Q: Isn't there a group that digs up plants from places that are going to be developed, to save those plants that would be destroyed? Sherry Warner, e-mail
A: My good friends at the Georgia Native Plant Society, www.gnps.org, would love to have you join them on a plant rescue trip. Most sites are in the metro area and are usually not very strenuous. Just bring several plastic bags and a small shovel plus your sturdy shoes. Membership is inexpensive and you can invite a friend on your first trip. This is one of the best ways to identify native plants in all their forms. The GNPS rescue guide will be happy to identify anything you find during your trek.
Q: I have a thick covering of pine straw and leaves on my yard in areas where I don't mow. Does this prevent the roots of the trees from getting moisture? John Timpe, e-mail
A: Thick mulch can be a two-edged sword. It helps keep water in the soil but if it’s too thick it completely absorbs moisture from light rains. I'd say a mulch layer more thane six inches high is too thick.
Q: I have several African violets and they all had wonderful blooms in our sun room. But all have stopped blooming and have a hard core center leaf section. Elena Cose, e-mail
A: It’s common for the lower leaves on an African violet to shrivel and drop off. When this happens for more than a year, the lower main stem of the plant becomes bare and hard. African violet experts recommend repotting a plant every six months. Remove a half-inch of soil off the bottom of the root ball, put the root ball back in the pot and add soil around the stem beneath the lowest leaves. This usually covers the exposed stem, which will send roots into the new soil.
Q: I would like to hire a gardening coach. I moved into this home last summer and inherited a beautiful landscape, but I worry that I'm going to ruin it. I have thrown myself into a world that I have never been in before. Gene Jackson, Fayetteville
A: There are a number of friendly folks in the metro area who will come to your home and guide you through the identification and care of landscape plants. Their rates are reasonable and they will make you feel competent at keeping up your new landscape. I have more ideas and a link to local coaches at xrl.us/gardencoach.
Q: Is there any chance that apricots will grow in Sharpsburg, Georgia ? I don’t want to waste my money buying a tree that wont bear fruit. Gary Nestrick, e-mail
A: Growing apricots in this area begins a quick trip to heartbreak hotel. While the trees will survive here, they are VERY sensitive to cold/warm/cold spells in winter. They will bloom in late January, only to have the flowers frozen a few days later. Any blooms that survive have to contend with late frosts in March. Unless you are willing to go to mighty lengths to protect the tree, I don't recommend apricots for Georgia.
Q: If I overseed with rye grass the first of February, will it germinate? James Smith, Fayette County
A: It all depends on soil temperature. Ryegrass needs a minimum soil temperature of 45 degrees to germinate. Soil temperatures in February average around 40 degrees. The best bet is to keep an eye on weather forecasts and spread your seed when daytime temperatures are above 45 degrees, or wait until March when it’s a bit warmer.
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.
