Q: Will dinner plate hibiscus survive the winter here? When is the best time to plant them? Ben Giacchino, Lake Lanier
A: Dinner plate hibiscus, so-called because of the size of its blossoms, is Hibiscus moscheutos. They are perfectly hardy, growing to a large shrub in summer but dying back to the ground in winter. The giant blooms come in shades and combinations of white, red and pink. 'Lord Baltimore' was one of the original varieties; 'Disco Belle' and 'Kopper King' have been popular in recent years. The best time to plant either seeds or container plants is in spring.
Q: I want to plant grasses that feed and provide cover for ground birds on two acres of cultivated land. I want to provide feed and shelter for turkey, grouse, whippoorwills, quail, meadowlark and others. Where can I find information on what to plant? Susan Crowe, email
A: Millet, clover and buckwheat are good plants to attract and feed wild birds. Since your land was once cultivated, it probably has adequate nutrients already, but call your local University of Georgia Extension office (800-ASKUGA1) to ask about soil testing. Make sure the soil pH is correct. This is probably the most limiting factor in establishing productive wildlife food plots. I have a much fuller explanation of how to establish food plots at xrl.us/foodplot.
Q: What is the latest in the fall one could put down fescue sod? John Lewis, email
A: You can install fescue sod any time the ground isn't frozen and supplies are available, typically September through April. If the soil has been tilled beforehand, fescue roots into the soil easily. That said, a frigid, windy January day would not be my first choice to lay fescue. Once installed, irrigate enough to keep the sod and underlying soil moist but not soggy.
Q: I am thinking about surrendering in the battle for privet control along my fence. It's an ugly chain-link fence that I would love to hide. I'm concerned about birds eating privet berries and spreading it to surrounding woods and beyond. Is there a responsible way to let this invasive plant grow? Susan Soybean, Chattahoochee Hills
A: I suppose if you waited until after the flowers come in late spring you'd be able to see the seeds before they plump up into copious gray nuggets of bird food during summer. You could prune them into a bucket and destroy them. This shouldn't be hard to do if your fence is not too long. If you enjoy the fragrance of privet, as I do, despite its invasive nature, you'd have a cover for your fence without the guilt that comes from harboring an invasive plant
Q: On your radio show I heard a gentleman mention a new sassafras tree disease. I am a big fan of sassafras and don't want mine to die. Robert Searl, email
A: The problem is laurel wilt disease, and it is spread by one of the several non-native ambrosia beetles that have come here from Asia in the last decade. The beetle bores holes in the trunk of a red bay laurel, sassafras or avocado tree and introduces a fungus to feed their young inside the tree. It's great for baby beetles but fatal for the infested tree. There is limited evidence that spraying the trunk of a specimen tree with the insecticides bifenthrin or permethrin in early spring can protect it from the beetle. This is just one more chapter in the longer story of how modern transportation can introduce non-native plants, insects and diseases to a new environment and thereby cause unexpected devastation.
