Question: I was not able to plant all my bulbs this fall, especially the daffodils. Will these bulbs remain viable until next fall?

        Answer: You can store the unplanted daffodil bulbs in a plastic bag in a cool garage, basement refrigerator or some area where they will not freeze. In April, as soon as the soil has thawed, plant the bulbs and they will bloom in May and June. I know this method will work with daffodil bulbs, but I'm not sure if it will with other varieties.

        Q: How can I prevent the growth of algae and slime in my birdbaths?

        A: Birdbaths and fountains should be cleaned periodically to control dirt, bird droppings, leaves and scum. Use a stiff scrubbing brush and soapy water. Borax or a mild solution of household bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water) may be added to the soapy solution. Scour, rinse and refill with fresh water. Glycerine is sometimes recommended as an additive for keeping birdbath water from freezing. Do not use it. Glycerine is harmful to birds.

        Q: How much sunlight, water and so on does a jasmine need to flower? Should I pinch it back?

        A: Keep your jasmine plant in full sun during the winter months and semi-shade during the summer. Most jasmines require a minimum temperature of 55 degrees when grown indoors. They also need a growing medium of equal parts loam, coarse sand and peat moss. Keep the soil evenly moist most of the year. Less water is needed during the winter. Jasmine produce either white or yellow tubular flowers in clusters either at the tips of branches or in leaf axils. You can pinch back these plants to form bushier, more shrub-like growth of leaders and branches for flowering.

        Q: Is removing faded lilac blossoms beneficial to the plant?

        A: If your lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is robust and growing vigorously, don't bother to remove the faded flowers. If, however, your lilac is not in the best health, preventing seed set by early removal of faded flowers will give the plant more strength.

        Q: How much shade can an Exbury azalea withstand and still flower well?

        A: No azalea can withstand dense shade. The Exbury azalea is a sun-loving, deciduous hybrid. It will not bloom in heavy shade. At least a half day of full sun is necessary for good flowering.

        Contact Tim Morehouse at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202; www.getmoregarden.com. If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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