Marianne’s Responses
Strange growths on dahlia tuber
Posted by Christy Nicandri | November 18, 2025I’ve never seen this before on a dahlia tuber. Is it something to be concerned about? Do I need to toss the tuber? It looks like white rice. Apparently my photo is too big. Thanking you in advance.
Naked lady bulbs (amaryllis belladonna)
Posted by Christy Nicandri | November 10, 2025How deep do I plant naked lady bulbs? I am planting them in the ground. I’ve read to plant them just so the tops of the bulbs show. The instructions that came with them says to plant them 8-9” deep. Who is correct? There’s a big difference between suggested planting depth. Thanking you in advance.
Phytophthora root rot
Posted by Kelly Campbell | October 13, 2025Hi Marianne, I had three large Rhodies (over 20 years old) that were diagnosed with Phytophthora root rot. Bartlett Tree experts diagnosed and recommended treatment, which includes boost Seattle 20-0-5, and root invigoration, using an Air-spade. Two have died and the third rhodie looks like it's starting to die. What can I do to eradicate this from the soil as ...
Dahlia mildew
Posted by Sandra Spee | October 11, 2025I have a very large garden with vegetables and lots of dahlias. I have gardened in this spot for 40 some years. This year I had what looked like powdery mildew on some of my dahlias. I have never experienced this before. My husband sprayed the plants with neem oil and copper spray. It helped a bit, but the mildew ...
Autumn Joy Sedum
Posted by Lorene Johnson | October 11, 2025I have a beautiful Autumn Joy Sedum that is in a container. What would be the best way to over Winter this to keep it alive and in good shape? It's done so well, I don't want to lose it, but realize it being in a pot, exposes it probably to more elements! We live in 8b Puyallup. Thank you ...
How to Eliminate Brome Grass in Daylilies
Posted by Joni Renshaw | September 13, 2025What can I do to kill the brome grass in my daylilies? It has been pulled and dug, but keeps coming back. I have used grass killers, but that only turns it a little brown after multiple applications.
Photo: Arum or Calla Lily
Posted by Suzbo | September 9, 2025These two came out to see what I was up to while I watered the flower bed. Hope you can see them. Thanks Suzette B Enumclaw WA
Help! The Grass Has Been Overtaken by Dandylions!
Posted by wstrkmp | August 31, 2025Hi, Marianne. I am writing this question for my daughter. She has a home in Bonney Lake. Her home is on a lot a little over an acre in size, with the front yard about 1/2 acre, all lawn. The grass has been overtaken by a sea of dandlions, all in full bloom. You literally can see no grass. What ...
Perennials’ Second Year
Posted by Leslie Stepherson | August 26, 2025Over time I've had perennials that looked great when I planted them, but the next year they're really puny or failed to come up at all. What is the reason for this and can you give me planting advice to avoid this in the future? Thank you, Leslie in Olympia
Dealing with Magnolia Bush Problems
Posted by Sue Perek | August 5, 2025This year, my magnolia bush was trimmed. After a month, I noticed it wasn't growing as it had in the past. Typically, new shoots emerge, and they grow about another foot and fill in. The bush is over 50 years old. I've maintained it for 34 of those years. I am proud to say that each year it has blossomed ...
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