DEAR GRUMPY

We live in Central Florida, and our avocado tree is 60 feet tall. How can we top the tree so that the avocados don't hang so high up?

-  STEVE BENDER

Do you own a helicopter? If so, you could harness up your husband, hand him a chain saw, and lower him down. What could go wrong? If not, you'll have to do something boring like hiring a professional tree service to prune it, but you'll be doing this again and again, as 60 feet is the natural height for regular avocado trees. A better option is to plant a dwarf avocado like 'Little Cado. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall.

Sad-Looking Gardenia

I bought a gardenia plant in the summer. It was doing well, but some of the leaves are turning yellow and falling off. Help! -ISMAEL

Just chill out, buddy. Older foliage of gardenias and other broadleaved evergreens naturally turns yellow and drops during this time of year. But it'll be replaced come spring.

Elephant's Ear Emergency

I live in Richmond, Virginia, and planted an elephant's ear bulb in the spring. Can I leave it outside this winter? Or should I dig it up and store it to replant next season? -LORRAINE

 Overwintering an elephant's ear outdoors in your area is iffy. It might come back but might not. A surer way to save it is to dig up the bulb now; place it inside a small bag; and store it in a cool, dry place indoors until you're ready to plant next spring when daytime temperatures reach the seventies.

Burned Up About Snakes