Deb Hall

Hi, glad to see you care about trees and are seeking information regarding your observations. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) can and is attacked by fungal and bacterial problems, blights, moths, bark beetles, nematodes and weevils. Without being on site with your trees it is only a guess at diagnosis of the main problem, and how it will affect any surviving trees. Pine Wilt that is caused by the Pine Wood Nematode is one possibility which has not been mentioned. If the tree is infected death is usually quite fast. Look back and see if you have any pictures of the trees in the past few years. This could give you a clue just how long damage has been developing, Always use a camera in your yard, helps the gardener all year round to see what you might have missed during the growing season. Cultural improvements in your yard including aeration, irrigation and fertilization. Sanitation needs to be an on going process to help prevent future problems,while controlling and improving current conditions. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, as it creates a good learning experience for everyone. Deb Hall

Cattleyas orchids are one of the non-poisonous plants gardeners can enjoy in their homes. Some of our domestic animals have to have a taste of this and that to satisfy their own curiosity . If your plants and cats remain healthy don't worry. The cats will find something new to munch and the spring sun will produce new buds on your orchids. Enjoy. Another 2 thoughts: Do you fertilize with fish emulsion? That would attract a cat! And I'm supposing that you do NOT use anything on the orchids, like spray to control scale insects. Because that wouldn't be good for a cat even though the orchid's okay.

Star of bethlehem / Ornithogalum umbellatum / –Lily family The blooming period of this plant is late spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule containing several seeds that can drop to the soil and germinate but the primary source of propagation is the root system that consists of a 1" long egg shaped bulb underground. Dense patches develop quickly and can affect other plants sharing the same space especially in spring, during it's peak growth period, The foliage withers away by mid-summer leaving only vegetative offsets beneath the soil. Other survival tactics for the Star of bethlehem is its waxy foliage that resists contact herbicides and the fact that it has few insect or disease problems. Now, with all the facts presented, what are our choices to eliminate or slow down the spread of this plant? My opinion is to lay down a heavier paper (like cut up lawn and leaf bags) doubled which will allow water penetration for your other plants but stop any source of light. Then heavily mulch over the top and leave for two growing seasons. The process will have to begin before all foliage disappears and if possible go out 12" around the current growth. The following spring check often to see if any new leaves develop and dig and remove foliage and root system quickly. A lot of work to meet your goal so you will have to decide if it's all worth it to you. I still feel it's a better route than removing foliage year after year or digging each little bulb even if smashing them like a grape is rewarding. Final bit of advice DO NOT COMPOST any parts of the plant. Good luck, Deb Hall

Way to go Brenda!

Hey guys this one doesn't need to be dressed. It's perfect as it is. It's called a baseball cactus but this is absolutely a missile launcher.

Certain forms of Armillaria root rot can affect Magnolia Trees. There is not always visual signs of the decline, as it can be a problem that propagates on the inside of the tree or under the soil lines. Armillaria can affect the root systems or low areas on the trees flare. I agree with Janet that the tree should be dug to get a close look and start putting the clues together. This can also help rule out and search for other possibilities of the tree's death To diagnose the cause of death will also assure that the replacement you choose will not be susceptible to the soil born problems living in your soil. deb hall

Hi Pat and welcome to the GarenAtoZ website. Is it possible to take a picture and send it which would put everything enabling us to help create a simple design or diversion for your well head. Well heads are a necessary part of many yards so let's put our minds together and find a plan to make it fit in. Looking forward to helping solve your problem. Deb Hall

Hi Chris, Welcome to the Garden AtoZ website, we are pleased to have you with us. My Dad lived in Florida and during the winter months when I visited the lawns always drew my attention. Many different colors of browns, mixtures of browns and greens and even various ground covers. While searching different sources to answer your questions I located a website that is just what a new Florida gardener needs. I am sure you will be as impressed as I was as you enter a new gardening arena with the information this site provides. deb hall http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/