Q: I am looking for a variety of lily that will be fragrant in my garden. Do you have any suggestions?A: The best varieties to plant for fragrance are Asiatic lilies, the stargazer, even some fragrant daylilies. You can buy them as plants or as bulbs.
Q: I have planted impatiens in my shady garden every year, but I'd like to add a little variety. What other types of annuals grow well in a shady area?
A: What immediately comes to mind are plants such as the waxleaf begonia, coleus, scarlet sage and the black-eyed Susan vine. Any of these should thrive in the shade.
Q: I have moved into a home on a small, bare lot. I would like to plant a couple of trees. What is a safe distance from my house to plant them?
If you are planting a tree that has a small maturity, it can be planted as close as 10'. Trees with larger maturity, however, should be at least 20' away. Tree roots can damage the foundation of a house, and larger trees need room to grow. Also, you don't want to provide a convenient way for squirrels and other pests to get into your house. Q: How do you clean out a garden bed that is full of saplings?
A: It's not easy to remove them. Start by cutting at the base, using either a saw or a blade attached to your weed trimmer. Cut it near the ground, then use a mattock to dig out the roots. Mulch heavily around it to keep it form coming back -- but don't use chemicals or you can damage the mother tree.
