Q & A

What are some common mistakes people make when caring for their landscapes? As many or more plants die from over or under watering than any other cause. Over-watered plants often look wilty or off-color, similar to under-watered plants, but it's because the root system is being destroyed. Check your soil. Is the water really infiltrating the soil or running off? If it's running off, you may need to water no longer than 20 minutes at a time or improve the soil by incorporating organic material such as peat moss, compost, or manure. The root system needs water but without good soil, it can't get there.

Any other watering hints? Drip irrigation is definitely the preferred watering method for planting beds, but if you have an automatic sprinkler system or water with a hose and sprinkler, make sure it is done early in the day so water dries off the foliage.

What differences are there in caring for newly planted vs. established plants? The first year you need to work on developing the root system of the plant, which will require adequate watering. For established plants, less is needed. Some plants can go a month without watering! It does pay to place plants with similar watering needs in the same area.

Any other plant care recommendations? Pruning is really important. It can be as simple as deadheading (removing the spent blooms), which keeps seeds from forming. Because it takes a lot of energy to produce seed, the plants are less likely to flower unless they are deadheaded regularly. Just remember - timing is important in pruning trees and shrubs. It really helps to keep a garden diary, too - jot down your observations, what's doing well, what's not, what you might want to move and/or replace. That way you'll be a step ahead next season.

Do you have questions about your landscape or household plants? OLM is only a call or e-mail away, contact any of our consultants with your questions.

NEWSWORTHY NOTES

OLM welcomes Michael Lackey as our newest landscape consultant. Michael comes to us from Florida and will be transitioning into the schedule of landscape maintenance inspections. Welcome to the OLM family, Michael!

On May 4, Linda Gordon, the OLM office manager, became a grandma - again! What's special this time? Linda has her first grand daughter, Summer Rain, to join five grandsons! The family is doing wonderfully, congratulations all around!

Speaking of babies, our own Melody Limbaugh and husband Bill are expecting their first child in January of 2005! Melody and Bill also recently purchased their first house. Congratulations and best wishes!