THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509010103
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
SOME READERS are reporting ``stringy'' new growth on roses. This is often the result of using a weed-killer, particularly Roundup or 2,4-D around the roses. I've seen it in my garden from using Roundup to kill nutgrass near the roses. I had no idea it could drift so far. Be very careful using any weed-killer or all-purpose killer such as Roundup or Kleenup around roses. WATCH AZALEAS FOR LACEBUGS
If leaves on your azaleas are browning and the undersides have black spots, it is probably lacebugs, a sap-feeding insect that causes leaves to turn gray to bronze. Blackspots on undersides of leaves are lacebug droppings. If you find those, you can be sure lacebugs are there.
Organic controls include insecticidal soap, Neem or soap plus oil and pyrethrin. Orthene will also do a quick-kill. Before you spray, make sure you have lacebugs and not just damage from heat and drought. CARE FOR HOUSEPLANTS
Joe Freeman, chief horticulturist for Florida's Cypress Gardens resort, says it's normal for the white petals of a peace lily (Spathphyllium) to turn green, because the bloom really is a modified leaf. But if the flowers turn green before or very shortly after they open, there may be too little light, too much water or cold temperatures stressing the plant. This slows the flower's growth, causing it to ``age'' before it opens.
Freeman also says inadequate light might be the problem if your spider plant refuses to produce baby plants. Also as the plant becomes pot-bound, it's more likely to send out runners that become new plants. WHERE TO FIND THE HARD TO FIND
For garden supplies that you can't find in your favorite garden center, I recommend two East Coast suppliers. California garden gift stores generally are higher priced and take longer to ship. For almost every kind of garden item, try Gardener's Supply, 128 Intervale Road., Burlington, Vt. 05401-2804. For more specific garden items, many of them British imports, it's hard to beat Kinsman Co., River Road, Point Pleasant, Pa. 18950. Catalogs from either supplier are free by writing to the addresses above. UNUSUAL SEEDS AND PLANTS
Jung's is an old-timey seed house at a little crossroads in Wisconsin named Randolph. It now offers many unusual seeds and plants, including Sorbet peony and Ruffled Apricot daylily. For a free catalog, write them at 335 S. High St., Randolph, Wis. 53957. MAGAZINE ON THE WEB
Garden Gate magazine can be found on the Worldwide Web within eMall's Garden Marketplace at http://eMall.com/. This magazine is a how-to type without advertising that offers tips from its ``Tips & Techniques'' column.
Robert Stiffler by CNB