Poison Sumac

Poison Sumac

It is a painful irony that one of the very spectacular hardy shrubs is poisonous to most people. This is poison sumac, one of the most brilliant native plants of

Bush Bindweed

Bindweed

The bush bindweed (Convolvulus cneorum), a morning glory from the Mediterranean, is one of the best-loved small shrubs in Pacific Coast gardens.  It is cherished for its wealth of bloom,

Newest Control Measures For The Nematode Menace

Nematodes

Nematodes, or microscopic eelworms, are rapidly assuming the role of Public Enemy Number One among the organisms that cause plant diseases.  Last year,  they seriously damaged one out of every

Chinch Bugs

Chinch Bugs

The name of this powerful insecticide is Ethion. This may surprise some gardeners, as this material first appeared 10 years ago to control mites.  In the intervening years, it has

Are Systemic Insecticides The Future Of Pest Control?

Systemic Insecticides

Systemic insecticides may soon drastically change our present pest-control practices.  These chemicals are absorbed either through the roots or leaves of actively growing plants in sufficient amounts to kill insects

What’s In Your Garden Potpourri?

Garden Potpourri

Last winter, I brought one of the frothy egg masses of the praying mantis into the greenhouse.  Within three weeks, 100 wee mantes emerged from foam, each with an appetite

How To Combat Late Summer Garden Pests

Garden Pests

Garden pest control is never wholly monotonous. Spraying may be routine but there are always seasonal problems to keep us awake even in lazy August.  By then, we have to

How To Deal With Lace Bugs On Evergreens

Lace Bugs

Although lace bugs are commonly present and occasionally destructively abundant on the foliage of various garden plants and many native trees and shrubs, they are seldom noticed.  The leaf damage