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Putrid plant returns to D.C.

By Mike McGrath

UPDATE: Friday – 7/12/2013, 11:59 am ET

The titan arum is about to bloom. The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory will have extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15. For more information, visit the United States Botanic Garden website.

EARLIER: Friday – 07/12/2013, 10:35 am ET

WASHINGTON – Here’s a story that stinks worse than some of my bits. As I write this, the famed titan arum is predicted be currently in bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Also known as the “corpse flower” or “stinky plant” for the horrible scent it gives off to attract the flies that pollinate its flowers, this rare, unusual and amazingly huge plant native to the rain forests of Sumatra went on display Thursday, with peak bloom anticipated to occur this weekend.

But if you want to see – and perhaps smell

Tools to protect decks, fruit trees, young plants and grass

By Mike McGrath
Carpenter bees: You can keep your deck and enjoy their pollinating powers Bill in Indian Head writes: “Do you have any tips on deterring wood-boring bees? They’re doing a number on my wood-frame front porch and are elusive when I try to spray them or swat them down with a broom.” Carpenter bees don’t sting and are hugely effective pollinators, so please stop trying to kill them. Instead, pick up some blocks of untreated pine, cedar or other soft wood. Drill 1-inch to 2-inch deep starter holes into them with a 5/8-inch drill bit and then hang these “nesting boxes” in nearby areas facing south or east.
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