rhododendron

Help with half dead roses?

2009-11-16T21:20:00.001-08:00

I moved into the beautiful old house where the previous owner did NOTHING with her yard for 3 years. Literally. No mowing, no trimming, no pruning. The daffodils have grown wild since, and I love them, but the poor roses look terrible. They are the tea type so they have grown tall, but where they haven't been trimmed and pruned for a few years, they are very sparse. I thought about cutting them down and seeing what will happen, but I don't want to kill them. The same for the azaleas and rhododendrons. What can I do for them?

Help with half dead roses?
Roses are very tough. Give then a good hard prune to size them down and shape them - preferably in winter when dormant (however, I have done mine in summer too when necessary and give them a good water and they've never suffered).

As for the grass, I recently scraped off just the top of my lawn to get rid of as many dormant weeds as possible, bought some lawn seed, loosened the top soil, sowed the seed (thicker than recommended as the birds kept eating it lol) and follwed the rest of hte seed pack instructions. After about 6 weks it looked really nice.
Reply:Have you ever thought of laying banana skins round your roses and just adding a little soil over the top of them. As when they rot down they produce potassium which really gives a good boost of fertilizer at not much cost to yourself. Report It

Reply:To save time later spraying roses for green fly and black fly grow garlic round them as the roses draw up some of the flavor of the Garlic and really makes them think twice to settling in your roses over the summer or you can use Lavenders but remember to leave enough room for the rose and Lavender. Report It

Reply:Cut them back, don't cut them down. It sounds like you have got great soil. Plant a vegy garden and a herb lawn. Have a great time gardening.
Reply:its early April so you can cut roses back hard to 18 inches then water in some rose fertilizer (it sounds drastic but the reward will be worth it), leave the daffodils to die off naturally and if you want to move them leave that until October, it wont be long before the azaleas and rhododendrons will be in flower leave them alone for now, when they have died off remove all dead flowers and sickly thin bits of stem leaving only healthy strong stems feed both with Azalea feed, do the same every year. hope I've been of help
Reply:Your best bet is to go to a nursery and find out what to do. everything you mentioned has different fertilizer needs and pruning.

you might be the lady that did nothing in her yard for 3 years if you ask people on yahoo a big serious question. you need to spend some money honey.

EDIT...if she did "nothing" in her garden for 3 years, she probably did "nothing" inside that old house for much longer. I hope you had a home inspection.

EDIT#2: If you had a flea problem, you might also want to check for termites. since it was an older property. best wishes, really.
Reply:you cant go wrong if you follow the advice of the second answer. good luck.
Reply:1. Tea rose care:

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/...

http://gardening.about.com/od/rose1/a/Hy...

2. Azaleas care:

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1...

3. Rhododendron care:

http://www.demesne.info/Garden-Help/Flow...

Grass:

It would be best to let a professional lawn service or landscaper put in a lawn for you the first time. Be sure to ask them how to take care of it.

It would also be best to put in an automatic lawn sprinkler system because water is what makes a lawn pretty. It is a must to have a good weekly watering and mowing schedule.

But if you want to do it yourself, go here:

How to grow a lawn, click this link

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Lawn-Easil...

I need a design plan for planting flowers under south facing bay window in zone five.?

2009-11-16T21:20:00.000-08:00

Husband wishes to experiment with different flowers (from seed.) I say great - what about a plan? Focal point? Other features? We're stuck! I need pix and great ideas -pronto!!!

if this helps; Sidng is white, colonial style 2 story, some red brick front and chimney. This is mature landscaping area. Area underneath square bay window is bare although a little ground conver is beginning to take. Red metal roof above window. We've tried rhododendrons, roses and hydrangeas. All failed. So what to do? Please help with your ideas, pictures, web sites etc. Thanx!

I need a design plan for planting flowers under south facing bay window in zone five.?
I agree that your soil may be the problem. You could add compost to the soil which would definitely help - available at garden centers. I would suggest a mix of perennials %26amp; annuals - the annuals will give you instant color, and the perennials will grow year after year. Varying heights will give interest, and you can determine is you want to focus on one color or a variety of colors.

The south facing bay window leads me to think that it is 100% sun, %26amp; needs alot of water - think about that when selecting plants. Under a bay eindow emphasizes the need for water. Rhododendren's roots are near the surface %26amp; need alot of water, and hydrangea %26amp; rhodo both need acid soil, both do better with non-direct sunlight.

Take a trip to the garden center %26amp; get a bag of compost, %26amp; look at the "full sun" plants, and ask about those that do well in drought conditions - that will give you some ideas.
Reply:If the plants you've mentioned failed I suggest you check your soil first before investing anything. All three of those choices should have done well especially the roses. I think you may have some kind of problem with the soil that isn't letting anything grow so seeds are a waste until you find out. You might need to replace all that ground if its coming from the ground or just put down mulch if its a problem from another source.

It's up to you what plants to plant but try the tallest to smallest. Tallest in the back against the house and work your way to the front. You might want to use a mobile green house so birds and other animals wont dig them up until they are mature. From the description of your house any color or lay out would work.

My neighbor wants to kill me. What should I do?

2009-11-16T21:19:00.003-08:00

The problem with the body in my back (see previous post) yard will not go away. I decided the best sollution was to remove it. I delegated Anthony to take care of it. He delegated Jesus (new gardener) to take care of it. Jesus, it would appear is a rather lazy fellow, took it upon himself to simply heave it over the wisteria hedge into the neighbors yard. Unfortunatly it landed atop his prize rhododenrons. I dispatched Anthony to reason with the neighbor. After being beaten soundly about the head and shoulders by a 9 iron (could have been a 6 but Anthony was a bit addled) Anthony returned to inform me that the neighbor was going to be coming over to exact his revenge upon me. I had Jesus bring the body back but the rhododendrons seem to be the issue. I offered to have Jesus replant them to no avail. Alerting the authorities is obviously not an option. I suppose I could act proactively, but then I would have another disposal problem. What to do? What to do?

My neighbor wants to kill me. What should I do?
Tell Jesus to cash in the favor that the people from Culiacan owe him from that time he was in Bogota (he knows what I am talking about). Be sure to plan a vacation or be seen in public the day that they will be over at your neighbors house. By the next day your neighbor will be wearing a neck tie directly from Colombia. Don't worry about the disposal... they need the bodies to transport some more merchandise. Problem solved.... Any other questions?
Reply:kill him first...lol
Reply:Geez, wish I could help you Dave B., but my back yard is full now. And my trunk!!!!

And I have a confession. %26lt;gulp%26gt; Francisco and Ricardo did not get deported, they have converted and are here with me. I pay them well, and they are ever so useful in getting rid of the bodies that are just piling up, yes sir-re-roni, just piling up. So if you want to see either alive again you will be my slave for life, no? Oh c'mon please, please, please, just try it-you'll like it. %26lt;a knowing glance and a wink as she sashays away%26gt;
Reply:elementary my dear chap, kill the neighbor first!
Reply:My that is a dilemma your in........I'd move.......quickly........avoid a disposal problem, not to mention another 99 years...... :)
Reply:do him

you have no option, unless you can frame the body on him

nah, just do him, more fertilizer for the flowers
Reply:do unto him before he does unto u,then act smart and blame the murder on someone else.
Reply:There are better places to publish your short fiction.
Reply:if he is realy going to kill you call the police or move with out him knowing!
Reply:get a gun and defend yourself
Reply:meds time....
Reply:Time for a road trip.
Reply:Your neighbor has the right idea.

You should beat him to the punch and eat a gun.

We'd all, and I do mean ALL, feel better then.
Reply:sounds like you are going to have 2 bodies to dispose of
Reply:Stand there and let them do it--slowly and painfully, but completely.
Reply:preemptive strike!!!

get that bastard!
Reply:You deserve to be shot, quit complaining.
Reply:Just put the pipe down and get some rest.
Reply:Now you know how he feels.
Reply:wow your in quite a quandry aren't you

Phytophthora root rot is caused by a fungus, what enviormental conditions can contribute to this problem?

2009-11-16T21:19:00.002-08:00

in shrubs like rhododendrons

Phytophthora root rot is caused by a fungus, what enviormental conditions can contribute to this problem?
Wet soil with no drainage has little or no air in the pore spaces. Such conditions cause anaerobic conditions which prevents healthy root growth and causes the roots to rot. The fungus lives on what little air is left, preventing the roots from getting air.

children shoes

Is this a poem of love, or 'wait and see' love?

2009-11-16T21:19:00.001-08:00

* * * * * ROSES (for Elysabeth Faslund) * * * * *

The perfume of roses, of jasmine

the smell of sweet incense

and another - indefinable -

of blessing.

When you smell these

know that Love is very near

Sweetly scented is the air

around the places you walk

ruins smell not of decay

but of living fragrances.

So flowers flourish in such places

obeying some far memory

that sweet scents should surround them.

We anoint ourselves -

attar of roses, queen of the night

- seeking to lock into that sancity

(hoping to attract others, like bees) .

Aromatic memories take us

back to those younger years

The smell of rhododendrons in the rain

of pine forests, locked on shores of silver sand

incence and the ringing of a bell.

The flowers are fragile

yet the memories remain

carried on the wind

'cross hill and plain

into the heart of one

who sings your name.

Is this a poem of love, or 'wait and see' love?
This poem is superb on so many levels. It touches on love to come, the hope of love, and the reminiscent love of love that lasts. I bow to your superior pen!
Reply:It makes me smile because that's how I feel now , so I'm saying this is truly a poem of love .
Reply:It is more a poem of lost love and its memories to me. You

make splendid usage of imagery, activate the sense of feeling, smelling, and even tasting and hearing. You seem nostalgic or wanting back once you once had or lost.

Nicely done!

Valrie in Ocala
Reply:I like this one for a miriad of reasons, the not least being the fact that I have an abnormal love for roses. My yard where I had lived before NAFTA put the company I worked for into Mexico, and put 2500 people out of work in a small Mississippi town had over 200 rose bushes in elevated beds, with a border of 14 rose trees, and a 30 foot long trellis covered walkway covered with climbing roses. The fence was covered with pink wild roses which only bloomed once a year. I had to sell and move, and the people who bought it bulldozed them all up and relandscaped the yard. That was 10 years ago, and it still pains me. Thank you for the beautiful sentiment on roses.
Reply:I don't think there's any "wait and see" about it...I consider it a poem of true love. It's beautiful, by the way.
Reply:I think it's past, present and future love. Whatever way you interpret it, it's beautiful.
Reply:It's poem TO LOVE I think. Not a love manifested in a particular form yet, but an announcement that LOVE is a viable force, that collectively we all can feel it at different points, and the memory of it, passed down from time, keeps it very much alive now and in what is to come.
Reply:It's a Lundburger poem of someone who loves flowers, nature, pleasant scents yet holding onto the memories of Scandinavia.

Fas takes us away...leading to rolling hills and mountains of Sweden and Norway carried by the songs of the wind back down to the sun drenched beaches...

Returning back to the ocean where we can sit on our decks and feast on shrimp, cracked crab and good wine...

Ha ha ha .....have I confused U yet...not really...I just enjoyed it.

You Go Girl....
Reply:Its a poem of sweet, gentle romantic love. Love as it should be..
Reply:Your words are truly beautiful. I felt it was about personal and universal love at the same time- past, present and future loves- love faraway and surrounding,all at once. Such a beautiful poem. Thank you.
Reply:Hi Elyslund,

What I get our of your poem is it's a past Love and you can't forget because of all the memories you still have.. An AWESOME poem My Friend..

A Friend,

poppy1
Reply:my interpretation of the poem is of spring and that love is in the air.
Reply:What...Huh...Poems...I can't look at another...
Reply:wow....this is amazing! it creates such powerful imagery! i can just smell the roses, the incense(sp? lol)....that was beautiful!

~Deadly Poetry

What ate my oriental poppy plant?

2009-11-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

I live in the northeastern US and have a garden filled with many types of flowers, both perennials and annuals. The only plant that has gotten chomped completely down to the ground is my oriental poppy. It had a beautiful orange flower on it at the time. Has anyone had this happen, and do you know which wildlife would seek out this plant specifically? I thought of deer, but my rhododendrons, which deer are fond of, have been in tact. Rabbits usually are more delicate when eating plants. This poppy is really chomped. *sigh*

What ate my oriental poppy plant?
It could have been either....sometimes there is no rhyme or reason as to why they eat some and not others. My neighbor and I had some of the exact same plants last year.....hers got chewed on and mine didn't.

Go get a bottle of Liquid Fence and spray your remaining plants. Just don't be a moron like me. The first time I used it, it was windy out and I sprayed the stuff into the wind and it covered me! You won't quite get the impact of this story until you smell the stuff. Holy Moly! Bleeeeeccchhhh!

Hope you're able to get rid of the critters. Liquid Fence works on Deer and Rabbits to keep them away without harming them.
Reply:I have a problem with slugs, but they will not chomp to the ground. poppies do die back to the ground after seeding-are you sure it was eaten or only died back? either way it will come back next year!
Reply:It's either the deer or a groundhog!

Most likely the deer!

Electric fence will be your cure!

Who makes the best lovers?

2009-11-16T21:18:00.003-08:00

Aries March 21 - April 20

ARIES MAN - alpha male (Star Arians: Daniel Day Lewis, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell)

BENEATH the Ram's clean-cut appearance lies a hormonally-raging animal ready to take the sexual lead. He is known for being rough in bed, treating women like either princesses or playthings.

Sexy secret: Prefers the missionary position, as he likes to take the dominant role.

How to turn him on: Call him 'Master', and ooh and ahh at the sight of his equipment.

ARIES WOMAN - original Eve (Stars: Victoria Beckham, Keira Knightley, Mariah Carey)

NOTORIOUSLY cool customer, she sees herself as the 'Catch of the Century'.

Aries woman has strong physical needs for sex every day and craves instant gratification.

Sexy secret: Likes it on top and a little rough.

How to turn her on: Introduce a shock factor such as outdoor sex or nookie on the train - Aries woman would just love to be caught!

Taurus April 21 - May 21

TAURUS MAN - the idol (Stars Taureans: George Clooney, Bono, David Beckham)

HE wants to be wanted and is attracted to dominant females who'll treat him like a trophy. Strong and silent, he is the epitome of manhood, but always expects the woman to make the first move.

Sexy secret: Loves epic foreplay.

How to turn him on: Fit a mirror on the bedroom ceiling - watching you drives him wild.

TAURUS WOMAN - living doll (Sign stars: Renee Zellweger, Zara Phillips, Penelope Cruz)

FEMININE and beautiful, she longs for a man to play Ken to her ever-adoring Barbie. She is wild in the bedroom in order to satisfy her man, unashamedly lusty and instinctive.

Sexy secret: Nibbles, licks and kisses every inch of her lover.

How to turn her on: Work on your pecs, because she loves to be dominated by a beefcake.

Gemini May 22 - June 22

GEMINI MAN - smooth operator (Star Geminis: Johnny Depp, Prince William, Jonny Wilkinson)

MERCURIAL by nature, he works hard to make himself an exciting prospect. But sex must always be fun, so Mr Gemini thrives on experimentation - for some, even if it's sleazy - and detests routine.

Sexy secret: Good with his hands ... a real craftsman

How to turn him on: Dress up as a high-class callgirl and tell him your fantasies. You'll send him wild.

GEMINI WOMAN - Lolita (Stars: Angelina Jolie, Courteney Cox, Kylie Minogue)

ACUTELY aware of her feminine wiles, she takes no sexual prisoners. Often feigns naivety, but can't resist putting on a show in the bedroom. Some can easily lose themselves in sex and become dismissive of the man who is only there to provide the ride.

Sexy secret: Likes it on top where she can control pace and positioning.

How to turn her on: Offer to roleplay as her teacher.

Cancer June 23 - July 23

CANCER MAN - Prince Charming (Star Cancerians: Tobey Maguire, Johnny Vaughan, Tom Cruise)

FOR this romantic hero, sex is an act of worshipping the woman. Notoriously courteous in bed, some are almost cloying, and are aroused by a woman's dominance. A softie, he loves a cuddle and has a breast-fixation.

Sexy secret: A penchant for being tied up with his lover on top.

Turning him on: Brandish a whip and make him lick your shoes.

CANCER WOMAN - Cinderella (Stars: Courtney Love, Pamela Anderson, Liv Tyler)

A MAN'S woman who makes her lover feel like the big, strong protector because she sees him as her saviour. Has a voracious sexual appetite and is a willing recipient of almost anything that is being dished out!

Sexy secret: Cancer Girl is up for most things and loves experimentation.

How to turn her on: Ask her to roleplay as your secretary or nurse to your doctor.

Leo July 24 - August 23

LEO MAN - the golden boy (Star Leos: Matt Le Blanc, Antonio Banderas, Thierry Henry)

PASSIONATE and caring, he can only perform if his heart is really in it. He prefers raw, natural, unadorned sex with no frills and, with his belief in his own superiority, the traditional male dominance role.

Sexy secret: Enjoys a head-to-toe massage

How to turn him on: Lead him into the garden for sex under the stars or among the rhododendrons.

LEO WOMAN - the knockout (Stars: Madonna, Melanie Sykes, Halle Berry)

A FIERCELY energetic woman who, like the lioness, is a wildcat in the bedroom. She always battles with her lovers for dominance and plays cat and mouse with potential partners. Won't get out of bed until she's had two orgasms.

Sexy secret: Loves to put on a show.

How to turn her on: Boast about your incredible stamina and she'll try to match it.

Virgo August 24 - September 23

VIRGO MAN - the mentor (Star Virgoans: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Sean Connery)

A GENTLE giant, he is the ultimate caretaker in the bedroom with a startling empathy for women's needs. He has a Svengali-streak and sees women as either madonnas or whores. Likes routine and little fuss in the bedroom.

Sexy secret: Likes the woman to lead the way.

How to turn him on: Pretend he's the doctor and you're one of his patients.

VIRGO WOMAN - Mother Earth (Stars: Cameron Diaz, Rachel Hunter, Beyonce Knowles)

PLEASING a lover tops Virgo's erotic agenda and she treats men like lord and master. Simultaneously sacred territory and sexy bombshell, she is driven to nurture men. Sees sex in terms of mating and seeks partners with staying power.

Sexy secret: Enjoys submission so won't say no to the missionary position.

Turning her on: She has a hygiene fixation so suggest a shower together.

Libra September 24 - October 23

LIBRA MAN - the perfectionist (Star Librans: Sting, Simon Cowell, Viggo Mortensen)

HAS a high-minded, ethereal approach to sex. Witty and charming, he talks women into bed. Sex must be beautiful and he indulges in lavish foreplay, determined to gratify a woman early on. An expert lover.

Sexy secret: He hates rules, so likes to experiment with different, athletic positions.

Turning him on: Dress up as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffanys.

LIBRA WOMAN - the activist (Stars: Susan Sarandon, Catherine Zeta Jones. Kate Winslet)

UNCONVENTIONAL in relationships, some can favour casual sex and are wary of commitment. Fights against male adulation and traditional gender roles in bed, preferring the equality of giving and receiving pleasure.

Sexy secret: Loves positions that keep both partners happy.

How to turn her on: Arm-wrestle her into bed.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

SCORPIO MAN - the stranger (Star Scorpios: Joaquin Phoenix, Wayne Rooney, Leonardo DiCaprio)

A SEVERE individual, he is insular but lavishes attention on his lover. Most Scorpios enjoy experimenting and some are even turned on by kinky sex.

Sexy secret: Likes to take total control and may get a kick from blind-folding his lover.

How to turn him on: Turn up wearing a mac - with nothing underneath, but a suspender belt.

SCORPIO WOMAN - femme fatale (Stars: Meg Ryan, Bjork, Julia Roberts)

INVENTED the term "hard to get" but skilfully works her way into her lover's psyche without lifting a finger. Highly-sexed and demanding, she sees herself as the ultimate prize. Woe betide he who doesn't meet expectations.

Sexy secret: Likes it fast and furious, anywhere but bed.

Turning her on: Buy her a sex toy she hasn't tried before.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21

SAGITTARIUS MAN - the maverick (Star Sagittarians: Brad Pitt, Benjamin Bratt, Samuel L Jackson)

WILDLY romantic, he has an untamed energy and sees his lovers as playmates and has incredible luck with the ladies. Any sex is good - he wants to experience it with woman of every kind.

Sexy secret: Loves role reversal with the woman on top and in charge.

