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SEPTEMBER
Q: I have a couple of the orange trumpet vines in Prescott Valley and they’re doing wonderfully. We’re wondering if that’s the only kind of trumpet vine hardy enough for our winters. I’d love to get a little more color against our walls. Suzanne, Prescott Valley
A: Because of our cold the choices are limited. Red, yellow and white are the only trumpet vines hardy here. You should look at clematis for colored vines. They look great on arches and trellis, and thrive at this altitude.
Q: Thank you for keeping us non-gardeners informed. I thought that foamy stuff on the autumn sage was just something the bushes secreted. As you mentioned, I think I have spittle bugs eating my bushes. I also found it on the Russian sage. Will the Neem insecticide, fungicide, miticide by fertilome take care of this insect. Kris, Prescott
A: It should wipe it out on either plant. Keep an eye out, they can come back in several weeks.
Q: I was wondering if you currently have petite periwinkle and would this be an OK time for planting. Thanks. Margot, Chino Valley
A: Yes, we have at least 2 different varieties available right now and ready to plant. Fall is the ideal time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials.
Q: Hi, can you tell me what makes my Arizona Ash leaves turn brown on the ends of my 8 month old tree? Lisa, Paulden
A: Not unusual to have tip burn on new trees. The cause is from either new transplant shock from wind, hail or chemical burn. As the plant roots out you will see less of this symptom. I is very important to give any new plants 'Root Stimulator". This liquid rooting hormone forces plants to send out new root hairs.
Q: Thanks for the info letter on fungus. I do have a problem with my salvia greggi. It has wet spots of what looks like white mucus here and there on the branches. I remember it having this same thing a few years back, but just can't remember what I used on it. Thanks again for all your info. Pete, Prescott
A: You have spittle bug and it's sucking the life out of your plants. Kill this white mucus causing bug with fertilome "Triple Action" ASAP.
Q: What soil do you recommend for houseplants. Whenever I transplant a houseplant I get gnats in the soil and are bothersome in the house. Thanks. Dolores, Chino Valley
A: I use Watters Potting soil for the big jobs and Black gold potting soil for small jobs. The key is in the freshness. You need to buy fresh potting soil, not soils that were mixed and left sitting in huge piles out in the open just before bagging.
Q: Hi, we downloaded your low water plant list and just wanted to verify that all varieties listed are appropriate for Camp Verde which is about 3000 Ft above sea level. Rick, Camp Verde
A: I'm glad you found the information on the web site helpful. Yes, they should grow just fine in Camp Verde, especially when established on a drip system.
Q: Hi, we are considering a move to Prescott and wanted to know if we can plant fruit trees in your area? What about the Pines in the Dewey area? Dorathy, Ohio
A: Absolutely, we are a true 4 season climate that grows really nice fruit trees. I have attached a plant guide that should guide you, along with the local garden calendar. Please visit the garden center on your next visit and I would be happy to guide you through many of the plant choices that do well locally.
Q: I have a new camellia plant I bought the end of April. It has lost all of its leaves, I water about one a week, more frequently if it is hot. It is in an outdoor entry where it is shaded to protect from sun. I have a water softener that uses potassium. Could that be my problem? The plant is current all sticks with new leaves coming out at the bottom. Char, Prescott
A: It's not happy with the soil it is planted in and simply letting you know about it. "Root Stimulator" is going to be important for you. Also, in October give it a good dose of "Winterizer" plant food. This will set the stage for new leaves and better flowers next spring.
Q: Does Kangaroo Paws grow in Prescott Valley ? Kathy, Prescott Valley
A: Yes, Kangaroo Paw grows well at this altitude, but will most likely winter kill unless in a warm spot in the landscape.
AUGUST
Q: How do I get my Trumpet vine to bloom more. Vine looks great, but I want more flowers. Brad, Prescott Valley
A: Trumpet vines need a lot of food to produce that huge flower, but don't get anxious. The like to bloom in mid summer. Give them a good dose of plant food high in phosphorus. Plant foods for roses, vegetables or flowers foods are all high in phosphorus which promote more flowers and better color. Try it and watch them take off.
