I live in the Atlanta GA area. I'm trying to find watering instructions for a Leyland Cyprus. Can you help me? Thanks!

Hi Barbara. I'm planting my first rose bed. Can you tell me the easiest and fastest way to purchase 'old' 'antique' roses. I do not want anything that climbs or runs, but I do want something extremely durable. I live in the South and have a place already prepared that has at least 5 hours sun daily. But, I do want antique, or old, roses. Thanks for you time. I enjoy your good information! Jan

Hi Barbara, Can you tell me the name of the chemical that you put in the ground around Hydranga plants to change the color from an off white to blue. Some sort of acid powder if I remember right. Thank you so much. Am I thinking correct or is this just another wise tale? RD

Barbara: Re the comments about brown spots appearing on leland Cypress trees. We just planted 20 of them a few weeks ago and on several the spots have appeared. I was wondering if this could be a sign of either over- or underwatering? Thanks. Jon Carrow, Arlington, VA

Sorry about the delay. We came back from vacation into a spring madhouse. Leylands dying off is a problem for a lot of people, mostly due to their shallow, weak root system. We suggest you fill in with another type tree. If you intersperse at various points, it will be an interesting view and other fill ins won't be noticed. Good to use might be cryptomeria or a giant green arbor vitae. They have a much better root system and won't blow over, something to also take into consideration with low land. Yes, Leylands are hardy to zone 5. Leylands seem to be the 'fad' tree right now. But another thing to use might be Ligustrum. It grows fairly fast and gets to 8-12 feet. It has fragrant white lilac looking flowers in May. It is commonly called French Lilac. It's good because it's not messy. Its one disadvantage is that it does draw bees while in bloom. Happy Planting, Barb Custis

Hi folks, Hydranga is a moderate grower, not too fast. SO, pruning is a consideration. They can be pruned after they bloom. BUT, only if you really must. Too much pruning can do them harm. Only do it if they really get straggley and out of hand. They like free rein to grow. Thanks, Barb Custis

Sorry this has taken so long. Ming aurelias are decorative house plants and, I fear, totally out of my field of expertize. A good house plant book for the book store or the library will serve you better than I. The ming aurelia seems to be gaining in popularity. Good luck with yours. Barbara Custis

what is the proper way to prune hydranga in the spring, and rest of the growing season?

I have an aurelia tree and would like some information on the care of it. It doesnt seem to be doing very well Thank you

Leyland Cyprus Trees - I am considering a barrier of green and would like to use these. I live in Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay and some of the land is a little low. What would you suggest, and where is the best place to buy 60 - 70 trees....? Thanks,

What is the best time of year to plant the Leyland Cyprus? And, is it hardy enough for zone 5? If not, can you mention some alternatives for a long boarder to block noise and the view of traffic. We have depth to our property so creating a thickly treed area is not a problem but we would like to start off with a few things that grow more quickly. Thanks.

what is the growth rate of Hydranga's ? Thank-You

Hi my name is erik. I have a ming aurelia, and I would like some information about this plant and what the original name is and where it came from I love Plant's bye. if you can send me this I would greatly apprieciate it THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH erik

I have had to replace a dead leland cypress tree that is in the middle of a 7-tree cosmetic barrier. The trees on each side are at least 4-feet taller and have several years of growth. How can I get this much smaller tree to catch up with the others? (i.e. fertilizers or any other routine.) Any help with be greatly appreciated. (In case you need to know, I live in southwestern North Carolina.)

Hi Teressa........ Well, you're right, it could be a problem. We can't do much about controlling Mother Nature, but we can help a little. Throw some pine shatters or some leaves over them. They will settle around your tulips and help protect them from some cold, even keep some frost off. But if we get a good frost, there's not much to be done. Wish we could help more. .........Barb

Hi! I live here on the Shore and I noticed my tulips have started coming up. Is this normal? What can I do? Thanks!

Hi Thomas, If you can get the Lelands about 2 feet tall, this is likely the best size for the money and large enough to give them a good chance. So long as the ground is not frozen, any time before Spring is good for planting. You do want to get them in before early Spring. Be sure they get water, even now. Maybe an inch and a half per week 'til the weather warms, then more as it warms up. Thanks for asking, Thomas

I reside near Greenville, SC and want to plant Leland Cypress as a privacy border. I will plant them spaced as you suggested however I would like to know how soon can I place them in the ground, and what is the best recommended size for best chances for survival? Thank you.

Hi Ashley, Plant your Leylands at least 3 feet from your fence. Plant them from 10 to 15 feet apart. They will fill in fairly quickly. Leylands grow about 4 feet a year. Thanks for asking and good luck with your venture. Barb

Hi Barbara...hope you are doing good?! We bought 20 leyland (leland) cypress trees for the sole purpose of a privacy border.They are in 3 gal. pails now. We aren't sure how far to place them away from our chain-link fence(they'll be on the inside of fence) or how far apart do we plant them from each other? thank you...

