This HTML code represents the main body of a web page article about gardening and plant care. It includes several paragraphs of text, each with a different topic:This HTML code represents the main body of a web page article about gardening and plant care. It includes several paragraphs of text, each with a different topic: * Observing Plant Changes: Emphasizes the importance of monitoring plants for changes and adjusting care accordingly. * Cicada Damage on Hydrangeas: Mentions the visibility of cicada egg-laying damage on hydrangea bushes and advises it’s generally not a cause for concern. * Mulch Ring for Trees: Discusses the benefits of creating a mulch ring around trees planted in lawns to protect trunks from damage and root competition. * Trimming and Removing Dead Foliage: Provides tips on trimming dried bulb foliage and removing dead flowers to improve plant appearance and flower production. * Cutting Flowers for Display: Explains how to properly cut outdoor flowers for indoor arrangements, including timing, placement in water, and adding preservatives. The text is formatted with headings (“ and `
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Cicada damage is visible on some trees, but generally this is not a problem.
Thanks to Chicago Botanic Garden
One of the most important parts of gardening is observing changes in your plants and knowing how to adjust their care. Recently I noticed annuals that were stunted with yellowing leaves. Since the gardener said she had watered them enough, I suggested they needed fertilizer. Keeping annuals too dry can also stunt their growth.
Cicadas are busy laying eggs, so the damage to trees becomes visible. I was surprised to see some evidence of egg laying on a hydrangea bush. Look for cracks in the bark on the underside of the stems. Generally, the damage caused by cicadas is nothing to worry about.
Mulch ring can protect trees
Trees planted in lawns may benefit from a mulch ring to reduce competition with grass roots and prevent lawn mowers and weed killers from damaging the trunks.
If your tree is small, mulch to the drip line, which is the outermost point where rain drips from your tree’s foliage. If this isn’t feasible, spread the mulch as far as possible while keeping the size of the mulched saucer in proportion to the surrounding landscape. Even a mulched saucer that is 6 inches wide will help protect tree trunks from serious damage.
Do not put piles of mulch or soil around the trunks (also called volcano mulching), as this can cause stress to the tree and affect its health.
Time for a trim
Tend to your borders to enhance the appearance of the plant and maximize flower production. Carefully remove any dried or yellowed bulb foliage if you haven’t already done so, as the bulbs should now be largely dormant and have stored nutrients for next year’s flowers. Removing dead flowers from annuals and perennials will encourage them to continue flowering. Remove any yellow foliage to keep plants neat and tidy.
Cutting flowers for show
This is a good time to cut outdoor flowers for indoors. It is best to cut flowers during a cool part of the day and place them in water as soon as possible. Remove any leaves that are submerged in the vase. Store arrangements in a cool room out of direct sunlight. Adding a preservative to the water can extend the life of the arrangement.
• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.
