Garden Detective: fighting powdery mildew
Powdery mildew, shown here on a maple, is a fungal disease that can affect plants when moisture is high and air circulation is limited. Credit: Frantisek Soukup, Bugwood.org
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 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 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.
