Q. When our tree first blossomed and started leafing out, we thought it was an apple tree. The fruit started developing but looked a bit odd for apples. Finally found out it was an Asian Pear. Last fall the waterspouts and crossover limbs were removed. There were lots of blossoms but little fruit this year….
Category: Northwest U.S. Gardeners
Gardening questions from WA, OR, ID, MT & WY
Mystery Blue Flowering Weed
Q. In the past 6 or 7 years, a blue-flowering weed has overtaken parts of this neighborhood, and it is highly aggressive. It thrives in shade. It has 8″ (more or less) tapered basal leaves. The flower stalks are round, from 18″ to 3′ or 4′ tall, and branch at the tips into clusters of…
Cutting Back Pampas Grass
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….
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…