QUESTION
Hello, I have just purchased a home built in an area with a known case of Oak Tree fungus. I wish to plant trees, plants, flowers, ground cover etc. that is resistant to this disease. Is this possible? Thanks.
Claudia. San Jose, California

ANSWER
Oak tree fungus or oak tree wilt is spread by insects, which feed on trees damaged by the disease. So an infection can occur many miles from the last infection, trees can spread the disease to neighbouring trees through interlocking root systems. Small rhododendrons and azaleas are though to be susceptible, but little is really known about cross infection. It is known that rhododendrons can carry the disease and theses are often destroyed on infected nurseries

QUESTION
Hello,
My mother lives in Zone 2 climate area. She received some bulbs for Christmas and is wondering how to take care of them. It is too late to plant them now; they should have been planted in the fall. Should she store them in the fridge? Can she plant them in the spring? Thanks.
E. Sander

ANSWER
The bulbs need to be planted. If your ground is frozen solid follow the following procedure. Take a deep wooden box about one foot deep and fill with potting compost, then plant the bulbs in the compost at correct planting depth. Water well and place in a sheltered corner of your yard. Watch out for rodent damage. Transplant into their desired position in the spring.

QUESTION
I have several blue spruces in an area that I would like to keep at about 3 ft tall. Can I prune them back in such a way as to have them fill out instead of taller? Also I have a holly bush that needs shaping but I am unsure as how to do this. There are several long branches but it is not very full looking.
Thank you for your advice.

ANSWER
It is difficult to comment on your blue spruce because there are many varieties of different growth habit. Your holly should be trimmed very lightly and about twice a year, trying to achieve a desired shape as you trim

QUESTION
Would you be able to tell me how I can find out the last frost date for southern California?
Thanks, Lourdes Santiago

ANSWER
Last frost date.
Your local University, agriculture and horticulture extension will provide you with this information. See university web site.

QUESTION
I recently installed a large flagstone patio with enough space in between the stones for ground coverings, which I planted. Now, however, wild onion grass has appeared healthily between the stones spoiling the look. I have tried pulling them out but rarely get the roots. What can I do to remove them short of starting over and putting plastic under the stones - it's too late for that.
Thanks, Diane.

ANSWER
There are systemic sprays for wild onions under various brand names, ask at your local garden outlet. Systemic sprays are absorbed by the plant and kill by damaging the interior plant structure. Before spraying you will have to temporally move the ground cover plants you have already planted to a new home until the herbicide has done its work.

QUESTION
Why do many plants' leaves turn yellow and what can be done about it?
Several of the outside plants that were planted correctly, I think, have drifted upward and are showing roots. What should I do?
Maggie, Fullerton CA

ANSWER
Your plants with yellowing leaves need an application of lime to sweeten the soil, also an application of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate), which will release trace elements in the soil, vital for chlorophyll production, the green in the leaf. Plants showing roots above ground would indicate a very hard under pan in the soil, the application of garden lime can break this up by chemical action.

QUESTION
Hi I have a question re: transplanting a mature rhodo.
I live on Vancouver Island, BC and was wondering when is the best time to transplant. Is the earliest time you would recommend transplanting to another area in March, or can it be done Mid January? I can't find any info. If this is not advised.
Thank you.

ANSWER
If your soil is not frozen, now is an excellent time to transplant your rhododendrons. They need to be established early, the early flowering demands lots of water. Try to dig as big a root ball as possible and do not destroy the fine roots. Some farmyard manure, horse manure, or similar in the bottom of the planting hole will be of benefit. Water well in dry periods this spring, use rainwater if possible, tap water is really too alkaline for acid loving rhododendrons.

QUESTION
I have three camellia bushes that are about 7 ft. tall and about at least 30-40 years old. I would like to transplant them from my Mother's home to my own. Is this possible and when can it be done.
Thank you, Bette

ANSWER
My advice is to leave these trees alone. Moving them at that size and age will almost certainly lead to mortality. If you have a sentimental attachment to these trees, you could grow new trees from leaf cuttings, or stem cuttings, taken from the trees. Then you would have the next best thing to the originals

QUESTION
I had a friend build a beautiful steel arbor in my small sized back yard in LaGrange, Il (60525). I have been exhaustively researching vines and climbers. I have found what I would like to grow, but am finding conflicting information about the hardiness zones of the vines. How do I decide which "expert" to believe? I have ordered the plants on-line and am expecting mid-April delivery.

ANSWER
Your best bet is to contact your local University agricultural/horticultural extension department. They will have extensive information regarding local hardiness. Find them on the net.

QUESTION
I have about 100 Liriope big blue plants that are 7 years old. This winter caused damage to the leaves. What is the best way to make them look better? Should I mow them down with my lawn mower and let them come out this spring or what?
Thanks. Bill.

ANSWER
You can cut your liriope down any time before the new shoots appear. If using a rotary mower do not cut too low or you may pull the plants out by the roots.

Oxford, Alabama
Thanks Valecroft. I did exactly what you suggested and it looks great. I set the mower to the highest setting. It really was simple to do.
Thanks again. Bill

QUESTION
With great plans to plant many bulbs in the late fall, I bought 6 boxes of daffodil bulbs. I unexpectedly ended up going back to work for the holiday season and never planted them. They sit forlornly in my garage waiting for something to happen.

Now that the holiday rush and seasonal work is over, I'm not sure whether to pitch them or go ahead and plant. Maybe store them in the fridge 'til next season? Alas, what to do. I hate to waste them and want to plant them if possible. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER
Your daffs need to be planted somewhere or they will dry up and die. Plant them in some corner of your yard; close planting will not harm them. Keep well watered.

This will keep them alive, but do not expect much in flower this season. However many of them should survive and grow into decent bulbs by late summer. Transplant into a desired area, August, September.
Valecroft


January   ------------

After the excesses of the festive season, January in the garden is the time to take stock. Reflect on last year's successes and plan to avoid any failures, and then get back into the house where it is warm. While still in the house, now is the time to order your seeds for the coming season, it may seem early but time marches on and delay could result in your desired varieties being sold out.

Out in the garden, you should carry out a regular check of newly planted shrubs to see if the wind or frost has loosened their purchase on the ground. If loose carefully compact the soil around the plant with your heel or the spade handle.

Your greenhouse should be checked over for broken glass, loose doors and ventilators and any other obvious damage. Also inside you will find a large amount of debris from last year, this should be disposed of in the recommended way in order to make way for the new. Moss and other dirt should be removed from the glass and the frame of the glasshouse, not only does this moss and dirt restrict the light but it also harbours many insect pests. The above comments are also pertinent to sun lounges.

If you have heavy soil now is the time to dig over the plot, once the soil is turned over the winter frost can penetrate the large lumps and break down the soil into a fine tilth. This will considerably ease your task at planting time.

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