Turning him on: Swap underwear.

SAGITTARIUS WOMAN - the leader (Stars: Lucy Liu, Kim Basinger, Britney Spears)

A HIGH achiever, some are obsessed with the idea of choosing only successful, charismatic partners. In bed, her modus operandi is to 'empower' the man, turning him into putty in her hands.Generous and enthusiastic.

Sexy secret: Rope swings are her fantasy.

Turning her on: Get her to act out a scene from 9 1/2 Weeks.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

CAPRICORN MAN - A real gent (Star Capricorns: Jude Law, Olivier Martinez, Orlando Bloom)

AN anachronism, he is deeply old-fashioned and is attracted to traditional, lady-wife types. Tries hard to repress his libido, but some will have fetishes, kinks and hang-ups.

Sexy secret: Prefers the missionary position - with his lover wearing a lace nightie.

How to turn him on: Offer to be spanked.

CAPRICORN WOMAN - a thinker (Stars: Dido, Annie Lennox, Helena Christensen)

NATURALLY cautious, she never rushes into relationships and seeks a spiritual connection first. Has a wild fantasy life and invents dream lovers. A fairly conservative sexual character, she won't be coerced into anything.

Sexy secret: Likes routine - with him on top.

How to turn her on: Borrow a sailor's uniform and act out her fantasies.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

AQUARIUS MAN - an eccentric (Star Aquarians: Justin Timberlake, John Lydon, Robbie Williams)

He seems sorted and self-sufficient but some Aquarian men have a notoriously skewed, even kinky side in bed. Thinks no woman is out of his league and many are emotionally detached from sex. Some are even turned on by humiliating their mate.

Sexy secret: Has a penchant for cyber and phone sex.

How to turn him on: Be his sex slave.

AQUARIUS WOMAN - eternal optimist (Stars: Geena Davis, Denise Richards, Jennifer Aniston)

SHE loathes over-dependent lovers but, as the zodiac's cheerleader, is her partner's biggest fan. A low-maintenance mate, hates formality and routine. Spontaneity is her big arousal and sex is pure physical pleasure.

Sexy secret: A quickie at the bus stop will excite her.

Turning her on: Take her to an orgy - where she'll only want to watch.

Pisces February 20 - March 20

PISCES MAN - the drifter (Star Pisceans: Shane Richie, Rob Lowe, Bruce Willis)

BEHOLDEN to nobody, this dreamer is his own boss and is drawn to raw, grounded women who are his polar opposite. Super-relaxed about sex, nothing embarrasses him and some Piscean men have a prolific number of partners, many of them one-night stands.

Sexy secret: Dreams of joining the mile-high club on a plane.

How to turn him on: Rent a hard-core porn film with him.

PISCES WOMAN - Prima Donna (Stars: Sharon Stone, Patsy Kensit, Rachel Weisz)

A WALKING, talking paradox - all virtue and all vice wrapped in one, deceiving package. Insists on being treated like a princess in bed. Often finds sex dirty and can behave like a martyr. But secretly adores being adventurous.

Sexy secret: Loves spooning and being taken by surprise.

How to turn her on: Read to her aloud from an erotic novel.

Who makes the best lovers?
Are you kidding me? Taurus of course! Taurus is the most sensual and romantic sign of the zodiac!
Reply:I am a Scorpio woman. We are the best- Sensual- but I like to turn on all the senses- round one is slower- round two can be faster and furious. I have LOTS of PASSION- very much a giver, and yes we go all over- not just the bedroom! Report It

Reply:Right, about Virgo. I've been with one or two and they weren't at all like that - in fact, they liked to not only lead the way but had a kinky side to them.

And I don't like sex toys at all, being a Scorpio woman, and I like it anywhere, *even*, better yet; *preferrably* in bed! (friction wounds are a fecking pain, so no more floor and rugs for me... and showers aren't that comfortable, you know...)

So far from judging bed manners by Sun sign.

If you want to find best lovers, look for Mars signs... if you look at mars and then read this list, it's actually right! :o ... well, not completely, but still.

And then, the best sign sexually, would have to be mars in Scorpio. Kinky, rough, likes to have complete control... :p then again, that would be the best one for me, cos I like to have all that.
Reply:Capricorn men can be real freaks in bed...Aries men can be a little selfish and self centered when it comes to gratification. As a Cancerian woman, I must admit that this profile is pretty accurate!!
Reply:I pick Aries (because that's me) and Scorpio.
Reply:I think you are right about Leo and Aries.I am a Leo male and the best love relationship i had with a female in my life was Aries.
Reply:huge question.....

well, you got me down to a T....

I'm a Libra
Reply:aries man .. taurus woman ... eternal bliss!
Reply:So what's your question anyway?
Reply:Aries, by far.
Reply:pisces,but when you say lovers. do you mean true lovers or do you mean want o have sex lovers.? ?
Reply:Aquarians by faaaaaaaaaaaaaar
Reply:LEO WOMAN - the knockout (Stars: Madonna, Melanie Sykes, Halle Berry)

A FIERCELY energetic woman who, like the lioness, is a wildcat in the bedroom. She always battles with her lovers for dominance and plays cat and mouse with potential partners. Won't get out of bed until she's had two orgasms.

Sexy secret: Loves to put on a show.

How to turn her on: Boast about your incredible stamina and she'll try to match it.

:) That's me folks!
Reply:I cannot answer this question based strictly on zodiacc characteristics. I think the zodia does contribute to a person's style in "bed" but I think personality is a factor as well.
Reply:capricorn, cuz im one
Reply:thank u 4 this - it's amazing and totally true! i'm a cancer and my sexy boyf's a virgo! bring on the games! ;)
Reply:A Scorpio (that's me) and a Cancer (that's Tobey Maguire).

Scorpios and Cancers make the super duper best lovers.
Reply:sorry ima be bias.....IMA SCORPIO....sorry
Reply:I prefer Virgos or Scorpio Lovers.

Perfect balance between sexy and intellegent.

*VIRGO WOMAN - Mother Earth (Stars:LisaRaye, Selma Hayek, Beyonce Knowles)

PLEASING a lover tops Virgo's erotic agenda and she treats men like lord and master. Simultaneously sacred territory and sexy bombshell, she is driven to nurture men. Sees sex in terms of mating and seeks partners with staying power.

Sexy secret: Enjoys submission so won't say no to the missionary position.

Turning her on: She has a hygiene fixation so suggest a shower together

*SCORPIO WOMAN - femme fatale (Stars: Demi Moore,Nia Long,Jodie Foster)

INVENTED the term "hard to get" but skilfully works her way into her lover's psyche without lifting a finger. Highly-sexed and demanding, she sees herself as the ultimate prize. Woe betide he who doesn't meet expectations.

Sexy secret: Likes it fast and furious, anywhere but bed.

Turning her on: Buy her a sex toy she hasn't tried before.

My door is open ;)
Reply:I had great sex with a leo, and with a taurus. Taurus was too selfish and greedy but he was naughty and hot when HE wanted to be. (perfect downstairs but too greedy with it) I had a aquarius (like me) that was ALL about my pleasure, yummy, but not much downstairs. In my opinion the leo, the best of both worlds, my pleasure and a nice package.
Reply:"A WALKING, talking paradox - all virtue and all vice wrapped in one, deceiving package. Insists on being treated like a princess in bed." - eh?! That's news to me! The author of this article is clearly bitter about being burned by a female who happened to have an end Feb/March birthday ;)
Reply:Someone who has their Mars in the 8th house or Pluto in the 5th house. Someone whose sun is in the 8th house with good aspects to Pluto. Sun in Scorpio (well aspected chart)
Reply:Pisces!!!

Attractive (easy maintenance) year round plant/shrub for Southern Jersey?

2009-11-16T21:18:00.002-08:00

I have a space that I need to fill under my windows. It is 15 feet long by 2 feet wide by 31/2 feet high. We had rhododendrons but grew tired of them, since we have planted many things that haven't worked. It is an area that gets a lot of sun.- I would like to have something that would attract butterflies and/or humming birds. Easy to maintain, beautiful all year, not just when they flower, and full.

Attractive (easy maintenance) year round plant/shrub for Southern Jersey?
I understand your wish for butterflies and humming birds however flowers that attract those also attract bees which could make a nest in your home. I would suggest you plant things like arbovita (green type bushes) and then put a planter attached to your window in which you have things like the old time petunias or geraniums. Then in the distance where you can look out and see a mass of flowers (from a side window from the kitchen or bedroom) make your flower garden (all kinds of flowers and flowering bushes) and add your humming bird hanging bowl or birdhouse with sugarwater in it.

from wikipedia: "Research should be conducted as to what species are prevalent in your area, and what plants they prefer to nectar on. Depending on your zone, some butterfly attracting plants include: purple cone flowers (echinacea purpurea), yellow cone flowers, sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, salvias, some lillies, asters, coreopsis, daisies, verbenas, milkweed (especially for the Monarch butterfly, whose caterpillars feed solely on this plant), the butterfly bush (budleia), zinnias, and others."

also: http://www.flowerportfolio.com/butterfly...
Reply:Please check out this site for what type of flowers or plants to plant if you want to have a butterfly garden here in NJ. It's an excellent site and it will give you excellent information. http://www.wildnj.com/ksbplants.htm
Reply:Below is a website that will suggests plantings for butterfly gardens and then on the same page is a link for a songbird garden. Hopefully, you will find a plant in there that catches your fancy and will work well in a sunny location.

baby shoes

Limestone on acidity?

2009-11-16T21:18:00.001-08:00

I have three questions.

1. What is the formula for magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate?

What if the form of calcium in this compound? Is it calcium ion or calcium metal?

2. Can someone show me the chemical equation for limestone correcting the pH of acid soils?

3. Why is it that plants like azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons should not be given limestone?

Limestone on acidity?
1. Others have already given you the formulas. Any time calcium is in a compound, as opposed to being 'on its own' it will be the calcium ion with a charge of 2+.

2. Limestone is CaCO3. The carbonate ion, CO3^2-, is basic. It accepts hydrogen ions (acid, H+) to form CO2 and H2O. This neutralizes and even renders basic the soil. CaCO3 + H+ --%26gt; H2O + CO2 + Ca^2+

3. Those plants grow best in acidic soil. So don't give them limestone because it will make the soil basic.
Reply:CaCO3 is calcium carbonate.
Reply:i have 3 answers 1.CaCO3 = cal carb mag carb=MAMO2.PUT 18 PERCENT TYPE N HYDRATED LIME IN THE SOIL .ROTOTILL.CHECK FOR PERFECT BALANCE IN 2 WEEKS.ADJUST AS NEEDED 3.THESE PARTICULAR PLANTS ARE NOT IN NEED OF LIMESTONE AS THEY PRODUCE ENOUGH FERTILIZER ON THIER OWN.BEST WISHES FREDDY.......
Reply:magnesium carbonate is MgCO3 while calcium carbonate is CaCO3.

Do you ever ask yourself " What would Jesus do?"?

2009-11-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

It seems that I am always asking my landscaper, Jesus, which plant would grow best in partial shade or when I should trim the rhododendrons. I always ask myself what Jesus would do when it comes to gardening.

Do you ever ask yourself " What would Jesus do?"?
Yes..... I say, "Hey Seuss, would you plant it in the dark.... would you plant it in the park. With the sun? Or as a mum? Would you plant it in the shade? Or would you plant it with a spade? In a row or with a hoe? With a rake for goodness sake?"

Oh the places he can hoe!!!
Reply:Yes, but only, I actually mean Jesus, my Savior, not my gardener.

♥ xoxo
Reply:every second of everyday, im a very spiritual person.
Reply:I dont think He would get stuck in the stupid situations I get myself into.
Reply:I talk to the real JESUS everyday..
Reply:If you think Jesus your landscaper is so great, you ought to meet Jesus the Master Gardener... talk about someone who knows His plants!

Seriously, he's the one who created rhododendrons, shade plants, etc....and could take your environment to a whole new level....
Reply:good one...lol
Reply:no...I ask why would Jesus care?
Reply:Yes, but sometimes it's hard to do the things he would do. God bless :)
Reply:Sometimes I do when I can't decided what to do in a situation but only because I am a spiritual person and I want to make him happy and proud of me. I want to do the right thing but sometimes it is hard to do the right thing and do the exact things that he would do. God Bless.
Reply:um...no not really
Reply:I ask myself that question all the time; however, I am referring to the REAL Jesus.
Reply:Jesus was a carpenter, not a landscaper! lol It's more like you are asking WWJP---What would Jesus plant? lol
Reply:not the real one or yours, but my dad is a landscsper and i ask him about what i should plant
Reply:yes sometimes i ask that 2
Reply:I ask myself what would Jesus do? (not teh gardener) So

yeah!
Reply:my gardener is Luis

he has carte blanche to do whatever he sees fit
Reply:no
Reply:I ask myself that a lot these days.

showtime dance shoes

Landscaping questions?

2009-11-16T21:17:00.003-08:00

We're in the process of putting a chain link fence up in the backyard and we want some shrubs to cover part of it. We purchased 4 PJM Rhododendrons and 3 White light Azaleas. I'm not sure if these should be placed in groupings of the same shrub or alternating every other shrub. I'm not sure what is usually done to look the best. Also, I'm planning on putting a flower garden in. Should these shrubs be used as the back of the garden or should they be standing alone and the garden seperate. I'm obviously confused on what to do. Any suggestions would be great!!!!

Landscaping questions?
Landscaping is like art and the yard an empty canvas. As long as you place the plants properly, i.e. correct soil, sunlight etc. then do what you think looks good!

Personally I LOVE Rhododendrons and would group them, but not close together.
Reply:I would group the same plants together, its much more natural looking and pleasing to the eye and then if one plant dies or doesnt' grow the same size or shape as the others of that variety its not so obvious

I am a travel operator and i am looking for people who are intrested to visit Bhutan.?

2009-11-16T21:17:00.002-08:00

About Bhutan

Bhutan is the last of the small, hidden kingdoms in the Himalayas to unlock the doors to its mysteries. The Land of the Thunder Dragon has maintained its integrity and independence throughout the centuries, repelling invasions from the strongholds of its fortified monasteries, or "dzongs".

Bhutan's 18,000 square miles are almost entirely mountainous, with snow peaks towering to nearly 25,000 feet along the northern border.

The higher regions of these mountains remain almost entirely free of the footprint of man, while the world of alpine meadows below belongs to the Yak herders who bring up their herds for grazing amid the rich grasslands and fields of wildflowers.

The flora and fauna of Bhutan represents the most unspoiled example in the world today of the fast-disappearing Himalayan ecology. Brilliantly colored birds and butterflies are everywhere, along with endless species of flowers, whole mountain slopes covered with tree-size rhododendrons, and some of the rarest species in the Himalayas.

Bhutan is a remote, mysterious, exhilarating place to visit. It is the most unspoiled, beautiful, powerfully traditional country in the Himalayas, and possibly on earth. Its allure has attracted visitors from far away places since the 17th century. Its pure and genuine cultural heritage is a priceless jewel. It has one foot in the past and one in the future.

Travel to Bhutan can be a gift of beauty, insight, or friendship to be treasured for a lifetime. Please come with an open mind. You are not coming to an ordinary place

I am a travel operator and i am looking for people who are intrested to visit Bhutan.?
Bhutan sounds wonderful! How would one look into travel to the area? What would the costs be? You only give info about Bhutan itself, but you don't give any indication of how to make arrangements for a trip there.
Reply:sounds like an awesome place.

When is the best time to take a spring drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway?

2009-11-16T21:17:00.001-08:00

Trying to view the rhododendrons at or near their peak, either NC or VA.

Do you believe in sextrology? this is so spookishly accurate!?

2009-11-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Aries March 21 - April 20

ARIES MAN - alpha male (Star Arians: Daniel Day Lewis, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell)

BENEATH the Ram's clean-cut appearance lies a hormonally-raging animal ready to take the sexual lead. He is known for being rough in bed, treating women like either princesses or playthings.

Sexy secret: Prefers the missionary position, as he likes to take the dominant role.

How to turn him on: Call him 'Master', and ooh and ahh at the sight of his equipment.

ARIES WOMAN - original Eve (Stars: Victoria Beckham, Keira Knightley, Mariah Carey)

NOTORIOUSLY cool customer, she sees herself as the 'Catch of the Century'.

Aries woman has strong physical needs for sex every day and craves instant gratification.

Sexy secret: Likes it on top and a little rough.

How to turn her on: Introduce a shock factor such as outdoor sex or nookie on the train - Aries woman would just love to be caught!

Taurus April 21 - May 21

TAURUS MAN - the idol (Stars Taureans: George Clooney, Bono, David Beckham)

HE wants to be wanted and is attracted to dominant females who'll treat him like a trophy. Strong and silent, he is the epitome of manhood, but always expects the woman to make the first move.

Sexy secret: Loves epic foreplay.

How to turn him on: Fit a mirror on the bedroom ceiling - watching you drives him wild.

TAURUS WOMAN - living doll (Sign stars: Renee Zellweger, Zara Phillips, Penelope Cruz)

FEMININE and beautiful, she longs for a man to play Ken to her ever-adoring Barbie. She is wild in the bedroom in order to satisfy her man, unashamedly lusty and instinctive.

Sexy secret: Nibbles, licks and kisses every inch of her lover.

How to turn her on: Work on your pecs, because she loves to be dominated by a beefcake.

Gemini May 22 - June 22

GEMINI MAN - smooth operator (Star Geminis: Johnny Depp, Prince William, Jonny Wilkinson)

MERCURIAL by nature, he works hard to make himself an exciting prospect. But sex must always be fun, so Mr Gemini thrives on experimentation - for some, even if it's sleazy - and detests routine.

Sexy secret: Good with his hands ... a real craftsman

How to turn him on: Dress up as a high-class callgirl and tell him your fantasies. You'll send him wild.

GEMINI WOMAN - Lolita (Stars: Angelina Jolie, Courteney Cox, Kylie Minogue)

ACUTELY aware of her feminine wiles, she takes no sexual prisoners. Often feigns naivety, but can't resist putting on a show in the bedroom. Some can easily lose themselves in sex and become dismissive of the man who is only there to provide the ride.

Sexy secret: Likes it on top where she can control pace and positioning.

How to turn her on: Offer to roleplay as her teacher.

Cancer June 23 - July 23

CANCER MAN - Prince Charming (Star Cancerians: Tobey Maguire, Johnny Vaughan, Tom Cruise)

FOR this romantic hero, sex is an act of worshipping the woman. Notoriously courteous in bed, some are almost cloying, and are aroused by a woman's dominance. A softie, he loves a cuddle and has a breast-fixation.

Sexy secret: A penchant for being tied up with his lover on top.

Turning him on: Brandish a whip and make him lick your shoes.

CANCER WOMAN - Cinderella (Stars: Courtney Love, Pamela Anderson, Liv Tyler)

A MAN'S woman who makes her lover feel like the big, strong protector because she sees him as her saviour. Has a voracious sexual appetite and is a willing recipient of almost anything that is being dished out!

Sexy secret: Cancer Girl is up for most things and loves experimentation.

How to turn her on: Ask her to roleplay as your secretary or nurse to your doctor.

Leo July 24 - August 23

LEO MAN - the golden boy (Star Leos: Matt Le Blanc, Antonio Banderas, Thierry Henry)

PASSIONATE and caring, he can only perform if his heart is really in it. He prefers raw, natural, unadorned sex with no frills and, with his belief in his own superiority, the traditional male dominance role.

Sexy secret: Enjoys a head-to-toe massage

How to turn him on: Lead him into the garden for sex under the stars or among the rhododendrons.

LEO WOMAN - the knockout (Stars: Madonna, Melanie Sykes, Halle Berry)

A FIERCELY energetic woman who, like the lioness, is a wildcat in the bedroom. She always battles with her lovers for dominance and plays cat and mouse with potential partners. Won't get out of bed until she's had two orgasms.

Sexy secret: Loves to put on a show.

How to turn her on: Boast about your incredible stamina and she'll try to match it.

Virgo August 24 - September 23

VIRGO MAN - the mentor (Star Virgoans: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Sean Connery)

A GENTLE giant, he is the ultimate caretaker in the bedroom with a startling empathy for women's needs. He has a Svengali-streak and sees women as either madonnas or whores. Likes routine and little fuss in the bedroom.

Sexy secret: Likes the woman to lead the way.

How to turn him on: Pretend he's the doctor and you're one of his patients.

