June Garden Questions & Answers

Q. I was really interested in your weed-killing recipe utilizing sulphate of ammonia in a recent column. Can you tell me the ratio of fertilizer to water in order to mix up a concoction?

A. I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that I don't really have any ratio formula for my sulphate of ammonia weed killer. The good news is that no matter how you mix it, it should work great. I simply dump in a handful or two of sulphate of ammonia to a half gallon or so of water in a pump sprayer. I make sure it dissolves by shaking it up well and you've got instant weed killer. Sulphate of ammonia is very high in nitrogen and you're basically overfertilizing weeds, which kills them dead. Cheaper than Roundup and does just as good a job, particularly with those bothersome weeds that keep coming up in driveways and sidewalks.

Q. I am looking for an excellent pink rose that is good for cutting to bring indoors and fragrant. I am leaning toward Double Delight, Cadillac DeVille, Audrey Hepburn or Ultimate Pink, but have concerns with all of them. Can you recommend a variety? Also, I want to plant three crape myrtles along my driveway. I'm leaning toward the small 6-foot dwarf types to avoid pruning. I also want the mildew-resistant varieties. Can you help?

A. Double Delight is indeed a multi-colored red and white rose rather than pink. However, it is one of my favorites. If you have room for it, I would definitely try it. Other pink roses that are former All America Rose Selections winners are: Charlotte Armstrong, Perfume Delight and Miss All America Beauty. I've heard some good things about the other three rose varieties you mentioned, but have not had any firsthand experience in growing them.

As for crape myrtles, I've found that the vast majority of varieties sold in our region are all mildew tolerant. They're not like those of yesteryear, so you should be fine no matter what variety you choose. Be aware, though, that crape myrtles are very slow growers. You can always get a standard size and keep it pruned. They'll need to be pruned every fall anyway because they bloom on new wood rather than old wood. I have stand tree versions that are 5-years-old and are only 8 feet high. Go big and you'll be happy.

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