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Season's Greetings to all! Sorry I've been off line for a bit with computer problems, etc., but I'm back and eager to help all with there gardening, nature and pest questions.

Greg Quinn's thought for the day: If it's zero degrees outside today and it's supposed to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold is it going to be?

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Greg, I have three holly bushes. Two bloom with berries (now) but the third never blooms. It is now huge, about 5-6 ft tall and 4 ft across. What can I do to assist in bringing this monster back to reality. Ed

Ed, It may already be in "reality" mode. If it is a male it won't produce berries. In the spring take some of the flowers into your garden center or the cooperative extension and they should be able to "gender" them for you.

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Greg- I heard a partial answer to a question today and I am very interested in the solution. I have woodpeckers attacking my house. I know you said it was a territory issue - but I did not hear what the solution was that would send them to attack my neighbor's house. I have about 25 spots on the front of my house that have holes.

I can't guarantee that they will attack your neighbors house but the solution to get them away from yours is to tie helium filled Mylar balloons on a string long enough to reach the area of their activity. The breeze blown, shiny balloons will scare them away from that spot.

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Hello Greg - I really enjoy your segment on HUD. It comes on just as I'm switching from my car to the express bus to get to work and I almost miss the bus because I want to hear the next answer. My question is- I have 17 Dark American Arborvitae(Thuja occidentalis Nigra). My reference books are very general. I want to know how big this exact one will grow. Also, I want to continue this fence line of greenery (full sun). What would you recommend that would not exceed 6 feet or so? I live in Buchanan.-Thanks-Sally

Hi Sally, If you miss the bus, let me know I'll write you a note. The Black American Arbs. can grow to 15-18 feet if they have optimum conditions. If you want to "keep" them a a certain height, you must begin top pruning when they reach that height. It's almost impossible to bring them back down to a given height. There are many evergreens that will grow tall. White pines, frazier firs and hemlocks will grow fairly quickly and spruces will grow much more slowly.

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i have a couple of plants that i transplanted last spring ( one is i believe a purple passion? and the other is some type of fern). they are not growing well at all. when i cut some of the longer growths and root them in water they do fine. when i put them into the dirt, they die. i used a generic potting soil. when i go to the stores, i see "house plant" soil. i occasionally use miracle grow with no affect. what can you suggest?thank you-greg,

It's hard to diagnose the problem from your information. Specific plants need specific growing conditions i.e., light, watering, fertilizer, etc. I would need more information about the type of plants you have and the exact growing conditions they are in.

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our lawn seems to be increasingly dying in a very large area. we kept it watered and even seeded but the damage is still spreading. a friend mentioned the possibility of grubs. do you have any ideas?thanks.

It sounds like grubs to me too. Try applying "Merit" according to label directions in the spring on the whole lawn.

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Hi Greg, I have two questions. I have three citrus two orange and one lemon. Each tear they have leaf drop when I bring them indoors. How should I take care of them through out the winter. I have a four seasons green house facing south. It generally takes all summer to regain its leaves. They currently are bearing fruit. Second question. How is the best and easiest way to get rid of zoyias grass? Thanks Frank from North Salem

The problem with the leaf drop is shock. You need to gradually introduce them to the drastically different environment of the indoors with the heat on and humidity low from the outdoors with high humidity. 2. Dynamite? Seriously, try applications of roundup every two weeks for a couple of months during the growing season.

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Sorry Greg, The type of tree was in the subject of my e-mail and I didn't repeat it. trees are Giant Sequoia or Gigantea sierra redwood. They are from northern California. Do I have any chance in this climate? Thanks again. Cathy Possenti, Lake Peekskill

Hi Cathy, I have never know of a successful Giant Sequoia or Gigantea sierra redwood transplant in this area. Sorry.

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Greg; Hope you had a great Thanksgiving? When is the best time to cut rosa sharon trees. My trees have gotten rather tall and full. I'd like to cut them down 2 feet. Thanks, Jan

Jan, Thanks, I ate just enough to feed a small island country for a week. Your Rose-of-Sharon should be cut in the early spring and you can cut it quite hard if you need to.

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We have two hydrangea plants facing east , they grow large and healthy but do not flower. can you help us out ? What are your pruning practices?

Hydrangea should NEVER be pruned from the top, especially the dead looking stuff in the fall. You may thin them out if necessary.