Marc: Thank you so much. I am, indeed, at a loss when people ask about most indoor plants. And I really hesitate to advise about them. We appreciate your coming forward and helping out. We are considering a message board or something of the sort for our site in the future. This way people can more readily do this. Thanks again, Barb

A Ming Aurelia can be grown from cuttings: they require a fair amount of indirect sunlight. Do not overwater this plant or it will wilt and and drop entire branches. Basically similar care to a bonsai tree.

Yes, Ed, you sure can do the 'cutting' thing with Lelands. And now is a great time to do it, too. You need to cut new growth tips maybe 3 inches long and strip the needles off the bottom about half the length. Dip the bare end in a good rooting compound and stick them in a tray full of clean, wet sand. This needs to be some sort of tray that you can punch holes for drainage in the bottom. Then you need to do a greenhouse tent type thing with plastic (like seran wrap) up over the top, held up off the plants and tight so that the moisture stays in. You can buy these. Set the tray in a light spot out of direct sun light. Keep your eye on them. They need to be moist enough so you can see the moisture on the plastic wrap but not wet enough to soak the plants. Next, be patient. You might have to wait 2 or 3 months. Good luck Ed.

Just a question..I've planted several leland cypress trees and they do great here in Charlotte,NC. I have 10 acres and would like to plant several more. I get them from nursury, but they cost about to per plant. Is there a way I can take cuttings and grow my own..?? Thanks

Hi Mitch, What a great idea. However, my knowledge is sadly lacking in this field. My expertize lays more in the outdoor sector. A good, newer houseplant book from the library or bookstore would likey have the information that you need about your ming aurelia. Good luck with your gifts. Thanks, Barb

Hi Barbara, I'm giving some Ming Aurelia's away for Christmas this year but I really have no information on them. Can you help me out? I would like to print little cards with info on them to give with the plant. There's eight small plants that all came from a larger one after it was dropped and broken. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mitch

Hi Barbara, watering well is real necessary during a Leylands first year. Even more so right now. We are in bad need of rain. Water those Leylands once a day. Even in normal weather, once a week for the first year is good. Hope this helps. .............Barb

How much watering should I be doing to just planted Leylands' , I'm on the east coast, Maryland.

Hi Jack,
For those bagworms - spray with diazanon once a month, May, June and July.
For the gall - captan would likely work, but your best bet might be to take a sample to your local extension service office and see what's best for your area.
Hope this helps, Jack

hi barbara, please advise best way to spray for bagworms. also, i have a baylaurel tree & leaves are covered with gall especially new growth in spring. any fungicide you could suggest? thanksfor any help you can offer. jack in central florida

Hi,
A good, newer houseplant book from the library or bookstore would likey have the information that you need about your ming aurelia. My knowledge is sadly lacking in this field. My expertize lays more in the outdoor sector.
However, I think you will find that it will do best in a sunny spot, but out of the direct hot sun.
Thanks,
Barb

Barbara, I am considering buying a ming aurelia tree for my apt. in NY. Can you tell me how to care for it, or even if it's a good indoor in-apartment tree??? My apt.. has medium sunligh (very strong sun if curtains are open), very warm in summer, but of course I turn on air conditioning in the evening when I am there.

Thanks, Barbara

As a barrier wall, Crytomeria or Arbor Vitae will likely work better then Leylands. They don't grow as fast, but they have a better root system. For 65 to 70 Leylands consider about 10.00 to 15.00 apiece (they are 'in' right now) for healthy, good sized trees.

Hi Marie,
Fall is the best time to plant Leylands. Best of luck with your trees.
Barbara Custis

Barbara I intend to plant a border of Leland Cypress about 30 miles west of Augusta, Ga. I would like to know the right time of year to do this planting. Thanx BILL BOOKER

Hi Barbara When is the best time to plant the leyland Cyprus tree?

Please guide and give suggetions about Leland Cyprus for landscape purposes as a barrier wall and how fast they grow. Also I need to know how much it would cost for atleast 65 to 70 pieces of those and from where to get them. Thanks

Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for your question on our guest book. Sorry it takes so long this time of year to get back to people. Your Leylands should do well around your pool. They should be at lest 50 feet from the beach area and no, the roots shouldn't be a problem. But the problem near the coast is the salt water wind damage.
Barbara Custis

Hi Michael,
Yes, your 8 ft to 12 ft leyland cypress will grow under a canopy of maple trees, but it will grow more slowly.

