Question
Hi,
Was cleaning out, weeding a neglected bed, generally dry.  Area has a Pittosporum tree, asparagus fern at base, also a concrete flue (upright) filled with snails, and a healthy rosemary plant.  In this corner, when I weeded it out, an overwhelming stench, of gasoline or kerosene came up out of the soil where I weeded.  I wondered if there was a sewer clean-out that was exposed, but the smell seemed to come from the ground.

Am wondering if there's a fungal infection of the Pittosporum (tree looks basically sound) or what the stench could be coming from.  Any ideas?

thanks,
Florence

Answer
There could be a number of causes, but I suspect that it is somethig rotting and it will not hurt the plants in that area.  See if the smell goes away in a couple of weeks.  If not, please respond back and we will try to determine the exact cause.  Thanks.