Q: Mildew has turned my roses white within the last few weeks and they are getting worse. I may even see black spot showing up. I want to keep then blooming, what can I do? Audrey, Prescott Valley
A: Powdery Mildew will grow quickly with the increase in humidity and warm summer nights. You probably need something strong before it does affect your bloom count. I use Systemic Fungicide by fertilome for best result.
Q: A white cotton substance has covered my prickly pears. I think I have lost one pair, and now I see signs of the symptom showing on my next set of plants. Am I doing something wrong? Art, Paulden
A: You have scale. There is a small bug under all that white cotton that is sucking the life out of your cactus. You need to treat immediately or it spreads easily. I would recommend a Scaleside dormant oil for best results.
Q: My butterfly bush doesn't seem to be blooming like my neighbors. I see bushes in full bloom all around town and mine hardly has flower buds. What is the best technique to maximize my show of flowers? Joseph, Prescott
A: It may not be you at all. Some varieties bloom later than others, or it could be food or pruning related. If you have buds starting to form, go ahead and fertilize with Start-N-Grow plant food for color that will shine the rest of this year.
Q: I finally have neighbors and the new foundation is staring right into my bedroom windows. I need a good strong plant to screen my privacy. What's best in Prescott? Roy, Prescott
A: In your situation I would definitely recommend evergreens for year long privacy. The Tri-Cities are surrounded by Juniper forest so any of these would perform well. I have allergies to this variety so I choose Cypress or Cedar instead. Just as thick and just as hardy without all the pollen. Come into the garden center and check out the different models.
Q: The water in my pond looks like pea soup. I love my Koi, but can't see them. What can I do to clear the water? Gavin, Chino Valley
A: The secret to clear water are filters. Plants are natures ultimate filter. 60% of the water surface should be covered by plant material for clear water. Biological filters provide a home for algae hungry bacteria. Garden centers carry this same bacteria that can be added to the water, eating up the green. Barley bales can also feed and house these same bacteria. See the garden center for more details.
Q: What is that purple bush blooming right now?
A: You are most likely talking about Russian Sage. This drought hardy shrub grows to about 3 feet tall and fivefeet wide and blooms through fall. A natural throughout the Quad Cities.
Q: Animals are stripping the bark off my willow tree. I think they are Javalina, what can I do? Ed in Prescott
A: I don’t think you have a Javalina problem. Their mouth won’t let them grab onto bark and peel it, but deer do. Deer are notorious for stripping bark off trees. I highly recommend acting ASAP before it’s too late. Come into the garden center and purchase a small can of black tree paint and coat the wound. In addition, get a bottle of ‘Deer Off’ spray. This will make the tree taste bad to returning Deer. I would also spray the bark to fruit trees, cottonwood, poplars and aspen as well.
Q: My Apple and Apricot trees send up new tree shoots close the ground. I keep using the mower to cut them down. Is there a secret to keeping these trees from sending up any more shoots? Meg in Chino Valley
A: There is only one product I know of on the market from Monterey company. It is called ‘Sucker Stopper’, and I have it here at the garden center. A bottle goes a long way, but the spray especially burns off new suckers emerging from the base of the tree.
Q: I was hiking down the PeeVine trail and above Prescott and saw the most beautiful wild tree with pea shaped flower of purple and pink. What are they and do you sell them at the garden center? Rick in Prescott
A: You are describing a Desert Willow and is blooming all around the area from Dewey to Skull Valley right now. A great summer blooming for the area and yes, I do have a good selection in the garden center right now. While you are here you should look at Chitalpa, another good bloomer with a similar flowers, but doesn’t put on the bean pod that the Desert Willow does.
Q: Grasshopper - they have stripped my honeysuckle and are now in my flower gardens. What can I do? Joanne in Dewey
A: There are baits and sprays. If they are really bad I would recommend spraying the garden with Sevin. It will dry on the foliage and the next grasshopper that eats will dies. For the longest lasting affect I use a bait called NOLO bait. I bait the entire perimeter of the garden center to keep this insect in check. I kills the grasshopper and affects any eggs she may lay.
