I had two cymbidiums outside last summer. Although there was practically no rain and I was not home to water them, each plant bloomed as never before. I have heard that orchids need misting and thrive in the jungle. So why the lush flowering?… Read Article
Weekly Tips
String Trimmers and Brush Cutters
The first time I laid hands on a string trimmer, I felt like the Wicked Witch of the West. The gentlest squeeze of my hand activated the whirring string at the base of this broomstick-like weed-whacker. It leapt into action, grinding away the messy outer edges of my yard and garden. . . . Read Article
Q&A with Bob Polomski 20
Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University What is your opinion of zoysia as a turfgrass? —S.R., Cherry Hill, NJ Answer: Zoysia was introduced to North America from Japan in the 1890s. The cultivar ‘Meyer’, which is sold as ‘Amazoy’ in many … Read Article
Q&A with Bob Polomski 27
Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University Is any part of the canna plant poisonous to cattle? While we were away ours got into my flower bed and ate all of the leaves. I have heard that some part of any plant … Read Article
Restoring a Damaged Shrub
After a shrub or small tree leafs out in spring, you may notice that the ends of some of the branches have died back. This can be the result of an unusually harsh winter, a lack of moisture, or of … Read Article
Gray Garden Slug
The gray garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum), introduced from Europe, is the most damaging slug species in the United States.
Seed-Starting Equipment
Seed-starting equipment has come a long way since the days of egg cartons and cutdown milk containers . . . Read Article
Groundcovers
The roles groundcovers play, plus some excellent choices for different situations Read Article
Garden Tractors
Homeowners with large yards benefit from a garden tractor. Here are the jobs garden tractors perform and how to choose one.
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Black Spot
Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) is the most serious and widespread disease of roses, thriving wherever there is adequate humidity and rainfall. Read Article
Q&A with Bob Polomski 5
Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University My ‘Latham’ raspberry plants aren’t yielding much fruit. The fruit they do yield is small and crumbly. Is there something I can add to the soil to make the patch more productive? —S.J., Fairhaven, MA … Read Article