Cure for rotting stokesia

Q: There is a snake that gets into my shed. How can it be dealt with?

 A: Look for a point of entry and seal the hole. You can set out glue traps and the snake will become stuck in a trap. Snakes do control rodents. As long as it stays out of  your storage area I would let it be.

Q: My stokesia has rotted in the center. What caused this problem?

 A: Many plants that grow in a rosette form are susceptible to crown rot. This is a disease that will attack the base of the plant. Too much water and too much mulch around the plant can encourage the disease. If you have other Stokes asters, you may want to give them an application of fungicide.