phylla's absolutely right about preparing beds in new construction yards. Another thing to consider is that since much of the new construction is on tracts of former farmland, you run into what's known as 'plow pan', 12-18" down. An area of very compacted soil and rocks that needs to be broken through before planting shrubs. The very act of construction with its attendant heavy machinery, materials storage and parking on the land will create areas of severe compaction of the soil that will lie just below whatever top soil/clay the builder adds before grassing. So, rule of thumb for new construction yards is to dig deeper and wider than you think necessary to plant.

Thank you. I'll stop pulling off the yellow leaves. Before I saw the posts, I watered it a little, since I haven't watered it for two weeks now, and was feeling a little worried it wasn't getting enough water. I only gave it half of what I normally give my lilies, since the soil was really dry. I wasn't expecting my plant to grow new buds, but I just didn't want it to die lol. I'll check the bulb later this year, hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst lol. The store did treat their lilies quite poorly, and this one was one of the best, though it seems to be doing poorly. How long should I stay away from watering it? It's still pretty green and glossy on the leaves that aren't yellow (there's like 85% green) It might also be overcrowding. There was three lilies in that tiny plastic store-plant-pot thing. I planted them in a much bigger pot now.

Hi, I have a similar problem. I have had my plumeria for three years; it was growing beautifully... until now. It appears as though the problem might have been caused by a bird who enjoyed sitting on one of the 2 main branches. It, apparently, pecked at my tree and it began rotting from that open wound down. There are 3 smaller branches that are healthy and unaffected. They have been cut off and re-potted. I cut the branch down to where it is healthy again, but should I cut it more... to the spot where this branch joins the main trunk, or do I keep it cut where it is? I'm wondering what would be most beneficial for re-growth in the future. Help!!! Thanks!

That is probably your problem, a plant left in a cold car for even 5 minutes can cause significant damage. If the plant was not packed with a heat pack then it definitely got damage on the trip. It is nobody's fault but the seller should probably not be shipping this time of year, especially if the plant was grown in a greenhouse. They should also have unpotted the plant and shipped it bare root if you live in Texas. Some states are very strict about soil crossing their borders, Texas is one of them. Side note: That's why I try to always carry a styrofoam box in my car for all of those cart jumpers I seem to find at 40 degrees outside with 10 other places still to go.