PHOTOS: (POTS) KRITSADA; (BEGONIA) PETE KRUMHARDT; (SHEARS) MARTY BALDWIN
I ’v e h e a rd th a t
p ru n e rs c a n sp re a d
diseases fr o m tre e to
tre e . Is th a t tru e ?
Yes, it’s possible. If your trees appear healthy
and you prune in winter when disease
organisms are dormant, the risk is minimal.
However, if you are cutting diseased or dead
branches, or pruning during the growing
season (not ideal but sometimes necessary)
you should disinfect shears and saws as
you work. To do this, dip shears in a
10
% bleach solution after each cut.
Do you have a gardening
question? Get answers
from BHG experts as well
as other gardeners at
BHG.com/gardendoctor.
FRAGRANT
CRYSTALS TO FIT
ANY DECOR.
Pour the natural crystals into any
glass container and enjoy the
premium fragrance up to 45 days.
www.renuzit.com
C
r y s t a l
f l e m e n t s =
A4 FiürtPi.ri] Ciyüah.
“W h e n y o u t i l l y o u r g a r d e n s o il t h is s p r in g , s o il
s h o u ld b e ju s t s l ig h t ly m o is t . C u l t iv a t in g w e t s o il
c a n r e s u lt i n f lo w e r b e d s f u l l o f r o c k -h a r d c lo d s .”
Eric Liskey, deputy editor, gardens and outdoor living
ETERNAL
FLAME
Nonstop Fire begonia
is a terrific plant for
small containers.
Give it a sheltered
part- to full-shade
location and watch as
the fiery flowers light
up the shadows.
Nonstop begonias are
hardy in Zones
9
-
10
;
use as annuals in other
Zones. To locate a
retailer, go to
provenw inners.com .
ffl
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MARCH 2010 143
