Rosie Lerner
July “In The Grow”
Q. I have magic lilies that have not bloomed for two or three years. The foliage comes up in the spring, but there are no blooms in the summer. Do I need to move the bulbs? If so, when? – Marian Fouts, Walkerton, Ind. A. When bulbs (including daffodils) get crowded, they will cease flowering. If you have a thick mass of magic lilies (Lycoris &emdash; also called surprise lilies, naked ladies and resurrection lilies), […]
June “In The Grow”
Q. I am wondering what kind of tree, besides a willow, likes moist areas. I have an area in our yard that does not drain well and was hoping to solve the problem by using a tree. I can’t use a willow, due to my neighbor not really wanting one. He is worried about the roots. Thanks! – John D. A. Plants may take up some of the water and could reduce the excess moisture […]
May 2000
Q. Can you make some suggestions as to what I can plant in soggy soil? Since this part of my yard is the property line, I’m looking for some type of tree and/or tall shrubbery to create a privacy fence. – Joyce Haney A. If space is not an issue, you could consider clump river birch. You would be able to see through them in the winter, but the peeling bark would give nice winter […]
April “In The Grow”
Q. I have two gooseberry bushes that never bloom so, therefore, never produce fruit. They are 8-10 years old and in full sun. Do you have to have male and female bushes to produce fruit? If not, what could be wrong? – Judy Bates, Bloomington, Ind. A. Gooseberries are generally self-fruitful. You are facing another problem since your plants don’t bloom at all. Try pruning out all branches that are more than 3 years old […]
March “In The Grow”
Q. Last year, my gladiolus got a blight. They would get about 2 feet high and then turn yellow and start to die. Some of them did bloom, but blossoms were small with blotches. Is this a ground problem or a plant disease? What is the treatment? – Clyde Dawson, Urbana, Ind. A. Several diseases can attack gladiolus leaves. It’s most important to remove and destroy diseased plants. Plant glads in locations with good drainage and air […]
February “In The Grow”
Q. I have a Japanese maple that I planted last spring. Since then, it has turned from the rich, deep maroon color to a green color on the leaves. There is still a hint of the red color, but it is very faint. What would have caused this and what can I do to bring the maroon color back? Thanks! – David J. Schafer, New Albany, Ind. A. There are hundreds of cultivars of Japanese […]