Q: I have a pyracantha growing beside my house. You've really got to love gardening to prune one, as you will have to endure getting stuck by its thorns. Is there a better way? — Walt Goddard, Loganville
A: I generally tell folks that hand pruning is best for shrubs but I can make an exception for pyracantha. Its thorns regularly draw blood when I prune. I bought a battery-powered hedge trimmer last fall and let me tell you, it is a life saver when pruning pampas grass or Chinese holly or pyracantha. I recommend you get one, too, so you can save the blood-letting for your next doctor visit.
Q: I have moved near Savannah. Our house doesn't have much color in the landscape. There is a lot of sand in the soil here. What plants would you suggest for color? — Tommy Daniel, Bryan County
A: I'm terrible at landscape design and I haven't been down your way in a while, so I'd rather not make a plant list. However, I've created a web page with lists of plants that adapt to various situations. See bit.ly/wrplantlists. Whatever you choose, make sure you add compost or other organic matter to the planting area. You want your plant roots always to be able to find the moisture and nutrients that organic matter holds but sandy soil does not.
Q: Something is digging big holes in my yard and today I found trench-like horizontal holes around the front foundation. Could it be an armadillo? — Phyllis Thomas, email
A: It sure sounds like an armadillo! In their search for grubs and insects to eat they plow through the soil with their hard snouts. Armadillos live in most Georgia counties, typically in the suburbs or rural areas. I've not yet heard of them inside I-285 but it's probably just a matter of time. I have a couple of ways to control them at bit.ly/GAarmadillo.
Q: Our property was hit by a tornado four years ago. We lost big trees that shaded a creek; now there are lots of briars there. How can I eliminate them? — Ron Minick, email
A: You probably have wild blackberry or smilax plants. Digging them up is the most effective way to get control, but you still may need plants or physical barriers afterward to prevent mud runoff into the creek. If you want to use chemicals, there are any number of herbicides registered and labeled for use near streams. You may have to go online to purchase them; you won't find them at local nurseries. Look for Pondmaster, Glyphomate, Rodeo, etc. Be absolutely sure to read and follow the label directions on the product for your own safety and that of aquatic creatures.
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