Caterpillar Droppings

/Caterpillar Droppings/

Caterpillar Droppings

These appear to be caterpillar droppings. You might want to go over the plant with a fine tooth comb per se. Look on the underside of the leaves also. Some caterpillars take on the color of their surroundings. You should look for more than one as the eggs are often times laid in groups. If they were some type of insect eggs, they would be much more uniform within the group.
If you find any of the critters, remove and dispose of them. It you think that they are still munching on your plants, you might want to try spraying some Bt (follow the directions on the label). It is a bacteria that eats the caterpillar from the inside out and is considered organic. You will be able to find it at your local independent garden center.

By | 2016-03-27T07:03:36-07:00 March 27th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Clivia

The strap-shaped foliage resembles a Clivia miniata, a perennial from tuberous rhizomes. Native to South Africa, it bears primarily orange, red, or yellow clusters of funnel-shaped flowers on stalks that emerge above the clumps of foliage in late winter-spring. Following the spent flowers, seed head berries appear that typically ripen to red-orange or yellow. Does not tolerate much frost and, when grown outdoors, it needs partial to full shade, regular water, and a slow-release fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Does not like to be transplanted so leave in place as long as possible. Indoors needs bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry to the touch down to the first knuckle.

By | 2016-03-27T06:31:32-07:00 March 27th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Cows Horn Euphorbia

Euphorbia grandicornis, native to Kenya and Natal, forms shrubs to 6' in height. The main trunk branches frequently, producing many green 3-angled branches with wavy, horned margins and spines in pairs to 2" in length that remind one of "cow's horns". Remember, all Euphorbias contain a white sap that can be quite irritating to the skin and eyes. Avoid touching face or eyes. Wash hands immediately in soap and water if contact is made with the white sap. Responds well to warmth, with its active growth period in the late spring and summer months. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Requires bright light for best appearance, and should be given a winter resting period at which time less water should be given. Protect from frost.

By | 2016-03-26T23:45:26-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Tree Trunk Damage

This type of damage can be caused by many things including weather conditions such as a lightning strike, freeze and thaw cycles, borers or bark beetles, or even animals. If the damage is too extensive, it can jeopardize the trees structure, weaken its stability and make it a future liability. Removing the dead bark may give you some info on what caused the damage ( for example-insect galleries-patterns where beetles feed under the bark) but it really requires a bit of expertise. Here's some info that may help: http://essmextension.tamu.edu/treecarekit/index.php/after-the-storm/tree-damage-and-hazard-assessment/tree-wounds/. This damage looks pretty extensive, Depending on where the tree is located and how valuable it is, you may want to consult a certified arborist on what to do.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:03-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Trees|0 Comments
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Azalea Problem

Thank you for submitting another photo. This looks like it could be the result of too much water/soil moisture. Leaves will turn uniformly yellow and may show signs of tip injury under these conditions because the feeder roots die and can no longer take in water (or nutrients). This is sometimes fatal to plants, however you can try allowing the soil to dry some and prune back the stems that appear to be dead or dieing (hopefully cutting back to tissue that is still alive). An acid fertilizer may help the plant to recover new green growth after pruning but do not not apply this fertilizer with water at this point. If you do not think this is an overwatering issue, refer to this link for other possibilities. http://azaleas.org/index.pl/azculture.html

By | 2016-03-26T19:35:53-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Plant Diseases|1 Comment
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Mealybug On Phormium

This is an insect, commonly called Mealybug, feeding on your plant (common name of plant is Clivia). These insects can be difficult to control on these plants because they feed, as in your photo, down low in the leaves where its hard to reach them and effectively control them. Unfortunately, they can do heavy damage to these plants, and sometimes kill the plant. We've included a link about mealybug to give you more information about how to control them. If you choose to try chemical controls, you will need to be thorough in applying the material, but always follow the label directions to avoid doing further harm to the plant, or other plants and organisms.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/mealybugs.html

By | 2016-03-26T18:33:37-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Dandelion

We think this is a species of Taxacum although there are similar weeds, most developing foliage with jagged edges, daisy-like flowers and fuzzy seed heads that become more garden weeds. If you don't want hundreds of seeds to develop, suggest you cut off at least the flowering head before the seeds disperse. Here's a rundown on the Asteraceae family: http://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Families/Asteraceae.htm The reason why we do not believe this is common groundsel, S. vulgaris, is that it bears tiny clusters of flowers that show color without ever really opening until they go to seed as well as deeply lobed leaves. It also is part of the Asteraceae family and both are related. Like the dandelion, if you don't want it to spread, pull up before it sets seed.

By | 2016-03-26T15:59:25-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Weeds|0 Comments
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Silver Mound Artemisia

This appears to be an artemisia, probably a variety called 'Silver Mound.' As the plant gets more mature it should form a rounded mound form. This bright silver lacy mounded foliage is great for edging and is particularly excellent in full sun and drought tolerant gardens. Artemisia are prized for their silver leaves and excellent texture. Artemisia Silver Mound is one of the most popular silver foliage plants and is perfect near a meandering path or front of the border where its fine texture can be enjoyed. Fast growing. Can be cut back in spring to control size. Do not cut into old wood - look for buds to start and do not cut below that. Can be sheared during the summer if needed - new foliage will flush out quickly.

By | 2016-03-26T15:58:35-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Wavy Leaf Cotyledon

Cotyledon undulata superba, native to South Africa, has fleshy rounded leaves with wavy, ridged margins. Leaves are densely pruinose giving the appearance of being covered in white powdered sugar, and the edges are strongly undulated like the edge of a lasagna noodle. When blooming it has golden orange bell-shaped flowers. In habitat in Africa, Cotyledons usually grow in rocky quartz fields where they have excellent drainage provided by very porous soil, very bright light to full sun, and good air circulation. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Water with caution in winter, as the plant can lose its roots if the soil stays cold and wet for extended periods. Summer dormant. Protect from frost to prevent scarring.

By | 2016-03-26T15:34:37-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Succulents|1 Comment
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Aphids

Aphids are fairly easy to get rid of, with a little persistance. They reproduce very quickly in warm weather and may even be born pregnant. (neat trick) Since these are on an edible plant, you won't want to use a toxic insecticide. Here's what I'd do. Squirt dishwashing on your hands and add the tiniest bit of water to loosen up the suds a little. Rub the entire plants, leaves (tops and undersides) and stems. If it grosses you out to think about touching the aphids, you can wear latex gloves. Let the plant sit there, all soapy, for 15 minutes, then rinse it off, thoroughly. Repeat this every 3-5 days for a total of 4-5 times and you should get them all. If they persist, continue the process or use a pyrethrin spray labeled for vegetables. Good luck!

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:03-07:00 March 26th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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