(For Release On Or After 03/30/07) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain they have trouble gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations. But when the proper plants are selected for shady areas the results can be beautiful and enduring. And let’s face it. I’d much rather work in a shady garden during summer than a sunny one.

(For Release On Or After 03/23/07) Scale insects are one of the more common groups of insects that attack plants. You can find them feeding on trees, shrubs and even indoor plants.

(For Release On Or After 03/16/07) The buck moth caterpillar can be found feeding on trees in spring – particularly oaks such as the live oak and water oak. Populations vary around the state from year to year, but this is an excellent time to start checking your oak trees for signs of infestation.

(For Release On Or After 03/09/07) Pest problems will become more common as we move into the warmer summer moths. Although some gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or apparent insect damage in their gardens, just seeing an insect or insect damage is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 03/02/07) Lawns have their purpose in the landscape. They create a restful contrast to flower beds and other elements in the landscape. Lawns also are often needed for outdoor activities and are indispensable if you have kids. On the other hand, ground covers can add beauty and interest to the home landscape, as well as reduce maintenance, when used in some areas.