Thoughts on pine cones

Q:   Is there a way to make pine cones open up? I have collected some to make a wreath but they do not seem to be fully open.

 A:     Place them on a cookie sheet and put them in a warm oven. The heat will cause the cones to open fully.

 Q:    I want to know how I can use rabbit waste.

 A:   Pile it up and let it dry. This will prevent it from burning what it is used on. Then top dress around plants with it or incorporate it into planting soil. You can also add it to a compost pile.\

Q:  What are the pros and cons of using pine bark mulch instead of cypress?

 A:  Both offer the same quality in reducing weeds, conserving water and insulating the soil. Pine trends to be less expensive. Pine bark is a by-product of pulp wood. Cypress trees are harvested and shredded just to make the mulch. Environmentally, it makes better sense to use pine mulch.