Hi Meredith,
Thanks for your question on our guest book. Sorry it takes so long this time of year to get back to people. You can fertilize your Leylands with any good, well balanced garden fertilizer. 10-10-10) And the brown patches can be cut out and will fill in in time, Mybe two years or more depending on how large. Barbara Custis

we are thinking of getting aleyland cyprus for around our pool a neighbor has them and they are tall and beautiful. my question is we live in a beach community, and i wondered what would happen when you want to cut the sides and top of the leyland ? how then does it grow ? deeper into the ground ? far enough to reach salt water ? out, bushier ? if you could tell me what happens when you cut and trim a leyland cyprus thank you, phyllis

we are thinking of getting aleyland cyprus for around our pool a neighbor has them and they are tall and beautiful. my question is we live in a beach community, and i wondered what would happen when you want to cut the sides and top of the leyland ? how then does it grow ? deeper into the ground ? far enough to reach salt water ? out, bushier ? if you could tell me what happens when you cut and trim a leylandcyprus

Will a newly planted 8 ft to 12 ft leyland cypress grow under a canopy of maple trees? If it will, how fast will it grow?

i need some information about fertilizing removing brown patches in leland cypress tress. if anyone had any info could u please e-mail me at star_ninety9@hotmail.com. your help is much appreciated.

Dear Pat,
Leland Cypress - go for it!
Barb

Barbara, my local wholesale nursery told me that leland cypress will grow in the shade in Oklahoma, and suggested a few of them for a barrier between our yard and our neighbors' yard. They would be under a canopy that offers filtered sunlight all day. Do you agree? Of course I had not thought about a cherry laurel. I'd appreciate your comments. We are in central Oklahoma, zone 7. Thanks

Hi..... I can just tell you it happens sometimes. It happened to one of ours and I cut out the brown patch this season. And it was just one tree in the middle of a bunch of them. The rest are fine. I saw no insects that could account for it and all the trees get the same amount of water. I'm watching and waiting to see what affect the cutting out will have. If anyone out there has input on this situation, please leave feed back on the guestbook. This is not the first time people have asked. Our experience with leland cypresses is recent and, so far, limited to that short time experience. We are still learning about them. So if you find out any more we would appreciate the input. Thanks, Barb

Hi Susan. OK, here it is. Ligustrum grows fairly fast and gets to 8-12 feet. It has white lilac looking flowers in May. It is commonly called French Lilac. It's good because it's not messy. Its disadvantage is that it does draw bees while in bloom. Osmanthus is what we have by our pool. Been there for about 30 years and they are about 20+ feet tall. They have a holly type leaf and are, like ligustrum, evergreen. They have a creamy, white flower and bloom in November. Their disavantage is their sharp holly type leaves. You have to be careful around the pool.

hi barbara, wonder what causes our leland cypress to being to turn brown in the center of the leland, we have quite a few lelands, wonder if there is something that we can do? we live in nc they are 4 years old , do they still need a lot of water? i see the same kind of lelands in the area they are very dark green .what do you think ........thanks......

I see you mentioned ligustrum or osmanthus as a possible screen for privacy. What do they look like and how big do they get? I am thinking of removing 13 big white pines which are at one end of the pool (they are too messy) and will need something to replace them. Leland cypress was mentioned, but then I saw that you mentioned these others. Thanks.

I too am wondering about the proper care of my ming aurelia. It's about 18 years old (I bought it as a tiny plant), and until recently was doing well with indirect light, minimal watering, and no fertilizer. I must have misjudged it's need for water (watering too soon turns leaves yellow) because it actually whilted (and dropped a huge number of leaves). How often should it be watered? And, please, what other tips could you give me? Thanks! Elise

Hi Mel and also A.D. Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Our guestbook has not been working right. Ming aurelias are decorative house plants and, I fear, totally out of my field of expertize. A good house plant book for the book store or the librry will serve you better than I. A lot of folks ask us this. If you come up with a good answer, drop it into this guestbook and you will help a bunch of people. The ming aurelia seems to be gaining in popularity. Thanks, Barbara

I just got a ming aurelia and was wondering about watering, fertilizing, and the amount of light it should get.

Hi, just passing through checking guestbooks. Mom

I just got a ming aurelia and was wondering about watering, fertilizing, and the amount of light it should get. It seems to not like a lot of direct light and should I ever let the soil dry out? Just a little general help would be appreciated. Thanks

Help! My bed of vincas are covered with caterpillars. They are crawling all over the top and the side of my garage. I have owned this home for 7 years and it is 35 years old. The vincas have been here long before I arrived. This is the first time ever that I haave had this problem. I live in Wilmington, DE. Any assistance would be appreciated. It is not possible to pick them all off by hand.

