Spring Cleaning for the Birds

SuperUser Account — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:29:41 GMT

Birds will sing your praises if you give them a clean place to live this spring. • Remove debris, old nesting materials, and dead insects from nest boxes and birdhouses. These can be breeding grounds for parasites that kill young birds. • Check for items that could harm birds, such as exposed nails, slivers, damaged roofs, and split posts. • Before purchasing new boxes, make sure the top or one side of the birdhouse is hinged or lifts out for easy cleaning.Photo courtesy of Tracy Walsh

Regional Gardening Tips

SuperUser Account — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:00:55 GMT

Wonder what region you live in? See our map here or visit the “Site Specific” column in each issue of Gardening How-To.Pacific Northwest• Start cool-season transplants (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce) under lights. In about three weeks, move them to a protected place outside during the day, bringing them in at night. After a week of this treatment, leave them out in a protected spot before planting them. • Clean up dead leaves and debris in your flower beds and divide summer-blooming perennials. Be on the lookout for slugs and slug eggs; getting rid of them now will leave fewer chewed leaves later. • Add fruit to your landscape. Bare-root plants are available now for considerably less than potted ones will cost later in the season.Southwest • Beware of closeout sales on bare-root trees and shrubs. The chance of survival is low on bare-root plants this late in the season. Best bets for now are container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees and shrubs. • Shear back freeze-damaged plants just as new growth begins to show. Shear off only parts that are damaged. • Fertilize non-native trees and shrubs with slow-release or organic fertilizers.Midwest/Mountain• Pot up tender bulbs of tuberous begonias, caladiums, dahlias, and canna lilies in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Discard any that have rotted in storage. • Pot up, cut back, and water geraniums that you stored in cool, dark conditions over the winter. • Order perennial and summer bulbsNortheast • On trees, shrubs, and vines, prune off and destroy cankered twigs and dead branches. Prune shortly before budbreak, or wait until just after leaves have expanded. • Thin bramble plantings (raspberries, blackberries, etc.) to increase air circulation and reduce stem and leaf diseases. • Check for tan gypsy moth egg masses on tree trunks and branches. Scrape or brush off and destroy.Southeast • Mulch strawberries with pine straw as soon as they start blooming. • Get your mower blade sharpened and start your regular mowing regime. • After camellias and azaleas finish blooming, fertilize them with 2 to 3 pounds of azalea-camellia fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area. (Follow package instructions.)

They keep growing…and growing

SuperUser Account — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:40:35 GMT

Unlike other flowers, tulips keep growing after they’re cut. Stems grow upward—often an inch or more—while flowers grow toward the light. The flowers open wide during the day and close at night. Here are four tips to help you enjoy long-lasting tulip bouquets:1. Use a clean vase with fresh, cold water. 2. Trim the stem ends with a sharp, clean knife before arranging flowers. 3. Top off water daily. 4. Keep away from sources of heat, direct sunlight, drafts and very dark locations.

What’s New in Outdoor Living

SuperUser Account — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:30:37 GMT

In the March/April 2008 issue of Gardening How-To, we showed you nine new outdoor living products that will make you want to stop weeding and start living. Here’s even more about the latest products in outdoor living. Click on photos to enlarge.Colorful lamps Light up your outdoor living space with Candela portable lamps. These rechargeable lamps emit a soft candle-like glow for up to five hours—and make great take-along night lights. www.SimplySmartLiving.com Copper fire pit If your space is limited, a portable outdoor copper fire pit is a perfect way to add warmth and coziness to your outdoor room. The fire pit comes in three sizes and uses wood or charcoal. www.homeinfatuation.com Pebble placemats Add a rustic touch to your outdoor dining table with beach stone placemats—created completely by hand using polished river rocks. When occasional wind gusts sends ordinary mats flying, these pebble mats will remain in place. www.homeinfatuation.com Glitter globes Float these vibrant glitter globes in your pool, spa, or tabletop water feature to add sparkle to your outdoor room. www.game-group.com Electric grillIf you are dreaming of an outdoor kitchen but don’t have the budget or space, try this portable outdoor grill. It’s perfect for smaller decks, patios, and balconies. www.homeinfatuation.com

What’s New in Outdoor Living

SuperUser Account — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:30:37 GMT

What’s New in Outdoor Living

SuperUser Account — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:30:37 GMT

EVENTS March April 2008

SuperUser Account — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:07:41 GMT

CALIFORNIAMarch 12-16: San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, Daly City. See orchids, kid-designed container gardens, and much more. $20. Cow Palace, 206-789-5333, http://www.gardenshow.com. DELAWARE April 17-19: Trillium Symposium, Wilmington. Two days of trillium—the biology, ecology, and conservation of these woodland flowers—with an optional field trip on the third day. $195 before 1/31/08. Mt. Cuba Center, 302-239-4244 x 212, www.trilliumsymposium2008.org. IDAHOApril 26: Spring Plant Sale, Boise. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees, and native and drought-tolerant plants for sale. Refreshments. $1 donation. Idaho Botanical Garden, 877-527-8233, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. ILLINOISMarch 8-16: Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show, Rosemont. Theme gardens, seminars, culinary demonstrations, and workshops, as well as a juried art show. $12 weekday, $14 weekend. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 773-435-1250, chicagolandflowerandgarden.com. MASSACHUSETTSApril 26: Earth Day Festival, Framingham. Springtime festivities hosted by the New England Wild Flower Society. Free. Garden in the Woods, 508-877-7630, www.newenglandwild.org. MICHIGANFebruary 28-March 2: West Michigan Home & Garden Show, Grand Rapids. Flower show, display gardens, free seminars, a marketplace, and more. $9. DeVos Place, 800-328-6550, www.showspan.com. PENNSYLVANIA March 2-9: “Jazz It Up!”: Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia. Flowers meet jazz at the oldest flower show in the U.S. $22 in advance. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 215-988-8800, http://www.theflowershow.com. TEXASMarch 15-31: Nacogdoches Azalea Trail, Nacogdoches. More than 20 miles of self-guided tours, plus a plant sale, garden party, and symposium. Free. Driving tours start at Visitors’ Center, 200 E. Main St., 888-OLDEST-TOWN, www.visitnacogdoches.org. WISCONSINApril 18-May 8: Leaf Mulch Sale, Madison. Shredded, composted leaves sold in bags or in bulk. $6 per bag. Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 608-246-4550, www.olbrich.org. CANADAMarch 26: An Ecological Vegetable Garden, Guelph, Ontario. Tips for making your garden more productive and easier to handle, from composting to post-harvest cleanup. Register by March 12. $50. The Arboretum at the University of Guelph, 519-824-4120 x 52113, www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum. CANADAApril 27: 30th Annual VanDusen Plant Sale, Vancouver, BC. More than 40,000 plants for sale. Free. VanDusen Botanical Garden, 604-878-9274, www.vandusengarden.org.

