Dirt Therapy

Coleus "Defiance" and Variegated Plectranthus (Swedish Ivy) Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

The name sounds disgusting, doesn't it? Actually, they don't look that menacing when you see them on the plant. In fact, they can be easily mistaken for a cone or part of a plant. Don't be misled though - these devious critters are highly destructive and can kill a plant before you realize what has happened. There are different types of bagworms but the evergreen bagworm is the one addressed here. It is prevalent in the eastern U.S. and attacks evergreens such as arborvitae, red cedar, junipers, etc. Even decidious trees are vulnerable, however, damage is minimal to them because they shed their leaves. This is what they can do - Bagworms are actually the larvae of a moth. They are 1-2 inches long and create a cocoon made up of silk and bits of dead foliage and twigs. During the summer months, the larvae consumes plant foliage and retreats into the cocoon when disturbed. The larvae carries the cocoon (or bag) around and it larger and larger as they eat more and mor...

There is not much to report as far as blooms are concerned but due to some generous rainfalls during the past week, the garden is green and not as tired looking as it normally is this time of year. The heat and humidity, coupled with drought, is not a pretty picture. Of course, things would look better if I were out weeding, but this time of year I'm doing good to just get out and take photos. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Salvia 'Black and Blue' ( Salvia guaranitica ) (aka Blue Anise Sage, Brazilian Sage, Sapphire Sage) There are more varieties of salvia than you can shake a stick at and I love them all but if I could only choose one, this would be it. Salvia 'Black and Blue' is named for the color of the flowers - cobalt blue flowers that emerge from jet black calyces. These tubular flowers persist throughout the summer (plants can be sheared in mid-summer for fall bloom) and it is one of the top favorites of hummingbirds. Although the flowers are the star attraction, the foliage itself is quite nice. Light green fuzzy leaves are strongly scented with a sage-like fragrance. This salvia is considered somewhat tender but it has overwintered in my garden for the past four years. Mulch it heavily during the winter months and be sure you grow it in well-drained soil - wet feet will certainly kill it during the winter months. (Cameron at Defining Your Home, Garden & Travel advises...