Q. An offwhite fungus that looks like the texture of small-curd cottage cheese appeared overnight and has covered the base of an old rose bush and now is creeping up a pine tree across the patio. I have recently installed a birdfeeder in the area--is that why? Or is it overwatering? It scrapes off easily and dissolves (airy texture). What should I do to save my tree and eliminate the fungus or mold? -- R.K., Irvine, CA
Q. We planted sod about a year ago. Just recently we have noticed small patches of some type of pudding-like substance on our grass each morning. It appears in clumps (four or five at a time). Nothing is there the night before. It sits on top of the blades (sticks to them when you try to remove it, almost like someone dropped it there from above. The inside is pink and grey; if we leave it for the day and go to pick it up later, it has hardened (still creamy white on the outside and charcoal grey inside), but crumbles almost like powder. Do you have any idea what this could be? --J.R., Camarillo, CA
Q. We have some sort of fungus--flat and orange/white/brown growing on the mulch in our beds. What to do? It spreads like crazy! --A.B., Spartanburg, SC
A. Welcome to the wonderful world of slime molds. These goopy fungi (Myxomycetes ) live on dead organic matter and thrive in moist conditions. You can rake it out and dump it in the trash; especially in the early stages before it spreads its spores. Increasing the air circulation and allowing the soil to dry out will help eliminate the stuff. To help stop the growth of slime mold, water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry before nightfall, and try raking any thatch on the soil surface to help expose it to air and sunlight. Slime molds are perfectly harmless--just revolting to look at.
