Can someone please tell me what is going on with my Indian Hawthornes? I was pulling the bermuda out of the bed yesterday and moved some of the mulch from under the IH and there are TONS of roots mixed in the mulch. Is it possible that this bed is staying too wet and the roots are searching for air? I don't know what to do.
Nina

nina,

Hi, I am so sorry that these plants have been so problematic for you! I have had them at both of my locations and with the exception of that incredibly cold winter we had back in the '80s they have been quite hardy for me.

To tell for sure if you bed is too wet, you're just going to have to probe it and see. Howard recommends a fiberglass probe which has a metal "bullet" tip. I'm sorry I can't recall where he suggests getting those, but check around with some of the organic gardening centers. Otherwise, find something that you can stick into the ground and see what lies below the surface.

Be sure and post your findings.