VIRGO WOMAN - Mother Earth (Stars: Cameron Diaz, Rachel Hunter, Beyonce Knowles)

PLEASING a lover tops Virgo's erotic agenda and she treats men like lord and master. Simultaneously sacred territory and sexy bombshell, she is driven to nurture men. Sees sex in terms of mating and seeks partners with staying power.

Sexy secret: Enjoys submission so won't say no to the missionary position.

Turning her on: She has a hygiene fixation so suggest a shower together.

Libra September 24 - October 23

LIBRA MAN - the perfectionist (Star Librans: Sting, Simon Cowell, Viggo Mortensen)

HAS a high-minded, ethereal approach to sex. Witty and charming, he talks women into bed. Sex must be beautiful and he indulges in lavish foreplay, determined to gratify a woman early on. An expert lover.

Sexy secret: He hates rules, so likes to experiment with different, athletic positions.

Turning him on: Dress up as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffanys.

LIBRA WOMAN - the activist (Stars: Susan Sarandon, Catherine Zeta Jones. Kate Winslet)

UNCONVENTIONAL in relationships, some can favour casual sex and are wary of commitment. Fights against male adulation and traditional gender roles in bed, preferring the equality of giving and receiving pleasure.

Sexy secret: Loves positions that keep both partners happy.

How to turn her on: Arm-wrestle her into bed.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

SCORPIO MAN - the stranger (Star Scorpios: Joaquin Phoenix, Wayne Rooney, Leonardo DiCaprio)

A SEVERE individual, he is insular but lavishes attention on his lover. Most Scorpios enjoy experimenting and some are even turned on by kinky sex.

Sexy secret: Likes to take total control and may get a kick from blind-folding his lover.

How to turn him on: Turn up wearing a mac - with nothing underneath, but a suspender belt.

SCORPIO WOMAN - femme fatale (Stars: Meg Ryan, Bjork, Julia Roberts)

INVENTED the term "hard to get" but skilfully works her way into her lover's psyche without lifting a finger. Highly-sexed and demanding, she sees herself as the ultimate prize. Woe betide he who doesn't meet expectations.

Sexy secret: Likes it fast and furious, anywhere but bed.

Turning her on: Buy her a sex toy she hasn't tried before.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 21

SAGITTARIUS MAN - the maverick (Star Sagittarians: Brad Pitt, Benjamin Bratt, Samuel L Jackson)

WILDLY romantic, he has an untamed energy and sees his lovers as playmates and has incredible luck with the ladies. Any sex is good - he wants to experience it with woman of every kind.

Sexy secret: Loves role reversal with the woman on top and in charge.

Turning him on: Swap underwear.

SAGITTARIUS WOMAN - the leader (Stars: Lucy Liu, Kim Basinger, Britney Spears)

A HIGH achiever, some are obsessed with the idea of choosing only successful, charismatic partners. In bed, her modus operandi is to 'empower' the man, turning him into putty in her hands.Generous and enthusiastic.

Sexy secret: Rope swings are her fantasy.

Turning her on: Get her to act out a scene from 9 1/2 Weeks.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

CAPRICORN MAN - A real gent (Star Capricorns: Jude Law, Olivier Martinez, Orlando Bloom)

AN anachronism, he is deeply old-fashioned and is attracted to traditional, lady-wife types. Tries hard to repress his libido, but some will have fetishes, kinks and hang-ups.

Sexy secret: Prefers the missionary position - with his lover wearing a lace nightie.

How to turn him on: Offer to be spanked.

CAPRICORN WOMAN - a thinker (Stars: Dido, Annie Lennox, Helena Christensen)

NATURALLY cautious, she never rushes into relationships and seeks a spiritual connection first. Has a wild fantasy life and invents dream lovers. A fairly conservative sexual character, she won't be coerced into anything.

Sexy secret: Likes routine - with him on top.

How to turn her on: Borrow a sailor's uniform and act out her fantasies.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

AQUARIUS MAN - an eccentric (Star Aquarians: Justin Timberlake, John Lydon, Robbie Williams)

He seems sorted and self-sufficient but some Aquarian men have a notoriously skewed, even kinky side in bed. Thinks no woman is out of his league and many are emotionally detached from sex. Some are even turned on by humiliating their mate.

Sexy secret: Has a penchant for cyber and phone sex.

How to turn him on: Be his sex slave.

AQUARIUS WOMAN - eternal optimist (Stars: Geena Davis, Denise Richards, Jennifer Aniston)

SHE loathes over-dependent lovers but, as the zodiac's cheerleader, is her partner's biggest fan. A low-maintenance mate, hates formality and routine. Spontaneity is her big arousal and sex is pure physical pleasure.

Sexy secret: A quickie at the bus stop will excite her.

Turning her on: Take her to an orgy - where she'll only want to watch.

Pisces February 20 - March 20

PISCES MAN - the drifter (Star Pisceans: Shane Richie, Rob Lowe, Bruce Willis)

BEHOLDEN to nobody, this dreamer is his own boss and is drawn to raw, grounded women who are his polar opposite. Super-relaxed about sex, nothing embarrasses him and some Piscean men have a prolific number of partners, many of them one-night stands.

Sexy secret: Dreams of joining the mile-high club on a plane.

How to turn him on: Rent a hard-core porn film with him.

PISCES WOMAN - Prima Donna (Stars: Sharon Stone, Patsy Kensit, Rachel Weisz)

A WALKING, talking paradox - all virtue and all vice wrapped in one, deceiving package. Insists on being treated like a princess in bed. Often finds sex dirty and can behave like a martyr. But secretly adores being adventurous.

Sexy secret: Loves spooning and being taken by surprise.

How to turn her on: Read to her aloud from an erotic novel.

Do you believe in sextrology? this is so spookishly accurate!?
I am an Aries woman. My husband is a Sagittarius man.

None of that malarkey is true.
Reply:I'm a virgo and my "sexy secret" is in fact the opposite of what's written here. I actually enjoy domination. But the hygiene fixation part is correct. :P Report It

Reply:oooh yeah, that's about right!

Me: Cancer female My other half: Gemini male
Reply:Like hitting a nail on the head.
Reply:I'm sorry, but I found this very laughable, as it is taking a one-size-fits-all approach to something that must be tailored to the person
Reply:This is as far from the mark as could ever be. I'm a Taurus male, and I'm in no way looking for a woman to make the first move. I have a Dominant streak a mile wide. Watching my mate doesn't do much for me, but touching certainly does, especially a well-placed spank on her backside.

Astrology is a myth from ancient times, and has no place in modern society.
Reply:I'm a Gemini, and yep, that's about right...except the part about being dismissive of my partner...I like pleasing him just as much.
Reply:those are very interesting, but i don't believe in them. dependiong on my mood,i fit into EACH one of the categories. I am a Sag. man, but see elements of myself in ALL of them...
Reply:All I KNOW THAT YOU CAN COPY/PASTE:GREAT

dO NOT BELIEVE IN THIS CRAP AT ALL

SKY
Reply:Wow, that was scary....I'm a Leo...yeah, 2 orgasms is the minimum...LMAO...no, seriously.......
Reply:Spooky... where's my name????
Reply:Im a Leo. It all makes sense now.
Reply:Yes, I do believe in sextrology! Please don't hate me for saying this for the whole world to read, but I still believe that Tobey Maguire and I are meant to be together. I will love EVERYTHING of him; past, present, future, and beyond; and that includes his sensational daughter, Ruby Sweetheart Maguire.
Reply:yeah
Reply:Well, I rolled my eyes when I read your question. But after I read "Libra Woman", it's actually quite accurate. Yep, spooky.
Reply:no
Reply:it's soo acurate your smart you pick the right questions. and congrats in you first question

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What is the best way to learn how to maintain the back yard and front yard of a house?

2009-11-16T21:16:00.002-08:00

I would really appreciate any suggestions like which book is good, which website, or should I go somewhere to learn or hire somebody to teach me?

I have a house with a yard with lot of pine trees and some other trees like a magnolia (lots of dead leaves under it) and a weeping willow (lots of dead branches and stuff under that one too).

There are also magnolias and other bushes, and something that I think are rhododendrons and a lot of other stuff but I have no idea what to call them.

There is also grass here and there (I don’t know what kind of grass) and between the pine trees and the house.

I never had to maintain a yard before (used to live in an apartment) but now I need to take care of my yard, at least clean it up, and I have no idea where to start, and what tools to use.

Once I learn how to clean it up, I will move forward about learning how to plant stuff maybe.

Thank you for any imput.

What is the best way to learn how to maintain the back yard and front yard of a house?
I started learning about how to take care of my trees, plants %26amp; yard by going to the library %26amp; getting books on landscaping %26amp; plants in general.

It's fun %26amp; exciting to learn about all the possibilities. I also kept an eye on how my neighbors worked in their yards %26amp; gardens... and asked a lot of questions. LOL

If you have a large yard you need a riding lawnmower, if it's small you can use a walk-behind mower. A garden fork, small pruners, %26amp; a bigger heavy-duty bush pruner would be my first picks followed by a rake, shovel, hoe, %26amp; the biggest hose you can get or several medium size hoses which connect together to reach the space you have to water.You can use the heavy-duty garden fork to dig up the plants that you don't want. If you want to put in a plant, the fork can be used for digging without compacting the soil for better drainage %26amp; you can use it tilted sideways to break up clumps. Your plants may need trimming so the pruners help. If you have large bushes, you'll eventually need a hedge trimmer. If you have an electrical outlet nearby your bushes, an electric hedge trimmer would be handy %26amp; convenient. You'll need a heavy-duty extension cord that'll reach to your bushes. If you have really large bushes that you're taking out, a chain-saw would be easier %26amp; faster than trying to do it any other way. Small bushes can be cut down with a heavy-duty bush pruner %26amp; a pruning saw.

Here's some sites to get you started:

Gardening websites

http://www.gardenguides.com/

http://www.jerrybaker.com/

Landscape Design

http://www.plantoasis.com/

Meditation Garden

http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/resources...

Country Gardens

http://www.cg-designs.net/design-process...

Stone Patio %26amp; Path

http://www.dataexe.com.au/eds/townhouse....

Classic Landscape

http://www.classiclandscapes.co.uk/portf...

http://www.arcadiagardendesign.biz/img33...

Garden design winners

http://landliving.com/articles/000000013...

Small Landscaping Plans

http://www.addis-gardendesign.co.uk/plan...

Lawncare

http://www.yardcare.com/

Good luck on your gardening adventure!! Hope this is helpful.

P.S. Yes, you can use your pine needles for mulch...it's especially good for acid-loving plants. My roses love the pine needles around their base %26amp; it's included in my protective barrier around the roses during the freezing winter. It protects...but doesn't smother them.
Reply:You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it :) Report It

Reply:a lawn mower usaly takes care of all that me im to lazy to rake any thing i use my lawn mower untill late fall after the grass is dorment to get rid of the leaves and neadles it works just fine un less you have a bagless mower you need a bag to colect the leaves
Reply:BUT, the NATURE LEAVES TO ACT, And YOU IT WILL HAVE A VERY NATURAL GARDEN... IF NOT TO LIKE THE FREE NATURE, LAUNCHES CONCRETE IN TOP OF THE GARDEN....
Reply:The most basic means of caring for a yard are fairly simple, mow, rake, and water.

Start by raking the leaves up and getting rid of the dead stuff.

Then mow the grass. How often you will need to do this depends on the type of grass and the weather, but it will be fairly obvious to you, no need to do too much research on that.

Watering is a little more complex. You will need to figure out what kind of plants you have and how much they need. As far as watering the grass, you also need to find out if your area has any restrictions on duration, times, or frequency of watering. For example, in my town, it is no more than twice a week, and it has to be between 8pm and 5am.

Your local home-improvement store is a good source of information for you, sometimes they even hold workshops.
Reply:Get ye to the local home supply center and grab some tools. You'll probably need a couple of rakes- soft and hard tined, a good shovel, and some pruning shears to start. Just raking up the debris makes an immediate difference. They make saws for cutting off the dead branches, too. Look at your neighbors yards to see how they landscaped their yards. Grass will have trouble growing in the shade of the trees. Spreading some grass food and water will pick it up where is it growing. You may want to get some bark or mulch in bags to spread under the trees. This helps retain water and spruces up the look. Look for web sites that provide general landscaping ideas. There are literally a ton of books at any book store or home improvement center. Good luck and enjoy the process.

http://landscaping.about.com/od/landscap...

http://www.greatlandscapingideas.com/
Reply:A good idea would be to go to your local nursery (one that specializes in plants, not necessarily the "garden section" at Home Depot or WalMart) and ask them for their recommendations. Because they are local to you, they may have information specific to your area - types of soil, watering recommendations, plant ideas, etc. They may also be able to refer you to landscaping companies if you want to go that route.
Reply:Sounds like you may want to start liming your yard. Lime is about $5 for 2 bags. Get a broadcast spreader ($30). The pine needles are acidic, the lime will disolve them and help grass grow....

Also fertilize it.
Reply:Start by cleaning up the branches and magnolia leaves. Pine straw is an excellent substitute for mulch, plus azaleas love it( they only bloom in the spring but are an evergreen). The only draw back to the pine straw is that ticks also love it but you can treat them with seven dust. I use bermuda grass and don't know a lot about fescue, so if you can't get it in sod form, you can sow seeds in the bare places. The magnolia will lose its leaves all year long, you can rake them or just do what I do and mulch them with the mower. You can also trim the lower Branch's up high enough to make it easier to mow around or rake around. Most things you will learn from trial and error or talking to neighbors. I learn new things every year. Good luck.
Reply:Go to www.scotts.com. That is the scotts co. website that is loaded with stuff, and you can ask them questions....all for free!
Reply:What is the first answer about? He's talking mumbo jumbo.
Reply:Howard, If any houses that you pass by are similar to your yard, and it looks great! Stop in and talk to the owner and tell them you think they're place looks great. I'm sure they'll be glad to share some tips with you.

Good Luck,

Big Mac

Why are bumblebees hanging around my patio fence? Do they like rhododenderons?

2009-11-16T21:16:00.001-08:00

But I never see them near the rhododendrons..only near the fence...if they will be working on my tomatoes this summer , then they are welcome..but not to build a nest...

Why are bumblebees hanging around my patio fence? Do they like rhododenderons?
Im also thinking what the person above wrote-with some corrections.

Take a look at the fence and see if there are any dime sized holes anywhere in the fence line. If you get close and they are carpenter bees, one or two of the males will come around and try to scare you off. The males DONT sting. Its the females who sting but they're usually inside boring the holes. If you dont see any holes, they arent carpenter bees, but keep an eye on it for awhile just to be sure.

If there are holes, you'll have to buy a special spray to kill them as you'll want to kill all the eggs they're laying inside all the holes they're making. Hornet spray doesnt work! Im includiing one link I used below. While it says to use a dust-we bought a liquid version that they have for sale at Lowes or Walmart.
Reply:They may be wood borers, a type of flying "bee" that resembles a bumblebee, they bore hole is wood about the size of a dime. The males are the ones who sting, but basically they are harmless to plants, b/c they are mainly attracted to wood such as fences, cedar siding, etc. This is a possibility, check with your local pest control company...

Where is the best place to buy a bullet proof vest?

2009-11-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

I don't care about the cost. I just want to get the best available. I had no idea how some people get so attached to their flowers. I asume that there is something about rhododendrons that put them over the top. Ok, so a few of them got crushed. They grow back. My neighbor has already taken a couple of shots at me. He's blind so I have been lucky so far. But he might get in a random hit on me. I think I would feel better if I had a little body protection.

Where is the best place to buy a bullet proof vest?
I need one NOW. One of the imposters who hates me for some unknown reason has found me again within the last hour...using the name "iluvurainbow" and has posted answers on several of my questions today. I'm looking for cover now.
Reply:They were just concerned for your safety! Report It

Reply:LOL...

You must really be devoted to living in your neighborhood with that insane neighbor of yours.

Happy vest shopping and please try to stay out of his yard.
Reply:I believe that citizens can't buy vests due to laws against owning body armor.

If you live in a state where owning body armor is legal, then any police supply store should have them.
Reply:be a better neighbor and you won't need one
Reply:Wtf??Are you for real? my best bet is to go ask 50cents.
Reply:Check with a police/security sales store.
Reply:trust me i no stuff u can get one at this alabama walmart in the sporting goods.
Reply:LOL! I hear ya. Just google them. Get one with meatal plates and Cevlar.
Reply:1) why DO people get attached to flowers?

2) your neighbors crazy

3) what blind guy has a gun?! and an even better question ... how does the blind guy know his flowers are crushed? hes blind!

ok im done
Reply:ask maurice clarret
Reply:I will sell you mine. I have two
Reply:Get the police in before he kills someone, They will take his gun away and you will save some money
Reply:Lol better stay out of your neighbors garden. Try a store that sells police uniforms and paraphernalia for your vest.
Reply:go ask my man 50 Cent, he'll tell you
Reply:Try an Army surplus store.
Reply:This has got to be one of the biggest bullshit story's I've heard. If some one shoots at you, and you know who it is, call the police. You can't buy a bullet proof vest unless you are in law enforcement. You could get one on the black market that has been stolen from the military. But what for, call the police.
Reply:www.eBay.com
Reply:American Shooters Supply (at least in vegas) but you probably have to have a work order to get them.
Reply:Ask retard 50 cent
Reply:Go to a GunStore... That is the most reliable place....
Reply:You can get one at gun shows. You can get anything at a gun show if you have a valid license and the cash to pay for it.
Reply:SECURITYPRO.com seems to be a good website to purchase these vests - prices range from $ 3000 down to $350.

Please search for "Bullet Proof Vests" under Froogle
Reply:yeah right some bodies is after you boy .But maybe at a gun store.
Reply:Try an army surplus store or a police supply store. Also, look online... google it.
Reply:www.policesafetygear.com

www.bulletproofvest.org

www.securityplanet.com

www.armorquick.com
Reply:You can't buy kevlar. It's illegal for civilians to own it. You could probably drive out to Marin City or Oakland and buy some off the streets but it'll cost you.

Container Gardening?

2009-11-16T21:15:00.003-08:00

I am an empty-nester, living in a city apartment in zone 5. I really miss my mixed borders and have started container gardening out on my terrace. Annuals just don't do it for me, and I have had success with containers of daylilies, hosta, astilbe, lilac and PJM Rhododendrons. Can anyone recommend some good books or web sites on growing perennials in containers? Thank you!

Container Gardening?
MASTER GARDENER TO THE RESCUE

I started out as a container gardener in a small walk up 4th floor apartment in Chicago. It wasnt much fun lugging supplies up 4 floors, but I had the best darn 4th floor balcony garden in Chicago. One year I even grew sweet corn on the balcony. The folk on the 3rd floor weren't very happy with me, but that's another story...

Zone 5 or zone 15, inside or out, the best answers to all your garden or container garrdens still come from one place. Your local state univ extension service MASTER GARDENER. Always the best answer the very first time. Master Gardeners are trained to respond to the area they serve. So when you have a question for zone 5, that is only answer from experts that garden right in our own neighborhood..

Urban gardeners / container gardeners have unigue problem that need to be addressed. The urban Master Gardeners are trained to meet those unique situations. Most sights have special printed info to answer all your questions and problems. Not only will you get a live person on the phone to guide you, they will pop the printed info into the mail or via fax or e-mail right to your door. All the info will be just for your own local area. Like having a garden expert living right next door.

Find your state college extension office in your phone book under state government or get linked up locally by using...

www.mastergardeners.org

or the name of your state and master gardeners on the web. tell 'um where you live and they'll hook you up to a sight near by your home.
Reply:Can't come up with a book but realize you are fighting perennial's roots in a confined space. What makes a perennial and perennial is some food storage device; tuber, bulb, rhizome, woody stems, etc.

To carry the plants over you must protect the roots from the cold by insulating the pots and every year or so you'll need to either pot up or somehow manipulate the plant to keep it in the correct size for the pot......which in turn might interfere with flowering.

I'm not saying it's impossible as I've done it, but it was tough: frequent repotting, root trimming, more watering and feeding due to confined roots and little soil, floppiness, etc.

Think smaller perennials and a shorter bloom period.
Reply:Go to gardenweb.com and they have a group for Container Gardening..you can even grow a rose in a pot..all kinds of plants!!
Reply:I am LOL as I loaned all my good container growing books to a nursery owner friend of mine....just walk in Barnes and Noble....the best ones are usually in hard back and just find the pictures of containers which appeal to you.....

