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Bearded Iris
Question from Kathy: I have is relative to the bearded iris. I have some lovely gold ones and I just reread what to do after they bloom in your book. Do they require much water and also do you ever fertilize them? I usually put down the organic fertilizer...
Eastern Lilacs
Question from Rod: I live in an area east of Jamul Ca. I.m at 2500ft. I’ve had lilacs (lavender)since I’ve lived here (“72″) they were here before that.They always bloom but something that has never happen before. Their blooming...
Wildflowers
Question from Mary: What is the best fertilizer to use on wild flowers for a grave site ,, I would like to plant for my mother,on her grave,and what time of year is best to do this? Answer from Pat: It is a lovely idea to plant wildflowers on your mother’s...
Plant Zinnias Seeds
Plant seeds of zinnias now. “Benary’s Giants” (sold as “Parks Picks” by the Park Seeds) is immune to mildew. Choose a spot in full sun, till the ground to spade depth, work in organic soil amendment and balanced fertilizer into the top six inches....
Peace lily (Spathyphyllum.)
Question from Crissy: Hi, I have questions about growing a peace lily, which I’m keeping for the first time. Someone has delivered theirs to me, and the plant is quite big, though I’m keeping it indoors. Would it be OK to just cut off some...
Fragrant Plant in Southern California
Question from Eileen: I am trying to identify the plant which perfumed the air when I made a recent trip to St. Louis Obispo, Ca. The fragrance was everywhere I went. It was delightful and was so persistent that it must grow wild. I would like to...
Lilac Vine (Hardenbergia ‘Happy Wanderer’) is not happy
Question from Lisa: I bought a Vine Lilac from Costco maybe 6 months ago (January) and it’s never been the same. I hear they flourish in winter, but I know it hasn’t been happy ever since I brought it home. How can I tell if the soil has too...
Scabiosa
Question from Charlie: Years ago I bought a grey-leafed scabiosa – has the typical pincushion flower. I want to find the technical name – I think it may be scabiosa varitoma but can’t confirm using the internet. Do you have any ideas?...
What can I do with my bloomed-out phalaenopsis orchids?
Question from Joanne: Help! People give me Phalaenopsis orchids. I love them of course and put them in the brightest spot in my dark house where I can enjoy them, but I have tried everything to get them to come back into bloom. I feed them and care for...
Princess Plants (Tibouchina heteromalla and Tibouchina urvilleana.)
Question from Shannon: I have two sickly Princess Plants (Tibouchina heteromalla) that I planted about 3 months ago. I had had one at the beach (in Playa del Rey CA) that was as big as a house, hearty, and virtually care-free. The ones in question...
Fortnight Lilies
Question from Marilyn: I read with interest your reply to the gardener with a question regarding African Iris/Fortnight Lilies. I have already dug up many of my clumps (today)and clipped the leaves to about 6″ above the roots. I am now wondering...
Cosmos Six Packs
Question from Rebecca: First of all, I LOVE your month-by-month gardening book–it is the most helpful gardening book in my collection! Secondly, while cosmos from seed do fine for me, I have had trouble getting them to flourish from six packs. I’ve...
Replacement for Oleanders
Question from Debbie: I live in east Oceanside. My oleanders, which help block the view from my neighbor’s yard, have all died (from a virus I believe). What are some replacement options for them? I want to block the view (6+ feet tall) and have...