Web Links March/April 2008

SuperUser Account — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:58:57 GMT

Web Resources March/April 2008 Garden Variety, page 10 Garden Spot:Huntsville Botanical Garden, www.hsvbg.org Luck o’ the Irish:Park Seed Co., www.parkseed.com.Wayside Gardens, www.waysidegardens.com Supporting Role:Mailorder Gardening Association, www.mailordergardening.com Plant Pick:Arrowhead Alpines, www.arrowheadalpines.com Lazy S’s Farm & Nursery, www.lazyssfarm.comPine Ridge Gardens, www.pineridgegardens.com Site Specific, page 24Resources for Pacific Northwest:Sources for Alchemilla ellenbeckii:Goodwin Creek Gardens, www.goodwincreekgardens.com Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose, OR, www.joycreek.com Sources for Sisyrinchium ‘Devon Skies’:Forestfarm, Williams, www.forestfarm.com Sunlight Gardens, www.sunlightgardens.com Resources for Northeast:Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com John Scheepers, Bantam, www.johnscheepers.com Resources for Southeast:Source for ‘Charlotte Bishop’ starflower:Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.comPlant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com Resources for Southwest:Sources for Tulipa kaufmanniana ‘Fritz Kreisler’ and other small flowers:McClure & Zimmerman Quality Flowerbulb Brokers, www.mzbulb.comVanEngelen Inc., www.vanengelen.com Resources for Mountain/Midwest:Shooting Star Nursery, www.shootingstarnursery.comSource for Dicentra cucullaria:Asiatica Nursery, www.asiaticanursery.com Easyliving Wildflowers, www.easywildflowers.com Live Life Outdoors, page 34Products from Home Infatuation, www.homeinfatuation.com: Elaine Smith striped outdoor pillow Outdoor patio table light Orange outdoor dinner plate Outdoor wicker patio lights Ceramic beverage tub Outdoor wall art Plastic outdoor area rugs Tuffex and Elite unbreakable polycarbonate stemware:SmartLiving Companies, www.simplysmartliving.com LCD TV with deck/planter pole:SunBrite TV, www.sunbritetv.com Garden Profile, page 44To order John Spain’s book—Growing Winter Hardy Cacti in Cold/Wet Climate Conditions (Elisabeth Harmon, 1997)—write to him at 69 Bayberry Road, Middlebury, CT 06762. Cost is $15 (includes shipping). Sources of winter-hardy cacti:Christa’s Cactus, 529 W. Pima, Coolidge, AZ 85228, 602-723-4185.Desert Nursery, 1301 S. Copper, Deming, NM 88030, 505-546-6264.Intermountain Cactus, 1478 N. 750 East, Kaysville, UT 84037, 801-546-2006.Mesa Garden, www.mesagarden.com Plantasia Cactus Gardens, 867 Filer Ave. W., Twin Falls, ID 83301, 208-734-7959. Tool Shop, page 54Sources for broad-brimmed straw hats:San Francisco Hat Co., www.sfhat.com SunGrubbies, www.sungrubbies.com Source for flap/legionnaires hats:SunGrubbies, www.sungrubbies.com Sources for bucket caps:e4Hats, Fullerton, CA, e4hats.com Sloggers Garden Outfitters, www.sloggernews.com Source for cowboy hats:Sheplers, www.sheplers.com Source for Tilley hats:Tilley Endurables, www.tilley.com Backyard Wildlife, page 60For information on home apiaries:Backyard Beekeepers Association, www.backyardbeekeepers.com/index.html

Snap a photo and Win

SuperUser Account — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:13:54 GMT

We’re looking for your best garden photos—plant portraits, borders and beds, garden structures and ornaments, and other favorite scenes from your garden. Photos will be judged on composition, sharpness and focus, unusual and creative perspective, interesting subject matter, and appealing color and texture.“The deadline for the Photo Contest was July 1, 2008. We are no longer accepting entries. Winners will be printed in the November/December 2008 issue of Gardening How-To.”2007 Winner: Life Member Lorraine Gunn; Mount Pleasant, SC Prizes:First Prize: Swift 825 Eaglet Binoculars from Swift Sport Optics, www.swift-sportoptics.com. Value: $530 Second Prize: The AeroGarden Pro 100 and Salad Chef Pack seed kit from AeroGrow, www.aerogrow.com. Value: $209 Third Prize: $100 gift card from Lee Valley Tools, www.leevalley.com. Value: $100 Honorable Mention: Organic fertilizers, wild bird seed, deer repellent, and flower pots from TerraCycle, www.terracycle.net. Value: $75 Submissions• Send no more than three photos per member. • We accept color slides (original 35 mm or larger), high-quality prints, and digital images. • With each print, slide, or digital image, please include your name, address, daytime phone number, and member number. Describe the people in the photo (if any) and their relationship to you, and provide common and botanical names (if known) for all plants. Please label each slide or print clearly; do not tape them together. • Photos must be of your own garden (not public parks or gardens) and must be taken by you.“The deadline for the Photo Contest was July 1, 2008. We are no longer accepting entries. Winners will be printed in the November/December 2008 issue of Gardening How-To.” • We regret that we cannot return any materials or acknowledge receipt of entries.Photo guidelines and tips • Gardens photograph best in early morning, late afternoon, or on hazy days. Avoid shooting in bright sunlight. • Use a tripod or set your camera on something solid for sharp focus. • Don’t include distracting elements, such as stray garden hoses or garbage cans, in the photograph. • Don’t use special effects or shapes in cropping, and make sure your camera’s time/date stamp is turned off.Guidelines for digital photos • Digital photos must be shot at the highest resolution possible, using a 2.5 megapixel camera or higher, and formatted as a JPEG. • If you send photos by e-mail, please send as attachments rather than embedding them into the body of the message. Do not send links to photo Web sites. • If you print out digital photos, use high-quality photographic paper. Print photo 5 by 7 inches or larger. • If you send a CD, please label CD and case. • Do not send digitally compressed or “zipped” photos. • If you have more than one digital entry, send each photo in a separate e-mail.Official RulesOpen to members of the National Home Gardening Club (NHGC). No additional purchase is necessary. Employees of NHGC, Swift Sport Optics, AeroGrow, Lee Valley Tools, TerraCycle, their affiliates, subsidiaries, agencies, and suppliers and the families of each are not eligible. Void in PR, Quebec, and where prohibited by law. Entries must be postmarked or e-mailed on or before 7/1/08. No responsibility is assumed for lost, late, damaged, illegible, postage-due, or misdirected entries. All photos become the property of NHGC and will not be returned or acknowledged. Photos will be judged on composition, sharpness and focus, unusual and creative perspective, interesting subject matter, and color and texture. The judges reserve the right to adjust and modify photos prior to publication. NHGC judges' decisions concerning all matters related to this contest are final. Winners will be selected on or about 8/1/08. Winners will be notified by mail on or about 8/15/08. Winners will be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and publicity release. Submission of an entry and/or acceptance of a prize grants NHGC the exclusive, perpetual right to publish, use, edit, adapt, modify, and/or copy the entry for any and all purposes in any and all media currently in existence or hereafter invented without further compensation to entrant/winner. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner releases NHGC and sponsors from any liability arising out of participation in this contest. Winner grants to NHGC the right to use his/her name, photograph, likeness, and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission except in TN or where prohibited by law. Winners' names and photos will be published in Gardening How-To magazine at the NHGC's sole discretion. For a list of the winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Garden Photo Contest at address listed above by 12/31/08.

