Columns

IN THE GARDEN: Tips about waxy scale on quince, planting a landscape in fall and mushrooms in Zoysia Q: have something growing on my ornamental quince, haven't seen it on other plants nearby. I live in Little Rock. What is this white thing? by Janet B. Carson - November 16, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Planting pomegranates, moving hostas and pruning azaleas Q We planted two pomegranate bushes this spring, and they are looking healthy but the top branches are a bit leggy. Should we trim them back this late? We think... by Janet Carson - November 9, 2019

It's Fall: time to plant vibrant shade trees and winter annuals, plus a lesson in stratification Fall is finally here and rain came with it. by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - November 2, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Asiatic jasmine, overwintering mandevilla and planting irises Q Someone suggested that you could help me identify this ground cover that is in the medians in front of Kroger Marketplace on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. It... by Janet Carson - November 2, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Trifoliate orange fruit is bitter but edible Q What is this and is it edible? I found it growing on a short, thorny tree. We live near Rogers. by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - October 26, 2019

Winter squash offer more than just the popular pumpkin Pumpkins are the star member of the cucurbit family in October, but they are just one of the winter squash varieties available now, and many others are as tasty... by JANET CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - October 19, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Leaf mulching limits, weedy juniper and identifying aphid damage How much leaf mulch is too much to scatter over the lawn? by Janet Carson - October 19, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Combatting spurge, replacing a pear tree + more A: The weed in question is not purslane but spurge, and this one is not edible. If you break a branch you will see a white milky sap, and that can cause skin ir... by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - October 12, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Caterpillars take a liking to flowering quince bush, but will they kill it? Q My quince bush has been destroyed by caterpillars. It was fine one day and almost bare the next. I pulled off at least 20 of them and have not seen any more. ... October 5, 2019

In October Arkansas gardeners need to stay on top of watering OCTOBER by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - October 5, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Thyme a disappointment for planter Q: I have had pretty good success with other herbs, but thyme has been a disappointment wherever I planted it. by Janet Carson - September 28, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Winter hardy Jasmine may survive normal winter on arbor Q I bought an arbor and planted a jasmine on each side this summer. They have done so well, and it has been so much fun to watch their growth to the top. My que... by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - September 14, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Elephant ear plants can cause serious reactions in some people Elephant ears, along with other members of the arum family all contain crystals of calcium oxalate which can cause burning and swelling of the mouth if eaten, a... by Janet Carson - September 7, 2019

September is time to plant fall color, keep clippers away from spring-blooming shrubs SEPTEMBER by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - August 31, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Teacher searches for milkweed to feed hungry Monarch caterpillars Q I am a kindergarten teacher at Drew Central in Monticello, and each year I bring in my milkweed plants once I spot a caterpillar. In years past I have had a f... August 24, 2019