THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 22, 1995 TAG: 9510200138
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
THE FIRST RESPONSE to my request for moonflower vine seeds came from Leslie Eaton, who grows the moonflower vine, which looks like a morning glory but with much larger, white blooms. You can have free seeds by calling Eaton or Helen Reddus at 499-2147 in the Kempsville area.
I also heard from Realtor Vicki Nichols who has some moonflower vine pods from a neighbor in Western Branch. If you're interested, call her at 484-6690, and she will make arrangements for you to pick some up at ERA Sasser Realty Co. at 3200 Tyre Neck Road in Portsmouth.
Jackie Verrier has a limited number of moonflower plant seeds. The moonflower plant, which differs from the vine, grows 18 inches tall and has a long, white trumpet bloom and gray-green foliage. It blooms at night and early morning. For seeds, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to 4661 Boxford Road, Virginia Beach, Va. 23456.
Some gardeners say the seeds will germinate faster if you ``score'' them. That means running a sharp knife across the seed to break its outer shell; then soak it in water a night or two before planting. THE SCOOP ON PEAT
If you'd like three free brochures on how to use peat moss for lawn care, planting or composting, send a self-addressed envelope with 52 cents postage to Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, Box 385102, Minneapolis, Minn. 55438. GARDENING THE NATURAL WAY
Although many gardeners succumb to the desire to have the biggest flowers or the prettiest tomatoes on the block, the American Association of Nurserymen say that more and more garden experts are recommending using fertilizer sparingly and pesticides only when necessary. If you're having a problem with pests, seek advice from your local garden center. Often, you can eliminate pests the natural way by introducing their predators to your garden. by CNB