When agaves bloom, it’s a sight to behold

It's getting hot. Not only can I tell by stepping outside, I can tell by the questions coming my way at the Springs Preserve. Here are some recent concerns.

Flowering agaves: This is an exciting phenomenon for those never experiencing blooming agaves. They also are called century plants because it takes a long time to flower. Once flowered, the mother plant dies. People want to stop the death, but it's the nature of the breed. Flower stalks rise quickly 20- to 30-feet high and develop a candelabra with seedlings. New pups pop up near the mother plant to replace her.

Funnel-shaped holes in the sand: The inch deep and as wide holes suggest antlions or doodle bugs. Google "antlion" for images of these fascinating creatures and the pits they construct. Antlions position themselves at the bottom of the funnel in the sand, which becomes a trap for ants.

Black insect on grape leaves: It's the grape leaf skeletonizer doing the damage. Turn a few leaves over and if you find their larvae, go after them with a product containing Bt. Direct spray to the underside of the leaves.

Five-year-old lemon tree not bearing: Citrus takes as long as 10 years to come into full production, according to Dennis Swartzell of Horticulture Consultants. He fertilizes with citrus food around Valentine's Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day, spreading it out to the tree's dripline. He follows with a deep irrigation and deep waters thereafter to keep salts away from roots. Occasionally, he pokes a long screwdriver in the ground to see how deep the water penetrates; where it stops is how deep the water soaked. He wants moist soil a foot down.

Sap oozing from mesquite: Swartzell said oozing sap is usually associated with pruning wounds done incorrectly, meaning the plant can't heal right.

Holes in Canary Island date palm: The holes probably are caused by carpenter bees, Swartzell said. They saw out holes in dead tissue to build nests, but it's nothing to worry about. If the holes are down on the trunk, it might be spikes used to climb palms. Spikes are highly discouraged by the industry.

Moving a saguaro cactus: It's possible, but you must do four things to ensure survival, said Dave Turner of the Las Vegas Cactus and Succulent Society. Prepare the new site before moving the saguaro. Plant it at the same depth found at its original site -- any deeper, including the spines underground, is almost sure death. Prop it up with two-by-fours until new growth appears, and irrigate lightly, keeping moisture off the trunk to prevent diseases.

Dave and Chris Turner of Turner Greenhouse finally closed their nursery to pursue other interests. They want to thank those who supported their hobby. They've been pioneers introducing new and unusual cactuses and succulents into the valley, and they freely educated gardeners to be successful.

No fruit on new grapevines: It takes three years for grapes to come into full production. And if your vines grow fast, you're watering and fertilizing too much.

Bottle tree won't spread: This bottle tree (Brachychiton populneus) is a vertical-growing tree reaching more than 30 feet high, but doesn't spread like it does elsewhere. Lower branches drop if they can't get light. This evergreen makes an effective screen for hiding unwanted views.

One apricot tree OK, the other sick: In cases such as this, I'll find the good plant has emitters over the rootball while emitters on the other plant are beyond the rootball, so it dries because it isn't getting enough water. Dig down to check for dryness or wetness and move the emitters over the rootball.

Tomatoes under oleanders: I've seen people growing tomatoes under oleanders, which are poisonous, and they don't have any problems.

Mesquite tree meal: Right now mesquites are loaded with pods. Learn to use mesquite beans in your diet. Early Americans cherished these beans. E-mail me for a publication of recipes or attend a class Aug. 1.

FIRST CHOICE TREES ACCREDITED

First Choice Trees has received national accreditation from the Tree Care Industry Association. The association honors companies that are built on ethics, quality and consumer confidence. First Choice went through a review of several factors, including formal training and certification of employees, compliance with industry standards, consumer satisfaction, adherence to safety standards and insurance coverage.

Pro Tree and Davey Tree Service also are accredited.

Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.