Springtime Chores

Paul recently dug up a contorted filbert and has decided to replace it with a large piece of driftwood and a twisted Hinoki cypress. The Hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa Torulosa, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that will eventually grow six to eight feet tall. It makes a perfect specimen plant and adds drama to the garden, especially combined with the driftwood.

Azaleas require acidic soil, and these are planted against a brick wall, with a limestone border in front. Both the bricks and the limestone can slowly leach alkaline chemicals into the soil, raising the pH.

The solution? A sprinkling of soil sulfur, which slowly lowers the pH to its ideal level, plus some alfalfa meal, an all-natural fertilizer that’s great for azaleas. Adding these soil ingredients, as well as doing any pruning that might be necessary, is best done after the azaleas have flowered.

When selecting a cutting, be sure it’s firm from top to bottom, and that any cut portions have calloused over (figure B). Place the cutting into a pot filled with sterile potting mix, sand, vermiculite, or some combination of the three—about three inches deep—and place the pot in a spot that gets at least a half day of sun; water well, and wait.

Within about four weeks, leaves should begin to emerge from the tips of the cuttings (figure C), a sure sign that roots have begun to form. Another way to check for root formation is to gently tug on the stick. If there’s resistance, there are roots.

Although not tremendously fast growers, plumerias are easy to grow. Just water them when the soil is dry, and overwinter them in the house or unheated garage (they’re tropical and can’t withstand temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).