Marianne’s Responses
memphisbelle’s Question
Posted by Betty Poole | September 11, 2013I just bought a house in Lakewood, WA, having moved from Memphis. We have huge blue hydrangeas in front of the house. We would like to greatly reduce the size. When and how would be the best time and way to do this? We don't mind losing one season of flowers to do this. Also, when and how should we ...
landt316’s Question
Posted by landt316 | September 10, 2013My neighbor always plants about 150 impatients in a large bed in front of her house each year. This year something completely wiped them all out to the point where it looks like they were never there....kind of eerie. Any idea what may have caused this? And will she be able to plant impatients there next year?
Debbien’s Question
Posted by Debbie Nighswonger | September 10, 2013Hello Marianne: I am the questioner you cautioned against the Osmanthus fragrans 'Aurantiacus', so now I'm stuck. I do not have the space for one up against the house - the area I need to fill is out in the open near the sidewalk. What can you recommend as a good winter interest shrub or small urban tree that I ...
bgohl’s Question
Posted by Barbara Gohl | September 9, 2013How do I prune high bush blueberries? I have some 3 year old bushes, and 2 that are 30 years old. All still produce blueberries.
landt316’s Question
Posted by landt316 | September 9, 2013Hi Marianne, When is the best time to prune my hardy fuchsias and how far back? I also need to know when to prune and how far back I can prune my Japanese Aralia. Thanks so much Linda Winkler
msmesac’s Question
Posted by msmesac | September 9, 2013My aunt has Colocasia growing in her yard, she's giving me a baby Colocasia with the root/bulb still attached. I would like to grow this indoors first and then transfer it outside. Can I use Osmocote in the soil when planting it in the pot? How can I start growing this plant indoors first?
m_lam’s Question
Posted by Michael Lam | September 8, 2013We are considering replacing our lawn with "Cutting Edge Grass". We are looking for something requiring less watering and maintenance for next year. What are your thoughts on the "Cutting Edge Grass"? I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thank you. Michael
Sungron’s Question
Posted by | September 3, 2013I have been hand pollinating squash this year and it's working well. My question is whether it is necessary for the female flower to fully open before pollination. Sometimes after they open they fill with rain or shrivel before I get to them. Can I gently open the female flower to pollinate and jump start the process or should I ...
wstrkmp’s Question
Posted by wstrkmp | September 3, 2013Hi Marianne: We have a lilac tree and flowering crabapple in our Federal Way garden, both of which send up lots and lots of suckers from around the trunk. I cut them down as close to the ground as I can, and they just sprout back up again. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
netandb’s Question
Posted by netandb | September 3, 2013Hey Marianne-- We've been seeing a rat running thru the garden. Last evening we saw her take babies from under my frog fountain and carry them elsewhere. I saw 2 babies scatter under the "frog" while she was gone. I love animals, but am concerned about an infestation that could prove problematic. Your thoughts, please... Thanks a bunch! J Simmons
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