Spring Q&A

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-623 -- More Projects »

Q: I have carpal tunnel syndrome, which makes gardening painful. Do you have any suggestions?

A: In recent years, various physical ailments collectively known as repetitive stress injuries have become more and more common. One of the most painful of the lot is carpal tunnel syndrome, an inflammation of the wrist and forearm. Even more familiar physical ailments such as arthritis can quickly take the joy out of gardening, because the pain of performing even simple tasks can be unbearable.

Figure A

Figure B

Tools with large diameter handles can make getting a grip easier and less painful, or you can slip a piece of foam pipe insulation over the existing handle to increase the diameter even more (figure A). Many savvy manufacturers now make complete lines of tools especially for people with physical handicaps, but these tools are also great for gardeners without injuries or ailments, because they allow you to work more efficiently. An ergonomically-designed trowel (figure B) provides maximum power with minimum effort. Simply slip your arm through the cuff and grip the handle, which gives you a tremendous amount of leverage but very little muscle strain. This manufacturer also makes a cultivator and a V-shaped hoe. Among pruners and loppers, you can find those that incorporate a ratchet mechanism. Rather than make a cut with one hard squeeze, these allow you to make several easy squeezes, which close the blades to make a nice, clean pruning cut.

Q: There's a ton of stuff falling from my trees. Do I need to clean it up?

A: This time of the year, it's not unusual for trees to shed all kinds of litter in the form of pollen, flower petals, the sheath in which the newly emerging leaves were hidden and protected and even small sticks. While all of this material may be unsightly, it's not necessarily something you need to get rid of. After all, it's organic matter; in no time at all, it will decompose and improve the soil. But if you have a lot of stuff falling from your trees, it can clog coils on air conditioners and the air filters on power equipment--especially mowers. Make sure you check your equipment often and clean AC coils and filters routinely.

Q: I noticed you like conifers. Have you planted any new ones lately?

Figure C

Figure D

A: Yes, and I must say they're cool conifers. For starters, a dwarf yellow yew (figure C) is unusual. Next to it is a dwarf Chamaecyparis called 'Golden Nymph'. Over the border is a Cryptomeria called 'Jindai', whose foliage and form are especially striking. Nestled in the boulder nearby is another dwarf Chamaecyparis known as 'Fernspray Gold' (figure D). I have another larger falsecypress--a gorgeous Hinoki with the name of 'Flabelliformis'.

Another Cryptomeria called 'Elegans Aurea' has a pleasant and slightly confusing common name, plume Japanese cedar. The last one is another Chamaecyparis , or falsecypress. It's a threadbranch variety called 'Mops'.

Q: I tried castor oil for moles, but it worked for only a month or two. What's the deal?

A: Emulsified castor oil repels only moles. While it definitely works, it doesn't work indefinitely. It lasts only a month or so--especially if you're the kind of gardener who waters a lot or if there is a lot of rainfall in your area. Like many other sprays that repel pests, it must be applied routinely throughout the year. Fungicidal sprays--especially all-natural ones--must ordinarily be applied every seven to 10 days to remain effective. The same is true of insecticides such as insecticidal soap.

Q: I don't see many ornamental grasses at your new house. Do you still like them?

A: I love ornamental grasses, and I have several clumps of them. I have some that I need to dig and divide, and now's the time to do just that. One of the nice things about grasses is that they're easy to dig up--just as new growth begins to appear--and replanted somewhere else.

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-623
•	Spring Gardening Chores and Planting Ball-and-Burlap Shrubs
•	Spring Q&A
•	Gardener's Math
•	Root Balls

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