Q. Dear Peter: I am searching for the “perfect tree” for my backyard. We have a fairly standard city size lot and I am looking for something that is no more than 20-25′, disease resistant and doesn’t require much pruning i.e. no suckering/water sprouts (I have MS and can no longer do the ladder work). …
Category: Northwest U.S. Gardeners
Gardening questions from WA, OR, ID, MT & WY
Propagating Matilija Poppy
Q. How can I get a successful start of Coulteri Romneyii. I have a healthy 5’ plant, but each root that has been dug up and potted dies. Thanks for your guidance, Linda Finkas – Lakewood, WA A. The Tree or Matilija Poppy (Romneyii coulteri) is a shrubby perennial that has white petals with yellow…
Sapsucker Hole Patterns
Q. My flowering cherry tree has small 1/4″ holes around the trunk spaced about 1″ apart. Have never seen a woodpecker. Any ideas? Tip Thibodaux – Spanaway, WA A. About 2 months ago I answered a question about sapsuckers. This sounds like the same thing. Damage by boring insects is usually not equally spaced around…
Pee Gee Hydrangea and Pussy Willows
Q. I have an 8′ tall Pee Gee in a pot; would it be happier in the ground? How and when to prune? Fertilize? My Black Pussy Willow bush has some catkins; how do I get these to be more plentiful next year? Thanks, Beverley Long – Lakewood, WA A. All anthropomorphizing aside it depends…
Cement stain in the garden
Q. I would like to know which chemicals can be mixed and sprayed by on the homeowner/gardener and will react to new or reused concrete to act as a permanent natural looking tint. Many years ago I saw it on TV used in a wonderful California designer garden and I want to try this out…