Bird, bat houses each have own complications
Nature to be commanded, must be obeyed. — Francis Bacon
Q: I understand that I need to have a bird house with wood shavings inside, if I want woodpeckers to use it. Can you also tell me about bat houses? — Karen, Townsend, Mass.
A: Bat houses are best placed under eaves of barns and tool sheds. If placed on trees, they need to be at least ten feet off the ground. Shady locations are better but not necessary.
Both housing situations are tricky. Hollowed holes in trees are best for woodpeckers but not all types care for houses with or without wood sawdust or shavings. Woodpeckers love drilling for insect eggs and bats will pick up plenty of flying insects at night. Q: How can I keep clover from my lawn? — Trudy, Oakdale, Conn.
A: Clover is a beneficial addition to lawns. It has nitrate nodules in the root system that break down to nitrites to provide nitrogen for your lawn. I call clover a martyr grass. When the nitrogen level is sufficient to support the rest of the grasses then the clover will disappear.
You can speed the demise of the clover by giving your lawn adequate amounts of chemical fertilizer each year. In the fifties clover was a popular addition to seed mixes for the reason given. It also crowded out the weeds. Personally, I like clover and other flowers in a lawn. You might find a four leaf clover there for good luck.
Q: Can you recommend some annuals that will grow in the sun? My impatiens require too much water in the sun. — Susan, Mashpee, Mass.
A: Calibrochoa has been a recent substitute for petunias. They are thicker in the stem and have a smaller flower than petunias. Both have a wide range of colors.
I had the opportunity to see the test plot at UMass for Purple Wave petunia. I could not see leaves for the flowers. Wave petunias are used extensively in hanging baskets. I love the slight scent of petunias at seaside communities. Both start to bloom a little later than marigolds, which also do well in sun.
Q: My azalea did not bloom last spring. What could cause this problem? — Barbara, Wheeling, W.V.
A: A late frost will nip many flowers in the bud. Early blooming azalea need protection from the north wind. Often times, the wind will dry the buds.
The best location for these early bloomers is on the east or west side of a structure with an evergreen plant or a fence as a buffer from the north side. If the azalea is on the south side, the heat of the sun may cause the buds to swell prematurely. When the late frosts hit, the tissue is destroyed. Deciduous azaleas with heavy bud shells and PJM can often survive in unprotected areas but they should be planted in the partial shade with shelter.
For the best solutions for your lawn, tree & shrub problems, call the experts at SeaScape, 800- 294.5296 or visit www.seascapeinc.com.