Q: My tomatoes are Huge with no tomatoes, what aren’t they producing yet? What can I do? Kevin in Prescott Valley
A: Tomatoes that are all vine and no fruit indicates your plant has been given too much nitrogen. Either to much manure‘s or the wrong plant food. Starve you plants of future nitrogen or the first number in the fertilizer formulation and only feet them phosphorous. This is the middle number and represents roots and fruits. Spray all blossoms with a ‘Tomato & Pepper set" to force pollination of the flowers.
Q: I need a plant that takes on full blistering heat, what would you recommend? Alec in Prescott
A: I have several favorites, but one stands out in the garden right now. Salvia also called Autumn Sage is a perfect plants for the areas in the garden that receive brutal heat and wind. Short plants to about 4 feet with bright red flowers that hummingbirds love to eat from.
Q: I have an older tree with roots coming up out of the ground. What would happen if I cut the top of the roots back? Would it kill my tree? Steve in Prescott
: This is an awkward time of year to heavily prune back plants at the tops or at the roots. Major topping of large roots back to ground level will definitely stress the tree. I would recommend waiting until winter when the tree has lost its leaves. Much less chance of loosing the plant. If you could wait, it has been my experience you can cut back, or chop down the top of the roots and have the tree live.
Q: The gardens are looking dry, dull even whipped from all the heat. What are some garden tips this time of year to get the gardens back in shape? Laura, Chino Valley
A: The gardens are in between seasons. The spring bloomers are done and the summer bloomers are just starting to come out. Just this week I personally spent a little time cutting off all the dead flowers, cutting down floppy plants like the Snap Dragons the wind had lay to the ground, and cut back all my spring blooming bulbs. This will force new flowers to form on annuals and open spots up to add some summer colored flowers in between current plant. You’ll need some more summer color.
Q: My pansies have completely dried up and gone. I just pulled them out of the garden. What would be some good recommendations to replace these flowers? Jean, Prescott
A: I’m amazed your pansies lived this long, you must be a gardener. My pansies faded a month ago. I replaced them with summer loving flowers like margarita daisies, geraniums, marigolds, petunias and the like. Come into the garden center and the flower mix right now if for right now. We look better now than we do in the spring season.
Q: I’ve been out of town and just too busy. Is it too late to have vegetables in containers? Richard, Prescott Valley
A: Absolutely not! You can easily have tomatoes, peppers, squash and others and enjoy fresh vegetables within a month. Many of my tomatoes already have small fruits on the vine. Try planting a vegetable pot with a tomato, couple peppers and herbs like Basils, Oregano, or Thyme. It’s beautiful to look at and fun to harvest.
Q: I’m having spots show up in my lawn and in the flower beds. What should I be looking for to eliminate dry spots forming? Liza, Prescott
A: This is when every weakness in your water system will show. Irrigation heads need to be checked and spotted and adjusted for best coverage. I just used ‘Soil Activator’ on my lawn and flower beds. Humic Acid is the active ingredient in this product and promotes more roots and deeper growth. Spread like a dry fertilizer and water in for best results. You’ll see a noticeable difference within a week.
Kill the Grasshoppers
Q: I read your e-mail notice through "My Personal Gardener" on grasshoppers and how to deal with them. I stopped by Watters and picked up the NOLO bait you mentioned in the advisory. Is it safe for my horse and dogs? Will the bait last with the rains we had this week?
-Frank in Paulden
A: NOLO bait is one of the new wonder products in the garden industry. Not dangerous to animals or any other insect except crickets. As long as the bait doesn't become buried in soil it remains active. It is the best long terms grasshopper solution in the area. Use all the bait this year, the shelf life is good fory only one season.
No Tomatoes!
Q:My tomatoes are not setting fruit like they did last year. What's wrong and what can I do?