I used to own a container gardening business and the secret to beautiful gardens all year is to mix perennials, evergreens and annuals.....this way the container always has something wonderful blooming....get 24-28 inch pots and don't be afraid to use large center pieces of plants in the middle....Malcom Hillier and David Joyce are two names I do remember as authors of some books I have. I will try to find some good sites for you.
Reply:try sawdust in a bucket put one cap of fish emulsution in 1 gal.water. use half a gal. a day its light weight and growes fast.try it
Reply:I have two books that I really like:

-Container Gardening for Dummies by Bill Marken

-Indoor Plants- The essential guide to choosing and caring for houseplants by Jane Courtier, and Graham Clarke

Here are a couple websites:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_container_ga...

http://www.containergardeningtips.com/

I prefer container gardening myself. I have a nice yard, but it is just so much easier to move things around, and pull things up and change them with something else if they are in pots.
Reply:This website can answer any gardening questions

leather boots

What perennial plant, bush or blubs have bright flowers that bloom april-june in zone 7 of the eastern US?

2009-11-16T21:15:00.002-08:00

I would like them to be seen from the street which is about 100 feet away from the house. The rhododendrons there now would be perfect, but they aren't doing well for some reason. The azaleas on the other end of the same side with identical soil and light are doing just fine. It may be a disease.

Thanks!

What perennial plant, bush or blubs have bright flowers that bloom april-june in zone 7 of the eastern US?
We have day lilies and petunias blooming right now along with verbena, fox glove, and coreopsis. If you get several different varieties of day lilies they can bloom right through June. Stella-del-oro is an example.

Leafs and Bubbles!?

2009-11-16T21:15:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I'm doing a science experiment about leaves and bubbles.

First I need to mark a cm square on two leaves with a sharpie.

I am going to be putting a rhododendron leaf in a 100 ml beaker and a leaf in a 200 ml beaker filled with water.

After 15 minutes little bubbles start forming on the leaves, and we are suppose to count the number of bubbles on the 1 cm square.

So, I found that the leaf in the bigger beaker has more bubbles than the smaller one. How will I explain this. This is photosynthesis....?....

Leafs and Bubbles!?
It's possible that the leaf in the larger beaker has more access to more carbon dioxide since there is more water. However, I think this would be hard to analyze because more carbon dioxide can diffuse into the water from the air during the experiment. The bigger beaker will have a larger surface area for this diffusion to happen since the beaker is wider.

That's a possible answer.
Reply:This is photosynthesis.

Perhaps the 100ml beaker ran out of dissolved CO2, needed as a reactant for the process.

Hello I am President Um Bongo and I have .......?

2009-11-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

80 zillion dollars from my banana insertion business.

As you will know my country has been overthrown by a small Rhododendron bush.

Do any of you have a bank account I can borrow to rescue my money before its too late.

Please let me pay it to you, you can keep it all.

I just need enough for an egg sandwich.

Hello I am President Um Bongo and I have .......?
Haha. . nobody likes egg sandwiches x
Reply:Here's 20p, my bank is Bank of Nigeria sort code 007-007-007 the name's Bond, James Bond.
Reply:No problem,Bank details are as follows.................................... that be all?.......................................
Reply:Yes I do....Why are you throbbing

;-)
Reply:Do what Ken Dodd did under the floorboards.
Reply:Much obliged.
Reply:just put it under the mattress x
Reply:http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/nigeri...

Interesting report on the nigerian scam.

It's A Joke Not A Question.What is West Virginia's State Flower?

2009-11-16T21:14:00.001-08:00

This is a joke so don't answer me I know the state flower is Rhododendron.I'm from West Virginia so calm down i'm not trashing it I just think its funny cause I can relate to it.

The answer is

The Satellite Dish HAHAHA!!!

Remember them huge dishes everyone had one in their yard before DIRECTV came out I hated them you had to switch to east, west, north %26amp; south to find different channels and wait forever for it to move.

It's A Joke Not A Question.What is West Virginia's State Flower?
Must be a West Virginia thing, I don't get it
Reply:oso funny, gave u star!
Reply:lol
Reply:Rhododendron
Reply:Funny...........hehehe

Taxes

What do we do now to recover from freeze damage in Tennesse garden?

2009-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

It's been almost two weeks since our landscaping was badly damaged by 6 nights of frost near Nashville. What do we do and when can we do it.

Nandina had lots of new, soft growth, all of which froze. Can I prune this damaged area back now that frost danger is gone? What about rhododendron? A baby Japanese maple had all the leaves freeze. I know not to fertilize, but I'm wondering whether there is anything I can do to make it easier for the plants to recover. I have extra concern as most of this was installed in October and was having a big burst of early season growth due to the hot spell we had. Please give me as much detail as possible.

What do we do now to recover from freeze damage in Tennesse garden?
Hi,

I'm a professional landscaper from central Ohio, zone 5 and we probably got more frost damage than you. Most everything here that had signs of tender green growth got frostbitten and is now black and crispy around the edges. That's okay, perennials are used to it and will bounce back in no time. Just pinch or trim back the damage if it bothers you; it will shed it eventually anyhow. Even your plants that you put in last October will be fine since they proved they made it through the winter with your last warm spell. Now that it has warmed up and the weather is forcast to kinda settle in, go ahead and fertilize as you normally would. The plants need the nutrition, frost damaged or not. If you have other gardening related questions or projects you'd like help with, we have a great group at Yahoo called therookiegardener. We'd love to have you join us.

Happy Gardening!

Becki
Reply:Leave everything alone until you see new growth, then prune off the damage. There is a chance that they may grow back. The damaged leaves will protect the new growth, from frost, or hot sun. Don't be in a hurry to clean up, this is natures way of prunning. Don't meddle with mother nature. Hoyakins

Is it safe to use fertilizer meant for high acid plants on daphne and hawthorne?

2009-11-14T21:23:00.001-08:00

The fertilizer is meant for azaleas, rhododendron, etc. It doesn't say anything about using it on other plants.

Is it safe to use fertilizer meant for high acid plants on daphne and hawthorne?
Daphne and Hawthorne both do better in soil that is closer to neutral. They are not acid loving plants. Therefore fertilizers that are meant for acid loving plants like Azalea, Rhododendron, Blue berries, should be avoided. Check your local nursery or garden center for a neutral ferilizer.

Good luck and happy gardening.

Help to identify a plant please?

2009-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

My friend has a magnificent flowering shrub which is now in full bloom, it smells similar to jasmin but the leaves look like those of a rhododendron, the flower are globe shaped and about 3 inches in diameter and are bright yellow in colour It is grown in peaty soil. The flowers are similar to ornamental onions ! The shrub is about 3 foot high but I am not sure whether it is fully grown.

Help to identify a plant please?
Magnolia maybe. Underside of leaves brown ?
Reply:Without actually seeing it I'll take a guess and say, Viburnum x bodnantense.
Reply:A photo will help people.
Reply:Honeysuckle or azalea,perhaps.

Nature's Cure Homeopathic Pills? I just have a simple question about it..?

2009-11-14T21:22:00.003-08:00

I'm 13 years old, and have acne on my face, back and chest..

I found this at some store and I was just wondering if this would affect my horomones or something

So like maybe my period is not normal

or maybe I won't grow taller cause of my horomones are affected... I didn't take it yet but i was just wondering if this could affect my horomones??

Ingrediants(just in case) : Juglans regia(leaves and rind of green unripe fruit) 6X, Silica (Silicea) 6X, Antimonium Crudum (antimony trisulfide) 12X, Echinacea angustifolia (Whole plant) 12X, Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre leafy twigs) 12X, Hepar Sulfuris Calcareum(crude calcium sulfide) 16X, Activated Charcoal ( carbo vegetalis) 16X, Graphites(graphite) 16X

Non medical ingre. : Lactose and Magnesium Stearate

That was right off the box

THANK YOU

Nature's Cure Homeopathic Pills? I just have a simple question about it..?
Sorry but homeopathy is water with things so diluted in it you get more stuff drinking tap water. Or in this case it's dry excipients lactose and mag stearate with diluted ingredients.

It's legal to sell with health claims in the US only because of very old grandfathered laws, otherwise all over-the-counter meds have to pass muster and have proof of efficacy, NOT homeopathics.

Go to http://www.quackwatch.com and read up on what homeopathy really is.

You could have polycystic ovary syndrome, get that checked, acne is quite normal at your age and can be treated with benzoyl peroxide washes and antibiotics.

Go see your doctor and don't waste your time on magic voodoo water or sugar pills...believe me a lot of people will get incensed at this truth, but it is, the truth.

I'm a Pharm.D.
Reply:no.This would not effect your hormones at all.most of the medicines which are in the pack are blood purifiers.try it .its safe to use.but if you want a really homeopathic treatment then take-hepar sulf 30 ,3 pills in morning empty stomach.and berberis aquefolium Q,5 drops in half cup of water.daily.afternoon.before food.good-day.

boots

Planting after treating for bugs?

2009-11-14T21:22:00.002-08:00

The area I want to garden in is infested with snails, slugs, grubs, cutworms and other various creeping things. I was told to treat this area before I plant, but the bottles of bug killer don't say anything about how long I need to wait after spraying to plant my stuff in the ground. It only says to spray the leaves of the plants and the dirt around them. The garden store employees didn't know...

I'm wanting to plant Lupine(seeds), Columbine(seedlings started), Echinacea(Coneflower, started), Ajuga (Chocolate chip, started) and various plantain lily (Hosta, shade, started.). And maybe an azalea, rhododendron or dwarf evergreen something. Budget permitting :o). Any tips on this???

Planting after treating for bugs?
You should be able to plant immediately as far as the plants go.

I would however wait a couple of days before disturbing the area to let the sprays dissipate so it does not bother you when working the soil and then I would be upwind in my body position.
Reply:You can plant any of those; pesticides are designed to not harm plants. (Iwould be hesititant to plant any food crops, though until at least a few soaking rains)
Reply:I would wait at least a week to plant flowers. I would also turn the dirt really good. Good luck
Reply:There are several natural bug killers, such as beneficial nematodes.

"Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic and live below the soil surface and like a moist environment. Looking like short non-segmented worms these voracious predators make their way through your lawn and garden looking for food. Nematodes do not harm worms, birds, plants or the environment, in fact they are part of the environment and are found the world over. When the nematode comes in contact with a pest the attack by entering through body openings or simply by boring through the body wall, once inside the Nematode will release a bacteria that kills it's host within 48 hours. They will feed and reproduce before exiting in search of fresh prey."

You can order them here, or check your local nursery to see if they have them in stock

http://www.marchbiological.com/L/benefic...

I have also used diatomaceous earth. It is the finely ground fossils of prehistoric fresh water diatoms. It kills household and garden pests like cockroaches, ants, slugs, fleas, beetles and many other crawling insects. See this site for more info

http://www.ghorganics.com/DiatomaceousEa...

I try to never use chemicals on my lawn or plants when there are other products that work just as well, if not better.

Can anyone recommend a flowering shrub for clay soil?

2009-11-14T21:22:00.001-08:00

I went to a nursery today - just about everyone that works there is under 20 and I swear makes things up to pretend they know what they are talking about - which is why I ended up buying 2 rhododendron shrubs. Now that I'm home - researching them - I'm not sure if they are the best choice for clay soil/full sun. See picture - I'm replacing the 2 red prickly bushes. Can anyone recommend another shrub? I'm worried they won't last.. I might just plant them somewhere else now. THANK YOU!!

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112...

Can anyone recommend a flowering shrub for clay soil?
I'm well over 20 so maybe my experience will be of help. I live in an area with clay soil so I understand your concern. I've had great luck with a rock rose. It likes full sun and will grow fairly rapidly. You can prune it if you don't have much space. It has beautiful pink, white or yellow flowers from spring-fall.

Of course, I would recommend that you get a large bag of good soil (one brand is "pay dirt") to add to the hole when you do your planting and fertilize your plants through the spring and summer. Good luck. If that link doesn't work just google "rock rose photos"
Reply:I have 3 acres, all red clay soil. I have azaleas and rododendrons, firebushes, honeysuckle, grapes, blackberrys, raspberry's and a large garden. I just dig a hole and plant.
Reply:If your soil is clay the I would say the soil in your area is too. Just make a nice big hole and put some good soil in and plant the shrubs

The National Animal Poison Information Center..........?

2009-11-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

This is the phone number to call for additional help or questions. 1-800-548-2423

This is the current list of what is poisious to cats:

Azalea, bean plants, cactus, crocus, daffodil, diffenbachia, hemlock, hydrangea, ivy, lily, marijuana, mistletoe, mushroom, narcissus, nightshade, oleander, phildendron, poinsettia, potato leaves, rhododendron, tobacco, tomato leaves, walnuts, yew.

The National Animal Poison Information Center..........?
Good information; however, the list of plants that are poisonous to cats is much longer.

From the ASPCA website:

A

- Aloe

- Amaryllis

- Andromeda Japonica

- Asian Lily (Liliaceae)

- Asparagus Fern

- Australian Nut

- Autumn Crocus

- Avocado

- Azalea

B

- Bird of Paradise

- American Bittersweet

- European Bittersweet

- Branching Ivy

- Buckeye

- Buddist Pine

C

- Caladium

- Calla Lily

- Castor Bean

- Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)

- Charming Diffenbachia

- Chinaberry Tree

- Chinese Evergreen

- Christmas Rose

- Clematis

- Cordatum

- Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)

- Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)

- Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)

- Cycads

- Cyclamen

D

- Daffodil

- Day Lily

- Devil's Ivy

- Dumb Cane

- Deadly Nightshade (See Nightshade)

E

- Easter Lily

- Elephant Ears

- Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)

- Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)

- English Ivy

F

- Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

- Flamingo Plant

- Florida Beauty

- Foxglove

- Fruit Salad Plant

G

- Glacier Ivy

- Gladiolas

- Glory Lily

- Gold Dieffenbachia

- Gold Dust Dracaena

- Golden Pothos

- Green Gold Nephthysis

H

- Hahn's self branching English Ivy

- Heartleaf Philodendron

- Heavenly Bamboo

- Holly

- Horsehead Philodendron

- Hurricane Plant

- Hyacinth

- Hydrangea

I

- Iris

J

- Japanese Show Lily

- Japanese Yew (aka Yew)

- Jerusalem Cherry

K

- Kalanchoe

L

- Lace Fern

- Lacy Tree

- Lily of the Valley

M

- Macadamia Nut

- Madagascar Dragon Tree

- Marble Queen

- Marijuana

- Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)

- Mexican Breadfruit

- Mistletoe "American"

- Morning Glory

- Mother-in-Law

N

- Narcissus

- Needlepoint Ivy

- Nephthytis

- Nightshade

O

- Oleander

- Onion

- Orange Day Lily

P

- Panda

- Peace Lily (aka Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

- Philodendron Pertusum

- Plumosa Fern

- Precatory Bean

Q

- Queensland Nut

R

- Red Emerald

- Red Lily

- Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)

- Red Princess

- Rhododendron

- Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)

- Rubrum Lily

S

- Saddle Leaf Philodendron

- Sago Palm

- Satin Pothos

- Schefflera

- Spotted Dumb Cane

- Stargazer Lily

- Striped Dracaena

- Sweetheart Ivy

- Swiss Cheese Plant

T

- Taro Vine

- Tiger Lily

- Tomato Plant

- Tree Philodendron

- Tropic Snow Dumbcane

- Tulip

V

- Variable Dieffenbachia

- Variegated Philodendron

W

- Warneckei Dracaena

- Wood Lily

Y

- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

- Yew (aka Japanese Yew)

- Yucca
Reply:Thank you.
Reply:thanks

I have just built a raised bed in my garden and need advice!?

2009-11-14T21:21:00.002-08:00

The bed is approx 3m wide and 5m long and triangular. I have a Rhododendron in the corner and an Escolonia in the short side and down the long side are a Euphorbia and a Hydrangea! I am now looking for shrubs to fill it with which will be smaller than these when fully grown so that I can taper the heights of the plants down to the Lavandula and some annuals at the front edges! Do you have any suggestions please?

I have just built a raised bed in my garden and need advice!?
I'm assuming this is for partial shade.

For shrubs maybe some bottle brush and viburnum. Some Hosta would look nice in that arrangement as well. Also, some begonia and impatiens for your annuals.
Reply:Hebes, roses, rosemary. Do you like flowering plants? Evergreens? Cistus. Foxgloves.
Reply:Although they tend to grow big I love Camellias. For smaller plants try Hostas, Lavender for a nice scent. White arabis gives you a nice display. For summer Livingstone Daiseys, Lobellia and bizzy lizzies.
Reply:Alberta Spruce!
Reply:personally i like potentilla. it doesn't grow too high. low maintenance. plenty of flowers and a lovely silvery tinge to the leaves
Reply:There are many hardy Fushias in many colours that need no maintenance hardly. Also Cana can be dotted between there are many varigated leaved varieties with gorgeous vibrant flowers The tubers can be left in all year round. Roses, Scabious( chocolate, mauve, pink, white), Hardy mesembryanthemum, these are very vivid and striking colours and will go through the winter without problems excellent at the edge of a border intermingle with stocks for a glorious scent on a summers evening.
Reply:alpines.very cheap.very low maintenance.

ask your garden centre for advise.

art

Help me locate a flower!?

2009-11-14T21:21:00.001-08:00

Last summer I saw a flower that grows on a single 5-6 foot tall stalk with large leaves on the stem. The flower is crimson and reminds me of a rhododendron flower. It seems to bloom in August and last until the first frost. Last fall I saw it in Eastern PA. I would like to plant it that in my garden and all of my internet searches have not turn it up yet. Any guesses?

Help me locate a flower!?
Red spider lily's only grow down south, and the only lily that lasts past late spring is the tiger lily. What you may have seen is either the wild rose or poppy. I'm from the other end of the state and those two are the only ones that come to mind.
Reply:It could be a Cala Lilly. They now come in different colors too.Bulbs have to be dug up and stored every winter.
Reply:This is a lily that grows from a bulb. Returns every year. So sorry I do not know it's proper name, but locals call it a spider lilly.

Estimate the volume and cost.?

2009-11-14T21:21:00.000-08:00

The lawn area requires a base of topsoil 10cm deep. The flower beds are 50 cm deep. The rockery garden is built up to a height of 1m. Each tree requires a hole 1m in diameter and 1m deep. Each roughly cylindrical hole is filled with topsoil. The cedar hedging, bamboo, and rhondodendron bushes require holes 50 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep. These holes are filled with topsoil. The boxwood hedging requires a trench 50cm wide and 50cm deep. Topsoil can be purchased for $15/m3. Estimate the volume and cost of the topsoil for the garden.

cedar hedging=14m

bamboo=7m

rhododendron=17m

boxwood hedging=26m

flower beds=22m

rockery garden=43m

lawn area=230m

trees=7m

Estimate the volume and cost.?
dont forget to allow for compaction approx. 1/3

Question about Nietzsche's madness?

2009-11-14T21:20:00.003-08:00

Is it plausable that Frederich Nietzsche was poisoned by the church? He wrote many damning words about christianity at a sensitive time for the church, including a book called "The Antichrist." The idea they wanted dead is irrifutable but wouldnt they prefer to use a poison that would make him mad instead, in order to destroy his credibility?

Such chemicals exist:

==IERBA LOCA and TAGILI== (Pernettya furens and P. parvifolia) are two of about 25 species of Pernettya, mostly very small subshrubs that grow in the highlands from Mexico to Chile, the Galápagos and Falkland islands, Tasmania, and New Zealand. These plants belong to the heath family, Ericaceae, along with the cranberry, blueberry, Scotch heather, rhododendron, and trailing arbutus. Several species are known to be toxic to cattle and man, but only these two are known definitely to be employed as hallucinogens.

Question about Nietzsche's madness?
Nothing would surprise me of religion! Religion is a mans way of controlling and manipulating the masses. Thur out the centuries religion has changed to suck in more people church doctrine changed to celebrate Christmas in Dec to coincide with the pagans that celebrated the winter solstice. many other such doctrine changes have occurred as well for the convince of keeping the believers in line.
Reply:What possibly poisoned Nietzshe was the illegal drugs that he was on in order to become a major philosopher.

Help? biology project?

