http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills RSS Feed for Inq Col Michael Martin Mills en-us Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:08:50 GMT http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090703_Time_to____.html Cut back perennials and annuals before going on vacation. They will branch and bud up while you're gone and, with luck, will be blooming on your return. Cut perennial salvia back after the first flush of blooms is over. You'll get a repeat performance in a few weeks. Likewise lavender, actually a subshrub. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090626_Garden_Q_A.html Question: How do I keep squirrels from eating my tomatoes? Answer: This really is a wildlife question, and can get into Game Commission regulations, ethics, and all sorts of other knotty matters. (I once was chastised for recommending cayenne pepper to discourage squirrels because it irritates the squirrels or makes them violently sneeze or something like that.) http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090619_Time_to____.html Continue pruning spring-blooming shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, etc.) if desired for reshaping. This task needs to be accomplished by July Fourth to allow the resulting new growth to mature in time for winter (and to set buds for next spring). Shear azaleas (as opposed to selective removal of branches) only if you prefer underperforming plants; they will not retain the hyper-tailored shape, and if you shear again late in summer you will eliminate many of 2010's flowers. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090612_Garden_Q_A.html Question: My broom plant has grown very large and right now it is in bloom with purple/yellow flowers. Is there a correct time to prune and how much should I cut off? http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090605_Time_to____.html Prevent unnecessary death. Promptly plant nursery stock purchased earlier this spring. Wait until direct sun has left the site for the day; if torrid conditions are forecast, rig artificial shade for a couple of days (a beach umbrella, a sheet thrown over poles). Be generous with water for the rest of summer. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090529_Garden_Q_A.html Question: What can I do to control bamboo? Answer: Don't plant it, or wait for the squirrels to develop a taste for it. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090522_Time_to____.html This is the season to continue planting annuals, perennials, and shrubbery. However, when higher temperatures are forecast, gardeners should take such anti-stress precautions as planting late in the afternoon. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090515_Garden_Q_A.html Question: I have two beautiful Japanese maples with red leaves - one big, one small. Trouble is, not too far into the season each year, the leaves turn mostly green, although they're not supposed to. Any ideas as to why? Could I amend the soil with something? They're red now, and so lovely. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090508_Time_to____.html Plant, plant, plant. Danger of frost is past, although wet areas should be avoided until they have dried out a bit. If the sun is blazing, wait until afternoon to plant. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_martin_mills/20090501_Garden_Q_A.html Questions: I have approximately 100 daffodils growing. However, half of them have not given me a flower for the last few years. Do I have to dig them out, plant newer ones?