in the book white lilacs what did grandfather do different in his ''garden eden''
This isn't really a gardening question so much as a literature question, is it? We at Gardening Know How have a strict no-help-with-homework policy, even for gardening-themed homework questions. I'd suggest you read the book - it's a good one!
Hi there. I have a lilac tree in my front garden and never took much notice of it until now. I've trimmed it back a few times, but should i be looking at cutting it right back to produce better for next season, although if i do that will i lose a season of flowering? Thanks
There is a proper time, and method for pruning these. This article will get you started: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/pruning-lilac-bushes-when-to-trim-lilac-bushes.htm
My lilac tree is about 15' tall and I am in the process of pruning it to about 6' tall.
You should "deadhead", prune off the spent flowers.
Nine foot height reduction of a 15 foot plant is very extreme and can be detrimental. The Best Management Practices standard for the tree and landscape industry is to not remove more than 25% of the foliage in a one year period. More than that is stressful for the plant physiology, and it destroys the natural form and beauty. And it will cause rampant regrowth that will require extra maintenance.
My 5-year-old lilac bush, ‘Sensation’, leaves are turning pale and curling. No signs of insects or fungus on this previously robust shrub. I dug in some Ironite around the base.
Did this happen after adding the ironite, or was this an attempt to correct the issue? This can be a pH, issue, but more commonly, there are infections that only affect the flowers.
Can you include photos? This will help me to see the issue. I can, then, give you the best advice about what to do.
In the meantime, this article will give you information about the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/lilac-care-growing-and-planting-lilac-bush-plants.htm
How can I get transplanted lilacs (ordinary ones) to grow into a privacy bush? Should I wait a year or two and then prune heavily? Except for the powdery mildew, they seem to be growing well. I want to hide my near neighbors air conditioning
Wait until next spring after bloom time, if you have any. This gets you in the habit of pruning lilacs annually which they need. By nature, lilacs sucker a lot so you should see new stems emerge next spring whether you prune or not. In fact, routine spring pruning includes removing excessive numbers of suckers. They crowd the interior, reduce airflow (making powdery mildew worse) and create so much shade that some interior branches lose their leaves. In order to preserve as many leaves so the slip can grow, perform only a heading cut on the long, slender branches. Consider removing one of the bushes; they are too close together for the large shrub.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/heading-cuts-in-pruning.htm
I have 3 bushes in a row & one has a beige colored area on the trunk near the base, along with a hole in the trunk. What could this be?
You might be looking at lilac borers. This page will tell you all about them:
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/lilac-borer-also-known-ash-borer
My lilac bush has a powdery mildew on several branches. Should I trim those branches off? Leaves don't look good.
It is safe to cut those branches. You will want to treat the plant, and the area around it though. There are several things you can do. Use wettable sulfur in the soil, these plant oils will also help: Lavender oil, garlic oil, rosemary oil, and neem oil are good treatment options. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm