Q: I have a rabbit that likes my roses. How can I get him to eat elsewhere?
A: There are several options. A fence made of chicken wire and burried part way would be an option, but maybe
not a practical one. There are the hawk and owl likeness options as well. I have also heard of mothballs or sprinkling
talc around the plant. My favorite option (other than to plant extra) is a red pepper mixture. Rabbits prim themselves, thus
taking in what they step on. A sprinkling of powered red pepper seems to do the trick. It is harmless, but the rabbit does
not like the taste, and does not come back to brunch. Check out other organic and less potent options in my Organic Pesticides article and learn what plants they do not like.
Q: How do I know if my bulbs are OK to plant? I forgot to plant them last
fall.
A: If you forgot to plant your bulbs that you purchased in the fall, chances are they are still OK. Check
to make sure the bulb is firm, not squishy. Toss the squishy ones, they are no good. A good rule of thumb is to plant spring
flowering bulbs when the soil temperature 6" down is below 60 degrees. Although it is best to plant them in the fall
so the roots can get established, you can still plant them in the spring. Expect them to bloom a bit later than normal though.
Q: I've heard of a plant called a "live forever" plant. What is
it?
A: It is Sedum purpureum. Live forever is a low growing evergreen plant that is known for its fleshy green,
coarsely toothed leaves and their ability to adjust to most any landscape. The are approximately 9"-18" tall.
It boasts clusters of tiny purplish-pink flowers in rounded clusters at the end of the shoot. They are a wildflower and grow
best along roadsides or in open woods. They are also know for regenerating from most any part of the plant. I have also heard
of the entire grouping of Sedum / Stonecrop families called "live forever" plants.
Q: How do you make butterfly nectar?
A: Boil 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool. Fill your
feeders with the solution, or keep refrigerated for up to a week. This is also the same nectar used for hummingbird feeders.
Q: When do you take your hummingbird feeders down? I heard they will not
migrate if you leave them up.
A: The general rule is to take
them down two weeks after you spotted the last one. It is a myth that they will not migrate if you leave your feeders up.
