Q. Dear Peter! Thank you for your column in the Tribune. My problem is this: I have several Oxalis plants; I think they are Oxalis purpurea. They provide beautiful mounds of green with their rose pink blossoms. Around right now though some of the mounds’ leaves turn brown and curly. What causes this? Our garden…
Year: 2005
Replacing Rotting Wisteria Arbor
Q. We have a very old, well-established wisteria covering almost the entire front of our house. Unfortunately, two of the three largest branches, which are approximately 12 feet in length, are being held up in part by a wooden fence/arbor which we need to remove and replace due to rot. Is there any way to…
Valentine Hoya
Q. Hi Peter: I was recently at the Seymour Botanical garden in Tacoma, WA and saw a Valentine Hoya. It had heart shape leaves and a black blossom… very unusual, but I have to have one. Would you know where I might find one? I would appreciate an email response. Thank you, Shirley Owens –…
Apple Maggot Control
Q. As the apple maggot larvae live in the ground, is there an effective treatment to apply before they hatch? Is it time to start spraying my apple trees for the apple maggot? A. This is a timely question since today’s Insect Alert is for the Apple Maggot. The larvae have been in the dormant…
Peach Tree Borers
Q. Have lost several young cherry trees. Problem seems to be boreres that stress the trees – evidence of sap seeping out of possible entry wounds. Can a systemis insecticide be used? If not, what? John Delaney – Puyallup, WA A. I have Peach Tree Borers on my cherries this year as well. The sap…