Q: Is it OK to use English ivy as a ground cover so long as I keep it off trees and structures? — Jack Cunningham, Lawrenceville
A: Many will disagree with the following, but I'll say it anyway: There are situations where English ivy is the only plant I can think of that would be useful, such as covering a steep incline that's in deep shade. Few plants can hold the soil so well in a sunless spot. Liriope is a possibility but it spreads more slowly than ivy. That said, you have to promise to diligently keep the vine out of your trees. This can be done by mowing around the base of each tree to keep the ivy at bay. Another concern about English ivy is the low leaf growth makes an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to roost during the day. In my experience, there are more mosquitoes near English ivy patches than in places where there is none.
Q: Six years ago, a landscaper planted three 'Little Gem' magnolia trees 6 feet away from our house. She told us that the maximum height would be 6 feet. Since then, they have grown much larger. We're concerned that roots might invade our foundation. — Bill Dyson, Fairburn
A: 'Little Gem' magnolia certainly grows smaller than the traditional Southern magnolia. I would consider its mature height closer to 20 feet, not 6 feet. It is true that the roots will spread beyond the drip line, but I don't think that necessarily means they will damage your foundation. The roots have little to gain by growing into or under the concrete. It might be possible to keep the trees small with yearly pruning, but considering the long-term labor involved, I'd think about removing them.
Q: Is it safe to use water from the Chattahoochee River to irrigate a vegetable garden? — Margo Serrero, East Cobb
A: Many years ago, the Chattahoochee was not the cleanest river in the region. Folks were warned about eating fish caught there. Now the river has been cleaned up, and there are minimal guidelines about eating its fish. I guess if it's safe to eat the fish, then it is safe to use the water on your vegetables.
Q: Do you know what kind of grass was grown at the state Capitol lawn from mid-1982 to early 1984? A friend of mine is allergic to grass, EXCEPT for the grass grown at the Capitol, where she worked during that time. — Tommy Oates, email
A: As you know, allergies to grass usually involve pollen. Arty Schronce at the Georgia Department of Agriculture says he doubts grass planted at the state Capitol is ever allowed to come close to flowering and shedding pollen. Only the putting greens at Augusta National are more mowed, trimmed and coiffed. Also, the Capitol is not a pollen-free zone; there are plenty of grass pollen sources nearby, so I doubt the grass was affecting her allergies. If you want to pursue it further, contact the Georgia State Building Authority for its groundskeeping records.
