Plant FAQ's

SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY: Dry leaves, plants with spots, planting new plants, and pruning .

SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY

 This has been an unusual summer. The snows of winter and the early above normal temperatures have altered the bloom time of many trees, shrubs and perennials. Many bloomed ahead of time and for shorter duration. There are still several weeks of summer left to enjoy the late season blooms.

The leaves on some of my plants are dry and crispy. What is wrong?

The lack of rain along with the high temperatures is taking a toll on our plants also. The best thing is to water more often. We suggest testing the soil moisture, by inserting a dowel or some sturdy stick into the soil about a foot from the center of the plant. If it is powdery dry, more watering is needed and if it is muddy, back off the water. The stick should be moist. If your plants are less than a year old, more water will help them get established.

Some of my plants have holes and spots. What can I do?

It is difficult to say without seeing the damage. You could bring a piece of the plant to us to see and diagnose. Another resource is the Maryland Home and Garden Information Center. Their website is www.hgic.umd.org. They have pictures and recommendations.

I have a party planned for Labor Day weekend. Is this an OK time to plant?

We are still installing landscapes this time of year. You need to be diligent about watering. If you are going to be away for more than 3 or 4 days, it's best to wait until fall. Good News though, there are lots of late summer and fall annuals that can be planted at the last minute for instant color. The mums and asters will be vibrant then.

PRUNING

Summer is the time to prune evergreens such as boxwood and Japanese hollies. The traditional blue hollies can also be pruned at this time. However, do not prune after August 1^st. If your hydrangeas have finished their bloom, now is the time to prune them, but don't delay until September, for fear of losing next year's flowers.

Most day-lilies have finished and the unsightly stalks can be removed by pulling out or pruning, as can the spent blooms of perennials. This can often lead to a late season re-bloom in many varieties.