-Tom in Prescott
A:Several customers have come in this week with the same concern. You need to spray the blossoms with a Tomato & Pepper Set. This will force the plant to set fruit. You might even try sprinkling some Gypsum around eah plant to help with better drainage and increase the calcium in the garden soil. This should solve your problem.
Burned Rose Buds
Q:The rose buds on my bush have black peddles on the outside edges and many are not even blooming. I've increased the water and the problem is getting worse. Why would my rose petals look black?
-Nancy in Prescott Valley
A:You have "Thrip" problems. This insect is also called "NO-SEE-UMS". A small insect that gets inside the rose bud and sucks the life out, causing the symtoms you've described. Most buds will open, but you need to use a Rose Food with Systemic once a month to keep those pests in check. There are several on the market, but I have found Fertilome puts out the best one on the market and we carry it in our store.
Pruning Roses
Q: I live in Cottonwood and have 5 year old rose bushes, that have never really been pruned, where do I start?
A: Over the years, I've found 5 easy steps to pruning roses, and now is the perfect time.
1. cut all dead canes out of the bush.
2. cut any wild looking canes off.
3. I'll cut any cane that has bark starting to form on it.
4. prune out any canes that look winter damaged. They'll look green on the bottom, but a reddish purple color on top.
5. prune any crossing branches, or those growing close to the ground.
I like to keep 3 to 6 strong canes that have good balanced spacing between them. They’ll end up 12 to 24 inches tall when done.
Last step, fertilize with Fertilome Rose food with systemic bug killer added to keep the aphids and thrip off your bushes.
Landscaping, Where do I start?
Q: I have a beautiful new home and don't know where to start with the landscape. Where do I begin?
A: Even I need help when first starting a new landscape project. Look to your neighbors and what they’ve done. Magazines and books have great ideas for garden projects. You need to find a style that expresses your taste. The job of a good landscape designer is to help you define the style already started within the home architecture and extend it into the yard. They help accent what you have already started. It's well worth the money if you don't know where to begin.
What is hardscaping and softscaping
Q: What is hardscaping? Is it just landscaping with rock, or does it encompass other parts of the landscape project?
A: Hardscaping refers to all the non-living portions of a landscape project. This includes rock walls, water features, patios, even fencing and decks. Of course the pool, spa and outdoor kitchen areas are part of hardscaping. Softscape refers to the living plants in the project and constitutes 20% to 40% of most landscape projects. Softscaping is an essential element designed to bring out the accents in the hardscape and home architecture.
Keeping Squirrels out of the Garden
Q: Last fall I noticed squirrels digging in my garden and now none of my spring bulbs are coming up. Did those fluffy-tailed rats eat my bulbs? If so, how can I keep them from doing the same thing when I plant my summer bulbs.
A: Squirrels like to eat and gather seeds, roots, berries, buds, and bulbs, so it’s quite likely that your bulbs were stolen by your fluffy-tailed friends. There are several ways to deter squirrels from digging in a garden. One method is to sprinkle hot pepper in the hole when planting bulbs or mix a little with seeds before sowing. Screen can be inserted in the ground around the bulbs. Mothballs in mesh bags scattered throughout the garden may help keep away squirrels as well as deer and skunks. Some people use deer repellent to discourage these rodents. You didn’t here this from me . . . but for those of you in the rural areas, there’s always the pellet gun method as well.
Help, My Hibiscus is dropping leaves
Q: I’ve moved a big hibiscus that was outdoors all summer into our south bay window in Chino Valley. It’s still putting out blossoms, but the leaves are dropping. What’s going on?
A: Don’t worry about the leaf drop. It’s natural for a hibiscus to drop leaves when it is brought into dry indoor air. Mist it often to help it adjust. It will overwinter well as long as it’s not over-watered. This may be happening if the foliage turns from strong green to a ghostly green. If that occurs, take it out of the pot and let the root ball dry for a day or two before you put it back. The best fertilizer I’ve found for blooming container plants is Fertilome Start-N-Grow. Give her a few tablespoons and put her back outdoors where most Hibiscus are happiest.
