Fern shares Boston name, but not the cold

Q: I was winterizing my wife’s Boston ferns and became puzzled. How did a fern that will not survive the weather outdoors in Boston become named after that city? Or was it named after someone named Boston?

TRACY MABES, E-mail

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MICHAEL BURKE/Redding Record Searchlight

A Boston fern, which makes a great houseplant, cannot survive the freezing temperatures – despite its relation to Boston.

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A: Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis,’ is a cultivar of sword fern that was discovered in a shipment that arrived in Boston in the late 1800s. Although the history is not clear, presumably the fern grower in Boston appreciated the dense foliage and graceful arch of the fronds of this plant and began selling ‘Boston’ fern far and wide. Sword fern is native to Florida and throughout the tropics. It can’t tolerate freezing temperatures, much like the tropical Norfolk Island pine, which isn’t a pine at all.

Q: I have a cactus in a pot that I will plant in the spring. What do I spray it with before I bring it into the house for the winter to make sure I am not bringing in bugs?

GEORGE GREEN, E-mail

A: I wouldn’t spray it with anything unless you actually see insects on the cactus. One of my pet peeves is the indiscriminate use of pesticides against imagined pests. Tons of insecticide are used against lawn grubs each year, when this insect is a very minor pest in most landscapes. Other folks douse their homes repeatedly with insect poison against invisible bugs they are convinced are biting them, only to make themselves sick from the effects of the insecticide. Cacti are not likely to have any insects pests on them. A quick spray from a hose would loosen any creature that has temporarily taken up residence.

Q: My daughter’s school is trying to establish a community garden. Are rain barrels an option for a school building?

JENNY RINDT, Roswell

A: Rain barrels are perfectly suited for a school once you get permission to cut into the gutters or drain system to attach a filler for the barrels. However, I do not recommend using the water on edible plants, due to the collection of dirt and dust on a flat school roof. Remember that edibles can be watered with no restrictions. Water with a hose, using mulch, of course, to minimize water loss. You might still have time to plant collards and onion bulbs in the garden. At this time of year you can also plant parsley and pansies, plus ornamental cabbage, kale and chard. Next March plant edible cabbage, carrots, spinach, lettuce and radishes. Since school is out by late May and few vegetables mature that early, I don’t recommend planting summer vegetables unless you just want the kids to see what the plants look like. Instead, plant herbs in April and challenge your students to identify them by smell in May.

Q: My daughter is a freshman at Georgia Tech, and I’d like to plant a gold-and-black area in my landscape. I know there’s black mondo grass, but what perennial plants would make a yellow color?

RICH SCHIEBER, E-mail

A: I suggest you surround a Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ with large, dark colored pots filled with black mondo. Under the pots, plant golden creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea.’ Your daughter will be so proud of you!

Q: Are there any crape myrtles that grow no taller than 6 feet or 7 feet? We are landscaping under power lines but don’t want to commit “crape murder” every year.

ZAN MARIE STEADHAM, Temple

A: ‘Acoma’ (white), ‘Hopi’ (pink) or ‘Tonto’ (red) crape myrtles would fit your requirements. I have two sources that give a big listing of crape myrtle cultivars, their size, and flower color at http://xrl.us/CRAPECULTIVARS

Q: I’m searching for a good garden pest management guide, preferably one that includes pictures of the pests and organic pesticides.

JOE RALPH, E-mail

A: Rodale’s Pest and Disease Problem Solver is quite good. I’m glad you are interested in identifying the insect before you decide on controls. In my experience, knowing exactly what insect or disease you have is 80 percent of the battle. Many beneficial insects look similar to pest insects, so having a positive ID means you won’t be tempted to apply a pesticide without regard to its effect on beneficials.