Q. How tall will Prunus Caroliniana ‘bright and tight’ grow? Will these shrubs grow as vigorously in a wine barrel container? Jamie Jameson – Monterey, CA A. The Carolina Laurel Cherry is an evergreen tree/shrub that is native to the east coast from North Carolina over to Texas. This variety has a more compact habit…
Impervious Mulch Layer
Q. Our back yard is landscaped with mostly rhodies, azaleas, Japanese maples and a variety of other acid loving plants. The whole area is covered with bark. The problem is that water seems to have a hard time penetrating the bark. Often after watering I will check the moisture and the soil beneath the bark…
Shredded Fir Trees for Mulch
Q. We recently purchased a chipper/shredder and have disposed of many branches from fir trees this way. I noticed that leaving it in a pile, it gets very hot and turns to like ash within a week, in the center of the pile. If I spread it over my garden, it turns to like a…
Protecting and Growing Bonsai
Q. I would like to create some artificial “Growth zones” for some bonsai trees. I would like to create a zone 7. How would I go about doing this and what kinds of artificial lights would I need? Charley Stran – Eau Claire, WI A. To create a true zone 7 inside a home can…
Dealing With Rocky Soil
Q. Hi Peter. I enjoy your column very much. My frustrations with being surrounded by neighbors with invasive tree roots, noxious ivy and raspberry runners is only surmounted by the larger question: what to do with all of the rocks that are displaced when planting? Though I agree in principle with the idea of not…