Comments on: a is for aaargh?

By: WritingbyEar

WritingbyEar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:51:47 +0000

Well, I’ve taken the pruning advice and cut quite a bit off Godzilla (I would have done more; Mike is more squeamish). ‘Zilla does look much better already (maybe I’ll sneak in a few more cuts this fall). I’m thinking lots more fertilizer everywhere this fall, too. I guess that qualifies as “maintenance” — chores are my downfall (indoors and out).

By: mel

mel — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:32:36 +0000

I’d say prune that azalea for sure (the big’un). You can cut it waaaaay back and then it’ll fill out but hold shape, at least for awhile. Hopefully.

I’m so accustomed to having a black thumb that all your pics look like huge successes to me. Sorry–no help, I know.

And yes, “real” greenhouses offer better advice from their people than any of those little tags. I never have luck with tags, but usually have luck with the pros’ advice.

By: WritingbyEar

WritingbyEar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:58:22 +0000

Maybe I should try your pragmatic approach, Robbie (throw and hope), as my “following the instructions” approach doesn’t seem to be working so well.

By: robbie

robbie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:09:09 +0000

Plants have tags with growing instructions? I thought those spandex cords with something attached were to hold branches together. Some people talk to their plants (Prince Charles and Janie) and others pet their plants (not sure what that is but just read recently some plants like a little stroke, but then again who doesn’t?). I say just throw the plant into the ground and cross your fingers!

By: WritingbyEar

WritingbyEar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:06:30 +0000

You surprise me, Kev. I had you pegged for a “yank it” vote! Yes, I did just Holly Tone Frick and Frack and various other acid lovers, and I’ve been Miracle Gro-ing some others. We’ll see. Hmmmm, there are nurseries beyond Lowe’s and HD? Interesting.

By: kevie

kevie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:59:09 +0000

KEEP THE AZALEA! THERE IS ROOM FOR ALL COLORS IN A GARDEN. IT WAS THERE BEFORE YOU AND PROBABLY WILL BE THERE LONG AFTER YOU GO….TRY PRUNING IT? NOT TO MENTION IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE HALF OF THE ‘SAD SACKS’ YOU CURRENTLY HAVE PLANTED. SOME PLANTS TAKE TIME TO ACCLIMATE BEFORE GROWTH SPURT, THOUGH IN YOUR CASE I WOULD PUSH THE MIRACLE GROW A BIT…PERHAPS THE QUALITY OF PLANTS IS LACKING AND YOU SHOULD CHANGE NURSERIES? IF ALL ELSE FAILS SEND THE LITTLE BUGGERS OFF TO PRIVATE BAORDING SCHOOL, MAYBE THEY WILL HAVE GROWN BY THE TIME THEY GRADUATE….