Garden Detective: fighting powdery mildew

DEAR JESSICA: My problem is with bushes I planted about 10 years ago. They are all now about 4 feet tall and doing well, except for one, which has a white powder on the branches. It looks like baby powder and wipes off with my fingers, so I sprayed the branches with my garden hose, and it appeared to go away. However it's back, and I don't know what to do to prevent further damage. The bushes have sentimental value to us, and I don't want them to die. They are, I believe, of the evergreen family; each leaf has two tones of green. I don't know the name. Once in awhile, a branch grows out that is completely yellow or solid dark green. I hope you know what they are and can help. -- Frank Giordano, Seaford

DEAR FRANK: Based on your description, my best guess is that you have a euonymus plant that's infected with powdery mildew. As with all fungi, it thrives in moist or humid conditions. The best way to prevent its spread is to thin the bush by pruning out crowded branches to allow for more air circulation. Dispose of affected plant material in the trash (never compost or allow it to remain on the soil under or around plants) and avoid overhead watering, which allows the fungus to multiply and spread to other plants.

Take these steps now and see how the plant looks in the spring. If you notice a recurrence, you may need to resort to a fungicide. If so, apply neem oil according to package directions.

DEAR JESSICA: I have a question about cutting lawns short for the winter. I did so last month when you advised in your calendar, but since it has been so unseasonably warm, and since we have had a good amount of rain, it has grown back to a decent length. Should I consider cutting it short again? I'm leery of doing this, as I keep the lawn long all year to promote a good, strong root system. If I cut it back short more than once in preparation for winter, am I encouraging the root system to recede (as I think it would if I kept it cut short all year)? Or am I risking more damage by having long grass all winter, with bent and damaged blades from the snow? -- Andy Ball, Amityville

DEAR ANDY: If the grass has grown considerably since you last mowed it, you can cut it short again. No worries about the roots remaining shallow, because they're not growing very actively at this time of year and will enter dormancy soon.

DEAR JESSICA: I read your article about caring for houseplants. It is so true plants bring beauty and texture to your living space. I would like to add plants can add purpose and memories, too.

My mother, Gloria, passed away in October. She was a lifelong gardener and cared for many houseplants. Even when her health declined and she moved into an assisted living facility, she kept a container garden in her apartment. It gave her daily purpose and something to talk about with friends and relatives. When she returned from a hospital stay, the Christmas cactus bloomed, to our mutual surprise. The following day my mother passed away. She was a great person and loved to garden.

Now I have inherited the Christmas cactus and my grandmother's jade plant. I hope they will last a lifetime. I will always have the memory of my mom's sweet smile at the early bloom of the Christmas cactus. I am planning to create a garden at the assisted living center for the enjoyment and involvement of all who are there. Thank you for writing the story of having houseplants and allowing me to share my own. -- Glory Polinsky, Garden City

DEAR GLORY: Thank you for relating how big an impact plants can have in one's life. Your contribution of a garden to the assisted living facility is a beautiful testament to your mother and surely will spread joy to countless others for many years to come.