QUESTION: This fall I'd like to replace two hollies that were planted too close to the house and have overgrown their spot. I trim them every year, but now the trunk is so wide it looks odd. Should I remove them now and start getting the area ready for new shrubs?ANSWER: You've made the right decision to replace them.The best time to do this work is this fall, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be studying and thinking about it now. Many garden centers have excellent sales in late summer, and you might get a good price on your choice.Taking down the plants now is OK provided you are happy to live with the blank space through the summer.It also sounds like the size of those hollies means you'll require help getting them out. Hire someone to get the roots and base of the trunk as well. A grinder will do this. Otherwise, you will probably have more hollies sprouting from roots.The grinder will stir up the soil so you can easily improve it with compost and let it settle naturally prior to planting new shrubs. Make sure you look at the tag to find out the mature size of your new plants.———

QUESTION: I love alstroemeria and was able to find a plant at a garden store, but it had no instructions. I assume it would like a sunny area. What are some guidelines?ANSWER: Not so long ago, alstroemerias were seen only as cut flowers in flower shops and on restaurant tables.The pretty, long-lasting flowers are a major part of their appeal. But with warmer winters, alstroemerias have begun to show up as potted plants for flower beds. As a general rule, they are hardy to 5 degrees, but some strains might be more tender.Set out your plant in full sun or part shade, in moist, well-drained soil. A slow-release fertilizer or regular applications of a liquid fertilizer and steady water will keep the plants growing and prevent leaves from turning yellow.Cover the roots with a light mulch, especially if your garden gets the hot, afternoon summer sun. You should get more flowers this summer, but the plant may spend its energy getting adjusted to its new place. Remove all flowers before they go to seed so energy isn't wasted on that activity.Should harsh weather under 10 degrees loom, cover the root zone with an extra layer of mulch for the time being.———Beware of tomato leaf blight. This fungus damages leaves. A fungus named Alternaria solani causes the common infection on tomato leaves called early blight.It shows up first as dark brown spots that develop concentric rings outlined with a yellow halo. They move up the plant after starting on the lowest leaves. This fungus causes leaves to fall off. Plants become less vigorous and bear fewer tomatoes than normal.Pick off all infected leaves.Don't let them sit on the ground, because they are full of fungus. Spray the clean foliage with a product that states on the label it works against early blight on tomatoes.By MCT News Service