Brian Jervis

Brian Jervis Tulsa Master Gardeners Now that winter has finally arrived, many gardeners' attention is now focused on helping the plants we brought inside for the winter survive for the next few months.

Hummingbirds need to feed about every 15 minutes, so if you want to attract them to your garden, provide a food source. They love tubular flowers best, but it doesn’t hurt to supplement with a nectar feeder.

Hardening off gradually gets transplants ready to move outdoors. Vegetable plants often have no reason to toughen up on their own while gardeners pamper them as babies under grow lights.

We knew they were coming, but we didn't know when. We did know that when they got here, there would be problems. Who are they? I'm talking about the emerald ash borer.

The event next month, an annual fundraiser to support community efforts of the Tulsa Master Gardeners, will include five homes presenting unique approaches to individual gardens.

Bagworms can feed on over 50 different families of trees and shrubs, but they seem to have a preference for eastern red cedar, arborvitae and other junipers.

The fungus appears often on peonies, but many plants are susceptible, including azalea, crabapple, dogwood, phlox, lilac, snapdragon, dahlia, zinnia, crape myrtle, rose, wisteria, delphinium, oak, English ivy, photinia, cucumber and squash.

In years that we experience larger outbreaks of this insect, they are able to defoliate trees. This defoliation can look pretty bad, but for the most part, no permanent damage is done.

Typically, when we talk about planting trees and shrubs, we suggest that fall is the best time to plant, and it is.

Premature leaf drop can be a sign of disease, but this time of year it is likely the result of environmental leaf scorch while the tree is having a hard time taking up enough water to support all those leaves.