2009-11-14T21:20:00.002-08:00

im looking for 4 plants/trees/shurbs that grow in the Northern Coniferous Forest.

i already have"

1. douglas fir

2. western hemlock

3. reddwood

4. sitka spruce

5. dogwood

6. rhododendron

i just need 4 more.. plz help

Help? biology project?
Larch or tamarack (same species different name), black spruce, balsalm fir, jack pines...I wouldn't mention Rhododendrum personally, as it is not endemic to this biome, and prefers more temperate forest types.

check out this website for more info.

http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/Forsite/ncfb...
Reply:Geez. Have you Googled these plants on the internet?

Do you want a challenge?

2009-11-14T21:20:00.001-08:00

Can you drop the following words casually into a conversation without it seeming weird?

Rhododendron

Merkin (comedy meaning...)

Crevice

Feel free to add your own favourite unusual words!

Do you want a challenge?
As Virginia knelt down to clip a few fragrant rhododendrons

from her garden, I couldn't help but ogle her callipygian form.

Imagine my surprise to spot an ebony merkin covering her heretofore glabrous crevice .
Reply:The most hilarious thing happened yesterday. While I was bending over trying to trim my Rhododendrons, my merkin actually fell into a crevice beween the wooden beams that make a border for my garden! How do you dry clean a merkin!
Reply:Well, a Rhododendrum bush was growing up a crevice in my path. If I knew what Merkin meant I would put that in my sentence as well.
Reply:a) oh theres a lovely rhododendron tree you have!!!

b) can i have a merkin....oh sorry i meant gherkin

c) oh my god look at that crevice your **** has made on my lawn..wierdo...

um yeah i think i can x
Reply:Is this merkin (northern accent) any sense, i've been drivin down this rhododendron for hours and havent seen a crevice station yet and thats a totally bona fide phonomenon.

prcutaneous coffee beans are the bestest......
Reply:'Septic Thrombo Flobitus'

(Real Medical term)
Reply:weird
Reply:Has anyone seen that Merkin Rhododendron in the Crevice?
Reply:Yes, you could say, " Wow! look at those rhododendrons inside that crevice!" or something if that's what you mean.
Reply:A goat saw rhododendron growing from her crevice and unblocked it with her merkin
Reply:Hey pass the Rhododendron my Merkin has clogged my Crevice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:i was out merkin a place to plant my rhododendron when a dropped the cutting down a crevice
Reply:Epistemology. There's one that should get an interesting twist in the conversation!
Reply:i found this rhododendron up the merkin crevice while exploring there last night. thats when i decided that this girl needed to be deflowered
Reply:That Rhododendron growing in that crevice is Merkin the garden look much prettier.
Reply:Look at my Rhododendron, its going to fall into that crevice thats appeared in my garden %26amp; dont you think my Daliha looks like a merkin lol
Reply:I jumped in my car and took the rhododendrum, but dendrum is out in the wilds and the rhod merkins were terrible, as were the roads themselves, full of pot holes and crevices...
Reply:Isn't that the weirdest Rhododendron you've ever seen? Merkin called me the other day and told me about this Rhondodendron growing out of this crevice in his house. It was nasty!

there. not that i have any idea of what merkin or rhododendron means.
Reply:no its impossible without soundin like a complete idiot

Help Please?

2009-11-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

what is a rhinestone

what is a monarch

what is a rhododendron

Help Please?
: a colorless imitation stone of high luster made of glass, paste, or gem quartz

1 : a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: as a : a sovereign ruler b : a constitutional king or queen

2 : one that holds preeminent position or power

3 : MONARCH BUTTERFLY

: any of a genus (Rhododendron) of widely cultivated shrubs and trees of the heath family with alternate leaves and showy flowers ; especially : one with leathery evergreen leaves as distinguished from a deciduous azalea
Reply:== A rhinestone is a colorless fake stone like a fake diamond, usually made out of glass.

A Monarch is a person who is like a king or queen who rules over a country, and also a type of butterfly.

A rhododendron is a plant, like a large azalea, of which there are many, many varities.

Although, why do you ask this here, any dictionary or online search will tell you the same?
Reply:rhinestone is "fake" diamonds ""Like a Rhinestone Cowboy" they are sequens sewn on to clothing to make them glitter.

monarch - the ruler of a country - The Queen of England is a monarch.

Rhododendron - a type of flower you'd grow in your garden (as opposed to a weed)
Reply:A rhinestone is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine.

A monarch is a type of ruler or head of state., or it can be a type of butterfly.

A rhododendron is a leafy plant.

Anyone know a tree/plant wholesaler in Central Massachusetts? Have a large order and do not want to pay retail

2009-11-14T21:19:00.003-08:00

Canadian hemlocks,Colorado Blue Spruce,Norway Spruce,Cherokee Brave Dogwood,Nova Zembla Rhododendron,Taxus everlow Yew,Blue Prince Holly,Enkianthus 'Red Bells",Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce,ILex Glabra 'shamrock',Dwarf Hinoki Cypress and Dwarf Fountain Grass

Anyone know a tree/plant wholesaler in Central Massachusetts? Have a large order and do not want to pay retail
You can try Shemin Nurseries. I use them here in MD. I think they have a couple locations up north.
Reply:This company isn't IN Mass, but their tree and plants are VERY inexpensive.... www.eburgess.com.

They have a great selection at great prices. I hope this helped!

Good luck! =)

Hair

Preparing wood for outdoor use?

2009-11-14T21:19:00.002-08:00

I am going to cut down a Rhododendron tree in the garden and would like to re-use the wood in the garden (e.g. garden chairs, table, bench, etc.)

What seasoning / treatment / etc do I need to carry out on the wood after cutting so that it will not rot or degrade once I have made into garden furniture?

.

Preparing wood for outdoor use?
cut it into the sections you want, melt some wax and dip the ends and store in a cool dry place for about a year, this prevents checking (cracks) then bark the wood and put together whatever your building and spray or paint on a good wood sealer clear or colored or you could stain it then seal it... good luck...
Reply:many outdoor furnitures made of wood are being injected with ati-insect, anti termite solutions

I have dug up a lot of turf from clay soil and I have turned it upside down on another part of the grass!?

2009-11-14T21:19:00.001-08:00

At the moment it is aprrox 12 inches hich and I have shuttered it off to make a raised bed.

Would I be ok to put aprrox another nine inches of top soil and peat etc on top or would I need more?

The intention is to grow a rhododendron and some roses and heathers!

I have dug up a lot of turf from clay soil and I have turned it upside down on another part of the grass!?
That's a great use for your old turf and it will make great top soil when it rots down. It will sink as the turf compost down, so adding more top soil or compost might well be needed.

The big question is "what is the pH of your soil?"

Peat if generally of a low pH, but that does not necessarily mean that the soil on your turf is. You may well want to do a cheap soil test to check the pH.

Your Rhododendron will not like any soil high in calcium (lime). It is a "calcifuge" so it will not grow well in lime-rich soil. Therefore do a quick test of the soil that the turf came from to check it has a low pH. The roses and heathers wont mind what pH it has incidentally.

Sounds like a great idea though, hope it works out great and looks good for years to come!
Reply:Great idea for a raised garden, except, the soil will not support the plants you have in mind. All three are acid loving plants and you are going to have headaches, insects, and a general hard time maintaining them.

Clay soils need additives to make them adaptable for these plants. Two things desperately needed are drainage and the addition of an acidic agent. You need to incorporate granular gypsum for drainage and Bone Meal for a boost in the acid content. Do this before you add any top soil. I would add Sphagnum Peat Moss to this mixture before the top soil.

Nine inches seems a bit extreme. The additives I've suggested will make the clay more inviting in time (two years or so) so you can save some money on the topsoil if you want. Make sure you incorporate all the elements (Gypsum, BoneMeal, and Sphagnum Moss) into the topsoil before planting.

I love the Heather selection. I would use that as a border using alternating flowering colors. I would have the Rhodo raised above and in the rear of the bed. I would place the roses in groupings from the rear to the sides of the Rhodo, but leave room for some annual plantings from the front row of Heather to the base of the Rhodo. Investigate Meidlander Roses for plantings. They are hardy shrub roses and take much less worry and care. Good Luck.
Reply:I would put the 9 inches on %26amp; when it settles see if it needs more.Bet it looks nice when its all done.Good Luck
Reply:Don't forget the bone meal :D

This is a weird question, but I really want to know. What shrubs/plants will my male dog's urine harm?

2009-11-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Will dog urine harm a rhododendron?

This is a weird question, but I really want to know. What shrubs/plants will my male dog's urine harm?
Repeated exposure to dog urine will certainly kill any plant. The chemical in any urine that will cause this harm is Nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen on any plant will literally "burn" it. There is no real way to reduce damage to the plant other than spraying the area with a hose and lessening the amount of nitrogen available to the plant by diluting it with the water.

Repeated situations , however, will still result in a nitrogen "burn". Too much water on the plant can lead to many other diseases and problems with the plant.

I have a practice with my dogs that requires me to first lead them out of the house or their run on a lead. I take them to a specific site where damage will not be a problem. Dogs almost always want to relieve themselves immediately after leaving their home. If you reward them with a few "good boys" when they relieve themselves where you want, they will soon rush to that spot in order to receive the praise.
Reply:Yes, rhodedendron and just about any plant will be harmed by the acid in dog urine. Unless you treat the dog with a natural product which naturally neutralizes that acid. There are several products available at the Fosters Smith on-line catalog and the PetCo that don't harm the dog, are easy to administer and keep your grass, plants and shrubs green. Worked for my leg-lifting, turf marking Siberian Husky, God Rest His Soul.
Reply:Any and all.

What time of year is best to prune back shrubs in New England, e.g. rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:18:00.003-08:00

Is it OK to trim them back in the winter, even though they show buds on them already?

What time of year is best to prune back shrubs in New England, e.g. rhododendrons?
Most rhododendrons set their buds in the fall for blooming in the spring. If you trim them back now, they will not set new buds until the following fall, so you won't get spring flowering on the trimmed back branches. The only real reason to prune rhododendrons is to shape them and that is best done after flowering. Keep in mind that they will likely stop growing where pruned. It won't encourage bushiness or "revitalize them" in the way that pruning helps some shrubs (like forsythias). Shrubs that bloom in the summer usually set buds in the spring. They can be pruned now or in very early spring (they will usually bloom on "new growth") so pruning won't interfere with flowering.
Reply:All I know about trimming back Rhodies is that in Washington state it is recommended to be done right after they bloom if at all. If you cut them back later you may not harm them, but just miss a year's flowering. I suggest you find a good book at your library about pruning in your climate. Different types of plants are pruned at different times of the year.
Reply:If you have to prune Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and like plants, do it after they have bloomed as the next flowers will appear on the new growth of last year. My rhododendrons started bud formation in the late summer for blooms next year and theya re all loaded with buds, so pruning them now would be ridiculous.

However, if they break, or if they just have to be pruned, you can do that now with the knowledge that you will limit the amount of blooms for next year. They will grow back with a vengance.
Reply:trim in Nov or in the winter
Reply:Yep, Sap should be down in them now
Reply:It's not advisable to prune rhodenderons.

fabric boot

Any help with a tattoo??

2009-11-14T21:18:00.002-08:00

i want a tattoo on my rib cage, it is going to have rhododendron flowers in purple, and will have a sort of tribal design to link the flowers together. my problem is-- i dont have any good pictures of the flower OR the trible i want. if anyone could post any good pictures of either, or even just tell me where to go, that would be great %26lt;3

Any help with a tattoo??
Go to bmezine.com, click on tattoos, and then click on either floral tattoos for the flower or tribal tattoos for the tribal. They have thousands of tattoos on there.
Reply:there was a question posted on here earlier with a link to johnnys tattoos or something similar... that was a good website. the question was only about an hour ago max and it was a "do you like this design" type question and the link was in the question. just have a wee look back at the questions and go there... there are heaps of different designs and you can search using keywords like flowers. good luck. and to the person who posted that crap about explaining to your grand daughter blah blah blah... SHUT UP!
Reply:I have stars from my left hip to my left boob. it hurts lol but anyways a good tattoo artist should be able to draw up whatever you want and make it ur own unique style.. just go around ot a few places and have them draw and see what they come up with whatever one you like the most go there remember cost doesnt matter when yor getting something thats goingto be there the rest of ur life you want it perfect price shouldnt mater.
Reply:No, you don't.

Do you have plans about what you will say when your granddaughter asks about that faded, shapeless dark-colored mark on your flabby rib cage thirty years from now?
Reply:Talk to your tattoo artist. A GOOD tattoo artist should be able to help you with what you are thinking about getting. Its their job. If they cant draw I would consider going somewhere else.

Horse ragwort poisoning?

2009-11-14T21:18:00.001-08:00

I know this horse and she is dying of liver damage. It has apparently been brought on by her being allowed to eat rhododendron and ragwort. I have heard though that this takes years to have an effect on the liver.

What I want to know is, how soon after eating a large amount of these two highly dangerous plants, does the liver of a horse begin to start failing?

Thanks.

Horse ragwort poisoning?
For every cell of ragwort a horse ingests, one cell of liver is destroyed.

Depending on the horses general health, depends on how long it will take for that horse to recover/die.

Liver cells regenerate, so a healthy horse can be exposed to ragwort (though never recommended) and so long as it doesn't eat so much that the liver is damaged beyond regeneration (over 45%) and recover.

Vitamin injections can help recovery (I think it's vitamin K but don't quote me on this)

I was called to treat a very sick 2 year old Trotter. He was waybeyond any help I am sad to say. His liver was in failure, the whites of his eyes and membraine in his nostrills were yellow, so they had him put down.

Upon examination of the liver it was "like a cork". Very hard in texture and full of holes. Typical damage caused by ragwort exposure, and he was only 2 years old.

Horses will eat ragwort when green if there is nothing else on the field. (Classic starvation paddocks). The only way to get rid of it is to dig it up, roots and all. I put salt in the hole and fill in with soil. Where gloves when doing this. It will affect humans too.

Also if digging ragwort when pollen is high (if you have been neglectful enough to leave it that long) the pollen will cause lung damage if inhaled. Ragwort is a carcenagenic.

Get a Ragwortfork and watch for the dark green rosettes and get digging!!

You are quite within your rights to report anyone with ragwort growing in feilds/beside moterways/roadside to the minestary.
Reply:24 hours is usual and to clarify the point. Horses tend to eat the ragwort only when it is dead (and most poisonous) and when there is nothing else much for them to eat.

Incidentally, hay polluted with ragwort is extremely dangerous for that very reason. Which is why it is wiser to shake your hay loose before filling nets.
Reply:I think they can easily get infected. eating those plants is like eating poison, we had a little filly that got really sick, so we looked into it, and we think she might have gotten a hold of some ragwort. she made it through but she couldn't stand up on her own, we had to give her dmso for a month every day and use like 10 guys to help her on her feet. luckily she was little and not a full grown horse.
Reply:I thought a horse could only get ragwort poisioning if the plant was dead. I had a horse once who had in depth blood tests to find that she had liver damage, she was 13 and is now nearly 20. Im sorry i dont know the answer to your question but am interested in finding out too, my field grows ragwort and every year i dread it, going out and pulling it up by hand, but my shetlands refuse to eat it while it is growing, they ignore it. Defra say it is a finable weed to grow but do not offer a solution or a definate weed killer,and all along our grass verges it grows and pods it s seeds on the wind. i wish there was something invented to kill it for good.
Reply:Ragwort is both poisonous when it is dead or alive, if the horse has been left in a pasture of rhododendron and ragwort it would not take long atall for the liver to start failing, but obviously there is no set time. This is very unfortunate but hopefully the owner will be more aware in the future, maybe read up on other poisonous plants it is always good to know what your horses are grazing on.
Reply:MY SHIRE DIED OF REGWORT
Reply:most animals wont eat ragwort when it is growing because of the bitter taste,unless they are short of other grazing. if the ragwort has been cut , it turns black and is then palatable, and will be readily eaten in hay.if you have a ragwort problem you self,ask one of your local agricultural spray firms to take a look of your ground,they will cure the problem. one years seeds = seven years seeds.they will kill the rhododendron as well if you want.point is did horse get ragwort in bought in hay, or the grazing
Reply:I knew a Highland Pony who ate continually at some rhododendron bushes from a friday evening (when they were cut and left next to his paddock) over a weekend; he died on the monday afternoon.
Reply:im not completely sure but if they eat i big amount of it then i would think the liver would begin to struggle very quickly! but this is just an assumption. im sorry about the horse, this is why its so unbelievably important ragwort is cleared from fields. its a b*astard to get rid of for good as well!!!!!!!!
Reply:It's a difficult question. In small amounts it takes years for the liver to fail, but it is a cumulative effect, (it builds up).

In one sitting two thirds of the horses weight is fatal, but that's assuming non has ever been eaten before.

Ragwort and rhododendron are both controlled species of plants. Ragwort specifically for the protection of horses/ponies and donkey's, rhododendron because it is non native with no biodiversity impact.

Anybody knowingly allowing a horse to graze ragwort has broken the law.

http://www.ilph.org/advice/ragwort.asp

Is there a certain time of year that is best for transplanting Rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

I have some Rhodies I'd like to dig up and move to a different location. Can I do it now, or is there a better time of year? They are blooming now. Should I wait until they are more dormant?

I'd rather do it now while the weather is nice, but not if it means they will die. They are about 5 feet tall and wide.

Is there a certain time of year that is best for transplanting Rhododendrons?
Moving anything when it's in bloom is about the most stressful time. Fall is best. When the plant is no longer putting out new growth, and going dormant for the winter.

Plus - although the air is cool - the soil is still warm, so the roots can be growing and recovering for some weeks after transplant before the ground freezes.

Dig as much of the root ball as you can manage. Use a root stimulator in the watering after you move it. Actually, if you have time to plan...take a straight shovel, and dig a circle straight down around the drip line of the plant a few weeks before actually moving it. This will let it recover from having some of the larger roots that might be extending beyond the drip line, to recover from the shock and grow new small roots inside the dripline before the actual move happens. Cuts down on transplant shock.
Reply:Hi:

The best time to transplant Rhododendrons or most other plant specimens is in the fall. Don't transplant them while they are in bloom. I am a landscaper and designer, and if you have to transplant them before fall, transplant them after they are done blooming.

I will link you to the landscape article section of my website. There is a page on properly transplanting shrubs. You may be able to get some information from this page. It shows you the correct way to transplant a shrub. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if you can find any other information that may help you. Good luck with your transplanting of your Rhododendron and have a great day!

Kimberly

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:It would be preferable to transplant in the Autumn,rather than while the plants are in full flower.

Late Sept;/early Oct;while the soil is warm will allow the shrubs to make fresh roots,also avoid the blooms dropping prematurely.

Meanwhile,dig around the bushes to loosen the roots and encourage the growth of new ones.

Avoid cutting the taproot (The main,thick root)

and when lifting water well beforehand,then lift with a good ball of soil around the roots.

Big,strong guys needed,a five foot high rhododendron with its root ball will be heavy!
Reply:it depends on where you live. but later fall or early spring. once everythink goes dormet and before it starts to bud out. make sure you dig the hole deep enough for the roots dont crowd them and give it a good watering.

When is the best time of year to fertilize plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, etc in western NC?

2009-11-14T21:17:00.002-08:00

"For rhododendrons planted in less fertile soils, a complete fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants may be applied in late winter or early spring. Be careful to use only the amounts recommended for rhododendrons and azaleas, which normally require less fertilizer than plants such as grasses and vigorous shrubs. In cold climates, nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied after late June as it may promote new lush growth susceptible to winter damage. Recent research indicates that plants reasonably well supplied with nutrients, including nitrogen, are more resistant to low temperatures than those that are starved.

In fertile soils rhododendrons and azaleas can be grown well without receiving further fertilization. However, if plants are mulched with something like fresh sawdust or wood chips, there will be a nitrogen demand caused by the decomposition of these materials, and unless nitrogen is added, the plants are likely to show yellowish foliage and poor growth. In this case a fertilizer such as ammonium sulfate should be added. It is safer to use mulches other than those containing fresh sawdust or wood chips, then you don't have to be concerned with exactly how much extra fertilizer to add, as excess fertilizer can harm your plants by "burning" the roots."

When is the best time of year to fertilize plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, etc in western NC?
I never fertilized when I was in NC, I added some Epsom salts in the fall and watered it in. Magnesium leaches out of the soil because of the torrential rains.
Reply:now

mobility scooter

I'd like to know what people think of my poem, please.?

