Q: Two years ago we planted California poppy by seed and they did very well that first year. Now they seem to be marching across the yard, nowhere near the spot they were originally started and very few where we want them. What's going on? — W.G., Taylor Ranch
A: Although the California poppy is considered a perennial, in these parts think of them as an annual. They quickly grow and set their seed and pass. Now, if you're lucky, the mother plant can go into dormancy and return the next year. Usually what happens is the seed from that bloom is carried to new digs, and settle and lie quiet until the following year. It's the wind that is making the poppies march across your yard. You can keep them more contained by collecting the seed heads before they crack open, store them in paper bags and then re-sow the original area next spring. So don't think you're doing anything incorrectly. That's just nature doing what it does best: adapt.
Q: Settle a disagreement in my family, please. I say you can plant Easter lilies outdoors and they'll do great. Brother and sister say no! Who's right?
A: Brother and sister are wrong. The Easter lily, with those marvelous bright white blooms, can be successfully transplanted in these parts and they'll even come back year after year for you. I would recommend that you find a fairly sheltered spot for them in the yard. Stuck out in a brutally hot and windy spot, they wouldn't be very happy. Yes, get an Easter lily and as soon as the blooms are finished, plant your treasure outside, allow it to settle and die back naturally in the fall. It'll be back almost assuredly.
Q: At my Gram's house there lives a huge Colorado blue spruce. It has a lot of bare and dead branches underneath that make it nearly impossible to get under there. Can I have all of that old stuff taken out now? — G.G., Rio Rancho
A: Please wait! Any removal could create wounds that wouldn't seal and, in turn, attract insects. Along with the bugs, there is a sub-condition called sooty mold that, although not injurious, could eventually weaken this grand old dame. If you want to start gently raking out the truly dry, dead twigs and small branches you can do that. Just don't get to frisky now. Wait until it's very cool and the tree has gone quiet again.
Q: We grew a really nice crop of clover in the garden over the winter months. Should we turn it under soon? — F.L., Los Lunas
A: Yes, this would be the perfect weekend to get that clover turned in. It'll begin decomposing, creating that terrific "green manure" that you'd planted it for. Be sure to get the clover deep into the soil. If left too shallow it might keep growing. Now, clover in bloom is a great plant to have for bee attracting but, if it's going to be in your way, be sure to get it down deep. In a couple of weeks, with you watering the garden to hasten the decomposition, the soil will be ready to garden in. Since we're about three weeks away from the average last frost, you couldn't have timed it better. Happy Digging In!
Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Rio Rancho/West Side Journal, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.
--- This article appeared on page 30 of the Albuquerque Journal
