Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds. Mulches can also improve soil structure and fertility. This is … [Read more...]
Rosette Disease
The client brought in a sample from his rose bush, which has red color, distorted leaves and buds. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION The problem was identified as rose rosette disease (RRD). The recommendation is to remove and destroy … [Read more...]
Champion Trees
A champion tree is the largest known tree of a given species in a particular geographic area. Some champions are very large trees and some champions are rather small. For example, the largest known tree in Maryland, an American sycamore, is more than … [Read more...]
Caring for Your New Plants
Here are some tips from Wildflower Center horticulturists for promoting healthy growth of your new plants: https://www.wildflower.org/learn/how-to/care-for-your-new-plants A note from Bedford Extension Master Gardener KathyN: The Lady Bird … [Read more...]
The Walnut Tree: Allelopathic Effects and Tolerant Plants
Allelopathy is a complex phenomenon which Pliny the Elder, a Roman natural science author, first wrote about in 77 A.D. In his writings he noted the toxic effects of black walnut on neighboring plants in the landscape. More: … [Read more...]
River Birch Trees
The client has two 5-7 year old river birch trees. For last 2 years, the leaves have not developed to the normal size compared to previous years. Trees are in a sunny, well-drained area. The derecho took off all leaves few years … [Read more...]
American Rose Society Information
The American Rose Society (established 1892) exists to promote the culture, preservation and appreciation of the Rose and to improve its standard of excellence for all people, through education and research. Our members have the Rose … [Read more...]
Flowering Crabapples for the Garden
As the spring blooms of flowering cherries are fading, it reminds me of the many calls we get each year from folks who want to plant their own cherries. No one can argue with the beauty of cherries, but cherries are plagued with problems in … [Read more...]
Why Would You Want to Cut a Plant Almost to the Ground?
I can think of a few good reasons for what horticulture calls “coppicing.” The main reason is to rejuvenate a big, old bush. Getting rid of all of the old wood clears space and coerces a plant to get busy growing fresh shoots – or else. … [Read more...]
