Ask the Expert

Should I try to get rid of mugwort or leave it alone?

Question: What is you advice regarding dealing with mugwort? We have a patch that has appeared this past year and is growing vigorously. It’s along the edge of a field, and camouflages some large spruce stumps, so not altogether objectionable. Should we try to get rid of it or leave it alone?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, […]

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Is Redhead Fountain Grass invasive?

Question: I have just purchased Redhead Fountain Grass. Is it an invasive?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Technically, the fountain grasses do not appear on the Maine Do Not Sell list, which is our database of officially recognized invasives. That said, it is considered invasive in a few other states, and just because a […]

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How do we deal with a critter digging up bushes that were just planted?

Question: We recently had a magnolia and lilac bush planted by a landscaper and there seems to be some critter that is coming and digging up these newly planted bushes. How do we deal with this situation? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to identify what’s working at those roots, […]

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Can you help identify the problem with the lilacs on my property?

Question: Two lilac trees on my property have some disease or pesticide infestation. Can you help me identify the problem and offer a solution?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional Lilacs commonly suffer foliage fungal infestations, especially in hot, wet summers, and it definitely looks as though that’s what’s going on here. Typically, they […]

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Will a soil test determine why my seeds did not germinate?

Question: I have just moved into a condo and was so lucky to find a garden there. Unfortunately, the maintenance workers, while mulching our shrubs, covered the vegetable garden with mulch. I was assured by the property management that it was not toxic. However, in my many years of gardening, I have never planted seeds […]

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Are my older high bush blueberry plants at the end of their productive years?

Question: I have 24 high bush blueberry bushes purchased about 20 yrs. ago (from a reputable garden store). This is the first year their production is considerably lower than in all past years. Should I be concerned that these plants are near the end of their productive years? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Home Horticulture Outreach Professional […]

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