THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501130091
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
IT MAKES ME feel good when growers tell you, ``It won't grow in your area.'' Very few are honest enough to do that. And it make me sad to see lupines forced into bloom and put on sale each spring in garden centers. Every good gardener knows they won't grow here but bloom and die.
Finally comes a catalog that tells you the truth. I received a Bluestone Perennials catalog last week, and they clearly tell you what plants won't grow in the South - or the North. I admire them for having that kind of courage. It takes gumption to do that today, when everyone is out for the buck.
For their free colorful catalog of perennials, call (800) 852-5243 or fax (216) 428-7198. FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
Don't forget the Virginia Flower & Garden Show opening Saturday at the Virginia Beach Pavilion. There will be exhibits by plant societies, lectures and garden advice. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, and admission is $5. Call 441-2345. TESTING FOR TOP SEEDS
Territorial Seed Co., a new seed company in Oregon, conducts extensive vegetable, flower and herb trials, looking for the best performing varieties in every class. Many new salad greens are listed, plus unusual flowers and herbs. For a free catalog, write them at P.O. Box 157, Cottage Grove, Ore. 97424. Fax (503) 942-9881. BYE-BYE BAGWORMS
Bagworms are a constant nuisance, particularly on junipers, cedars and Leyland cypress. Take time now to check those shrubs and pick off any bagworms. They form little pouches or bags that hang to the undersides of limbs. They can kill a tree or shrub, so destroy them now by putting them in the garbage or burning them. LIME YOUR LAWN
Lime requires several months to start working, so now is a good time to lime your lawn. Most lawns need lime. Do it when the grass is dry and not frozen. PLANT FRUIT TREES NOW
This is an especially good time to plant fruit trees, whether in containers or bare root. It's fun to grow your own fruit, so give it a try. A NEW DAWN FOUND
Olga Motley of Portsmouth wrote last month about trying to find a New Dawn climbing rose. Hilda Ridge called to say she could offer help if Motley would call her at 488-5009. Ridge says this rose roots easily, and she has rooted several for friends.
White Flower Farm also carries it, and Smithfield Gardens in Suffolk will have a few. New Dawn is a wonderful pink climbing rose that requires little care. by CNB