2009-11-14T21:17:00.001-08:00

SKIPPING STONES ON BOLAM LAKE

The shoreline, rhododendron draped, as

Bridesmaids at the wedding of elements,

Their blooms reflected glory

Purple-fractured in the ripples.

And in the margins, where earth and water kiss,

Sticklebacks stage their battles

With the minnows for the safety of the shadows.

Stooping, I scrape,

Amongst the shale and slate

To choose a stone Whose elliptical form

Will fly

And trick the eye to perceive

That nature’s law can be deceived

By surface tensions’ sleight of hand.

So I cock my arm, horizontal, wrist relaxed,

And release…

And count…

And watch as the echoes--the reminders of things just passed

Concentric circles of memory lap

The waters muddy edge,

And caress the rhododendron roots,

And fade, or cast themselves ashore to die,

Until water only ruffled by

The gentle breeze remains.

Thats funny, they took out the word 'c o c k' I can see why, but you can obviously see the meaning I had intended here.

I'd like to know what people think of my poem, please.?
I have to read this stuff for a living and the truth is that this is cr.p. Throw it in the bin and do something else. you will never be what you think you are. Some people can write two words and I can see they are good and I pass them on and others could write a book and they are rubbish. Nobody else is going to tell you the truth but believe me you just hav.nt got it.
Reply:i like it its very poetic i need a best anwser so can you
Reply:shi te!! plus its crap!!!!
Reply:Nice - very deep
Reply:It's almost professional.

Almost because:

1) you could use words with some relevant sounds in your poem e.g. shackle (the sound when it hits other stones with other implied meaning), flop ('blop' but you have more use with 'flop')

2) could do something with the 'echo' in the last verse e.g. rhododendron could be repeated in an echo-ey type of way

3) could do something with 'memory' in the last verse - what memories are they?

4) 'to die' in the last verse could related to 'is born' somewhere earlier in the verse?

but from what you've done so far, it's good enough to be published along with a collection of great poetry
Reply:Sorry, but I'm not very impressed with it.

And before you moan, NO I could not do any better
Reply:I liked it.. two notes though... do rhododendrons grow near water specifically? Secondly I know its meant to rhyme but the since the rest of the poem doesn't i'd replace the word decieved for defied. "That nature’s law can be defied"
Reply:interesting if a little juvenile but dont stop writing its what you think not other people
Reply:Superb, much better than Andrew Motion! Keep doing it.
Reply:Pass the razor blade plz
Reply:Better than I expected
Reply:cool i like it
Reply:Nice, very nice.
Reply:great poem! good use of bigger words, which gives it alote more meaning, very deep! 9/12 out of 10!!
Reply:I like it..I give it a thumbs-up!
Reply:don,t give up your day job

Can you help me with this riddle?

2009-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

A man with a wonderful force called out in hyde park for a horse. all the flowers looked round. but no horse could be found. so he rhododendron of course how do you have to read the word rhododendron so the poem makes sense?

Can you help me with this riddle?
rhododendron is a plant so idk..but if hes talkina bout a horse maybe like (rode)-a..sumthin run lol idk
Reply:i dont get it?
Reply:Rode a.......

dendron?

dend run?

I do not know.
Reply:I do believe that this is a limerick, which goes like this:

A major, with wonderful force,

Called out in Hyde Park for a horse.

All the flowers looked round,

But no horse could be found;

So he just rhododendron, of course.

I think it's just supposed to be a play on words. He couldn't find a horse, so he just 'rhod o dendron' (rode a dendron). Which is the name of a flower. I think 'dendron' is some sort of mineral forming a branch pattern. Not sure though!

Cheers!

Does anyone else love the color magenta?

2009-11-14T21:16:00.003-08:00

http://images.mooseyscountrygarden.com/g...

just curious...

Does anyone else love the color magenta?
it's purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrty
Reply:its beautiful
Reply:Women and gay men love it.
Reply:Sometimes it's cool, I don't just like it on eveything. But I love it in the pic you listed! The flowers are beautiful!!!
Reply:I love that color! It was my favorite color crayon!
Reply:i love that color....my phones that color :D
Reply:that was my favorite crayon when I was a kid
Reply:I don't like magenta. I used to like magenta, at my fifth birthday party when a clown pulled a magenta crayon out of an empty crayon box for me. And then again when I got a magenta balloon at Applebee's with a turquoise balloon inside of it, but I don't like magenta anymore.
Reply:That's more like Fuschia....but it shore is purty!
Reply:i am obsessed with it
Reply:i do! that color is very pretty!!!!!

George W. won't stop talking at my rhododendrons, it's making them wilt. What should I do?

2009-11-14T21:16:00.002-08:00

Engage the gnome millita?

George W. won't stop talking at my rhododendrons, it's making them wilt. What should I do?
next time grow some poison ivy or venus fly traps.
Reply:Ask him to go to your least favorite neighbor's house and talk to the grass.
Reply:Time to let the dogs out.
Reply:Use a lot of weed killer.
Reply:Get a life!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:Hide a Lion amongst them, next time he bends down to spew more bull he is lunch.
Reply:OOohhh, that's a toughie. Maybe you could dress my mother in law up as Osama (wouldn't take much work) and then make her run across your lawn. He will see "Osama" and run after "him" . When they leave your property, lock your gate. It seems like the only logical way to deal with your problem.
Reply:shoot him...that is what everyone needs
Reply:hand george a tic-tac.
Reply:beat him with your shoe.
Reply:I would invade Iran...
Reply:ignore him ;)

children boots

What plants are poisonous to goats besides rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:16:00.001-08:00

I live in Washington and have 2 goats we keep out in the pasture. Everyday i enjoy bringing them treats -- picking them leaves and other vegetation or bringing them fruit and veggies on my lunch break. I know that rodedenrons and poisonous, but is there anything else i should avoid feeding them? Thanks so much!!!

What plants are poisonous to goats besides rhododendrons?
African Rue

Andromeda (related to foxglove)

Avocado- South American Avocado leaves/tree such as Haas or crosses with Haas

Avocado- Fuarte (definitely)

Azalea

Brouwer's Beauty Andromeda

Boxwood

Calotropis

Cassava (manioc)

China Berry Trees, all parts

Choke Cherries, wilting especially

Choke Cherry Leaves in abundance

Datura

Dog Hobble

Dumb Cane (diffenbachia) (Houseplant)

False Tansy

"Fiddleneck"- know by this common name in CA. It is a fuzzy looking, 12" to 15" plant, with small yellow blossoms, shaped on a stem shaped like the neck of a fiddle.

Flixweed

Fusha

Holly Trees/Bushes

Ilysanthes floribunda

Japanese pieris (extremely toxic)

Japanese Yew

Lantana - appears on both lists

Larkspur- a ferny, flowering plant in shades of blue, pink and white.

Lasiandra

Lilacs

Lily of the Valley (Pieris Japonica)

Lupine - appears on both lists

Madreselva (Spain) patologia renal

Maya-Maya

Monkhood

Milkweed

Mountain Laurel

Nightshade- appears on both lists: Whether this is really poisonous is questionable because I have received a post saying "my goats eat nightshade all the time". We also have a lot of Nightshade on own property and none of our goats have died from it. I tend to think it is ok in moderation.

Oleander

Pieris Japonica (extreamly toxic)

Rhododendron

Rhubarb leaves

Tu Tu (the Maori name for Coriaria arborea)

Wild Cherry, -wilted- leaves (fresh and fully dried are not poisonous)

Yew
Reply:I would try a yahoo search on goat sites and find out the facts from people that raise goats. I have heard of goats (and cow and sheep) getting sick from grazing under and around black walnut trees.
Reply:Outside of avacado and possibly chocolate anything that you eat your goat can eat. Wormwood or artimisia is actually something that your goat will eat and it does act as a wormer.

But I don' t think you need to worry about anything that you'd pick out of a vegetable garden or from most trees. Goats are really good at not eating much of a new food and are usually hard to poision even if you try to.
Reply:goats are not dumb and will usually sus what is bad for them. However: oleander, henbane, cassia, ivy, euphorbias, wormwood, digitalis, deadly nightshade/rauwolfia, will all kill.

From ct. wondering if possible to transplant rhododendrons in June if so ,how?

2009-11-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

If transplanted this time of year, make sure you get plenty of the dirt around the root ball. Transplant to a "shaded" location. Dig the new hole 2x the size of the root ball. Put good potting soil (hyponex) in the hole along with a hand full of epson salts. Then 1-2 gal water with miracle gro (for acid loving plants) then put the plant in and fill rest of hole with potting soil. Then mulch. Water every day for 2 weeks.

Is spring a good time to prune rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:15:00.003-08:00

I am in southern New England.

Thanks

Is spring a good time to prune rhododendrons?
Alright... good question!

In New England you have a "problem", your Rhododendrons grow. In inhospitable Michigan, they "survive", but only if we help them out. Pruning here is rare... because you're just happy as a clam that they've survived the winter.

The theory is the same though...

Rhododendrons set their flower buds in the summer, for the following year. So pruning in the fall and in the spring spells certain disaster. After the plant is through blooming, a 'spurt' of growth occurs. This is vegetative growth. Once these sprouts begin to turn dark green, then is the time to prune. Cut back the sprouts, leaving one or two leaves on each... this will leave 'lateral buds' to develop later. In mid-summer, the plants put on a second flush of growth, these sprouts set the flower buds... you cannot prune at this time. By pruning in this method, you train the plant to grow more compact... and produce more flower buds. Win-Win

Good luck with your Rhododendron... though you hardly need the luck, in climate blessed New England.

(thinly veiled jealousy barely concealed I'm sure)
Reply:Not untill fall. If it is a small shrub %26amp; you prun now you might not get any blooms.
Reply:No don`t prune them in the spring as they already have buds on them....best to prune them in the late fall.
Reply:Spring and fall are the only good time to ever prune any trees or bushes.
Reply:Wait until after they bloom and then prune.
Reply:No, the flowerbuds are already set and if you prune now you will not have any flowers this season. Prune a rhodie after it blooms and clip off the spent flowers.
Reply:Rhodies set their buds soon after they bloom in the spring so if you trim them now, you will be cutting off all of the buds. They will be sad, you will be sad:( but next year, you will have a nice full bush. Or wait until they bloom and then be merciless! (And you won't have to deadhead them)

Something is eating off branches of my rhododendrons and then tunneling up inside of the broken off branches.?

2009-11-14T21:15:00.002-08:00

Probably something is eating off the branches, like deer, and exposing the hollow pith area inside the stem. If you took one of those branches and split it in half you would likely find nothing inside. There are very few things that eat off the branch and then eat their way down into the branch.

Something is eating off branches of my rhododendrons and then tunneling up inside of the broken off branches.?
Squirrels or racoons are making nests for the winter. Since it is happening at night, I would tend to suspect the racoons. In any case, if the damage is not severe, a little pruning should produce some nice blossoms on the other buds in the spring.
Reply:Go with collegeki that is what I would of said.

C++

What do brown spots on rhododendrons mean?

2009-11-14T21:15:00.001-08:00

I live in Juneau, Alaska. We had over 200" of snow last winter.

What do brown spots on rhododendrons mean?
Considering where you live, I am thinking winter burn. Rhododendrons do not like direct sun and will burn easily. Since they are an evergreen it can happen year around.

I am having the same problem with one of two I have in MN. The one exposed to the greatest amount of sun is doing some browning too. It can't hurt to offer yours a little acid fertilizer.

What is wrong with my rhododendrons and how do I fix it?

2009-11-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

My Rhoddies have a rust colored powder on the leaves and recently have begun developing large black spots on some of the lower leaves. We've been spraying them with a general fungicide recommended by our nursery, but that doesn't seem to be helping. I live the pacific northwest. We have been watering them daily. Any advice?

What is wrong with my rhododendrons and how do I fix it?
Fungus a lot of times is caused by poor air circulation.Rhododendrons prefer shade,so they stay damp.

If the fungicides your using arent working.I would suggest you hard prune them,and burn the infected leaves.and start anew next year.
Reply:Stop watering them every day. If they are older, established rhodo's they do not need to be watered, unless there is a drought.

I would also recommend pruning your plants to allow more air flow, which will help decrease the conditions needed by the rust.

That should help.
Reply:im in oregon,,,back off on everyday watering,,,also not full sun tolerant,,,,last but not least get some rhody and azelea food.

How to do prune rhododendrons, even the ten year old ones i have?

2009-11-14T21:14:00.002-08:00

Prune rhododendrons in the spring after they are through flowering, as next years flowers will come on this years growth. Never take off more than 1/3 of the growth at a time.

How to do prune rhododendrons, even the ten year old ones i have?
use hand held or small clippers it works better for me

When should I transplant Rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:14:00.001-08:00

My rhododendrums are growing on top of each other because the previous owner of my nhome planted them too close to each other. I want to dig some up and move them to other parts of the yard. I live in Ocean County, New Jersey. The soil is sandy.

When should I transplant Rhododendrons?
Why wait, it seems you have an abundance, try one now. Usually plants are best transplanted when they are dormant but that doesn't mean it's the only time.

children shoes

How do you start rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

I wish to plant a lot of rhodies along the edge of my property and can't afford to buy a couple hundred potted ones from the nursery. I would like to start my own.

How do you start rhododendrons?
Here are two sites on rhododendron propagation.

http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basic...

http://www.eskimo.com/~enumclaw/Tips/Pro...

The Muse

Why do people let Rhododendrons get as big as boxcars??

2009-11-14T21:13:00.003-08:00

1. They like them that way

2. They don't know a damn thing about pruning.

3. He/she is a retired train engineer and they just want a little reminder of the old life.

4. They want to hide an ugly house.

5. The rhodo IS their house.

Why do people let Rhododendrons get as big as boxcars??
Who cares ??? That is the most beautiful site. We were stationed in Port Townsend, Wa., 50 yrs. ago, my daughter was born there and I have always wanted to go back when that flower is in bloom but I can't remember when that was. We could see Mt. Rainier from our picture window~~~~Jill
Reply:Cause they are spending too much time on Yahoo Answers.

Is it true that rhododendrons are deadly to dogs?

2009-11-14T21:13:00.002-08:00

Some deadly plants include:

Common Toxic Plants: Cardiotoxic plants: (effect the heart)

Convallaria majalis - Lily of the Valley

Nerium oleander - Oleander

Rhododendron species - Rhododendron, Azalea and Rosebay

Taxus species - American, Japanese, English and Western Yew

Digitalis purpurea - Foxglove

Kalanchoe spp. Kalanchoe

Plants that could cause kidney failure:

Certain species of lilies (dangerous to Cats)

Rhubarb (the leaves)

Grapes

Plants that could cause liver failure:

Cycads

Mushrooms

Plants that could cause multiple effects:

Autumn Crocus -- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, renal, liver damage and bone marrow suppression

Castor Bean -- Can cause renal failure, convulsions and death

Is it true that rhododendrons are deadly to dogs?
to all animals, including people. (Fatal. Produces nausea and vomiting, depression, difficult breathing, prostration and coma.)

Is it true that rhododendrons bloom every other year? do they bloom every year. Not sure the kind. Magenta?

2009-11-14T21:13:00.001-08:00

The flower color is magenta, stands about 12ft. We live in CT I dont know if that makes a differance.

Is it true that rhododendrons bloom every other year? do they bloom every year. Not sure the kind. Magenta?
They should bloom every year. You may be out of luck for the wedding photos, unfortunately, if color hasn't started to show on the blossoms by now. Do the leaves all look limp, by any chance? If so, then given that fact and the size of the plant, you may have a hybrid named "Cynthia" on your hands--though they usually are nearing the end of their bloom season by now. Cynthia is a pretty common rhododendron, but it doesn't make them any less lovely.
Reply:They should bloom every year
Reply:Every year, but feed them well with Acid Grow during bloom and up until August for great blooms next year. Do not feed into August, they will not be hardened off for the winter months...it gets cooooollllld in CT
Reply:They will bloom every year unless the deer eat off the buds which is very common in the northeast, especially if the previous winter had some heavy snowfalls.
Reply:yep they do

baby shoes

When do you prune rhododendrons ?

2009-11-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

Usually you prune them shortly after they bloom, or at the latest, by October time frame. If you prune too late, you'll cut off the blooms that have set for the next spring.

good luck

When do you prune rhododendrons ?
Right after they bloom is the best time. You can prune them later, but you will lose some of next years blossoms.
Reply:Always in the fall,,, this is for all trees, shrubs,ect.... when they are dormant,(sleeping)
Reply:Right after the bloom, so you won't miss next year's flowers. If you trim in fall, you will cut the flower buds for next year.

When do azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in Savannah, GA?

2009-11-14T21:12:00.002-08:00

Any recommendations where to see these plants in bloom?

When do azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in Savannah, GA?
It is a couple weeks early still for these plants. The azaleas are in bloom right as the dogwoods are finishing theirs. It is a beautiful combination to be in a park when both are in full bloom. To catch the azaleas, I would say mid to even late March. Augusta has a lot, it is a beautiful city in those regards. Savannah is a great place too. There are many parks in Savannah, and azaleas are a Georgia favorite for landscaping as well. You can go there and wander the historic district and have a wonderful time.
Reply:this time of year..........all over the state

showtime dance shoes

How I kill rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:12:00.001-08:00

How do I kill these plts as they are just like weeds and they just wont go away and the roots are wrecking my water lines and sewer line please help.

How I kill rhododendrons?
I don't think you are dealing with rhododendrons. They are very shallow-rooted plants and shouldn't do any damage to any kind of buried water or sewer line.

But if you are, spraying any kind of foliage plant with 'Round-Up' will kill it.
Reply:Rhododendrons have very shallow roots. You can kill them easily by pulling them up by hand after it rains. The roots causing the problem probably belong to a tree, yours or your neighbor's
Reply:I have killed many plants with Cherry Coke.

Can you transplant rhododendrons in June in northeast if so how?

2009-11-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

I agree with Molly. Wait until Fall. If you must move them now, make sure you get enough of a root ball (rhodies roots aren't very deep, most are close to the surface, so go wide) and re plant immediately. Mulch well, and water heavily. I hope you are moving them to a shady spot :-)

Can you transplant rhododendrons in June in northeast if so how?
Transplanting should be done only when plants are dormant. If they are dormant they won't even notice that they've been moved.

When you dig up a plant, roots are bound to be severed. If the plant is actively growing, having its roots severed will send it into shock and you risk losing the plant. It's like performing surgery on someone who's awake. So do your transplanting in the late fall through early spring while the plants are dormant.

My neighbors across the street just transplanted about a dozen Arborvitae a couple weeks ago and now they're all dying. That was a lot of wasted effort and it will cost a pretty penny to replace those fully-grown shrubs.
Reply:I would wait until the fall, but if you need to move them wait until they are done blooming. Once you get them in the ground water very well.

Can you feed rhododendrons and azaleas with sulphate of iron applied as a powder to the soil?

2009-11-14T21:11:00.002-08:00

yes you can, but being from a nursery specializing in rhododendrons i can tell you that there's not much better of a commercial fertilizer available for Rhody's than espoma brand holly tone, it is made up of allot of organics(for those concerned) but it has a high nitrogen content and is low in potash ----rhododendrons like acidic soil and they are very shallow rooted so using holly tone puts nutrients right to the plant and it has a good soluble makeup...blanco

Can you feed rhododendrons and azaleas with sulphate of iron applied as a powder to the soil?
This may be an urban myth but an iron nail inserted to the root of the plant will provide colour not to sure about nutrition
Reply:Dont know.put teabags used ones near roots,they love them,thrive and grow great
Reply:Yes you can. Those two like acidic soil. Iron Sulphate will only keep them green. I use aluminum sulphate instead though.

Can you grow rhododendrons from cuttings?

2009-11-14T21:11:00.001-08:00

Propagation by stem cuttings is the most commonly used method to propagate many woody ornamental plants. Stem cuttings of many favorite shrubs are quite easy to root. Typically, stem cuttings of tree species are more difficult to root.

A greenhouse is not necessary for successful propagation by stem cuttings; however, maintaining high humidity around the cutting is critical. If rooting only a few cuttings, you can use a flower pot .

Maintain high humidity by covering the pot with a bottomless milk jug or by placing the pot into a clear plastic bag. Cuttings can also be placed in plastic trays covered with clear plastic stretched over a wire frame.

Trays must have holes in the bottoms for drainage. The plastic will help keep the humidity high and reduce water loss from the cuttings.

