Q: I was given a potted peace lily eight years ago. It's had a few deformed blossoms but has not bloomed since. It appears healthy, but never increases in size. Phyllis Ritch, Paulding County
A: Daryl Pulis (MrsGreenThumb.com) says to knock the plant out of its pot and look at the roots. If they have crowded the pot, it's time for a slightly larger container. It almost certainly could use fresh potting soil. Cut off any damaged or diseased or smelly roots, shake off some of the old soil, and replant it with fresh potting soil. Make sure that the new container has drainage holes and place it in the brightest light possible.
Q: We just moved into a new home and want to do some landscaping in the backyard. Can you suggest some shallow rooted perennials that can safely be planted over our septic drain field? Peggy Sant, Bonaire
A: I don't think there would be a problem with ANY perennial plant near a septic system. Trees and some large shrubs are much more likely to be problematic. Perennials, which don't have large root systems, are not likely to invade septic pipes.
Q: I bought a dawn redwood through the Arbor Day website two years ago. It seemed to be thriving until recently. After Thanksgiving, I noticed all the needles had fallen off. But the branches seem to be alive still. David Lipscomb, Cherokee County
A: It can be troubling when a tree unexpectedly loses its leaves. But unlike a lot of needled trees, dawn redwood is deciduous: it is normal to become bare for winter, just like a maple. Bald cypress is another deciduous needled tree. You can tell them apart because bald cypress had alternate leaves while dawn redwood has opposite leaves. Both will regain their needles in spring
Q: My wife had surgery and her boss gave her a hydrangea in a pot. It had beautiful blooms but now they are drying and falling off. The leaves look a little droopy as well. Josh Frazier, Woodstock
A: My observation with florist hydrangeas is that they sometimes have very poor root systems. They are raised under perfect temperature, watering and humidity conditions in a greenhouse but a normal home can't provide such perfection. Take the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. If they don't fill the pot, you'll have a hard time keeping the plant alive. If the roots seem adequate, repot the plant in new potting soil and give it the brightest indoor light possible.
Q: I have nine beehives and am a member of a local beekeepers club. We need to know what bee-friendly plants are blooming when. Calvin King, Dougherty County
A: I well remember my beekeeper father moving his hives from place to place to take advantage of the nectar flow. The University of Georgia Honey Bee lab has two good lists of bee-feeding flowers. I've collected them at bit.ly/beeflower.
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