit of absconding with green fruit, such as watermelon. However, green fruit beetles are generally sustained by overripe or rotten fruit, which no one really wants anyway. Their larvae mature and pupate within decaying organic matter, such as foliar litter. They are also very appreciative of compost piles or bins.

Because the green fruit beetle doesn't bite and is not common enough to be a nuisance, garden enthusiasts need not worry about it. Despite the bold first impression, it cannot fly away with groceries, garden statuary or the neighbor's cat. I hope this is sufficient reassurance for those who have seen these formerly unidentified flying objects and feared an imminent invasion.

There is no need to sound the alarm about the green fruit beetle, but "It's Time to Blow our Horn!" is the beginning of a year of grand-opening celebrations for the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. This reception acknowledges Chris Panopulos, the first president of the Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, and his recent grant of $73,500 to the group, as well as any volunteers who have worked on park projects during the past three decades.

"It's Time to Blow our Horn!" runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Versailles Courtyard of Le Petit Trianon, located at 72 N. Fifth St. in San Jose and landscaped by the renowned landscape designer Barbara Karski. Tickets are $25. Contact Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens at 408.277.5998 or online at www.grpg.org to obtain tickets or more information or to provide contact information for former volunteers.

We can talk more about bulbs later, but those who enjoy them should be aware that spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, narcissus, crocus and tulips are now available. The first groups (phases) of each type of bulb can be planted now. Additional groups can be planted at intervals until enough have been planted or until they are no longer available in nurseries.

Tree of the Week: Apple

There is enough variation of fruit among the many cultivars of apple to satisfy the most discriminating of green fruit beetles. Most cultivars available in the Santa Clara Valley are perfectly happy here, but some that prefer cooler winters have become trendy. Some of the earliest apples ripened months ago, and some of the later are only now ripening.

Pollination is essential to fruit set. Fortunately, most of the common modern cultivars provide their own pollen or, if necessary, are adequately pollinated by even a puny tree of another cultivar that may be a considerable distance away. There are not many urban areas in which needy apple blossoms can avoid pollination from trees of other possibly remote gardens.

Semi-dwarf trees are the most popular in home gardens. They are grafted onto dwarfing rootstock and are typically less than 15 feet tall. Of course, some cultivars are shorter than others. Standard trees will eventually become as large as trees in orchards. Genetic dwarf trees are shorter than 8 feet but are rare.

Apple trees need full sun exposure and prefer moderate irrigation. Established trees will survive with minimal irrigation. Excessive irrigation can compromise the flavor of the fruit. A few cultivars grafted onto one tree will provide a smaller quantity of each type at various times instead of a potentially overwhelming quantity of the same fruit at the same time. Like most other deciduous fruit trees, apples require very specialized pruning during winter dormancy (or during summer).

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.