Ask a Master Gardener

By Carla Throckmorton, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Question: I have been told to avoid the use of “neonicotinoids”. How can… Read More »Avoiding Neonicotinoids in Caring for Roses

Question:  I don’t have a green thumb.  What easy care houseplants can you recommend?  I’d like to have some showy… Read More »Easy Care Houseplants

Question:  Whenever it rains, water pools in low spots in my yard. How can I fix the problem myself inexpensively… Read More »Managing Stormwater Runoff With Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens

Question: How do I tell moles from voles and determine which of these pests is damaging my lawn or garden?… Read More »Identifying Moles and Voles

Question: I need to mulch my vegetable garden.  What is the difference between straw and hay?  This is a frequently… Read More »Straw vs. Hay as Mulch

Question: I’ve heard that pruning oaks in spring and summer is not recommended. Why? Pruning oak trees during the growing… Read More »Timing of Pruning Oak Trees

Question: The burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a bush of choice in many neighborhoods. I’ve heard that I shouldn’t plant… Read More »Alternatives to Burning Bush

Question: I have some rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’) and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’), which have some dead stems and… Read More »Pruning Rosemary and Lavender