Most chemicals will deter deer to some extent. However, when the population is high (as it is now due to the mild winters recently), a dog or a fence may be the only cure. Rhododendrons with a heavy indumentum (fuzz on the underside of the leaves) are not popular with deer and are usually not bothered. Some of the cultivars known as "Yaks" have this indumentum. Among the most popular plants are 'Mist Maiden' and 'Ken Janek.

Azaleas are rhododendrons, part of the Ericaceae or Heath family. Plants commonly called azaleas have thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves. The plants commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas are different enough, however, that they seldom cross-breed. Deciduous azaleas lose all their leaves in winter and are genetically different enough from the evergreen types that they rarely cross breed. Cultural requirements are pretty much the same for all rhododendrons, including the deciduous azaleas.

There is alot of homegrown and official advice on what you can do to keep deer from eating your plants. There's also lots of things you can buy that claim to repel deer. But, deer will anything if they're hungry enough. You can spend alot of money on repellants. People have mixed results with repellants, which seem to be affected by deer populations and food supply (deer will eat anything if they're hungry enough), to operator error -- oops, forgot to reapply after it rained.

Small leaf rhododendrons generally have thicker, darker green leaves. Azaleas' leaves tend to be hairy. long as the cultivar is known and is one that is adapted to the region, it doesn't matter where it is purchased so long as it is a healthy plant.

No, they will grow well next to the house so long as there is not mortar or other alkaline material mixed in with the fill around the house. They should also be planted far enough away from the house so they have room to grow normally and the roof overhang doesn't prevent them from getting the moisture necessary for growth.

There are number of effective companion plants to use in the landscape with rhododendrons and azaleas, both to extend the flowering season and provide contrasts with either the flowers or foliage of the rhododendrons and azaleas. Some of the best trees and shrubs are dogwood (Cornus), mountain laurel (Kalmia), and holly (Ilex), along with many of the conifers. Bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus), daffodils (Narcissus), and lilies (Lilium) work well in these situations.

First of all, only self-pollinated species and hybridizers' crosses should be grown from seed. Hybrids will not come true from seed. That said, Rhododendron yakushimanum may bloom in only 2-3 years, slower ones may take up to 7 years.

New England gardeners are not alone in being plagued by large, hungry creatures with antlers; but it's still a very serious problem in many areas. When the question was presented to the New England Gardening Forum, some Garden Web members respond

Since these plants bloom on previous year's wood, they should be pruned after they bloom or else you will sacrifice flower buds. Pruning should be done within six weeks after blooming. This is also a good time to feed them. We recommend Merrifield Flowering Plant Food, a high phosphorous formula that will promote flowering. These plants should be pruned in the early spring before the new growth begins to emerge. Bigleaf, Oakleaf and Climbing Hydrangeas are an exception to this rule.

BOB: There are several temporary solutions such as human hairballs and commercial deer repellents, and we've had luck planting shrubs that aren't "preferred" deerfood, but it will actually take good deer-fencing to keep deer away. Also see our Pests webpage with a section on deer.

You can visit your local garden center for information about spray-on repellants. Alternatively, you can try creating your own repellent, like the one in our Newsletter, Fall 2004.

There are many things you can try to prevent deer from chewing your garden. If you have a fence around your property, deer tend not to try to jump it. They go to find easier food. Other, less drastic and costly solutions include sprays, noise makers, and even electric trip wires. A more natural approach to try is to plant lots of daffodils in and around your garden. Deer hate daffodils and usually stay far away from them.

Most plants with a milky sap or fragrant foliage are avoided by deer. That said, deer don't read lists!

I don't recommend it. Cleansing is a wonderful opportunity for you to tune into what your body really wants and needs. Be kind to yourself. Most people want to feel healthy after the program.

There are common household remedies that sometimes work. Hang mothballs, strong soap or human hair in nylon stockings on the plants, or place chickenwire on the ground around the plants. Commercial deer repellents, available at the Nature Center Store, are the most effective when used consistently.

Prune immediately after blooming in the spring, but no later than September 1 or you will get little or no blooms the following spring.

Easing into it is the best approach. Start slow. A plant-based diet is an excellent option for a diabetic. The book has several recipe options that are ideal for diabetics. Only the sport-specific ones need to be limited or avoided by diabetics. Many of the recipes in The Thrive Diet are excellent for anyone who is looking to stabilize blood sugar levels, including type-2 diabetics.

Eating disorders can start out as innocent habits of weight control but can easily spin out of control. Constant concern about weight and body image can become the main thing that you think about, and before you know it these obsessions are affecting everything you do. Unfortunately our society places such importance on image and looks that it is not hard to see why some people become completely preoccupied with these kinds of thoughts.

BOB: The best "rule of thumb" is to prune them within 30 days after they finish blooming. This will allow them time to form new flower buds for next year. [More about pruning shrubs] BOB: Golf courses use a variety of grass (bentgrass) that can withstand short mowing. Your home lawn needs to be cut at 2-1/2 to 3 inches. Remember: The longer the blade the deeper the roots.