Q. I have several peonies that are 80-plus years old located in an old farmstead. I would like to transplant them to a more suitable area. What would be the best way to transplant them? What do I need to do as far as fertilizer and water needs after the plants are moved. — Rich Unger, Terre Haute, Ind. A. Peonies are incredibly tough plants! Select a location for the transplants where they’ll have good…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
What is that rhododendron doing re-blooming in the middle of October? Well, actually, it might be more correct to think of it as jumping the gun on next spring rather than re-blooming. Although it happens to some extent many years, there seems to be more reports than usual of blooming out of sequence this fall. Rhododendrons, crab apples and saucer magnolias are the most commonly reported species blooming this fall. Spring-blooming woody plants…Read more about Blooming Out of Sequence[Read More]
It’s that time of year when visions of Halloween conjure up all kinds of ghoulish-looking gourds! While they are traditional decor at Halloween and Thanksgiving, gourds aren’t just for decoration. Gourds date back to 2200 B.C., making them among the oldest cultivated plants in history. They have been used as dippers or containers for grain storage, and other types are edible when young and tender. The term “gourd” is most correctly applied to several species…Read more about Out of Your Gourd![Read More]
Q. I have some questions about a ‘Rose of Sharon’ bush I have, which was damaged in the ice storm that we had last winter. I was wondering when would be a good time to trim it, how far back should it be trimmed and how often. Thank you ever so much. — Barbara Huse A. Since plants bloom on new growth, shaping or pruning can be done at any time. Pruning in late winter…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
The hot dry weather experienced throughout much of Indiana is bringing an early leaf drop to many landscape plants. While there is potential for a rainbow of colors, the stressful conditions may make for a less-than-awesome display. For some homeowners, the annual show is overshadowed by chores of leaf raking and disposal. What’s needed here is an attitude adjustment! Autumn leaves don’t have to become trash. On the contrary, they easily can be turned into…Read more about Fall Leaves: Litter or Loam?[Read More]
If thinking about the end of summer is getting you down, start planning your spring flowering bulb show. Autumn is the time to plant crocus, daffodils, tulips and many other spring bloomers. Spring flowering bulbs are planted in fall to allow them to establish roots before top growth begins in spring. Planting too early may cause the bulbs to sprout this fall, only to be killed back by winter weather. Planting too late may not…Read more about Summer’s End Signals Bulb Planting Time[Read More]
Q. I have a rhododendron bush that looks like it is getting rust on the leaves. I think perhaps something is eating on it. What should I use to control this? Thank you. — Joan Wininger A. It’s important to determine if the rust is a problem or a natural occurrence. Many rhododendrons have a natural, rusty-brown, scaly appearance, particularly on the underside of the leaf. Rhododendrons may also be showing leaf scorch at this…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]
Whether you’re looking to expand your planting of iris or just need to rejuvenate an older planting, late summer through early fall is a good time to lift and divide iris. Dividing every 3-5 years will help rejuvenate the planting and encourage more blossoms for the subsequent years. Most iris plants spread by means of underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes become too crowded over time, resulting in reduced flowering. By lifting and dividing the…Read more about Dividing Iris[Read More]
As summer is nearing its end, gardeners will soon be harvesting their onions, which may just bring tears to their eyes. Onions are ready to harvest when the tops bend over at the neck. Gently lift the plants out of the ground to collect the bulbs and avoid bruising the tender skins. For short-term storage, spread the plants in a single layer, leaving the tops attached, and air dry 2-3 days in a well-ventilated…Read more about Onions Can Bring You To Tears[Read More]
Q. I live in the country and have a gopher problem. They are digging holes around the bird feeders. I have even seen them in the bird feeders. They are digging so much that the pipes the bird feeders are on are about ready to fall down. — Barbara La Cross, LaOtto , Ind. A. Begin by going to Purdue Animal Damage Control Web site at http://www.entm.purdue.edu/wildlife/wild.htm to make sure you’ve identified the culprit properly. There are…Read more about Question and Answer[Read More]