::What's Happening to my Snowball Bush? and other Viburnums?!!::

The east coast of North America is particularly affected by the viburnum leaf beetle.  Common names of pest stricken shrubs are Snowball bush, High bush cranberry, arrowwood viburnum, nannyberry, wayfaring tree. Here's a picture of the Larvae

And the Adult:

The good news is that the larvae pupate into adults within one season and the adults are killed by frost.  But, if your shrub is attacked two or three years in a row it can kill the plant. 

I NEVER recommend the use of pesticides for obvious reasons. Nature takes care of itself. Insects usually attack for only 3 years and by that time a natural predator will discover the abundant population and eat it's prey. 

The idea is to keep the tree alive until that time.

A spray made of dish liquid spraying the leaves (both top and underneath), picking off the grubs by hand and spraying the ground around the shrub as well. 

Patience is a virtue. No truer words can be written about gardening!

::Exterior Fireplaces and Firepits::

Newfoundland has a wealth of talent when it comes to custom outdoor fire areas.  Here are some ideas for your new outdoor recreation area:

Fire is a great way to enjoy the view. If you have a lot with a view, locate fire features at the edge of the property in a place where people will have a chance to enjoy the fire while taking in the surroundings.

Consider the view from indoors too. Place features where they can be easily seen from your interior living and entertainment space so people can enjoy the show indoors and out. Fire pits are almost always preferred on view lots over fireplaces.

Plan for safety. Always locate fire features away from traffic areas and take prevailing winds into consideration. Above all use common sense when operating fire features to keep your evenings safe and beautiful.

::Maple Trees::

To keep your Maple healthy, fertilize once in spring with tree fertilizer spikes inserted into the ground at the edge of the plant. If your Maple requires any limb removal, it can only be done in summer. Sap runs so quickly in a Maple in late winter and spring, it won't stop if cut at the wrong time of year. Be sure to rake all Maple leaves off the lawn before winter as their accumulation can seriously damage your grass!

::Hanging Baskets::

I got this great tip from Mark Bowering of Bowering Ponds and Gardens:

Line the bottom of you hanging basket with a diaper- yes, I said diaper!!!

This only works if you are making the baskets yourself of course.  Open the diaper up, spread it as wide as possible. Remove the thin top guaze layer so the fuzz is exposed.  Put you soil and plants on top!  The diaper will retain moisture so the basket will not dry out as quickly.  I still recommend watering everyday throughout the summer. If you forget, your diaper will act as a back up!

::Rhododendrons::

Rhodos have shallow feeder roots so some care is required when working around the base of this shrub. Use caution when using your hand weeder! Spread at least 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Rhodos love moisture but they do not like standing water. If you have drooping leaves this may be an indicator of root rot from poorly drained soil.  You can also underplant a rhododendron with shade-loving perennials like bleeding hearts or ferns to keep their roots protected and cool.