It is best to use a semi-hardwood stem from the rhodo for propagation.

Good luck!

Can you grow rhododendrons from cuttings?
Yes you can!

Good Luck!!

affiliate

When to trim rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:11:00.000-08:00

What time of year should they be trimmed - spring or fall?

When to trim rhododendrons?
I suppose you know that rhododendrons need very acid soil, well for all pertaining information please check the under mentioned site.

Bye and luck.
Reply:You should have already pruned them, right after they bloomed. They set next seasons blooms after the late spring flush. However, if you need to prune them because they are out of hand, you can do it now, but you will loose almost all of next years flowers. The only heavy pruning they need is when this occurs. The best type of pruning is not really pruning but "deadheading" the dried flowers after they bloom. By doing this, you can increase the flower production for next season. When the blooms dry up and there is just a dry umbrella looking skeleton of a flower left, grab it with your index finger and thumb. You may wish to wear some lightweight gloves, for this is a sticky job. At the base of what is left there will be a dark brown base with light colored stripes. Wiggle it back and forth a couple of times and it will break off easily. At the point of break, you will see little buds starting to push out from below this point, just above a set of leaves. These are next years flowers. Do not break off the old flower below this point. By deadheading in this manner, you will stop all the energy from going into seed production. Instead, you will be putting the energy into next years blooms. If you just "have to" prune large branches, go ahead and do it now. Rhodie's can handle a heavy pruning, no problem. It just may take a year or two to get back to flowering. Hope this answers your question.

**Billy Ray**
Reply:From:

http://www.daytonnursery.com/tips/Rhodod...

Most varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas will respond well to trimming. Just trim plants to shape. Azaleas may be trimmed anywhere along their stems and will regrow new sprouts. Rhododendrons like to be trimmed just above a fan of leaves as the new leaves will sprout from this cluster of leaves. You can "pinch" Rhododendrons to encourage bushier growth by breaking out the dominate center growth bud when new growth buds just begin to expand in spring. Do not pinch out the fat flower buds! After Rhododendron flowers fade, remove the old flowers and flower stalks for faster growth and more bloom the next spring.

Trim your plants right after they bloom. Trimming later in the growing season will cut off bloom for the next spring.

(there is more good info at the above link)

A gardening question: Rhododendrons I believe like acid soils. If my soil PH is 7.9. Is that Acidic? Good?

2009-11-14T21:10:00.001-08:00

7.0 is neutral. Above 7 basic, below 7 acidic.

A gardening question: Rhododendrons I believe like acid soils. If my soil PH is 7.9. Is that Acidic? Good?
the ph scale is from 1 to 14,all the substances which are 1 to 6 in the ph scale are acidic.all the substances which are 8 to 14 are bases. a substance with a ph of 7 is neutral .
Reply:That is a good soil level for them.
Reply:Not acidic. Under 7.0 is. Use Miracle Gro for azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.
Reply:I think that's basic, actually. 7.0 is perfect PH - low scale is acidic, high scale is basic, from what I remember from school way back when.
Reply:7.9 is slightly basic. If you want to acidify the soil, you could add aluminum sulfate and some cottonseed meal.

Azaleas and Rhododendrons?

2009-11-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

How do I take care of my azaleas and rhodos? I moved into this house 2 years ago and there are tons of them. They bloomed beautifully for the first year. This year, there are barely any blooms on them.

I havent fed them anything except miracle grow which I watered on top of them once this year and once last year. Also, my husband cuts them in the fall. Is there a special way to cut them? The Rhodo that we have was cut last fall and now there are only brown branches showing on most of the plant - and then some leaves on the top.

Did I completely kill them? Please help! I will do anything to bring them back to life again. I didnt realize how much care needed to go into this...

Azaleas and Rhododendrons?
Hi:

Rhododendrons and Azaleas are two beautiful plant specimens. They grow naturally in zone seven, where I live. I am a landscaper and designer.

I agree with the first answer on the Rhododendrons. Let them grow in their natural form and no need to trim them, unless they have dead branches.

Azaleas should be pruned after they are done blooming. There are some deciduous Azaleas and some evergreen Azaleas. The Encore Azaleas will bloom twice a year, so don't prune the Encore until after they bloom in the fall.

As far as feeding the Rhododendrons and Azaleas, you can give them Holly Tone, which is great for acid base plants. You can also loosen the soil around them and add some organic mushroom compost. This is an organic fertilizer that will last up to one year. It doesn't smell great, but your plants will love it.

As far as properly pruning, make sure your husband always cuts at an angle. If you prune a branch straight across, you could damage the branch. I will link you to the properly pruning page of my website. There is some photos and tips for properly pruning your trees and shrubs. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and see if you can find any other information that will help you. There are some gallery pages, and variety of more plants section that has information on different plant specimens. Good luck to you and have a great day!

Kimberly

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:OK, don't do anything to them this year; except fertilize them, let them recover, that is why I included the links for pruning.

Don't trim them back at all leave them alone. They are acid loving plants so if you do fertilize them use an acid one.

Here is information on care and pruning when necessary.

Bookmark these links for next year.

http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basic...

Deadheading is different than prunning; please read.

http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basic...

http://www.flounder.ca/FraserSouth/basic...

Brand of fertilizer I prefer They have tips at there site too.

http://www.scotts.com/smg/brand/miracleg...
Reply:Sounds like your husband cut off the blossems for this year. They really don't require any trimming. Instead of Miracle Grow, use Muracid. They are acid loving plants and will benefit from it.

What do rhododendrons smell like?

2009-11-13T03:01:00.000-08:00

springtime in the mountains...

some smell like cloves and others like cinnamon. depends on the variety

leather boots

Is is true you can't grow rhododendrons near oaks?

2009-11-13T03:00:00.003-08:00

I have five rhodendrons near two California live oaks. They are outside the dripline, but close. They are doing terribly in a spot with good soil and lots of shade. A friend told me you just can't grow rhodendrons near oaks. Is that true? What about camellias?

Is is true you can't grow rhododendrons near oaks?
They will grow happily together.

The thing being hinted at is probably that Rhodys are also a carrier os Sudden Oak Death, a soil organisn. Over the last few years Rhodies (spell it however!) have been quarentined in some areas, as have oaks because of the soil organisn causing so much Death of Oak trees, rather Suddenly.

If the rhodies are outside the dripline they may be getting more sun than they like. And check the soil for pH and such. Rhodies like heavy clay, not what Coastal Live oaks usually live in. Interior Live Oaks do and don't depending. And there are other species of "live" oak in Cali and other states.

It could be that fungus (SOD). Check on the Sudden Oak Death website. ??
Reply:Friends try to help, but in this case your friend is incorrect. Oak trees acidify the soil around them and rhodos like acidic soil. They do well together. I have seen many a successful pairing of these two plants. Check the nutient levels in their soil and water received. What is soil made of ? They prefer forrest-floor type of soil. Example = leaf waste, chuncks of fallen/rotting (wood chips) tree.

It is possible that your friend was thinking of lilacs. If lilacs are planted in the vicinity of oaks ( or other acid producers ) they will grow sparsely and they will not bloom.
Reply:I have been in the landscape industry for over 25 yrs and have seen plenty of awesome rodys growing as under plantings in a stands of oaks without any problems. I question your friends advice. more than likely it is planted wrong. Usually to deep.

Deadheading Rhododendrons ?

2009-11-13T03:00:00.002-08:00

My Rhodo has about 10 flower heads per bulb. does the whole bulb need deadheading or just the individual heads? Also the flowers are falling off but look healthy, is this normal?

Deadheading Rhododendrons ?
It is best to pick off the dead flowers, and just bending it at the point below the flower stem, should easily snap it off, leaving new shoots that are probably just being produced to grow. I think what you refer to as the 'bulb' is the cluster of flowers, and it is this that you need to remove, in its entirety.

Snapping the dead flower heads off prevents nutrients being used to create unneccesary seeds. It also gives the emerging shoots maximum space and light to grow away as healthily as possible.

You shouldn't need to cut the flower heads off, as they are easily snapped off, with minimal effort.

Good luck! Rob
Reply:Hi Craig Follow Rob's advice and you wont go wrong. Use your thumb and fore finger to snap off flower head and be careful not to take off the growing tip as well!! Cheers Pendelli
Reply:The new leaves and stems will start to grow from leaf buds just below the faded flower heads (called trusses). So when the flowers have faded clip each truss off just at its base. It's normal for the colored parts of the flowers to drop off when they're past. The remaining parts of the flower would go on to make the seeds if not deadheaded.

Rhododendrons are woody shrubs. Bulbs such as tulips or onions are quite different kinds of plants, not woody.
Reply:its normal....individual needs deadheading
Reply:it's definitely normal and healthy. Make sure you cut back the flower cluster when its done though. You will get a bushier shrub with more flowers next year!

Does thistles like the same soil as rhododendrons?

2009-11-13T03:00:00.001-08:00

i have been told to dig in ericacious compost around my rhododendrons but i have large thistls near by do they also like that type of soil or is it advisable to move .thank you

Does thistles like the same soil as rhododendrons?
Get rid of the thistles!!! They will grow ANYWHERE!!! Your rhododendrons don't need any competition as their roots grow close to the surface.

Good Luck!!
Reply:russian thistles are my nemesis they will grow in anything even not in dirt lol pull them as soon as you see one.

Are rhododendrons & azula the same family?

2009-11-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Absolutely, the Ericaceae (heath family) ... in fact they are even in the same genus. We use the common name Azalea for members of two groups of Rhododendron species that have similar-looking flowers.

Are rhododendrons %26amp; azula the same family?
yes they are both members of the same family

rhododendron ---evergreen

azaleas------deciduous
Reply:Do you mean azelea's?

Then the answer is yes

try this

http://www.rhododendrons.com/history

Taxes

Which rhododendrons bloom bloom the longest?

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and which type of soil do they prefer?

how difficult are they to establish and maintain?

shade preferences, etc?

Thanks for your answers!

Which rhododendrons bloom bloom the longest?
'Crossbill' is considered to be the longest flowering Rhododendron. They are slow growing perennials and need an acid soil of pH5 or less to grow well. You can buy a soil testing kit from most garden centres. They will establish themselves quite quickly and once rooted, they will do quite nicely left alone. A feed of well rotted leaves spread around the base of the plant once or twice a year is all that is needed. They prefer dappled shade and a sheltered position because they are quite shallow rooted. Water every day especially in the summer. Two 'popular' Rhododendrons are R. Fantastica and Hachmanns Polaris.

EDIT-:They have a fairly long flowering season in general but some flower for longer than others, it all depends on the variety.

Rhododendrons / Grafting... Can I graft different colors of Rhodie's on the same plant?

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Will they take ? %26amp; will they stay true, or revert to the color of the root stock ?

Rhododendrons / Grafting... Can I graft different colors of Rhodie's on the same plant?
Yes you can, I recomend using patch bud graffting. They will stay true if you can get the bud to live. The process goes like this: cut a square patch containing a bud from one plant, cut the same size patch from another plant, replace one patch with the other. Tie a rubber band to hold the patch in place but don't cover the bud itself. Do this in the spring when the bark slips easily it may take several tries, but it is less invassive than haking off a limb.
Reply:Good luck, and happy gardening! Report It

Reply:Yes, and they stay true. My sister has one with red, white, and blue flowers on it.

There are many kinds of plants that such grafting works on, and I have 2 apple trees that each have 5 kinds of apples.
Reply:Give it a shot, you might get lucky!!!!
Reply:Why not try and see what happens...

Rhododendrons and frost?

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some say i have to wrap them in burlap before first frost and how do i do it

Rhododendrons and frost?
rhododendrons are a evergreen, the ones in the woods do not get wraped or cover.
Reply:I have never done that but I guess it depends how low your winter temps are.
Reply:I always thought they were an evergreen plant... I never heard of covering them... I'm in Ky... google it...
Reply:I live in Upstate New York. Rhododendrons are evergreens, and I have never heard of covering them. Night temperatures usually get down to -10 through -20 several times a winter, and the rhododendrons at my house don't seem to mind. If they are young, it might not be a bad idea to cover them the first frost to help them get acclimated. You don't need to use burlap, old bed sheets will work, or a tarp. Rhododendrons are woody, so you can just toss a sheet or something over it for the night if it is small. If it is large, I wouldn't worry.

When do the Rhododendrons bloom in Washington State?

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When are the Rhododendrons at the peak blooming in Washington State? I have heard May but I want more specific details.

When do the Rhododendrons bloom in Washington State?
Give it another week or so -- I heard spring was late this year.

Rhododendrons?

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Does any gardener know if I can dig up and replant Rhododendrons in another location without damaging them?

Rhododendrons?
Yes you can transplant them but not in the Autumn as you would for deciduous plants but in Late spring. The reason is that as these plants carry foliage all year when you dig them up you will break off some of the smaller roots which take in moisture. An autumn transplanted evergreen will not have enough time to put out roots to take in this moisture before the onset of winter. It's not the cold that kills them it's the wind. This causes the leaves to dry out much the same as washing on a clothes line and the disturbed root system cannot replace this water quick enough. Result dried out brown leaves.

By planting in the Spring the weather will not be as harsh as through the autumn and winter and the plant, as it is now comming back into growth from it's winter rest has all year to put out it's roots before next winter comes around.

Dig a big enough rootball up with your plant. The finer roots will be at the drip line on the plant (the outer edges of the leaves). Lift the plant onto a sheet if it is large to transport it. Dig a larger hole than the rootball, where you intend to plant it, and make sure to loosen the earth in the hole so that the roots have the best chance to develope. Test the soil with a soil tester (approx £1.25in U.K). It should be read on the acid side of neutral. Look on the back of the tester pack for guidelines. Mix in some Ericaceous compost with the excavated soil. Place your Rhodo in the hole and replant to the same depth as you excavated it. Firm in well and water. After about 2 weeks when the plant has settled down top dress with Sulphate of Iron (£1.25 per kilo), 2oz per sq yd. Keep well watered through the summer making sure to hose down the plant as well when you water it as this will help prevent the leaves from drying out. Hope this helps and good luck.
Reply:As long as it isn't a monster-sized plant, then you have every chance of a sucessful transplant.
Reply:Here in western Washington (where the rhododendron is the state flower...!) people transplant "rhodies" all the time. Just be sure to get enough soil around the roots to keep from damaging them, and keep the plant moist after the transplant. Using a bit of root stimulator on the plant also helps. You can also take cuttings and root them in soil using rooting hormone powder; it works very well.
Reply:You have really got to look after them..they are not very hardy. I bought a small bush from garden centre which was in a sale..and now it's quite dead.
Reply:Wait until late autumn and dig out as much of the root ball as

possible. prepare the new planting site first making sure the soil pH is no more than 5. Water well and hope!
Reply:I'm not sure about rodos specifically, but it is usually recommended to transplant when the plant is dormant if possible. Since rodos keep their leaves you'll have to judge by the surrounding deciduous plants %26amp; after their leaves have fallen it should be safe to say the rodo is dormant. You have the least chance of transplant shock when they are dormant.

read this article
Reply:Yes, provided that you replant them in the autumn and use a very good acid soil the ph must be acid for these plants(lots of sandy clay washed grit love lots of moisture).
Reply:I moved last september. I transplanted my rhododendrons. The leaves turned a little brown at first but I put fertilizer on the soil and they came back just fine this spring.

Good luck!
Reply:Unlikely - most rhododendrons are fairly shallow rooted and don't tolerate root disturbance very well. You're better off taking cuttings and using those rather than moving established plants.
Reply:Yes, move them now, make sure you move with a large root ball, trim off any broken/damaged roots, prune back , you may also have to use a good sturdy stake as well as any strong winds over the winter will rock the shrub and hinder the shrub from settling down after the move, keep watered and feed early spring.
Reply:Yes, because there roots are shallow, I've found them easy to move. Just make a very wide hole, they may not have deep roots, but they're broad. RScott

How often do you water potted Gardenias and Rhododendrons?

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I have a new Gardenia and Rhododendron in pots and am wondering how often and how much should I be watering these plants?

Thanks to everyone who can help!

How often do you water potted Gardenias and Rhododendrons?
Gardenias need their soil to be kept moist but not soggy. They also need to be kept in a humid place, but since yours are potted you will probably need to mist them often. Oh, and even though you didn't ask, they need to be kept in a temperature of under 80 degrees if you want them to flower.

i don't know much about Rhododendrons, so i looked them up. Here's what i found:

rhododendrons prefer a moist, well drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil drains poorly, mix the existing soil with equal parts of Complete Planting Mix® and organic matter such as peat moss, fine pine mulch, or composted oak leaves.

rhododendrons have shallow root systems. Two to 3 inches of mulch around the plants will help keep the soil moist. An acid mulch, such as fine pine bark or composted oak leaves, is ideal. Rhododendrons must be watered during dry periods, not only in the summer, but also in the fall as they head into winter. This will reduce damage from drying winter winds. Soak the planting area thoroughly, then allow it to dry out for several days to a week before watering again. A Dramm Water Wand® is the best watering tool for spot-watering new plantings and deep soaking older ones.

art

What is the preferred way to prune Rhododendrons?

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My Rhododendron has finished blooming, and the flowers have wilted and fallen off. Now there are these spindly umbrella shaped forms where the flowers were. There seems to be new green leafy growth coming out of these areas where the flowers were. It seems to me that if I leave it as is, all is well. I do however recall reading that pruning Rhododendrons immediately after blooming is a good thing. What is the real deal with the pruning of Rhododendrons? Where do I cut the branches? Should I at all?

What is the preferred way to prune Rhododendrons?
Don't do any harsh pruning at this time. If you cut any branches, you will loose next years blooms which are beginning to develop. The only thing you need to do is remove the spent flowers that have dried up and look like these umbrella's you speak of. To do this just grab the umbrella with the thumb and index finger. Bend it back and forth a couple of times and it should snap right off, leaving three or four visible buds just below where you snapped it off. Only snap it off "above" these visible new buds, they are the start, of next years blooms. The only time any major pruning is required, is when the plants are getting out of control, perhaps when they are encroaching on a walkway, window, etc. Hope this answers your question.

...Billy Ray
Reply:Your welcome! And thanks for choosing a best answer. It's always nice to have the asker respond back with a choice.. Report It

Reply:I never bothered unless they were getting too large.
Reply:Billy Ray is right. Prune only if you need too. Pruning should be done long after the blooms have faded, in late summer preferably. Prune lightly, as Rhododendrons do not need regular pruning for healthy growth.

Some special advise should be considered for reinvigorating older plants, You can cut back one third of the shrub each year for three years. Prune the shrub evenly.

If your Rhododendron blooms heavily every other year, thin out crowded flower buds in the fall.

If you are not having a problem with your Rhododendron then I would not bother pruning it. Let it take the shape that it naturally grows.

Repotting Rhododendrons?

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I have recently purchased a large rhododendron (2*2).Thinking of repotting it in apeat based compost in a large pot. This is the first time i have tried to grow one, any ideas or tips. By the way i live in the north of England ?

Repotting Rhododendrons?
Have done this several times - they grow easily and need potting on every couple of years at least.

Get some ericacious compost and use a wide based pot - they like to spread their roots outwards - and a narrow pot will get blown over, as rhodies are quite dense and catch the wind easily.

Moisten the compost well, if possible, with rainwater - they don't respond well to limey water - and don't allow the compost to dry out. Rhodies will tolerate a semi shady position, but do require sun for part of the day at least.

