Browning normal in western red cedars
Dear Helen: The native red cedar trees in my neighbourhood are showing an alarming number of brown, dry sections. I have one of the trees on my property. A gardening friend told me it is probably dying.
J.M.
This browning and shedding of three- to four-year-old branches in autumn is part of the western red cedar’s normal life cycle. It’s how the trees renew themselves. A term for the process is “flagging.”
Dry years produce the most flagging. This year’s dry, hot summer, following two years of dry summers, has brought on a particularly pronounced degree of browning.
The trees shed the dried branches in the rains and winds of fall and winter. My cedars have started dropping their dried-off sections. I try to clean up the droppings as soon as possible. They are messy, and tend to acidify the ground.
Dear Helen: Where is microclover sold? Is it sold under that name? I don’t see it in the West Coast Seeds catalogue. I like your idea of perking up a sad-looking lawn or boulevard by overseeding with the clover. P.F.
It is sold as microclover. I bought seed early last month at my local Buckerfield’s.
It might take a few phone calls to determine what outlets near you have it. West Coast Seeds lists microclover in both raw seed and pelleted form, with its lawn replacements on page 107 of the 2017 catalogue.
Please be aware that it is late now for seeding and overseeding, both lawn seed and microclover. September and March are the usual ideal months for good germination.
Dear Helen: How large a pot do I need to plant 10 tulip bulbs that my grandson gave to me? Do they need to be spaced as far apart as in the garden? I need something light and portable to put on my balcony.
K.S.
In pots, tulips and other bulbs can be planted as close together as possible, without touching. No need for the usual garden spacing. Look at the different containers you have on hand and select one that will accommodate the 10 bulbs snuggled close to each other. A 20-centimetre-wide pot will probably do.
Place the planted pot under shelter from the fall and winter rains — against a house wall, on a porch, or somewhere similar. Make sure the soil is kept at least minimally moistened over the winter. Bring the pot out into the open, in its display site, as soon as top growth starts to emerge.
Dear Helen: Every year, my carrots are eaten into by something that leaves blackened pitting in the roots. What is this, and how can I prevent the damage in future years?
S.M.
The damage on your carrots is from carrot rust fly. The adult flies lay eggs at the base of carrot plants. The larvae that hatch from the eggs eat into the carrots.
The only sure way to prevent the egg laying is to create a barrier to the flies. For years, I’ve used a floating row cover or insect netting tucked in securely around the newly seeded carrot bed. The cover is easily lifted off one side of the planting for weeding.
Garden events
View Royal meeting. The View Royal Garden Club will meet this evening at 7:30 in Wheeley Hall at Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd. Jacq Bradbury will speak about pest management in the garden. There will also be a judged mini show and a sales table. New members and visitors ($5 drop-in fee) are welcome.
Finnerty Gardens cleanup. The University of Victoria’s Finnerty Gardens is having a volunteer cleanup in the garden and would appreciate help on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Coffee and snacks will be on hand to start the day. If you plan to attend, please contact: amace@telus.net or 250-479-7677.
HCP workshops. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. in Saanich, is offering the following workshops. To register call 250-479-6162. hcp.ca • Terrarium Garden for children ages five and up, Saturday, Nov. 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn to create and maintain your own miniature indoor garden. Bring along a glass container 20 cm wide or less. Plants and other materials will be provided. Cost $15. • Weaving a Bowl with Rush and Sedge, Sunday, Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weave a small bowl with soft materials. Cost to HCP members $120, others $140.