Q. I have a rhododendron. Dark green upon planting. Western exposure. Leaves and new growth turn pale green and droop. Tries to set buds and flower but buds do not mature and flowers are extremely small and die back quickly upon opening. Paul Faro – San Leandro CA A. Sounds to me like you have…
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…
Lawn too thick
Q. Our lawn–For the most past, it is way too thick. Even the front, which was resodded not too long ago, is a jumble of roots. We thatch every year–had it professionally done last year–and of course fertilize and water. Will using an aerator help? Any suggestions will be appreciated as we are disappointed that…