Q. My builder planted a row of Leyland cypresses in an
area of my yard that stays damp. As a result, they all died from root rot. What kind of
tall screening plant will survive wet soil?
Q. I need to know what kinds of perennials I can plant that
have bright, showy flowers but stay small for the tight spaces in my garden.
Q. Please tell me what could have eaten my begonias at the base and
caused them to fall over as if they were rotted.
Q. We just landscaped this spring. The azaleas, boxwoods, and wax-leaf
ligustrums are dead. We watered them every other day because the temperatures were over
100 degrees. When I dug up the plants, the ground was extremely moist. What do you think
is the cause?
Q. When they landscaped our new house, they put some plants in the
wrong places. So a few weeks ago, I moved some boxwoods, Indian hawthorns, and other
shrubs to new spots. All are doing well, except the hawthorns. Is this the wrong time of
year to move plants?
Q. What is the best way to save seeds I did not use this summer? Should
I store them in the refrigerator until next spring?
Q. Our soil is poor and sandy. What low-maintenance
perennials would you suggest for either full or partial sun?
Q. Here in northeast Alabama, my tomatoes and peppers are still
producing. Should I clear them out now to make room for fall vegetables? What vegetables
should I plant for fall?
Q. I planted several poinsettias in my flowerbeds with the
expectation of having red flowering bracts for the Christmas holidays. I had heard you had
to prune poinsettias back by a third in summer or fall, so I did. But none flowered for
the holidays. I see them blooming in this area, so I know it's possible to have poinsettia
blooms outdoors. Why didn't they do right?
Q. I have Mexican bush sage in my yard. Will it live through the
winter here? When can I move it?
Q. I want to landscape a large portion of my backyard.
When would be the best time to plant shrubs and trees-in the fall or in the spring?
Q. I planted a 'Stargazer' lily in my daylily bed not knowing how tall it
would grow. It isn't attractive in this location. Can I move it and if so, when and how?
Q. One side of my home is shady, and the soil is constantly moist. Please
tell me what kinds of plants could thrive there. Even my fescue has a hard time!
Q. For several years, my husband and I have worked our red Georgia clay,
adding sand, compost, and other things. Do you have suggestions to speed up soil
conditioning?
Q. Full sun and full shade seem obvious planting guidelines, but lighting
conditions around a home are seldom so clear-cut. What would be the conditions against a
north, south, east, and west wall with no overhang?
Q. I'm considering planting a 'Little Gem' Southern magnolia in a large
planter in my garden. Can you suggest a good soil mixture? Do container-grown trees need
any special care?
Q. I want to plant a cottage garden like the ones I see in your magazine.
My garden gets sun all day. Can you suggest some good plants?
Q. I just bought some 'Bright 'N Tight' cherry laurels to plant in front
of a tall wooden fence. What kind of growing conditions do they like?
Q. When you purchase a plant, a plastic tag usually gives you the name of
the plant and growing instructions. Is this information adjusted by region? For example, a
plant that takes full sun in the North may not endure full sun in the South.
Q. What are my chances of rooting a cutting from a clematis that is
growing on my neighbor's fence? (I have his permission.)
Q. As soon as my gladioli begin to bloom, they fall over. I've limed and
fertilized to no avail. Any advice?
Q. I am presently collecting seeds from our Southern magnolia tree.
Should I dry them before planting? Is it necessary to remove the red coating? Should I
plant them in October or wait until spring?
Q. I am getting ready to plant fall bulbs. I understand that there are
some bulbs that moles and voles won't touch. Please give me a list. I am tired of spending
money only to make the little buggers fat!
Q. I am helping a friend plant new shrubs across the front of his house.
He wants low-maintenance, slow-growing green plants that resist diseases and pests. Can
you give us any suggestions?
Q. When should I plant roses, and how do I take care of them?
Q. We've fertilized our azaleas and mulched them with oak leaves, but they still
look puny. Any recommendations?
Q. I recently planted azaleas and put manure, potting soil, and sphagnum peat moss
in the hole around the root ball. Will manure hurt the azaleas? If so, should I dig them up and
replant?
Q. Nothing seems to grow in the shade of two large water oaks in my front yard. Can
you give me a few suggestions of things I could plant that would give this area some
color?
Q. I just moved here from Canada, and I need to know a great gardening book that tells about
the plants that will grow around here. Any help will be appreciated.
