Q: I would like to plant a flowering shrub that also has colorful foliage. The area is in a sunny spot and has southern exposure. Ronnie Athon, East Cobb
A: Consider named varieties of common abelia, Abelia x grandiflora. Typically this shrub grows to 10 feet tall. It has small, glossy green leaves and blooms May - October. 'Edward Goucher' is more compact. Variegated-leaved hybrids include 'Canyon Creek', 'Mardi Gras', 'Kaleidoscope' and several others. These are usually small but retain the long-blooming characteristic.
Q: This past winter reduced our large pampas grass to a circle of papery stems. There are four or five clumps of healthy new growth on the perimeter. Nothing has sprouted in the center. What to do? Barb Wojhoski, email
A: Sadly, it won't fill in. The center of the clump is a tightly woven mass of roots and dead stems. Roots from the green plants on the exterior of the clump would rather explore the comparatively softer soil outside the clump rather than the dense center. All you can do now is the following: Give the entire clump several soakings with LOTS of water over a two-day period; this will soften the soil. Dig out the living clumps and set them aside. Remove the dead center, refill the hole with good soil and plant the saved green clumps in the center.
Q: How effective are tree growth regulators for maple trees? I've got some twenty-five-foot high maple trees on a sloped hill. They're doing well but I'm wondering if I can slow down their growth. YC Lee (sic), email
A: Chris Hastings (www.arbormedics.com) says he is not a fan of growth regulators. UGA tree expert Dr. Kim Coder talks about the hubris of arborists trying to control the complexity of nature by dumping hormones on a tree. Growth regulators are meant to divert top growth to root growth. This means the roots become supercharged and will eventually unleash their pent-up energy into the canopy. A better choice might be to schedule an arborist visit every couple of years to thin the trees. In the world of bonsai, miniature trees are beautifully kept in check by regular top pruning and root pruning.
Q: I had a tree in my lawn that is now gone. The stump rotted and a large hole appeared. Can I use some leftover thin-set mortar mix in the bottom part of the hole? Stewart McDonough, email
A: I don't foresee any problems as long as the top of the concrete filler material is more than six inches below ground level. Grass roots only extend six inches into the ground, so anything deeper than that isn't problematic. You could also fill the bottom of the hole with compacted clay soil.
Q: We have a mulch pile that is invaded with ants and they swarm out when stirred up. Any suggestions for control? Ed Steudel, Acworth
A: Turning the pile over a couple of times usually does the trick. If you work quickly they won't have a chance to scurry up your pitchfork handle. They resent being stirred up and having to rebuild their nest. Try that first, before resorting to insecticide.
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