Cannas should bloom after move

By Walter Reeves

For the AJC

Q: I have cannas near my window that are tall and unsightly. Can I transplant them now without harming their blooming next summer? — Jody Cohen, Sandy Springs

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Walter Reeves Now is a great time to transplant cannas, being sure to protect the roots as you dig.

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A: This is a great time to dig and transplant canna roots. Cut off the stalks at ground level. Carefully dig the thick, spreading roots so they don’t break. Replant in a sunny spot that receives regular moisture in summer. The vibrant flowers will not be affected at all next summer. For more on transplanting, visit tinyurl.com/gardentransplants.

Q: We recently put in a koi pond and want to grow moss on some of the stones. If you pour milk on the rocks, will moss grow? — Diane Harwell, Fayetteville

A: Some folks have reported success at growing moss on stones by briefly “pulsing” a handful of moss in a kitchen blender filled with buttermilk. The resulting green slurry is spread over the area and kept moist for several weeks. A new product is Moss Milkshake (www.mossacres.com), which contains moss particles, acidifying compounds and a water-absorbing gel. According to instructions, it can be mixed with water and applied anywhere you want moss. Remember that constant moisture is critical at first. Keep a garden sprayer filled with clean water near your mossy spot and spray at least once a day.

Q: I have four ferns hanging on my front porch that all have bird’s nests in them. When the ferns die and get thrown away what can I do with the bird’s nests? — Joanne Trussell, Forsyth County

A: It’s not legal to possess bird nests of migratory birds without a special license, so the best course is to toss the nests with the ferns. Nests of nonprotected birds, like pigeons, sparrows and starlings, can be displayed after being frozen for a week to eliminate bird mites.

Q: I have been told not to use grass clippings sprayed with weed killer to mulch around plants. Can I use them after they sit in a compost pile? 
— Lynn Hammond, Cherokee County

A: Some plants, particularly tomatoes and young flower sprouts, are extremely sensitive to weed killers on grass clippings. Established shrubs and trees seem to be unaffected. If you compost the grass clippings, all chemicals should be gone after six months.

Q: I have a ficus tree in my office that is doing very well. When I watered it I noticed a gazillion ants in the dirt. Will this hurt the ficus? — John Tokarz, Duluth

A: The ants may be finding aphids or mealybugs in the ficus and “farming” them for their sweet honeydew. Or they may find the soil a handy staging area for their forays into your co-workers’ desks where snacks are kept. In either case, I think you should get one of the gel ant baits (Combat, Maxforce, etc.) and put a few dabs around the ficus’ pot rim. Ants will eat the bait and die. Examine the ficus for sucking insects and eliminate them too.

Listen to Walter Reeves from 6 to 10 Saturday mornings on WSB-AM (750). Visit his Web site, www.walterreeves.com, for detailed advice on Georgia gardening.