Garden Giveaway Winners

SuperUser Account — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:15:41 GMT

The drawing for the March/April 2010 giveaway will be conducted on May 15, 2010. After all winners have been notified by mail and their required paperwork is received, the list of winners will be posted.February 2010Perky-Pet Hummingbird Feeder $9.99Karon Green, Bayview, ID Shirley Campbell, Woodruff, SC Donna Giamoni, Evesham, NJ Lisa Lebel, Wolcott, CT Catherine Karls, Avon, OH Don Lutz, Pekin, IL Pauline Rix, Yulee, FL Shirley Schwerdtfeger, Grants Pass, OR Frances Kuchta, New Lenox, IL Kenneth Tindall, Ocala, FL Vicki Osborne, Boonville, NC Tom Kellams, Jasper, IN Mitchell Holland, Paducah, KY Christian Owens, Salisbury, MD Dember Vincent, Arkport, NY Paula Desaro, New York, NY Gary Dahms, North Liberty, IN Audrey Abel, Katy, TX Linda Shishino-Cruz, Moorpark, CA Alan Vanbladel, Arlington Hts, IL David Magnuson, Kearney, MO Armin Schmidt, Broken Arrow, OK Scott Rausch, Columbia Hts, MN Wes Henrikson, Carlotta, CA Joyce Lomeli, Tacoma, WA Debra Draper, Madison, OH Judy States, Huntingdon, PA Nathan Junkert, New Harbor, ME Barbara Roberts, Sneads, FL Larry Garriott, Ponca City, OK David Rettell, Macomb, MI John Howard, Georgetown, SC Andrew Keller, Brunswick, OH Mike Doyle, Union City, NJ Marilyn Stanley, Beaver Bank, NS Joanne Patino, Pueblo, CO Deann Wiziarde, Independence, KS Janice Martinez, San Leandro, CA Barbara Pellam Emporium, PA Bobbi Weiner, Kings Park, NY Thomas Iszkiewicz, Lancaster, NY Ruth Spaniel, Waxahachie, TX Lothar Klumpp, Chesterton, IN Elle Coates, Hacker Valley, WV Betty Justice, N Manchester, IN I Hoerner, Massena, NY Choi Wan, Alpharetta, GA Karen Long, Morgantown, WV George Linder, Eagle Point, OR Hillary McLaughlin, Highland, IL Arvin Rooks, Grantville, GA Carol Champion, Mexico, NY Alicia King, San Antonio, TX Ann Bigger, Manton, MI Ruth Schmuck, Huntsville, AL Glenn Mac Arthur, Canby, MN C Weinacker, Whippany, NJ Franklin Vinsh, Petersburg, VA Kim Hoffman, Apopka, FL T Rooney, Minneapolis, MN Christine Jones, East Stroudsburg, PA Robert De May, Orange Park, FL Helene Bennett, Advance, NC Richard Donnelly, Turnersville, NJ Walter Hitchner, Mullica Hill, NJ Marie Griswold, Gainesville, TX Marjorie Emery, San Antonio, TX Darrell Sheets, Lynch Station, VA Nick Roich, Rock Springs, WY Lee Berry, North Ft Myers, FL Tamara Safford, Roslindale, MA Della Hall, Coon Rapids, MN Gary Burleson, Panama City, FL Vera Dupre, Sault Ste Marie, ON Reuben Scheuffele, Myrtle Creek, OR November/December 2009/January 2010Jump Start Grow LIght System $59.95Mary Threatt, Pendleton, SC Shelly Osech, Grand Rapids, MI Charles Wiggs, Irvington, VA Kathleen Stickley, Middletown, VA Darryl Fuller, Rockport, MA Patricia Merrifield, Arlington, WA Heather Ford, Fort Mill, SC Walter Hitchner, Mullica Hill, NJWave Petunias $25.00Bob Bandy, Taylorville, IL Sandy Slates, Richmond, OH Elle Coates, Hacker Valley , WV Claire Koski, Auburn, ME Everett Roberts, Paris, TN Jackie Collins, Jennings, FL Donald Blount, Parlin, NJ Joan Manganello, Rochester, NY Suzanne Drakes, Bloomfield, CT Cathy Smith, Georgetown, SC Kimberly Turpen, Lincoln, MI Theresa Ferguson, Surrey, BC Kathi Shuler, Mooresville, NC David Tanguilig, Bay Shore, NY Jerry Rivas, Middletown, MD Victoria Miller, Angels Camp, CA Melanie Johnson, Holton, MI Nathan Junkert, Damaiscotta, ME Rita Murray, Osgoode, ON Judith Hardy, Bay Shore, NY September/October 2009Tempest Torch $1,000.00Charles Wyman, Goshen, IN July/August 2009Ferti-Lome Gorgeous Garden Gift Pack $50.00Elaine Hulsman, Westerly, RI Irene Short, Patten, ME Tony Kotten, Belgrade, MN Esther Moore, Oklahoma City, OK Grace Forrider, Richwood, OH Beatrice Ward, Westport, MA Nancy Riddle, Conklin, MI Tom Whin, Phoenix, AZ Tom Aguilera, Ellendale, MN Mike Ott, Birmingham, AL May/June 2009Package of 7 Proven Winners Plants $30.00Jean Fondanova, Columbus, OH Betty Hull, Sacramento, CA Donald B. Christy, Grants Pass, OR Ruth McMahon, Los Altos, CA Judy Barton, Woodward, OK Arlene Renner, Wewoka, OK Kathryn Edwards, Reno, NV Wallace Baxter, Lynn, MA Terrance Powers, Ballston Lake, NY Cindy Kelley, Oroville, CA Maryann Thayer, Au Gres, MI Arnold Kohl, Newburg, PA Donna Roepenack, Lake Geneva, WI Karen Knight, Youngsville, LA Sheila Bittinger, Apollo, PA Youil Conley, Van Buren, AR Jill Romboz, Syracuse, UT Tony Kotten, Belgrade, MN Vern Slusarek, Green Bay, WI Paul Bierwirth, Mendota, ILOsmocote Flower and Vegetable Plant Food $25.00Jacquline Alleyne, Nostasulga, AL Eugene Oshima, Warrensburg, MO Candice Corbin, Candler, NC Stanley Butcher, La Junta, CO Cynthia Neff, Nottingham, PA Elisabeth Berniere, Birmingham, AL Carrie Verrette, Rhinelander, WI Roland Crumbaker, Salem, OH Carolyn Johnson, Canton, CT Carol Van Liew, Helena, MT Susan Ann Olson, Emmett, ID Pat Broders, Norfolk, NE Gary V Deutschmann Sr., Knoxville, TN Deborah Lanham, Richmond, VA Cath Allen, Demotte, IN Barbara Just, Hamburg, NY David Thomas, Edgerton, WI Dwaine Keyser, Kansas City, MO Rosa Ward, Coopersville, MI Albert Raymond, Winters, CA March/April 2009Cottage Farms Direct Gift Certificate $125.00Katja Kirsch, Fort Worth, TX Beth Skaggs, Moorpark, CA Eleanor Schultheis, Mastic Beach, NY William Anthony, Webb City, MOTHERMACELL Mosquito-Repellent Patio Lantern $29.99Gerianne Messier, Bristol, CT Debra Arakaki, Scofield, UT Mary Bozzo, Saint Joseph, MN Ingrid Whitehead, Webster Groves, MO Beth Bordeaux, Riegelsville, PA Melanie Miller, Batesville, IN Gisella Patharkar, Mount Juliet, TN Glanda Spencer, Harpers Ferry, WV Ruth Schmuck, Huntsville, AL Lorene Yoder, Arcola, IL Deborah Young, East Brady, PA Esther Bermudez, Kenosha, WI Alan Hart, Knoxville, TN Melba Atkinson, Byars, OK Raietta Taborosi, Leavenworth, KS Chris Morgan, Pocono Summit, PA Gwendolyn Combs, Albuquerque, NM

