Q: I'm a first-time beekeeper and at a Georgia Beekeeping Association event, one of the speakers said that jasmine was toxic to bees. This is disappointing because I want to grow Tangerine Dream jasmine vine. What do you think? -- Robert Leonard, Decatur
A: I believe you're thinking of 'Tangerine Beauty' crossvine, Bignonia capreolata 'Tangerine Beauty.' It is not a jasmine but a native vine that has no effect on bees to my knowledge. I can find no reference that Confederate jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, is poisonous to bees. I found a couple of anecdotal mentions and one scientific note that Carolina jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens, can be toxic to honeybees under certain conditions when no other nectar-bearing flowers are present. I'd plant the crossvine and enjoy the flowers and your bees.
Q: I was getting ready to reseed my fescue lawn and my lawn care company put out Princep pre-emergent while I was not home. How long do I have to wait before I can reseed? -- Mark Turner, e-mail
A: Simazine (Princep, etc) is a common pre-emergent used by professionals. It is very effective at controlling weeds but the label states that you have to wait six months before reseeding. Fortunately, March is the second-best time to plant fescue seed. You'll have to wait until then.
Q: My lawn care company recommended it would be better if I planted bermuda seed rather than keep the fescue that is in my full-sun backyard. Do you think this is a good idea? -- Stephen Watts, Marietta
A: It's possible to plant bermuda seed into fescue but it will be two years before you get rid of the green and brown spotty winter appearance. The time to plant bermuda seed is in mid-May. Mow the fescue low and use an aerator or dethatcher (slit seeder) to make lots of holes/grooves in the lawn. Spread 1-2 pounds of bermuda seed per 1000 square feet and water it in thoroughly. For the first couple of weeks, apply 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water daily, enough to keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Mow the lawn 1 1/2 inches tall to inhibit the fescue and give the bermuda seedlings lots of sun. Fertilize four times between planting and September unless you encounter a summer drought. The lawn will be pretty patchy next winter but will begin to be all bermudagrass by the following summer.
Q: We're having a debate about eating crabapples from trees growing along a busy four-lane road. Would these be safe? -- Holly Roseberry, East Point
A: I'm not a doctor but I'd be more concerned with road dust and chemicals that land on leafy wild edibles like dandelions or chickweed. I'd feel safe eating the crabapples after washing them.
Q: On a walk through Prospect Park in Brooklyn with my 8-year-old grandson, we found the Camperdown Elm. He is excited about the possibility of my planting one. Suggestions? -- Ann Beason, Troup County
A: The Camperdown elm, Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii,' was discovered by a gardener for the Earl of Dundee in Scotland. It has a remarkable weeping habit and is certainly a distinctive tree. However, I think it would not be happy at all in the South. My bet is that our summer heat would be its demise. Why not try 'Traveler' redbud or a weeping flowering cherry if your young gardener likes that size and effect?
Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on AM 750 and 95.5 FM News-Talk WSB. Visit his website, www.walterreeves.com, or join his Facebook Fan Page at xrl.us/wrfacebook for more garden tips.