Gophers killing my shrubs
Q: Two more of my most promising new shrubs have been chewed off just below the soil line by gophers. I’ve tried traps, pellets, and castor oil drenches, with only moderate success. What can I do?
A: Young trees and shrubs can be protected from gophers by installing cylindrical tree guards made of quarter-inch wire mesh. Your local Hardware store should have it in stock. The guard should be three times the diameter of the root ball of your replacement plant. You might consider reducing the number of rodents in the gound.
Skull Valley is a gopher paradise. When I live there I had great success with a tool called a Gopher Probe. A long, spiked tube that is probed around a new mound, allowing bait to be released directly in the gophers run. Very effective and effecient on bait.
My Pond has Turned to Pea Soup
Q: My water garden has been taken over by algae. I can barely see the fish anymore. Is there a way to clean up my pond?
A: Early spring is notorious for bad algae problems. Water perennials aren't up yet and algae has free rain in the water. The pea soup affect is caused by the algae bloom. It's so happy to recieve all the sunlight with plenty of nutrient that is decides to bloom. You need to starve the algae of light and nutrients to correct the problem. Consider more plants like lilies and floating plants or grasses. Ideally, 60% of your pond surface should be covered by plants. Flush 30% of the water out of yourpond and refill with fresh water. Then add a bacterial algae killer to the water. The diet of these special bacteria is . . . algae. I have found with my own ponds that a product called 'Pond Shade' makes a tremendious difference in early spring. I turns the pond water the most beautiful blue color. The color keeps sunlight from penetrating the water surfaces thereby starving the algae of light early in the season before lilies and other bog plants are out.
Bind Weed Questions
Q: I love to grow pumkins in Chino Valley and have problems with wild morning glory, or bind weed. This weed is so aggressive it affects my pumkin harvest. Round up doen't phase it, is there any other way to erraticate this beast of a weed?
A: This is a serious problem at the higher elevations of Arizona. I've tried many techniques over the years only to have Bind Weed back within weeks. Last year Fertilome can out with a new miricle product for eliminating this weed. It's called 'Weed Free Zone' and really knocks weeds back to the ground, roots and all. Highly successful against weeds like bind weed, hore hound and Goat Head. Give it a try this year, I know you'll be pleased with the result. Make sure not to spray you pumkins though, because I'm sure this product wouldn't think twice about killing you pumkin vines as well.
How do I take care of Russian Sage?
Q: How do I care for the Russian sage plants that I just purchased from the garden center?
A: Russian sage is a member of the mint family and is native to areas from Afghanistan to northern India. Voted “Perennial Plant of the Year” for 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association. It can attain a height of three to five feet at this altitude.
Violet-blue flowers form on foot-long spikes that produce through summer and fall. Foilage is a rich silvery Arizona blue, perfect for the transition zones between colorful ornamentals close to the house, back to natives further in the landscape.
I've notice beutiful specimens in the heavy clay soils of Precott Valley and Dewey, to the loose granites in Prescott. To encourage more abundant blooms, prune the plants to within 12 inches of the ground in early spring. Apply a hearty dose of compost around each plant and use a slow release fertilizer like Fertilome Start-N-Grow. Get ready for the color to show in June.
Explaining Magic Berrie Holly
Q: I was just at the garden center and saw many types of Holly. I like the Blue Girl, Blue Boy and Magic Berry Holly. Can you explain the differences between them?
A: Holly does exceptionally well in Northern Arizona. Blue Girl Holly has the classic leaf of a holly along with the berries. This vilupuous bush of a plant screams of femininity. The perfect color of green with lots of berries to ordain its branches. The problem has been the, she need a Blue Boy Holly to cross pollinate her for good berry counts. He is a scrawny excuse for a plant. As a landscape designer I always tucked him around the corner, or at the end of a row were he couldn't be seen. Leave it to the genetic researchers of Monrovia Nurseries to develop a brand new plant that has all the lushious charictorists of the Blue Girl Holly, and cross pollinates herself. There is only one holly to consider myself, Magic Berry by Monrovia. You'll be much happier in the long run with her.
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