Garden Giveaway Official Rules

SuperUser Account — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:56:05 GMT

No Purchase necessary to enter or win. Making a purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Sponsored by NAMG (North American Membership Group Inc.), 12301 Whitewater Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Sponsor’s decisions concerning all matters related to this sweepstakes are final. Enter on-line at gardening.com or send your name, member number (if available), address and phone number on a postcard to: Garden Giveaway, CRID #3934, P.O. Box 3445, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry form must be submitted separately. No mechanically reproduced entries allowed. No responsibility is assumed for late, lost, damaged, postage-due, or misdirected entries or prize acceptance responses. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received. No cash substitutions, transfer, or assignment of prizes allowed, except by NAMG, which reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winners must pay all costs other than those specifically identified in the prize description. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. Limit of one prize per person. Potential winners will be randomly selected and notified by mail. Winners may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability within 14 days of the postmark date. Open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents. Canadian law requires that selected Canadian residents correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question to win. Void in PR, Quebec and where prohibited by law. A prize won by a minor will be awarded to the minor's legal guardian. Employees of NAMG divisions, dealerships, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotion agencies and all other entities or individuals associated with the development, administration or fulfillment of this promotion are not eligible to win. Winners grant to NAMG the right to use their name, photograph, likeness and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission except in TN or where prohibited by law. Winners release NAMG from any liability arising out of participation in this sweepstakes or the acceptance, use or misuse of a prize. For the names of the winners, send a self-addressed, stamped (WA residents may omit postage) envelope to: Garden Giveaway, CRID #3934, NAMG Member Benefits, P.O. Box 3430, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Click & Win Winners!

SuperUser Account — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:54:58 GMT

