March 5, 1999
Dothistroma Needle Blight
Austrian pines are particularly susceptible to Dothistroma needle blight. Austrian pines showing this disease arrive frequently in the Plant Disease Clinic. The causal organism is the fungus Mycosphaerella pini.
Indoor Topiary
Topiary or living sculpture was first created on outdoor trees and shrubs by the Romans. Tree or shrub topiaries have been practiced for centuries in many formal European gardens. However, this concept of living sculpture is a great way to grow and maintain several types of houseplants and tender herbs. While many different types of topiary have evolved since its creation by the Romans, three basic types of indoor topiary are pruned, hollow, and stuffed.