Hi,
Just passin' through, checking guestbooks.
Mom

Hi Maureen.
Welcome to the Eastern Shore. So glad you liked Maplewood. In your situation I would recommend, for low, easy maintenance plants, either Helleri (small Japanese holly), Yaupon holly or white indian Hawthorn (flowers, pretty). If you want something with needles, we also have small Junipers and Cypress. The nice thing about Maplewood is that you can come by and see them before you plant. Barbara

Barbara, I just relocated from California to Machipongo and stopped by to see your gardens last week. What a delight.

I have a lot of landscaping to do and am unfamiliar with the best plants for the locale.

My first profect is a garden surrounding a patio. Could you recommend an evergreen shrub that would be an attractive informal hedge along a walkway. The location is partial shade. I'd prefer something that is no higher than 4 feet, or can be kept attractive at that height by pruning.

 Hi Cynthia, 
A simple 10-10-10 works fine for leylands. Bagworms are a real problem for leylands and picking them off is the cure. As far as turning brown - not sure because I'm not there. One possibility is this weather. It's been strange all over. High winds do leylands no good, especially if the winds are coming from the direction of the ocean. If it is wind or salt water damage and not too bad, they will likely recover. Hopes this helps. Thanks for asking.

 We have leyland cypress trees that are turning brown after ten yrs., what could be causing this - what is best for bagworms and the best fertizilizer?

 Dear Teressa, Glad you enjoyed the web page and the little book of tips. Stop by the nursery in Nassawadox and get the new Spring newsletter, or better yet mossie on down on April 22nd...The Open House...for some family fun and a great day......Barbara

 Hi Barbara! Love your website. And the little booklet is really great! 

 Oh Lynn,
I wish we could say that was the answer to your prayers, but unfortunately, everybody likes Citronella plants, even the mosquitoes. I guess your best bet is a good breeze and a good repellent. Sorry to say there are not really any plants we do recommend for the purpose....... Barbara

 Barbara, We are plagued with mosquitoes in the summer and we were wondering if planting Citronella plants would help control the problem. If yes, do you know of a retailers we can order from. Thank you for your help. Bob and Lynn Hickey 

 Dear Gwen, Leylands take the first year to establish a root system. After that they can be expected to grow anywhere from 3 to 5 feet a year depending on the growing conditions and the amount of water they receive.......Barbara 

 As a Leland Cyprus is a fast growing tree, how much in height will it grow in one year ? Thanks, Gwen 

Dear Louis, If you have gotten a good price on cherry Laurel then I would definitely use that plant material. As I have said in the previous questions Leland Cypress is a fast growing screen but will blow over in windy areas. Other choices for screens are Cryptomeria, Ligustrum and Osmanthus......Barbara 

 WE LIVE IN BHAM AL NEED PRIVACY BARRIER WOULD YOU SUGGEST LEYLAND CYPRESS OR CHERRY LAUREL. HAVE FOUND SOME CHERRY LAUREL AT A GOOD PRICE. WHAT' YOUR ADVICE 

Dear Kristina, I have looked for the plant ming aurelia and can not find it listed in Michael A. Dirr's Manual of Woody Landcape Plants. This book is like a bible to nurseryman. Sorry........Barbara 

 Is there another name for the ming aurelia? I've been trying to find horticulture tips for it on the web, and it doesn't seem to exist. 

Dear Cindy, Leland cypress is o.k. as a screen unless the spot is especially windy. Leylands tend to blow over. I suggest that you mix them with cryptomeria (Japanese Cedar) and always plant in triangles so that you are not creating a solid sheet of color. Other good hedge/screen plants that are evergreen are ligustrum and osmanthus....Barbara 

 My husband and I are searching for an evergreen tree or shrub that can be used to block a busy road from view of our property. The land is pasture for horses. Someone had suggested a leyland cyprus. It would be hard to get water to the area where we need the coverage. Whatever we plant needs to be very hardy. We live in Grenada, MS and it is hot and humid in the summer. Please give me your opionion on what would be the best. 

 Dear Jo, Check out the landscaping and rent a crew section!!!...BARB 

 Dear Ed, The correct spelling is Leyland Cypress. The full botanical spelling is X Cupressocyparis leylandii according to Michael A. Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Thanks for your question and have a great day... Barbara

 Dear Ed, The correct spelling is Leyland Cypress. The full botanical spelling is X Cupressocyparis leylandii according to Michael A. Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Thanks for your question and have a great day... Barbara

 Barbara, I'm seeing leland cypress spelled two ways, leland cypress and leyland cypress. Which is correct? Also, how did the tree get its name. Should it be capitalized, meaning it's named after Leland Stanford? Not sure. Thanks for your time. 

 Hi Barb, the new web page is lovely and informative. Can't wait for all those beautiful spring flowers to come in.

 Hi Barb, Just checking your new guestbook. Mom