Q: I know mophead hydrangeas are not pruned in the fall, but how do I know what I have? — Donna Woolf, email
A: There are several species of hydrangea and each has its own pruning schedule. In general, mophead hydrangeas are best pruned in mid-summer, before they produce the flower buds for the following year. But a couple of mophead hydrangea varieties can be pruned in winter, because they can bloom a few weeks after being pruned. These "remontant" hydrangeas include Endless Summer, 'Penny Mac' and 'Dooley'. I have a guide to identifying and pruning hydrangeas at bit.ly/GAhydrangea.
Q: We have several birdhouses located on posts in our yard. Unfortunately, a snake was able to climb to one house and ate the baby bluebirds. Do you have any prevention suggestions? — Bill Thomas, email
A: A slick metal pipe is a better birdhouse mount, but I know you'd rather not replace the wooden posts at this point. Try making a sheet metal cone to place around each post, using metal snips to shape the metal so the 18-inch-wide mouth is pointed toward the earth. I don't think a snake could get around that.
Q: I brought home some Freesia laxa seed pods from Gainesville, Fla. Can I sow these here? — Angie Scales Tudeen, email
A: I don't think this plant would be winter-hardy outdoors. Best idea is to plant the seed in a container in April and enjoy the leaves and flowers during the warm months here. Bring the pot indoors after the first frost kills the leaves.
Q: I have just received an order of canna lily roots in plastic bags. How do I keep them over the winter? — Beverly Hood, email
A: If you leave the roots in the bags, they will rot. Take the roots out of the bags and put them into a box filled with crumpled newspaper. Store in a cool closet. Plant outdoors in mid-April.
Q: Will my carrots make it through winter freezes? I have them in a window box on my deck. The green leaves are about 12 inches tall. — Linda Benson, email
A: Carrots are cold weather champs. But growing them in a shallow, easy-to-freeze container might be chancy for the winter. In a garden bed or in a large pot they are usually fine outdoors if loosely surrounded, but not covered, by pine straw or leaves.
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