The Norfolk library hosted Michelle Winkler, the Litchfield County Master Gardener coordinator, on May 14 for an open session of “ask the gardener.” Home gardeners came with questions on everything from pruning to deer-resistant plants and the best grass for a low maintenance lawn (hint: fescue to the rescue).

Winkler, a firm believer in the motto “right plant, right place,” encourages gardeners to contact the Litchfield County Master Gardeners program for free assistance. Office hours for phone consultations (860-626-6240) or walk-in visits to their UConn office at 843 University Dr. in Torrington are Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Checking out a diseased plant or strange insect? Please be sure to bring them in a sealed bag or jar. Another option is to email images and a description of the problem and any other relevant information to  LitchfieldMasterGardeners@uconn.edu. Helpful fact sheets on a wide variety of topics are available online at www.ladybug.uconn.edu.

The June “weed of the month” according to Winkler is definitely garlic mustard. This invasive grows in sun or shade and can quickly replace all native plants. Don’t be afraid to be ruthless. “Be sure to pull plants before they produce seeds,” she warns, “as each plant can produce up to 1,000 seeds that can stay viable in the ground for years.”