Asked April 24, 2015, 12:28 PM EDT
Hello. I have 3 questions:
1.) Two years ago someone transplanted two azalea bushes for me and consolidated them in a single spot elsewhere in my yard. Last year they both blossomed, but this year, one of them is dead (see image). My azalea is just about to open. I'm wondering when is the best time to cut away the dead portion (and do I need to uproot it, or can I just cut it to its base? I'm guessing its roots are intertwined with the living/healthy one).
2.) I planted a Malus brandwyine crabapple in my front yard about 9 years ago when it was about 10' tall; last year I got leaves but no buds/fruit. I thought it was due to the strange/mild temperatures we'd gotten the winter before. But then I noticed what I call a "canker" that had always been evident, but it had gotten *huge* (see image). Ended up treating it with Bayer Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed (kind of thing I try to avoid) and this year it has buds and is about to blossom, but I was wondering if you could make a guess what might be responsible for that canker, and let me know if there are any natural treatments for it?
3.) My backyard is largely bare with just some violets that have propagated--it is partial sunny at best (white mulberry partially growing over, creating shade) and the soil is clay for about 6-8 inches down, moving sand, then quickly water table (4-6' down?). I would like to put down a ground cover that is NATIVE, liked by pollinators, and ideally fragrant (would be nice if had a pretty flower or interesting shape, but I don't want to be too greedy). Was wondering if you had any suggestions. Most important is that it is native and draws pollinators--the more, the better!
Thanks for any guidance you could provide.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
