Q. I have 3 large pampas grass that I would like to trim as far down as I can. The middle of all of them is old, dead remnants of previous years. How far down should I cut it and is now a good time to do that? Thanks, Sydna Lefebvre – Tacoma, WA A….
Year: 2005
Controlling Resprouting Locust Roots
Q. I had three Black Locust trees removed but now sprouts are growing from the extensive root system. Is there a way to eliminate the problem?? Also, there is one 50ft tree on the property. I was wondering when and how do I trim it? Thank You Rich Brown – Tacoma, WA A. You are…
Are Oakleaf hydrangeas always brittle?
Q. Are Oakleaf hydrangeas always brittle? I have had two episodes of severe breakage, once when the entire plant broke off at the soil line as I was planting it, and I am not a careless or inexperienced gardener. Please give me a description of the durability of this shrub. Otherwise it sounds like a…
Apple Maggot Redux
Q. As you suggested in The News Tribune in February, instead of spraying my apple tree for apple maggot this year, I ordered and used nematodes. What a beautiful LOOKING crop of apples I have, but have not been able to salvage even one apple from the apple maggot (compared to only 5 apples infected…
Coffee Grounds and Rhodie disease
Q. Dear Peter, 1. the local Starbucks store saves coffee grounds for gardeners like us. I know that Blueberries and Roses like acidic soil. What other fruits, vegetables and flowers thrive in soil made acidic with coffee grounds? 2. One of our Rhodies died due to a disease of some sort. Is it a bad…