I do not think that it will be able to get someone to remove my leaves from my beds. Can I leave them?
Linda, Pana, IL

If there is no black tar fungus, you can use them as a mulch. Black Tar fungus is a black bubble that grows through the leave from the bottom. Infected leaves should be carted off to the dump. It is better to shred the leaves for more insulation and quicker decomposition but not essential. It is not much but it is mulch.

My butterfly bushes did well this year. My purple is about 6-8 feet high and the yellow one is about four feet. Should I cut them back and cover them?
Dottie, Griswold, CT

Your purple is probably Buddleia davidi, which is the most hardy. It can take a two foot haircut, especially if the top is pendulous. The golden butterfly may not be as hardy. I would cut it back a foot and make a tent for it. Three or four laths can make good tent. Wrap the lathing with burlap. You can staple the burlap to the laths. In a few years as the plants get more woody you could dispense with the tent.

We had an awful drought and heat wave this summer. My Bermuda lawn has virtually disappeared. I just sowed some annual rye in a 1.000 sq.ft area to keep out the weeds.
Gene, Austin, TX

You did the right thing sowing some rye. I would aerate the entire
lawn area with industrial size tines. You can rent these machines and they are very effective. If you can get a machine that will make four-inch holes, you will be better served. Because your soil is so clay-like, it lacks a sense of humus. Rake out the plugs of soil after you have fertilized with 10-6-4. I would build a compost pile that could accommodate grass clippings and aged steer manure each year. This mix of soil from plugs, manure and compost should be raked into the soil every fall to increase the organic content. If you follow this procedure, you could sow in St.Augustine grass for great soft lawn. Stentotaphrum secundatum is a creeping grass that will excel in this
environment. You can use Bermuda grass or Buffalo grass. Buffalo requires less water and upkeep. Cynadon dactylon is also creeping but can get weedy as you experienced. Cool grasses like bluegrass are best further north.

My burning bush dropped its leaves before turning red this year. What could be the problem?
Romona, Notherndale, IL

Unless it is full of insects, you plant needed more water. Folks in Indiana and Illinois did not get much rainfall this year like so many other parts of the country. Make a few holes near the leaf drop and stick the hose in those holes. Give them a good soaking to keep the moist through the winter.

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