Tom MacCubbin

Apopka

Journalist at Orlando Sentinel

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Articles

Don't give up on blackberry lilies which have died back

1 week ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: Clumps of our new blackberry lilies have died back during the winter. All that is left are clusters of leaves near the ground and dead shoots. What should I do? Answer: In about two to three months you should have new flushes of flowers but first you need to do a little pruning. Blackberry lilies are true perennials and decline during the cooler months. They get their name from the fruit that forms after flowering resembling blackberries.
You can have azaleas in Central Florida but they're going to take work

2 weeks ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: We seem to remember when many yards had azaleas but now there appears to be just a few. Are azaleas hard to grow here in Central Florida? Answer: Many residents also remember spring azalea sales at nurseries and parking lots offered by garden clubs and a number of societies. Regretfully many gardeners were not successful with their plantings and the enthusiasm for azaleas has dwindled. Local soils are exceptionally sandy and not adjusted to the acidity preferred by azaleas.
Prune colorful firespikes while perennials are making new growth

3 weeks ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: My red firespike is over 10 feet tall and I would like to prune it down about half. When is a good time to do the pruning? Answer: Do needed pruning now while this perennial is making new growth. Feel free to prune it back as much as needed - even to within a few feet of the ground. The plant is a vigorous grower and should send out lots of new shoots that could be in bloom by early summer.
April in the Garden for Central Florida

3 weeks ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

The AlmanacAverage temperature: High 83, Low 60Rainfall: 2.42 inches1. Moon phasesFirst quarter: April 4Full moon: April 12Last quarter: April 20New moon: April 272. Moon sign planting datesAbove-ground crops: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 27, 28Below-ground crops: 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 28,23, 24Control weeds: 2, 3, 21, 22, 29, 30Prune trees and shrubs: 6, 7, 16, 17, 25, 26 Time to plant3.
Vigorous vine Confederate jasmine known for its fragrant flowers

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: I am looking for a vine to grow in a shady area on a fence. It would be nice if it has fragrant flowers. What's available? Answer: Look no further than the Confederate jasmine which blooms during April or May. This vigorous grower has evergreen leaves and lots of fragrant white flowers. It also grows in both sun and shade. Keep the planting moist during the dry times and fertilize once in March, May and early October with a slow-release landscape product to keep the fence attractive.
Plenty of large green leaves but no flowers on my Amazon lilies

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: I planted Amazon lily bulbs last year that produced large evergreen leaves but have not flowered. When do they normally bloom? Answer: Flowering time is during the winter months for Amazon lilies - also known as Eucharist lilies. Fragrant white blooms resembling daffodils appear on over foot-tall shoots late December through early March. The plants need the shade and have large shiny leaves resembling those of hostas.
Lessons on colorful tabebuia trees you see around Central Florida

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: We have noticed both yellow- and pink-flowered trees in Central Florida landscapes. What are the names and are they reliable landscape additions? Answer: You and many other residents have spotted some real show stoppers. Both types of trees creating major displays of color are tabebuias. They are of different species but of the same genus.
Vine with orange flowers climbing over everything in my garden

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: A very attractive orange flowered vine is growing on fences but also climbing over shrubs and trees. What is the name and should it be removed from the landscape plants? Answer: Many residents are enjoying the flame vine with clusters of numerous tubular blooms in various areas of landscape. Regretfully these vines are vigorous and rampant climbers. Never is it a good idea to have vines envelop trees and shrubs which could eventually cause their decline.
March in the Garden for Central Florida

1 month ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

The AlmanacAverage temperature: High 79, Low 56Rainfall: 3.54 inchesSpring arrives: March 201. Moon phasesFirst quarter: March 6Full moon: March 14Last quarter: March 22New moon: March 292. Moon sign planting datesAbove-ground crops: 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 31Below-ground crops: 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 27, 28Control weeds: 5, 6, 24, 25, 26Prune trees and shrubs: 1, 2, 10, 11, 20, 21, 29, 30 Time to plant3.
Start zinnia seeds now so they're ready for your garden

2 months ago | orlandosentinel.com | Tom MacCubbin

Question: I would like to produce a bed of low-growing zinnias. Can I start them from seed? Answer: Start your seeds growing now to have zinnias ready for the garden in about six weeks. A number of varieties are available that grow about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Possibly the most durable are those in the Profusion and Zahara series. They are available in a wide range of colors. Try planting one seed to a cell pack or small container filled with a potting mix.