AboutLong Island Gardener Expertise Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
Question Hi, I recently purchased a small potted plant of Stargazer Lillies. They're actually for my mother for Mother's Day but neither of us know anything about caring for them. How often should they be watered? do they need direct sunlight? if i can, when should i plant it outside? [The plant is currently about 6 inches tall with 4 out of 5 of its flowers out in full bloom.]
Answer 'Stargazer' is one of the best selling Oriental Lilies of all time, right up there with 'Casablanca.' Follow the basic care you would give any Oriental Lily.
In my region -- Long Island, New York -- that would mean keeping it in the pot probably for the rest of the week, to enjoy its lovely fragrance in whatever room gets the most traffic, and then as it fades, removing the blossom and planting it outside in a VERY Sunny location.
Until then, it should be kept OUT of the windowsill and shielded from Sun. That's the best way to prolong the beautiful raspberry flowers it produces.
It is difficult to grow Lilies in the South, so if this is your location, please let me know and I'll revise instructions for care and handling. Thanks for writing.
