Category: Gardening Q&A

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Gardening Q&A

What are the squiggly lines on my Aquilegia leaves?

What are the squiggly lines on my Aquilegia leaves? Leaf miner

What are the squiggly lines on my Aquilegia leaves?

They are made from an insect larvae called a leaf miner. This larvae which can be from a sawfly, moth, or other insect is a general term for insect larvae that eats the tissue of leaves. Pesticides usually kill insects and not larvae so spraying is not going to solve the issue.

What are the squiggly lines on my Aquilegia leaves?Is the leaf miner a threat to my Aquilegia plant?

No. I have had leaf miner on almost my Aquilegia plants each year and the plants still grow and thrive. However, if you experience this on plants, shrubs, or vegetable plants, I would removed the infected leaves and dispose of them in the garbage NOT compost. In my experience I have never had a plant die that was infected with leaf miners but on crops you may not want the unsightly larvae eating edibles.

If you ever have a question

Feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer or find the answer! Happy gardening.

Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!

2017 copyrighted material C Renee Cumberworth

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Gardening Q&A

Will my spring blooming tree bloom again in the spring if it bloomed in the fall?

Will my spring blooming tree bloom again in the spring if it bloomed in the fall

Will my spring blooming tree bloom again in the spring if it bloomed in the fallWill my spring blooming tree bloom again in the spring if it bloomed in the fall? 

Short answer is yes.

Nature is resilient and many times the weather plays tricks on the flowers, shrubs, and trees when the weather turns like spring with above average temps both during the day and at night. The dramatic temperature changes from fall weather of frosty nights and chillier days to warm nights and even warmer days sends the signal to the plant that spring is here (when it’s not) all because the leaves had fallen off and the plant was dormant (resting) for the season.

I know from my experience that the trees will bloom again

Many times the fall blooming is sporadic and only a few branches. However, I tried to get pictures of this beautiful cherry tree in full FALL bloom. It is probably 20 years old and gorgeous with its white blooms filling each branch and stem. It has been blooming for a couple weeks now. Why? Because back in early fall we had a light frost and a few nights of below average temps (and the leaves fell off and it went dormant) and then we had a week of above average 80 degree days and 60 degree nights. Will my spring blooming tree bloom again in the spring if it bloomed in the fall?

Since a couple of my neighbors asked me if something was wrong with the trees and other shrubs blooming around our subdivision, I realized that writing about on the blog would help answer the question to anyone afraid to ask. Nature has a way of adapting and overcoming so do not worry and never be afraid to ask questions.

I am going to do more of these question and answer posts

I know there are many people out there who are beginner gardeners or homeowners who may be afraid to ask questions. I know there are those out there who already know the scientific explanation and may cringe at my simplistic answers- but hey this is not for you. I am writing for anyone who just wants a simple answer for their gardening questions.

Thanks for stopping by and contact me with any questions so we can garden together learning and making mistakes one season at a time. I welcome any gardening questions so that I can we learn together and I will most likely post it here on the Q & A site.

Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!

 

 

2017 copyrighted material C Renee

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Gardening Q&A

Why are the inner leaves of my Arborvitae turning brown?

Why are the inner leaves of my Arborvitae turning brown?

Why are the inner leaves of my Arborvitae turning brown?Why are the inner leaves (foliage) of my Arborvitae turning brown? 

Simply put, and in my experience, it is just a shedding process that helps the plant shed its old leaves just as any deciduous tree loses its leaves in the fall. Unless the whole bush is turning brown, this inside browning and shedding is very common in the late summer and fall months.

In my pictures here you can see the process of this shedding and this is normal. However, if the whole Arborvitae is browning and losing its leaves, then you have a bigger problem which I will address in other posts.

Arborvitae are very hardy shrubs and once established can be drought tolerant. However, browning leaves on the outside and inside of the shrub can indicate the plant is dying from a lack of water. If the leaves are turning a darker brown or even black, this can be a blight or fungal disease problem and needs further investigation. You also have to watch for bagworms and insect infestations but most plants in any landscape or garden can attract diseases and insects. Either way, you may be able to save the plant in the early stages of decline. Why are the inner leaves of my Arborvitae turning brown?

In my years of experience growing Arborvitae, I have found them to grow in the red clay soil of Virginia and grow during the bouts of drought and unrelentless downpours of springtime rains. I grow them in pots too and find them to give winter interest in the landscape with minimal care and watering.

Let’s talk gardening

Thank you for stopping by and if you have a question, contact me and I will try to help you!

Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!

2017 copyrighted material C ReneeWhy are the inner leaves of my Arborvitae turning brown?

 

 

 

 

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Gardening Q&A

What is this smelly tar like substance leaking from my Oak tree?

What is the smelly tar like substance leaking from my Oak tree? slime flux, wet wood

What is this smelly tar like substance oozing from my Oak tree? Slime fluxWhat is this smelly tar like substance leaking from my Oak tree?

It is most likely ‘slime flux’ and it is a bacterial disease which in many cases does NOT cause long term or severe damage to the tree. Slime Flux Or Wetwood disease can affect Oaks, Tulip Populars, Elms, and Maples. There is nothing to do- really- just let the tree be and let nature takes it course.

When I first encountered this last year, I panicked but read all that I could and decided that leaving the tree be was best. I was right. My Oak Tree is fine but this slime kills any plants it comes in contact. I also read that the tree is less valuable as lumber which is not really a concern I have in my suburban yard. You can google ‘Slime Flux’ and read more about the bacteria which seems to occur in my zone 7 under extreme drought conditions. This year (2016) we are in a severe summer drought and I have noticed several Oaks on my walks through the wooded areas oozing. I will be watching and updating any information to you if this has any adverse affects on the trees.

The bacteria oozes out of cracks, splits, or injuries to the tree trunk and bark. My Oak tree developed Slime Flux last year I could not believe how awful smelling this disease is and how many insects were attracted to it. The tree healed within a month to 6 weeks. No adverse affects. I have seen trees develop this on different degrees and the tree pictured here has quite a stream going with signs of distress caused from the drought we are experiencing (leaves and branches wilting and leaves browning). What is this smelly tar like substance oozing from my tree? Slime Flux or Wetwood

In my experience with Slime Flux in Oaks, the trees heal themselves with no human interference. I suggest that you do not mound mulch up against the bark of any tree or shrub and be careful not to cause serious injury to the trunk of any tree with lawn equipment or tools. I looked up in my 70 year old gardening books and found that they state it is probably best to leave the tree be.

Thanks for stopping by and if you ever have a question, just ask and I will try to answer it.

Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!

2017 copyrighted material C Renee