Rhododendrons don't require pruning and they will grow too big for a pot eventually. However, they are fabulous shrubs and yours should give you much pleasure for a number of years.
Reply:Hey up

when you plant your rhododendron don't use a com post that's all peat you will kill it if i was you for the sake of £3 ish i would infest in a bag that's specially for shrubs they will advice you at the garden centre these plants are funny buggers they don't like change ..... oh by the way don't prune it you will kill it , they bleed , snap it off if you have to lose a bit
Reply:I once took a small wild Rhody plant from the local moors. It lived in a wooden tub I made approx. 18"x18"x 18" filled with peat. I used miracle grow on occasions to feed it but mostly it lived on the teapot being emptied into it more than once every day. It grew to a span of approx 10' dia. One year I counted, while dead heading, over 600 blooms. It was a fantastic plant. Unfortunately when I moved to a smaller house I let my sister have it, she neglected it and manage to kill it within a couple years. So forget the tea bags Craig, get the teapot out again :-)
Reply:good luck dont know each time ive tried they always die on me and i love the flower but cant seem to get one to grow each time they fail or im doing something wrong so ive given up
Reply:Rhododendrons need to be be potted in acid compost ... you need a pot with a wide top as these plants have a lot of surface roots
Reply:This sounds like it may get to be a big plant - so the bigger the better when it comes to the pot you put it in.....or you could plant it into the ground

You need specialist compost for rhododendrons - if the leaves ever start to look yellow ......its struggling and you need to give it some iron sulphate - you can buy this from a garden centre and it really makes a difference

They always do best when placed in a north facing spot - not full sun

good luck
Reply:Always use soil-based compost to pot big plants. This is because the soil does not dry out as quickly as peat-based composts and it is less susceptible to pests such as the dreaded vine-weevil. Another advantage is the weight of the soil which will ensure the pot will not topple over even in wind. The most important thing is to ensure that the compost is ericacious otherwise your Rhodo will not be happy at all. Finally make sure the pot is big enough and a guide for this is that you should be able to get your fist between the rootball and the edge of the pot. this will also allow you to plant the edges with seasonal bedding thereby extending the interest period of your pot.
Reply:As long as you give the plant a good soak (in a bucket of water for at least an hour), and use ericasious (think I spelt it right!) compost to re-pot, it should do well. Don't prune the plant though, just twist off the dead flower heads, and watch it grow!

If the plant is not in bloom, how does one tell the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron?

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There is no such thing as a true Azalea. . . all Azaleas are from the genus Rhododendron. However, the Rhododendron genus is divided into azaleas and "true" rhododendrons.

One quick way to distinguish between the two when the flowers are in bloom is the fact that Azaleas usually have 5 stamens, while Rhododendrons normally have 10 or more stamens.

Just remember, you can't go wrong by calling the plant a Rhododendron.

If the plant is not in bloom, how does one tell the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron?
Azalea's have much smaller leaves, only an inch or two long. Rhodo's are much bigger, 4 inches or more.
Reply:well the leaves of a rhododedron are about 4 inches long and maybe an inch wide. they run circular about 5 to a branch. azalea leaves are single and much much smaller. actually these plants look nothing alike so if you just get a picture of each of them it should be easy to tell them apart. its like telling the difference between skittles and hersey kisses. they also bloom at different times, azaleas in early spring and rhodos mid to late spring.

Deep in the crouching mist, lie the mountains. Climbing the mountains are forests Of rhododendron, spruce?

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where is this from?

Deep in the crouching mist, lie the mountains. Climbing the mountains are forests Of rhododendron, spruce?
the soul of a poet though i know not which one................

movie theatre

What is the best way of taking care of my rhododendron?

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For example should I use lime to raise the Ph value. What kind of fertilizers, and should I cut the twigs in the spring or autumn? If someone knows, please.

What is the best way of taking care of my rhododendron?
Rhododendron do best in light shade. Too much shade will lead to lanky plants and sparse blooms. Some will tolerate full summer sun in cooler climates, but hot sun can bleach or burn leaves. Winter sun and wind can desiccate leaves and cause decline of plant; protect from winter winds %26amp; sun, plant in sheltered sites.

The soil should be well drained but moist, NOT WET.They prefer slightly to fairly acidic soil (5.0 - 6.5 pH) rich in organic material. Alkaline soils, including lime leaching from concrete foundations or sidewalks can cause Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), weakening of the plant and ultimate death. Do NOT put lime on them to raise the pH! If your soil is alkaline, plant in a raised bed amended with plenty of peat moss or composted pine bark. Mulch your rhododendron with shredded bark, ground oak leaves, pine needles, or similar material. Renew annually. Water regularly, especially during the first two years. Apply a dilute acidic fertilizer in spring or early summer.

Remove spent blooms to prevent seed formation. Prune, if necessary, after blooming.
Reply:you trim a rhododendron after all the bloom are gone so next spring it should be fine for new flowers.. they need a good acid fertilizer in liquid form to apply or slow release granules which you can find easily at Home Depot or Lowe's

What is the best fertilizer to use to rejuvenate a Rhododendron bush in New England?

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Quite simply ! eggshells

What is the best fertilizer to use to rejuvenate a Rhododendron bush in New England?
A Rhododendron bush in our garden in England looked very unhappy for the first two years after planting, I moved it into a

position where there was more sun, I occasionally feed it with a bucket of white vinegar and water.

This year we have seen a crop of beautifull blooms and it has also started to grow taller
Reply:What is it suffering from? They need partial shade, minimal water, and acidic soil.

I have ones that I bought as a batch of seedlings from a nursery and they have grown into large bushes because I happened to have a nice shady location for them and most New England soil is acidic. For water after their first year I just let it rain on them. They have not needed rejuvenation nor fertilizer to bloom profusely every year. There are fertilizers that are marked as being "for acid-loving plants." Try those. If you want something more organic then mulch from oak leaves and pine needles will help them.
Reply:try 10 10 10 or use a product from that company
Reply:If leaves lack color, give plant a small feed of ammonium sulphate in May. Foliage may be fed with liquid fish fertilizer, but this is not enough to set buds for the following year. Use a good rhododendron fertilizer with trace elements, and do not feed after the end of June.

Before blooming, use a 10-8-6 granular rhododendron fertilizer or complete slow-release fertilizer.
Reply:Hollytone

Mir-Acid

any one that says it's for acid loving plants.
Reply:lots of mulch. they just thrive on mulch. mix it with compost, blood and bone meal, and pile it on, mix it down.

Does anyone know the difference between Mt. Laurel and Rhododendron?

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Trying to decide between the two for planting in my yard (zone 7) and am getting confused. Some sources say they are the same. The botanical name for Mt. Laurel is Kalmia latifolila. Thanks for any help!

Does anyone know the difference between Mt. Laurel and Rhododendron?
Mt. Laurel is dominant in dry conditions, a Rhody is not it prefers more moisture. ML has small shiny leaves, and the Rhody has long dull leaves, it's flowers are also bigger and the ML's is smaller. Did you know that the Rhody can grow up to 80 ft tall? They are an evergreen so planting and transplanting Rhododendrons is best done in the early spring or early fall. When transplanting, replant bushes at the same level in the ground was they were in their original location. Smaller bushes transplant best. Rhododendrons are acid loving plants. They grow best in light shade, and need protection from midday sun and winter sun. They prefer a moist, well drained soil with a pH of 5.5. On the other hand a Mt Laurel also provides evergreen leaves along with clusters of white, red or pink flowers in early summer and it grows only about four to eight tall. Since you are in zone (7) I would choose either, it just depends on where in the yard you put it and how much sun that place gets. I love flowers so I personally would get one of each. Good luck:)
Reply:If the Mountain Kalmias are natives in your area, you're better off selecting those than hybrid Rhodies
Reply:Rhododendron produces beautiful flowers depending on the one you pick and are more hardy to winters. They also keep more of their leaves during winter than Mt. Laurel. The Mt Laurel takes for ever to grow to the size of a Rhododendron and is more likely to be damaged by winter kill. Believe me, Rhododendron is you best bet. I recommend Rhododendron catawbiense for your zone. Beautiful lilac-purple to purplish red flowers and grows to an average size of 8ft tall, 6ft wide.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendro...

Try this website.

Can you give me some tips on planting a rhododendron?

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i am extremely new at planting outdoors...help!

Can you give me some tips on planting a rhododendron?
Rhododendrons have a few requirements: excellent drainage, a soil pH between 4.5 and 6.0, and protection from hot afternoon sun.

Site: Plant the rhododendron out of the wind and in dappled shade, preferably from a high cover of limbs that will give filtered shade all day. Some varieties will take a few hours of direct sun in the morning, but most need protection from the intense Southern sun. Trees should be tall enough to be limbed up so the shrubs will get plenty of light. These trees will cut the force of drying winds in winter as well as summer.

Drainage is improved by planting on a slope – a northern slope is preferable to a southern slope. When using rhododendron in a foundation planting, avoid southern exposures. The best place to plant is on the north or east side of a building.
Reply:Glad to help. Report It

Reply:North or east exposure, plant in pure peat moss.
Reply:they like acid soil plant them in a shady spot with good compost you can also mulch them with pine needles which will help with the soils ph i water mine one a month with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per gallon

Hair

Can my brother in law be allergic to a rhododendron plant?

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every time now in the past month since these were planted his face swells and sinuses get clooged and he feels miserable after being out in the front yard for 15 minutes or more. the plants are on either side of the front porch.

He has no problem just walking by them but he can't stay in the front yard for very long with out looking like someone punched him in the face and eyes swell shut and nasal passsages clog up. Please help he has been to 2 doctors and they gave him amoxicillain and send him on his way.Thanks

Can my brother in law be allergic to a rhododendron plant?
a person can be allergic to anything so he might be!! i would say more but i have to go cya !! =)

Does anyone know how and when you trim a rhododendron in the northeast US?

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It is huge and I am clueless

Does anyone know how and when you trim a rhododendron in the northeast US?
If you can wait until after it blooms next year, you will probably do a much better job. It already has the dormant buds for next year, and if you prune now, you will be removing next year's flowers. After it blooms, you just snap the dead flowers off, because the dormant buds are just below the current flower.

If you need to reduce the size of the plant over all, you would likely be better off removing a few of the oldest and most poorly placed branches all the way back to the base of the plant. If that's what you intend, you should take this on as a gradual process over several years, never removing more than 20 - 25% of the plant at any one time. More than that will shock the plant and impact its health.

If it has completely outgrown the area it's in and gradual pruning doesn't seem right for your situation, you might transplant it where it has more room, or offer it to someone who will come and dig it out for their own use. Then replant, using some consideration to the ultimate size of the plant. They always look so little in the nursery pots, and most of us do a poor job of imagining just how large they are going to get.
Reply:During the fall, and at the stem.
Reply:They need to be trimmed right after they bloom. Or you will be cutting off next years blooms. If you don't mind no blooms next year then anytime.
Reply:You don't mention where it is located, why you want to trim it, or, approximately how tall. But the trick to these is never trimming too much off. Otherwise, you stand the risk of no blooms for the next year... or more.

Any trimming done should be done shortly after they finish blooming for the year. They bloom on the previous year's growth. If your plant is several feet to high... you would be wiser to relocate it in the fall and replace it with a younger one.

How can I get a new plant from a rhododendron?

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There are a couple ways you can propagate a rhododendron. You could take 6-inch tip cuttings. This should be done after July 1st, so you are right on time. Remove all leaves except for the top three. Scrape the outer layer of bark off the bottom inch of the stem. If you have rooting hormone you should wet the stem and dip into the powder. But not everyone uses it. Next you need to stick the stems into a very porous medium like perlite or sand that is in a container you can cover to make a mini-greenhouse; a pot with a plastic bag will work. Set this in a shady area and monitor it to make sure it doesn’t dry out. It will take about a month to root.

http://www.homeandgardensite.com/dcforum...

It's not too late to take cuttings from most of your rhododendrons. September and October are usually the prime months to take cuttings from rhododendrons.

http://www.lib.virginia.edu/science/scis...

There are 2 different dates I have found for doing this, sorry, im not sure which on is right

hope this helps :)

How can I get a new plant from a rhododendron?
Find a piece of the Rhododendron branch that reached the ground. Put some Ericacious compost below it. Slightly scrape the underside of the small branch , pin it into the compost with a bent piece of wire, pull the compost around it. Leave for about 9months to a year, when it has rooted you can pot it up.
Reply:In addition to stem cuttings, you can also propogate by layering, which I prefer. Basically, you make a small cut on a stem, leaving it attached to the mother plant. Then you put a little soil over the cut, use a small rock to weigh it down and let it root. After six months or so there are enough roots to sustain itself and you can cut it off the mother plant. There are detailed instriuctions on the attached site. Good luck.
Reply:Layering a Rhododendron is the best option. See a Gardening Book for directions.
Reply:take Gardeners advice. He hit the nail on the head

What can I use for brown spots on my rhododendron plant?

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A lot of the tip end of the leaves for about an inch have turned brownand the rest of the green on the plant is not a nice rich green

What can I use for brown spots on my rhododendron plant?
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2...

fabric boot

When is the best time to move a rhododendron?

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Its about two years old and is too close to a fence i need to move it and need to know when is best.

When is the best time to move a rhododendron?
I suggest the autumn - Wait unti the plant is dormant, the ground is wetter and the air cooler. It will give the roots a better chance to re-establish before the growth period again in spring.
Reply:the best time to transplant any plants is abt october and feb any time before the sap starts flowing and after it stops. Report It

Reply:Half 8.
Reply:Wait until it is dorment during the winter months. Make sure you put plenty of peat into the hole when you replant.
Reply:late Autumn or during the winter, when there is plenty moister in the soil and the plant is semi dormant.
Reply:When the moon is in it's 3rd quarter and the tide is ebbing. Or after its flowered.
Reply:After it has flowered I think.
Reply:You can move it anytime after it's flowered. However, so you won't have to contend with the heat and drought of summer, wait until the fall. If you do move it during the summer, be extra dilligent with watering.
Reply:they are very hardy plants, wait until after the blooming is done. Usually the end of june in the northeast.
Reply:Rhododendrons are as tough as old boots.

Can you successfully move a 30 year old rhododendron bush?

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Well, stranger things have happened. As a landscape professional I would have to say no. However, what do you have to lose by trying?

If you are moving it to another location far from where it is now growing, again I'd say no. If you are going to dig it in the morning and move it before noon into it's awaiting planting hole, properly ammended and fertilized-- you may have a chance of success. You'll lneed to install it with plenty of root stimulator and water it every day for 21 days until it takes hold. To help insure success cut back the canopy about 6-8 inches then it will have less leaves to feed.

--And forgive it if it doesn't boom profusely the next year.

Good luck, you'll need it.

PS Install it at the exact same depth as it was growing before the move. Any deeper and you will killl it. They are shallow growers and resent having their roots disturbed at all. Also: use compost and rich soil when you plant it. Mulch heavily and keep the mulch soaked for at least a week.

Can you successfully move a 30 year old rhododendron bush?
Most rhododendrons and azaleas in the landscape, even large ones, can be moved using proper care.

http://www.rhododendron.org/transplant.h...

Q: We have a rhododendron that was planted too close to the house and partially blocks a stairway to our side door. I would like to move it around to the front of our house.

We are going to be grading our property soon, so I would like to move it before it gets destroyed by the heavy machinery.

Would it survive if I move it this time of year, or should I just leave it be until September (and hope it doesn't get killed during the grading process) ?

A: If the plant will have a better chance of survival by being moved rather than staying put, then I would go ahead and move it. If the weather has been dry, water it a day or 2 ahead to get moisture into the plant, then be sure to water 1-2 times weekly afterward.

You might also apply an anti-transpirant to the underside of the leaves to reduce the amount of moisture the plant transpires normally. This will help reduce transplant shock and increase the plant's chance for survival. http://www.clevelandseniors.com/home/tom...

Moving Bushes

Q: I live outside of Baltimore MD and I also have a home in Southern Delaware. I want to move to Delaware an established lilac, Chinese Maple and two rhododendrons.

When do I do this (time of year)? How critical is the root structure? Do I have to have a backhoe to get enough of the roots.

A: The size of the rootball is determined by the size of the plant, so if you have large plants you'll need large rootballs. A backhoe may be needed, if you want to save digging energy.

For the rhododendrons, you could dig them in September.

As for the lilac and maple, I would wait until they're going dormant for the winter (any time after the first hard frost). Deciduous trees prefer being dug up when they're "napping".

To determine rootball size, measure the diameter of the trunk about 6" above ground level. Dig 10-12" of rootball for every inch of trunk diameter, i.e., if the trunk is 3" in diameter the rootball should be 30-36" in diameter.

This should get you the minimum amount of roots for the plant to survive the move, but it's still always a risk when transplanting.

Before digging, water the plants thoroughly 7 days before the move and again 2-3 days ahead. This will get them well-hydrated, and will also moisten the soil (slightly moist soil holds a rootball a little better than dry soil).

When they're planted, water once a week as needed, checking the soil moisture first to be sure they need watering. http://www.clevelandseniors.com/home/tom...

Hope this helps!

When is the best time to prune a rhododendron?

2009-11-13T02:54:00.001-08:00

I think right after it blooms. After that it starts forming next years flower buds and any cutting will reduce the flowers for next year.

When is the best time to prune a rhododendron?
The time to prune properly is past in all probability.

Always use hand pruners, latex/rubber gloves, and have a bucket of water at 1cup per gallon of bleach. Dip both the pruner and your hands into the bucket after each cut. Put the cut into a bag before doing this. After pruning, place a granular acid based fert (not a spray) around the plantings and remulch. As an aside, Azalea is a Rhododendron and needs the same care!

Not to worry if you missed the time. Mother's Day, Weddings, Father's Day, etc. Do it now!! Remove any dead and any remaining buds from either plants. Do not fert, however, you can mulch.

In the Fall, fert with a granular (not liquid) Acid based balanced fert. Check again for any dead or browned limbs, leaves, etc. Set your calender to the following. Fert all the evergreens at St. Pats, Remove when out of wilt, Fert on Fathers Day, and Columbus Day. Mulch on Tax Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

You may also want to set a schedule to spray the plants for insects based on the variety and temps in your area. Contact your Local County Extension Agent (not the Box Store $5.00 idiot) for real advise as to time and product. Good Luck.

Is it possible to root cuttings from a RHODODENDRON?

2009-11-13T02:54:00.000-08:00

I trimmed a substancial branch from my Rhodo, and would love to grow another as it was planted in the memory of a family member. I can't bear to throw it away. I have successfully rooted forsythia, but am unsure if it is the same process.

Is it possible to root cuttings from a RHODODENDRON?
Another good way to propagate rhododendrons is aerial or ground layering. If you have never layered a plant before then check this site or do a web search.

http://www.fiftyplusnews.com/matthews/ap...

Good luck.
Reply:Here is a site with full instructions from the American Rhododendron Society. Hopefully, that has all the information you may need. Good luck!!
Reply:yes same process just keep your cuttings abuot 6 inches
Reply:Yes, it is the same. Rooting techniques work on almost all plants.

The difference is the size of the cutting that is able to root.

As a rule, the thinner the cutting, the better its chances. Thick branches will only root for certain types of plants.

I am not sure the size contstrains for a rhododendrum, but it never hurts to try.

Just place it in wet soil and keep it wet until it roots, should root in a few weeks atmost if it is goingto.

It also helps to remove the top layer of bark, as this exposes the Cambium, which is where growth takes place. by exposing it it is morelikely to sprout roots.

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Is it nessary to remove the dead rhododendron flowers after blooming?

2009-11-13T02:53:00.003-08:00

it isn't necessary for rhododendrons but it looks tacky if you leave the deap flowers on there all summer after they are finished blooming in the spring.

think of christmas lights you see up in july......

Is it nessary to remove the dead rhododendron flowers after blooming?
This answer is for ALL flowering plants:

Generally, flowering plants should always be "deadheaded". That means you should remove all dying %26amp; dead flowers, so that the plant will continue to produce more blooms. Flowers (alive or not), when they're still attached to the plant, send hormones to the rest of the plant that reduces the number of other flowers it will produce.

When it's getting close to autumn, you might want to leave some flowers on the plants so you can let the seeds mature, and then collect those seeds to plant next year.

How do you prune a vine (rhododendron) that has reached the top of the trellis?

2009-11-13T02:53:00.002-08:00

I want the plant to now bush out on the trellis, but it only appears to get new shoots at the top when I prune. I really don't want it growing further up as there isn't anything for it to lean on. Pls advise. thanks in advance.

How do you prune a vine (rhododendron) that has reached the top of the trellis?
I think you must be mistaken about the name of the vine. Rhododendrons are bushes, not vines.

But, to generically address perennial vines, for the most part you want to hack them back pretty aggressively, down to a foot or two high at the most. They will branch out from the point you cut them and come back even stronger than before. I have many different vines in my yard including several different clematis, a couple of trumpet vines, two different honeysuckles, virginia creeper, and akibia, and my advice works for all of those.

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I have an 80 yr old rhododendron that is dying?

2009-11-13T02:53:00.001-08:00

I don't know if it is dying from the dog or from the shade of the pine tree. Is there anything I can put on it that will keep the dog away from it?

I have an 80 yr old rhododendron that is dying?
You can put a decorative fence up far enough from it that the dog wont get to it. Also feed it Miracid and lots of water, it will pick back up.