Take a look at what our members won recently. Remember to check out our current Click and Win for your chance to win. You can enter once a day!November/December 2009/ January 2010Clean Air Large Recycled Plastic Compost Bin $99.99 Toni Little, Spring Creek, NVWORX TriVac $99.00 Frank Loto, Manchester, CTLawnGrips Women's Steel Toe Work Boots $98.95 Donna Curry, Iola, KSFiskars Power-Leaver Easy Reach 25-inch Bypass Pruner $36.99 Colleen Recskowski, Rockford, ILChia Obama $19.99 Linda Difilippantonio, Emmaus, PAHose Bibb Lock with Padlock $18.99 Dan Cooper, Woodbury Heights, NJ Merris Yarbro, Santa Barbara, CAEasy Arranger $4.99 Arvin Nemmers, Lampe, MO Ronald Proco, Christianburg, VATippolly Vegetable Planting Guide $4.00 Coleen Ruiz, Woodburn, OR Dennis Boerger, Plain City, OHAugust/September/October 2009Lithium-Powered WORX GT Trimmer & Edger $149.99 Karen Cress, Vinton, IASkeeter Defeater $82.90 Earlene Hill, Lagrange, GABug Slug 32 oz. $75.00 Barry Verenini, Albany, NYHavahart Easy Set Squirrel and Rabbit Trap $49.99 Jeanie Maness, Fort Smith, ARBug Slug 8 oz. $36.00 Aileen Nhomi, Waterbury, CTPowerGear 2 17-inch Bypass Looper $34.99 Linda Greasamar, Bakersville, NC Dawna Trevino, Aiken, SCDr. JimZ Concentrated Compost Factor $29.95 Jean Davis, Theresa, NYThe Weeder $26.00 Raietta Taborosi, Leavenworth, KSSunStick & SunStick Home $17.98 Leroy Richard, Danville, KY Janet Moore, Volant, PAWeed Whacker Jet Spray $14.00 Frances Blatchley, New Berlin, PA Choi Wan, Alpharetta, GATotal Tuf Patch $9.95 Michelle Chatwin, Colorado City, AZ4" CowPots 12-packs $8.99 Nancy Steeley, Vancouver, WA Donna Griffis, Nunica, MIVELCRO Plant Tie & Dispenser $8.99 Pam Toomey, Richmond, TX Dwane Hein, Sauk City, WIMealworm Time $7.75 Clarence Mileski, Green Bay, WI Karen Nelson, Pepperell, MABug Bam Insect Repelling Grid $5.99 Dirk Martin, Benton City, WA Donna Heavner, Rose City, MIMay/June/July 2009RainWater Collection System $149.99 Richard Wingate, Pelham, NYGrowVeg.com 12 Month Membership $25.00 Laura Robson, Pardeeville, WI Leroy M Richard, Danville, KYCompact Ratchet Pruner $24.95 David Thomas, Edgerton, WIWound Honey $19.99 Barbara Sikora, Laurel, DE Donna Rose, Weeki Wachee, FLErgo-Action Forged Bypass Pruner $17.99 Julie Osowiecki, Ocoee, FL John Corbett, East Haven, CTBlack Gold Products $15.00 Lance Latchin, Redwood Valley, CAWorry Free 3 in 1 Garden Spray $6.99 Marta Porembska, Clifton, NJ Fred Bruns, Zwingle, IAFebruary/March/April 2009Stinger Mosquito Vacuum $300.00 Dirk Martin, Benton City, WAWOLF GArten - Interlocken Tool System $99.95 Joanie Winnett, Palm Bay, FLThe Worm Factory $89.95 Sharon Larson, Woodbury, MNWet & Forget $29.99 Donald Drumheller, West Milton, OHBadger Semi-Automatic Flower, Vegetable, and Bulb Planter $29.95 Doug Smith, Sebring, FLSave A Tree $29.95 Cheryl Scott, Pleasant View, UT Janice Martinez, San Leandro, CA2 Cycle Engine Oil $10.20 Vonda Mowrey, Fairmont, WVWorry Free Weed and Grass Killer $6.99 Karlene Paffhouse, McBain, MI Robert Dellamano, Collinsville, ILAmercian Twister Trimmer Line Replacement $6.99 Diane Grau, Brinon, WAeGrip Hand Trowel $6.99 Eldridge Dover, College Park, MD Christine Scarley, Earlville, IL November/December 2008/January 2009XtremeCharge Battery Charger $99.95 Peggy Bearnth, Coldspring, TXStabilizer Brace $44.95 Madelaine Boehme, Newark, DERoseMate 3-N-1 Garden Shears $44.95 Gordon Dickinson, West Linn, ORErgoACTION Forged Bypass Pruner $20.00 Levi Souligne, Remington, IN Donald B Christy, Grants Pass, ORShowtime Grass Blend $16.99 Audrey Campbell, Okeechobee, FLTerraCycle Deer Repellent & TerraCycle Granular Fertilizer $14.95 Judy Cofferen, North Port, FL Kerry Conrad, Plainville, MAOsmocote Flower & Vegetable Food $14.95 Ed Underwood, Chapel Hill, NCRoot-Zone Plant Nectar $12.95 Russell England, Gainsville, GAWatch Us Grow All-Purpose Liquid Plant Food $9.99 J Hockett, Grand Jct, CO Sherri Zudell, Gallup, NMReusable Concrete Mixing Bag $6.99 Harriett Beard, Miles City, MT Bernard Hoerbelt, Batavia, NY Donna Hurder, Livermore, CA August/September/October 2008Feelgood Composter $89.99 Susan Dayton, Port Washington, WINO CRANK Columbus Hose Reel $74.97 Penelope Chaput, Clyde, KSShredder Vac & Blower $60.00 Susan Malzahn, Stanwood, MIDeer Busters Deer Repellent $54.95 Fred Kindt, Cable, WIDeer Stopper Barrier Ribbon $14.99 Dorothian Meyer, Avon Park, FLFresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent $14.50 Kelly Sargent, Clyde, TXLeather Pruning Sleeve $14.50 Sharlene Roberts, Little Egg Harbor, NJ Shirlena Fyock, Port Charlotte, FLOxiWood Cleaner $13.99 David Amsden, Brethren, MIOsmocote Flower & Vegetable Food $12.99 Barbara Workman, Bronx, NYSave-the-Birds UV Decals $9.95 Tina Rileys, Owensville, INGrass-Fast Grass Seed Cover $8.99 John Belany, Cameron, WIPlant Wash $8.95 Richard Ridgeway, Spokane, WA May/June/July 2008Squirrel Stopper $145.00 Lothar Klumpp, Chesterton, INTitanium Hedge Trimmer $79.99 Sherry Huff, Sacramento, CAStack & Grow Planter $44.95 Giulia Gavin, Decatur, GAVeranda Chaise Lounge Cover $36.00 Buford Pennington, Milledgeville, GAFiskars Powergear Bypass Pruner $29.99 Lance Latchin, Redwood Valley, CATreegator $23.99 William Reese, Quinlan, TXGreenCure $16.00 Diana Litchfield, Carlin, NV Pat Webb, Fife Lake, MILiquid Fence Mole & Vole Repellent $14.99 Suzanne Hale, Haralson, GAIncredaGel $14.99 Sylvia Seger, Falmouth, MEeziMate $14.95 Penny Shay, Downers Grove, ILShake-Away Deer $14.95 Marcia Conver, Reading, PA April 2008ZR Series LongReach Telescopic Pruner $142.70 Buford Pennington, Milledgeville, GAMoisturin 5 $14.95 Paulette Spaay, Hudson, FLeziMate $14.95 Gary Goodwin, Sophia, NCPot Pads $4.99 Teresa Worth, Meridian, ID March 2008 Enki $79.95 Barbara Pellam, Emporium, PATerraCycle Lawn & Garden $27.90 Shirley Fisher, Reading, PAGreat Big Plants – The Energy Drink for Plants $19.95 Debi Sutton, Mount Morris, MIPot Pads $4.99 Phyllis Peck, Placerville, CA February 2008Annual Wildflower Seed Mix $24.99 Gary Wakenight; Oakland, NEGreat Big Plants – The Energy Drink for Plants $19.95 Richard Nehring; Carmel, INThe Gardener's Pouch $29.99 Elaine Brett; Tisdale, SKGrow Box $29.95 Janette Slaughter; Chewelah, WAPotLifter $29.95 Cynthia Davis; Akron, OH January 2008S'portBacker $50Teresa Lawson; Porter, INGrow Box $29.95 Coralie St John; Salado, TXMedium Clear Blossom Crown $16.95 Mary Smith; Dry Ridge, KYSprinkler Station Squared $36.95Carmel Benson; Windom, MNGardenArmor 230 Gloves $34.99 Cynthia Manning; Granville, OH December 2007Tool Band-It $19.95Elaine Rea; Mineral Wells, WVMetal Garden Hose Reel $100Catherine Malin; Philadelphia, PABag Caddy $9.99Chester Smith; Mountain Home, ARMedium Clear Blossom Crown $16.95Pat Thompson; York Haven, PAGardenArmor 230 Gloves $34.99Mary Gibbons; Hillsgrove, PA Joanne Niederoest; Detroit, MI November 2007Plant Butler $10.95Mattie Rucker; Griffin, GATool Band-It $19.95 Robert Petrick; Green Bay, WIWORX WT150 Grass Trimmer $119Tracey Halliday; Fairless Hills, PABag Caddy $9.99 Marilyn Debolt; Grants Pass, ORGardenArmor 230 Gloves $34.99 Janice Slama; Eagan, MN Nancy Urban; Holland, NY October 2007NO CRANK Outdoor Sink Station $99.99 Teresa Cantu; Waukegan, ILJohn & Bob's Soil Optimizer $16 Vicki Slagle; Johnstown, PALawn Claw $5.99Mary Threatt; Pendleton, SCSeptember 2007 Trunk Cleat $32Sarah Weaver; Braidwood, ILGardenArmor 230 Gloves $34.99Ursula Dufresne; Ypsilanti, MIWill Burro $69Paul Nelson; Geneseo, NYLawn Claw $5.99Wendy Hackman; Lafayette, ORAugust 2007 NO CRANK Outdoor Sink Station $99.95Kasey Thomas; Arvada, COYard Genie $24.95Nancy Varner; N Cohocton, NY Rosie Anderson; Florence, MSTruck Cleat $32Melva Allen; Yorktown, VAEZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems $59.99Denis Yelizarov; Belle Plaine, MNDeer Chaser $69.95Brent Hartstone; Cherokee Village, ARJuneDeer Scram $34.95Sharon Telesky; Benton, PA Les Burton; Lexington, KYSelf-Watering Stacking Tubs $69.95Michael Young; Parsons, KSDuraCord Rope Hammock $178Fran Flotard; Seymour, TNGrow-N-Thrive $4.99Julie Butturff; Menomonee Falls, WIPAINenz $11.95Carol Yandell; Clarksville, ARDad's Garlic Salt 3-pack $11Patricia Stevenson; Georgetown, TX Debbie McClanahan; Murrieta, CACockadoodle DOO Organic Fertilizer $16.99Barbara Hatch; Willcox, AZMayK+Neem Insecticide - Fungicide $9.12Judith Hardy; Bay Shore, NYDual-Flo Hose Nozzle $24.99Delores Norris; Coal City, WVHealthy Soil Recipe $67.95Marsha Davis; Oxford, MAKnee N' Back Pad $19.95Janice Bazydlo; Brick, NJPAINenz $11.95John Kowalski; Fresno, CADad's Garlic Salt 3-pack $11Constance Jackson; Dallas, TX Donna Ring; Regina, SKWingFoot Power Hoe $209.95Pamela Vanarsdale; Rogue River, OR

