Category Archives: plant maintenance

Pruning Forsythia

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 19, 2009

Q. I cut my forsythia back completely last spring, to about 3 to 4 inches in height. Over the course of last summer it grew into a nice looking shrub. This spring it is too leggy. Each branch is a good 36 to 46 inches and hanging low. The bush cannot be mowed around for [...]

Also posted in pruning, shrubs | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pruning Pampas Grass in Spring

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 19, 2009

Q. I have 3 large clumps of Pampas grass. They took a big hit this winter. They seem to be coming back along the outside perimeter, but the center is brown and dead. Should I cut the center back to nothing?
-Bellingham, Washington
A. Many grasses die out in the center but continue to produce new growth [...]

Also posted in Perennials, ornamental grass | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Algae Problems in Washington

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 18, 2009

Q. We have had a pond and water system for two full years now. It is a gorgeous 12-pluse foot drop into a pond. We plan to extend the pond this summer and add a stream as well. But, our problem seems to be in not being able to grow plants other than string algae. [...]

Also posted in water gardening | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Repotting Water Lilies

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 12, 2009

We have two answers for this one!
Q. I have a water lily plant that is hanging over the pot in the water and I have never transplanted one of these. Do I cut it off somewhere? Repot it in small pea-rock like I did the others (to eliminate the dirty water)?
-Lakeville, Minnesota
A. Water lilies [...]

Also posted in water gardening | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Dividing Phlox

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 7, 2009

Technique all depends on what type of phlox you’ve gots.
Q. I planted some phlox last year . They have, however, taken control of one section of my garden. How do I transplant part of the phlox into the other area of the garden?
-Quincy, Massachusetts
A. In regards to your phlox question, different kinds of Phlox [...]

Also posted in Perennials, pruning | Tagged , | Leave a comment