SusanC

I have heard of the Homoeosoma electellum or the sunflower moth but have never seen it because I have a groundhog that removes my coneflower blossoms before I see them. I understand that the moth attacks the flowerhead by laying its eggs on the flower. The eggs hatch into larvae that tunnel into the blooms and eat the florets, pollen and the seeds. The florets become discolored and die. Healthy plants seem to resist the attack. The best practice is to cut off the affected blooms and dispose of the debris. Good ventilation also helps. And perhaps if you would like to adopt my groundhog, you would be saved from seeing the larva. An adoption that would be just in time for Groundhog day too.

Moving plants at this time of year may seem difficult but can be done. Dig up the yew, keeping as much of the root ball as possible. Lie it down in a protected area, and cover the root with whatever you have available--leaves, loose soil, and cover with a couple of layers of burlap. It is important to keep the root ball moist while it is out of the ground and keep it from freezing. It would be better to return it to the ground later in the spring, when the soil has settled.

Vitamin E moisturizing cream, (which I've found at Rite Aid and Sav-on Drugs) is excellent. In addition to containing vitamins E, A and D, it also has aloe. It promotes rapid healing from cuts, burns and scrapes. It comes in a 4 oz jar and is reasonably priced. Susan C