Click & Win! Official Rules

SuperUser Account — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:49:02 GMT

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Making a purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Sponsored by NAMG (North American Membership Group Inc.), 12301 Whitewater Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Sponsor’s decisions concerning all matters related to this sweepstakes are final. Enter on-line or send a postcard listing the Club name, the drawing date, your name, your member number (if available), your address and your phone number to: Click & Win, P.O. Box 3428, Hopkins, MN 55343. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must be submitted separately. No mechanically reproduced entries allowed. No responsibility is assumed for late, lost, damaged, or misdirected entries. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received. No cash substitutions, transfer, or assignment of prizes allowed, except by NAMG, which reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. If due to an error, more prizes are claimed than are intended to be awarded, the intended prizes will be awarded in a random drawing from among all verified and validated prize claims received for that prize level. In no event will more than the stated number of prizes be awarded. Winners must pay all costs other than those specifically identified in the prize description. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. Limit of one prize per person. Potential winners will be randomly selected and notified by mail or E-mail. Potential winners may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability within 14 days of notification. Open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents. Canadian law requires that selected Canadian residents correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question to win. Void in PR, Quebec and where prohibited by law. A prize won by a minor will be awarded to the minor's legal guardian. Employees (and their immediate family members) of NAMG divisions, dealerships, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotion agencies and all other entities or individuals associated with the development, administration or fulfillment of this promotion are not eligible to win. Winners grant to NAMG the right to use their name, photograph, likeness and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission except in TN or where prohibited by law. Winners release NAMG, dealerships, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotion agencies and all other entities or individuals associated with the development, administration or fulfillment of this promotion from any liability arising out of participation in this sweepstakes or the acceptance, use or misuse of a prize. Winner names will be posted on the Club Web site and are available by sending a self-addressed, stamped (WA and VT residents may omit postage) envelope to: Click & Win, NAMG Member Benefits, P.O. Box 3430, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Please state Club name and drawing date.

Test

SuperUser Account — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:50:41 GMT

testplant in full sun; annual vines; bird baths; cranberry highbush; deadheading roses; grape leaf anemone; hanging plants; lemon balm; mint; rose mallow; walkers low catmint; malabar spinach; http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1416062029http://www.brightcove.com/channel.jsp?channel=1409006909

What herb do you most enjoy growing, and why?

SuperUser Account — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:10:52 GMT

Gardeners love growing herbs because most are low maintenance, have very few pest and disease problems, and can be enjoyed fresh or dried. Whether you grow lemon balm for its fresh scent or sweet basil for its flavor, we’d like to hear about it. Tell us what herb you most enjoy growing in two or three sentences, and send your response to forum@gardeningclub.com. Include your first and last name, city and state, and member number. Deadline is April 1, 2008. If we choose your entry, it will appear in the July/August 2008 issue of Gardening How-To.

2007 Photo Contest Winners

SuperUser Account — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:51:55 GMT

