What selective herbicide should we use in our fairly large native plant pollinator garden to kill invasive grass that is taking over our garden? What should we use and how/when to apply? The garden is surrounded by fields and mowed field grass area where no chemicals are used and lots of Goldenrod grow. Hand removing the grass is very difficult and not very effective. We would like to treat the area the first week in May. The grasses grow throughout the garden. This garden was neglected for a long time and we are working to renovate and maintain it at an environmental education center. Picture attached to give you an idea of area.

I am turning my existing garden into a fruit tree garden and I need to add raised beds to my yard. I'm planning to start with the Home Depot 7.5 in. x 7.5 in. x 5.5 in. Tan Brown Concrete Planter Wall Block (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oldcastle-7-5-in-x-7-5-in-x-5-5-in-Tan-Brown-Concrete-Planter-Wall-Block-16202336/206501693) and the lumber possibilities (2"x 6") to insert are overwhelming. I would like a sustainable solution, but I want something that will have some longevity and strength. Do you have a recommendation?

Attached are photos of a 30 year old sweetgum tree that grew on its own in our yard before we realized what it was and the nuisance the gum balls are that drop every fall/winter. Nevertheless, it is a nicely shaped tree and provides summer shade. Last year we noticed some branches high on the crown were de-leafed. We attributed it to leaf-eating caterpillars. This year, as the tree leafs-out, we are noticing several branches near the top appear dead. Can you tell if the tree is dying, experiencing stress from climate change or is this a natural occurrence for this type of tree? It gets plenty of water and sunlight.

Hello, I was wondering if the extension office has ever answered a similar question or has a list of the best evergreen trees or shrubs to plant for a privacy hedge. When researching online, there’s a lot of conflicting information about what trees and shrubs are actually deer resistant. Many websites will claim that eastern red cedars are deer resistant, while on other websites, people will claim that it’s actually western red cedars that are the most deer resistant. I’ve seen arborvitae’s of both varieties sustain deer damage. Do you know if any junipers varieties are more deer resistant? Thank you for any tips or information! -Ashley

I saw your reports online of the 2023 Annual Flower Trial Garden Performance Report. Which nursery in the southern metro (preferred) or Twin City area will likely carry all (or most) of these flowers. They all look great!

Hello, Is there anything that can be done about the Japanese beetles? Preferably organic... Last late summer/fall I put down Milky Spore, but they came back worse than ever. I can tolerate a little bit of munching, but they're defoliating even my salvias at this point. Thanks, Laura

When is the right time of the year to separate hostas?

I have been finding these roundish brown porous nodules in my bed this year.  My neighbor is also finding them. They are very light in weight.

Any ideas?

Hi, please recommend a rhododendron that will only grow to 3 ft tall by 3 ft wide for the front of our townhouse in Columbia MD. There are existing rhod’s that are healthy in front of home so conditions are good for this bush. Thanks

This rhododendron plant is on the front of the house, facing southwest in full sun. It was apparently stable last summer; leaves began to curl in the fall but stayed green all winter; then turned brown when warm weather came. It is one of three plants, all 30+ years old, in the same bed that have died. I see no sign of insects on or under the leaves, and no sign of rot near the ground. Can I plant another azalea/rhododendron in the same spot? Should I treat the soil first? With what? Thank You!