In article . com,
" wrote:

QUESTION: What can Michael Moore do for gardeners and their families.

ANSWER:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Michae...zer_on_0709.ht
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QUESTION: "I own a little Cape Cod built in the 1940's. It sits on a
40 x 120 lot, which doesn't leave much space between the neighbors'
houses. I'd like to have a privacy screen on the one side of the
house, but there is only about 8 feet between the homes. My property
line is only four feet from the wall of my house. I need the screen
because the neighbor's kitchen window over their sink looks directly
into my bedroom window. I always keep the blinds drawn now but it is
so stuffy during nice weather and I'd like to have the option of
opening the window.

"I've considered a fence (expensive), a trellis w/a vine (not sure
what kind), or a tree or bush of some type (scary - too close to
house). Is there any plant that the roots wouldn't push against the
foundation if I plant it that close to my house? It is a westerly-
facing wall that gets all the afternoon sun... the peony bushes that are
there now love it. Thanks for any guidance you can supply." - Sue

ANSWER: In a tight space such as the one you describe, I believe your
idea about a trellis and vine would be the best solution. Something
that would stay green most of the year would be English Ivy. The
trellis need not be too large or too expensive if you only need
privacy for one or two windows and it is unlikely to be offensive to
the neighbors.

QUESTION: "I recently saw your article about "Oak trees targeted by
voracious caterpillars," and the same scenario happened to me two
years ago.
One of my oaks, around 10-15 years old, seems not to have recovered
and I didn't see any leaves coming back this year or last. How do I
know if it is really dead? It just looks like it now...with no leaves.

"Now another oak, close to the first one, is also missing its leaves
on one third of its branches. Does that mean that it is on his way to
die? I checked the trees and didn't see either fungus or ants or
caterpillars. Let me know what you think I should do at that point as
I would like not to lose those great oaks on my land." - Beatrice
Moreland

ANSWER: This is a serious condition that is beginning to affect oaks
in many areas of the country. It is not just the caterpillars and we
need to treat the cause and not just the symptoms. The cause in many
areas is lack of good nutrition and water. Drought causes stress to
our trees. Lack of organic material in the first 10 inches of soil
where the plants get their nutrients is a problem. The most important
thing that needs to be done is to improve the soil and make sure the
trees have adequate water. When they are healthy the insects are less
likely to attack. Insects are like anything else in that they attack
unhealthy or weakened plants rather than the healthy ones.

QUESTION: "I have a peony that was given to me about 5 years ago. It
grows each year but has never bloomed. I moved it to a new home this
year in the fall and fertilized it when I replanted it but it still
won't bloom. Can I do anything to force it?" - C. Hall

ANSWER: This is something I do with wisteria. Try putting one
tablespoon of Epsom salts in one gallon of water and pour around the
base of the plant. It may not work this year since most have already
bloomed. However, this fall after the plant goes dormant and then
right before it come out in spring, try the treatment. Do not
fertilize anymore since that promotes top growth but does not help it
to bloom.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs
and landscaping to and for resources and
additional information, or to subscribe to Steve's free e-mailed
newsletter, visit www.landsteward.org
--
Billy
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/