Our top picks from the Club’s 2007 garden photo contest!Congratulations to the winners of the fourth annual National Home Gardening Club photo contest! Shutters were snapping madly this year—we received more than 5,000 entries. From close-ups of your favorite perennials to majestic garden scenes, we were amazed at the quality of the photos and the beautiful results of your hard work in the garden. It was difficult for us to narrow it down to 12 winners, which were chosen for their creative perspective; sharpness and focus; and combinations of color, texture, and composition. Thank you for sharing your beautiful little corners of the world with us! —The staff of Gardening How-To1st PlaceLife Member Lorraine Gunn Mount Pleasant, SC ‘Little Gem’ magnolia 2nd PlaceLife Member Teresa Perdue Ashford, WV Butterfly on a zinnia 3rd PlaceMember Patrick Kramer Aurora, CO Japanese garden Honorable Mentions Member Evelyn Alemanni Escondido, CA Cutting garden Member Denise Bates Fairbanks, AK Asters and violets Member Pat Davis Acme, PA Sacred lotus Member Elaine Foran Farmington, CT Tulips Member Anna Houghton Gulf Breeze, FL Eucalyptus in the morning dew Life Member Larry Laird Waynesboro, PA Mimosa tree Member Karen Rollefson Cornelius, NC ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangea Member Lisa Rufft Independence, WV Water garden Member Melissa Smith Quakertown, PA Dogwood Our winners received the following prizes:First Prize: Vizor umbrella and stand from D’Firo Design, www.dfiro.com. Value: $1,350Second Prize: Storagehouse XL from FlowerHouse, www.flowerhouses.com. Value: $260Third Prize: EarthBox Ready-to-Grow Kit from EarthBox, www.earthbox.com. Value: $100Honorable Mention (9 winners): Organic fertilizers from TerraCycle, www.terracycle.net. Value: $75Look for information about the 2008 photo contest in the March/April 2008 issue of Gardening How-To.Official Rules Open to members of the National Home Gardening Club (NHGC). No additional purchase is necessary. Employees of NHGC, D’Firo Design, FlowerHouse, EarthBox, TerraCycle, their affiliates, subsidiaries, agencies, and suppliers and the families of each are not eligible. Void in PR, Quebec, and where prohibited by law. Entries must be postmarked or e-mailed on or before 7/1/07. No responsibility is assumed for lost, late, damaged, illegible, postage-due, or misdirected entries. All photos become the property of NHGC and will not be returned or acknowledged. Photos will be judged on composition, sharpness and focus, unusual and creative perspective, interesting subject matter, and color and texture. The judges reserve the right to adjust and modify photos prior to publication. NHGC judges' decisions concerning all matters related to this contest are final. Winners will be selected on or about 8/1/07. Winners will be notified by mail on or about 8/15/07. Winners will be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility, liability release, and publicity release. Submission of an entry and/or acceptance of a prize grants NHGC the exclusive, perpetual right to publish, use, edit, adapt, modify, and/or copy the entry for any and all purposes in any and all media currently in existence or hereafter invented without further compensation to entrant/winner. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner releases NHGC and sponsors from any liability arising out of participation in this contest. Winner grants to NHGC the right to use his/her name, photograph, likeness, and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission except in TN or where prohibited by law. Winners' names and photos will be published in Gardening How-To magazine at the NHGC's sole discretion. For a list of the winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Garden Photo Contest at address listed above by 12/31/07.

February 2008 Member Garden Showcase

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:59:07 GMT

February member photos include colorful columbine, a butterfly bush, and icy crabapples. Life Member Debby McKissic’s Freedom, PA, garden is filled with colorful columbine, inherited from her grandmother. The butterfly bush in Member Patricia Settecase’s Warrenville, IL, garden serves its purpose. Mushrooms take over Life Member Ken Flemmer’s Burtonsville, MD, leaf compost pile. The dianthus in Life Member Christy Hill’s Winnsboro, LA, garden shares the company of a quiet visitor. Crabapples shine through the ice of Member Lida Perfetto’s Croghan, NY, backyard. Gerber “twins” visit Life Member Donna Adamski’s Port Saint Lucie, FL, garden. A delicate passion flower adorns the garden of Life Member Don Russo’s Amherst, NY, garden. A hummingbird finds the ivy leaf geranium in Member Carol Bochert’s Stafford, VA, garden attractive. Korbyn, grandson of Member Sharon White of Kelso, WA, is all smiles in front of a colorful backdrop of pansies and hardy fuschia in his grandma’s yard. A late spring snow covers the tulips in member Karen Crawford’s Norwalk, OH, garden. To EnterIf you'd like to see your photo posted on this page, e-mail it to Jenny Thompson, jthomps@namginc.com.com. (We accept only digital images.) Please include the following information in your e-mail: 1) Name, city, and state. 2) Tell us if you are a life member or a regular member. 3) Screen name if you use the NHGC bulletin board; and 4) Provide any details about the photo -- for example, plant names and how long you've had the garden. We need this for the photo caption. Please include details about why the photo is special. NOTE: Because of photo volume, we may not be able to post every photo submitted.

What are your best money-saving tips for the garden?

SuperUser Account — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:48:19 GMT

A beautiful garden doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. Whether you grow plants from cuttings, divide and share perennials with your gardening friends, or save seeds from existing plants, we’d like to hear your best money-saving tips for the garden. Share your best tip in two or three sentences and you could win a prize!Send your best tip to tips@gardeningclub.com, including your first and last name, city and state, and member number. If we choose your tip, we’ll print it in the July/August 2008 issue of Gardening How-To and contact you about your prize. Deadline is April 1, 2008.

New Varieties 2008

SuperUser Account — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:27:16 GMT

