Marianne’s Responses
Watering mature shrubs
Posted by dale kerr | December 18, 2014I have a mature shrub bed with large rocks for mulch. When I planted it, the plants were 1 gallon in size. Now the shrubs are anywhere from 5 feet tall/wide to 15 feet tall/10 wide. The roots can be anywhere. My dinky 1/8" drips will be useless. How do I tell where the roots are so I can do ...
When to prune hydrangeas, and how far?
Posted by | December 18, 2014We moved in to our new home last January. All hydrangeas were cut to the ground. They grew, of course, but of the 14 huge plants only three bloomed. We let them grow, and only pruned back about 6" to get them a tiny bit shorter, and to remove spent blossoms. Now, next year, when do we prune and how ...
Where to find laurel trees in Olympia
Posted by | December 4, 2014Can you tell me whether there is a nursery in the Olympia area that would be likely to carry the type of laurel tree from which bay leaves are made? I got addicted to fresh bay leaves in Italy and would like to plant a tree next spring. Thanks.
Adding Osmocote to water
Posted by woodard mcclure | December 4, 2014What would be the proper amount to use when adding Osmocote granules to a gallon of water?
What is this tree?
Posted by Rubysliperss | December 3, 2014Hi Marianne, can you identify this for me? It came in a floral arrangement. The leaves look like laurel? It looks and has a texture like a pinecone and is now growing little florets. Thanks.
How deep to plant roses in Western Washington
Posted by | November 25, 2014What is the correct depth for the bud union on roses in Western Washington?
Fig trees: to prune, or not to prune?
Posted by | November 24, 2014Do fig trees produce fruit on new or old wood? My tree needs a pruning, but I don't want to destroy a crop.
Growing roses in mild winter weather
Posted by | November 22, 2014Hi Marianne, I was delighted to discover your column in the weekly newspaper, the Kent Reporter! I followed your email link and was again delighted to find much more gardening advice. My question has to do with rose care. I read some of the consulting rosarian's comments about "planting bud unions 3-4 inches deep" and "doing a late November knee-high ...
Organic gardening in winter
Posted by J Mensh | November 21, 2014Hello Marianne. I have been working toward a more organic approach in my garden since last spring. I no longer use pesticides and have released several lacewing eggs to try and re-establish a balance. I am confused as to how I should proceed, now that the garden is entering dormancy. Some sources say to remove the perennial foliage to avoid ...
When to prune passion vines
Posted by woltzen | November 14, 2014When do I cut back my passion vine? I am on the south hill of Puyallup, Washington.
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