We're also the source for two other fine brands of plants: Jeepers Creepers® "Down Low and Fun to Grow" groundcovers and Rock Stars® "Cool Plants for Rock Gardens".

I'm feeling much more "back-in-the-saddle" now, and I must thank those of you that expressed your concerns and sent welcome-back greetings after a long personal hiatus. It feels great to once again be able to help gardeners to garden better. Fire away with your perennial gardening questions, please!

"Please, PLEASE do not use products containing Capsaicin [including chili peppers, chili flakes, chili powder, chili oil and many spice mixtures] to discourage animals from visiting your garden. They will step in it and then rub their faces/eyes. The consequent burning may cause them to mutilate themselves in order to try and make the burning stop. Please find alternative products. Get a dog, use chicken wire... anything, but do not be so cruel as to use a product that will cause hideous pain to another living creature."
Elaine — Aurora, Ontario

"I have a Rue plant [pictured above], and when I am bothered by cats I break off pieces about a foot in length and spread them around. It might not look that good, but it does keep the cats away. Also, when I prune the roses I keep the stems with thorns and put them around."
Evelyn — somewhere in Canada [CAUTION: Rue can cause severe rashes or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially in the presence of strong sunlight. Handle with care!]

"I think I have found the answer. Since early February when we started pruning, we have placed twiggy shrub cuttings and rose canes overtop of the cat's favourite spots. He then started using any bare earth area, so we just covered those too. As we plant the areas with annuals or perennials we just pick up the prunings. No more cat messes to deal with and the smell is much better! It's easy, eco-friendly and very cheap to try."
Maureen — somewhere in Canada

"My first solution was to use chicken-wire mesh. In the fall when I cleaned up the garden I laid the mesh down, covering all the exposed soil. The cats didn't use the garden for their litter box anymore because they didn't like walking on the mesh, nor could they dig up the soil. Eventually my garden had more and more perennials and it became difficult to put down the mesh. I then changed over to a layer of wood chips. So far the chips have discouraged the cats."
Wanda — Brantford, Ontario

"I keep the neighborhood cats away with a product called Catscat; each mat is made of spiked plastic and is put under the soil where cats like to dig for their litterbox. This works really well but can be costly if you need to deter them in a large garden, so I also use my rose cuttings. Also, if you have empty containers waiting for plants, try to keep the soil moist as cats dislike getting their paws wet. Another product that is out there is called Catstop and it's an ultrasonic unit that will keep cats away. I have yet to try this but have heard from friends that it works really well. Just to put cat lover's minds at ease, my Catscat mats and rose cuttings do not injure them, as they will only touch the area with their paws gently and not injure themselves."
Rhonda — Victoria, British Columbia

"I moved to my home ten years ago and the gentleman before had every stray cat in the neighbourhood visiting the yard, so we inherited the problem. The solution is an orange; well, not the whole thing, but the peel. It has a smell that cats hate. I was skeptical at first but tested it in my own cat, who definitely did not like having an orange put in his face. So... I tried it outside. Ten years later I am still cat-free in my yard and many of my friends say it works for them as well."
Carole — Etobicoke, Ontario

The suggestions to discourage cats were plentiful, and here is a breakdown of the most-reported methods:

• get a dog (6 entries)
• orange or citrus peels (5 entries)
• various black pepper or spice concoctions (5 entries)
• plant Rue (4 entries)
• use rose prunings (4 entries)

You can ask a perennial gardening question of your own by clicking the "Ask an Expert" link on the top of this newsletter. Due to time constraints, please — no questions on flowering shrubs, trees, evergreens, lawns, hydrangeas, roses, etc.

QUESTION: "I have two Yucca plants that did not bloom last year (our first summer in the house) and some leaves are brown. They are lying flat on the ground and ugly. I am ready to dig them out. Can they be revived? They're in a sunny location." Jennifer — London, Ontario

ANSWER: Yucca can look pretty beat up in the spring, depending on the location and the amount of snowcover or lack of it. It sounds like yours were squashed flat by snow, so give them some time to pick themselves back up. Just prune off any brown and ugly leaves right down at the base (be careful of your eyes, these are poky things!). New leaves should emerge over the summer.

I asked around at the office about vinegar as well as stronger acetic acid products, and our experience is pretty limited. So... contest time! If you've tried an acetic acid product please tell us how well it's worked or not worked. It can be regular vinegar (5%), pickling vinegar (6%) or one of the new regulated stronger formulations being sold for weed control. We'd also like to know, especially with the stronger products, whether you have experienced any problems from handling or breathing them.

This time we will DRAW for three lucky winners, and each will receive a signed copy of the Perennial Gardening Guide. Winners will be announced in the June newsletter, along with a sampling of your experiences.

Our best-selling book, the Perennial Gardening Guide (4th edition, March 2003) is a handy reference used by gardeners across North America — written by John Valleau, horticulturist for Heritage Perennials®. Available at your local Heritage Perennials® Dealer.