In the January/February 2008 issue of Gardening How-To, we gave you a sneak preview of the year’s best new plants. Here’s a larger list of recent introductions. Try a few in your garden this year! (If you’re searching for more information and don’t find a particular plant on the Web site we’ve given, don’t despair: Some varieties are so new they’re not even listed in catalogs yet. Check again in a few months.)ANNUALS Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Chocolate Mint’ The dark leaves of this coleus show off a rich chocolate color; each mid-sized leaf is finely edged in mint green. Grows 12 to 14 inches tall; best suited to shade gardens and large containers. Source: Local garden centers. Pentas lanceolata Starla PinkThis tough, tropical-looking plant tolerates cool nights and hot days. Vibrant, pink, star-shaped flowers on plants 14 to 18 inches tall. Source: Local garden centers. Viola cornuta Rocky Violet Blue Multitudes of 1-inch flowers on robust 4- to 6-inch plants. Loads of color in spring or fall. Part of a series of 18 colors and three mixes. Source: Local garden centers. Bergenia ‘Solar Flare’ The bold, evergreen leaves of this bergenia are edged with cream borders that turn brilliant pink during the winter, making it an excellent winter container plant. Color appears on new growth in the spring and fades to green in late summer. Vigorous growth to about 12 inches tall. Source: See Terra Nova Nurseries store locator at www.terranovanurseries.com. PERENNIALS Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Pink Elephant’ Pink ruffled flowers with overlapping petals and a deep red eye open to a full 12 inches wide. Grows 5 to 6 feet tall. Zones 4 to 9. Source: See store locator at www.perennialresource.com. Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’An attractive, robust mound of ferny green leaves with deep purple highlights. The small blue flowers on this Jacob’s ladder are fragrant. Grows 18 to 24 inches tall. Zones 3 to 7. Source: See store locator at www.perennialresource.com. Iris ‘Raven Girl’Tall 39-inch stems each display up to 10 buds that develop into deep black flowers with slightly ruffled petals. This tall bearded iris has a vigorous growth habit; needs winter dormancy to bloom. Zones 3 to 9. Source (from January 2008): Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 800-525-2367, www.schreinersgardens.com. Lavandula angustifolia ‘French Perfume’ Rich flushes of plump, velvety, deep purple flowers produce an intense, unusually sweet lavender scent. At 12 inches tall, this Dutch-bred lavender is compact and hardy to Zone 5 with protection. Source: Renee’s Garden Seeds, 888-880-7228, www.reneesgarden.com. Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Monica’In a league of its own in the mum world, this large, two-tone yellow anemone has a perfect sphere habit. From Yoder Brothers’ European Collection of Prophets series. Source: Local garden centers. Lantana Luscious Lemonade This brightly colored low-maintenance annual blooms nonstop through heat and drought. Best in full sun; 10 to 14 inches tall. Source: See Proven Winners store locator at www.provenwinners.com. ROSES Rosa ‘Ausrover’ Tea Clipper Apricot flowers with informal rosette shapes give off a fragrant scent of tea, myrrh, and fruit. Large, bushy shrub with very few thorns. Grows 4 feet tall. Zones 6 to 8. Source: David Austin Roses, 800-328-8893, www.davidaustinroses.com. Rosa ‘Ausrumba’ Gentle HermionePure pink flowers pale to soft blush toward the outside, offering a warm, classic “old rose” scent with a hint of myrrh. Round, medium-height shrub with slightly arching stems. Excellent disease resistance. Grows 4 feet tall. Zones 5 to 9. Source: David Austin Roses, 800-328-8893, www.davidaustinroses.com. Rosa ‘Baigirl’ My GirlRound, deep pink buds are held in clusters of five to 30 and open to ruffly, full blossoms. Compact, upright habit with good repeat blooming. Own root. Zones 4 to 9. Source: See Bailey Nurseries store locator at www.baileynurseries.com. Rosa ‘Meibedull’ Apricot CandyThis hybrid tea from Star Roses has a delicate, spicy rose scent, petals with ruffled edges, and soft green foliage. A good performer on both coasts, where it showed above-average disease resistance. Zones 5 to 9. Source: See store locator at www.starroses.com or contact Regan Nursery at 800 249-4680, www.regannursery.com.No photo available Rosa ‘Radwin’ Winner’s CircleA floriferous climber with fire-engine red color that won’t fade and can take the heat. Foliage turns deep burgundy red in fall, and bright orange hips appear. Grows up to 15 feet tall; hardy to Zone 5. Source: See store locator at www.starroses.com or contact Regan Nursery at 800-249-4680, www.regannursery.com.No photo available EDIBLES Pumpkin ‘Rockafellow’ A small pie pumpkin with a long dark green embedded handle that’s great for kids to carry. The hard, smooth shell is perfect for painting. Harvest in 95 days. Source: Local garden centers. Winter squash ‘Blue Magic’Miniature 4- to 6-pound blue-gray winter squash with the shape and flesh qualities of the Hubbard family, but in a small, family-friendly size. Harvest in 100 days. Source: Local garden centers. Tomato ‘Country Taste’ Dark red 1-pound fruits offer all the flavor of an heirloom with the hassle-free growth of a hybrid. Indeterminate plants have good disease resistance. Staking required; harvest in 90 days. Source: Park Seed Co., 800-213-0076, www.parkseed.com. Pepper ‘Explosive Ember’ A beautiful addition to landscapes or containers. This ornamental pepper boasts deep purple leaves, stems, and flowers. Small 1-inch peppers appear in abundance as dark purple and mature to bright red. Grows 10 to 14 inches tall. Source: Tomato Growers Supply Co., 888-478-7333, www.tomatogrowers.com. WOODIES Genista lydia ‘Select’ Bangle Waves of electric yellow flowers in early spring are a showy addition to containers and perennial beds. Full sun for best performance; thrives in drought. Grows 2 feet tall. Zones 4 to 8. Source: See Proven Winners store locator at www.provenwinners.com. Grape, ‘Frontenac Gris’ A grape for fresh eating or winemaking, suitable for growing in cold climates. Bears coppery-peach grape clusters with the aroma of apricot, peach, tropical fruit, and citrus. Excellent disease resistance. Zones 4 to 8. Source: J.W. Jung Seed Co., 800-297-3123, www.jungseed.com, and other mailorder companies. Pear (European), ‘Ubileen’ This early-ripening, disease-resistant pear yields abundant crops of large fruit in late July to early August. Pears are yellow with a red blush. Sweet, buttery, aromatic flesh. Needs a second European pear tree for pollination. Zones 4 to 7. Source: J.W. Jung Seed Co., 800-297-3123, www.jungseed.com, and other mailorder companies. Buddleia davidii ‘Evil Ways’Golden foliage provides a perfect foil for the dark purple flowers that cover this 4-foot-tall butterfly bush from early summer until fall. Zones 5 to 9. Source (from early January 2008): Plant Delights Nursery, 919-772-4794, www.plantdelights.com. Loropetalum chinense ‘Chang Nian Hong’ Ever Red Sunset Vivid red flowers and dark chocolate-burgundy foliage provide a stunning contrast for beds and borders. Grows 6 feet tall and wide. Zones 7 to 9. Source: See Monrovia store locator at www.monrovia.com.

Tips on what to do in your garden this month.

SuperUser Account — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:34:52 GMT

Pacific Northwest • Repot houseplants this month, providing them with as much sunlight and fresh air as possible. Check for disease and insects, and give plants a good cleaning under a soft spray of water from the sink or bathtub faucet. • If you have fluorescent lights, you can start parsley, onion seeds, head lettuce, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, most herbs, and cool-season flowers (like pansies and alyssum) now so they will be good-sized by spring planting. • Start a garden notebook or computer log and vow to use it all year. Write down which perennials bloom together and how long they bloom, and start planning planting schedules for vegetables and annuals.Southwest • After the first mowing, fertilize winter lawns with a high-phosphate fertilizer like superphosphate, triple superphosphate, or a complete fertilizer that is 20 percent phosphorous or more by weight. • Plant transplants such as artichokes (globe and Jerusalem), asparagus, chard, kohlrabi, lettuce, onion sets, peppers, and tomatoes. • Finish pruning roses by the middle of the month. Transplant bare-root roses. Fertilize established roses with granular fertilizers about the middle of the month. Remember to water the day before application and the day after.Midwest/Mountain • Chip all leaves, dead branches, and other plant debris collected during the winter. Apply this as a mulch around trees and shrubs or add to the compost pile. • Prune peach and nectarine trees heavily, removing 50 to 70 percent of last year’s growth. This encourages shoot growth for next year’s fruit crop. • Shade exotic greenhouse plants to protect them from the increased sunlight as days become longer.Northeast • Check for tan gypsy-moth egg masses on tree trunks and branches. Scrape or brush off and destroy if possible. • Select pest-resistant cultivars or species when planning the year’s garden. Choose varieties appropriate to the site. • Inspect hemlocks for woolly adelgid. Plan to apply dormant horticultural oil in April if you find cottony egg masses at the base of needles.Southeast • To avoid making mistakes when you plant, place the plants, still in their pots, where you intend to plant. Step back and view the whole area before committing the plant to the ground. • Gazania is a heat- and sun-loving flower; start in February for planting out in May. • After a long winter inside (usually with less-than-sufficient sunlight), scented geraniums often get leggy. Now is the time to cut them back to encourage shorter, fuller growth.