Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner. Call Consumer Q's hotline at 1-800- 282-5852.

Q: I have a large eucalyptus tree in my yard that needs to be pruned. I would like to know how to preserve the cuttings and keep them supple.

A: The best method for drying eucalyptus tree cuttings is to use glycerin, which is available at drug stores. Glycerin will not preserve the green color, but the foliage will retain its soft, pliable feel and can be painted or used naturally in arrangements. Foliage preserved with glycerin can be wiped or cleaned and last indefinitely. For detailed instructions please contact our office of consumer services at 1-800-282-5852. In our climate, it is best to prune eucalyptus in spring or summer.

Q: My mums are so bushy can I divide them? When is the best time to do this, and how is it done?

A: Chrysanthemums should be divided in the early spring, as soon as new shoots appear. Each new shoot, with roots attached, will become a brand new plant. Dig them up and cut the rootmass into sections, each with a single green shoot. By the end of the summer the new plants have grown many new stems, which can be divided the following spring.

Q: I would like to register a brand. What is the procedure? Is there a cost?

A: You will need to contact our office of Animal Health and provide them with your name and address. They will research the brand you submit to ensure that it has not already been registered. There is no charge for this service from our agency; however, you will have to also file this brand with your county where there is usually a filing fee to the probate judge. Our office of Animal Health can be reached at 1-800-282-5852.

Now is the perfect time to evaluate your landscape and make your fall planting list. Include several types of trees that bloom at different times. Here is a list of a few, small, flowering trees for our region, in approximate order of bloom, from early spring through summer into fall and even winter.

.. Rosebud: Masses of blooms along the branches of redbud are a sure sign that spring has arrived. The flowers appear before the leaves, so there's nothing to hide their splendor. Once the flowers fade, the vaseshaped trees take on its summertime mantle of deep green, heart-shaped leaves. USDA Zones 4-9.

.. Purple-leaf plum: Gorgeous, pale pink spring flowers and attractive reddish purple foliage make purple-leaf plum a standout. Reaching a height of up to 25 feet, it forms a striking focal point for island beds. Note that like most fruit trees, it is susceptible to a number of diseases and insect pests that can make the tree relatively short-lived. However, some gardeners report great success so it may be worth the risk.

.. Japanese cherry: Known for its abundant spring flower show, Japanese cherry grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet with a slightly narrower spread. 'Kwanzan' is a popular variety and produces large, rose-pink, pendant clusters of blooms.

.. Dogwood: The flowering dogwood is a spectacular tree, in recent years it has suffered setbacks from anthracnose disease, but in the right setting - moist, acidic soil in light shade - it should thrive. Another choice is the Kousa dogwood.

If you are not sure of your zone, contact the office of Consumer Services for assistance.

If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture write the Consumer Services Office, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 or call 1-800-282-5852.