Q. Two years ago, we planted 12 Knockout roses along our fence where they received sunlight most of the day. These plants flourished for two years. Earlier this spring we trimmed the plants and they started to show new growth. Then I noticed the new growth was nearly dead.

Q. I have lovely beds of ivy that have been here for years. About two years ago, a small section of it began to die back. I cannot see any disease that might cause this. We did remove a tree so the ivy gets a bit more sun than it used to. The sick area is expanding and I do not want to lose the ivy. How do I save these ivy beds? - Carol Landversicht, Chesapeake

Q. I want to grow partridge berry plants from rootings. How much sun and water will they take? - W. McPherson, Chesapeake  

Q. I take exception to your recommendation on the use of Sevin in your column Jan. 13. While you are correct in recommending the use of any pesticide at dusk to minimize the exposure to bees, the use of Sevin at any time is highly toxic to honeybees. It mimics pollen and will be picked up by the bees, returned to the hive and then kill the honeybee larvae when it is fed to them.