Columns

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

IN THE GARDEN: Virus on more than one stem spells doom for roses DEAR JANET: Do I have to destroy my "New Dawn" and "Improved Blaze" climbing roses because they show signs of rose rosette virus? by Janet B. Carson Special to the Democrat-Gazette - August 17, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Gardening advice for Arkansas from Janet B. Carson Q Could red ants be eating the green seeds on my fennel plants? Something is, and it isn't the swallowtail caterpillars. I know to be on guard against them and ... August 3, 2019

August in Arkansas means its time to water, water, water those gardens AUGUST by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - August 3, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Got air potato vines, droopy dogwood, St. Augustine weeds? Janet B. Carson's got the answers Q Can you identify this vine for us? It grows from a potato and produces more potatoes on the vine itself during growing season. It freezes but we harvest the p... by Janet Carson - July 27, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Simple steps will help reinvigorate older slow producing asparagus bed Q I have a 12-year-old asparagus bed which has been producing fewer spears the past two years. There are also some empty spots; the bed is 4-by-8-feet, but ther... by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - June 15, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: Turning pink hydrangeas blue Q I am trying to turn my pink hydrangeas blue. I know it all has to do with the pH of the soil. My hydrangea bush is nestled nicely under a cedar tree, has been... June 8, 2019

Jonquil leaves ready to trim six weeks after bloom Q A different type of spring season for sure, but the jonquil greenery is still so green and yet it has been six to eight weeks since they bloomed? Can we cut t... June 1, 2019

Arkansas gardeners should tackle these chores in June JUNE by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - June 1, 2019

Breaking ground It has been one of the prettiest springs on record here in Arkansas. Our gardens have gone from bloom to bloom, and it gets prettier every day. by JANET B. CARSON Special to the Democrat-Gazette - May 4, 2019

JANET B. CARSON: In the Garden Q I was wondering if you have ever seen bumblebees making a nest in a decorative birdhouse? Last summer some bumblebees decided to raise their baby bees in our ... May 4, 2019

IN THE GARDEN: A camellia that drops its buds before bloom, palm not performing as well as neighbors Q I have had a camellia — don't know the variety — for at least 12 years. It was given to me by a friend here in Sheridan. It is probably 12 feet tall. It sets ... by Janet Carson - March 23, 2019