THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 7, 1996 TAG: 9601050085
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
MORE AND MORE gardeners take to the idea of growing their own fruit, but space is often a problem. When you grow your own, you know if it's been sprayed with a pesticide and what the spray contained.
Solving any space problem is the new Stark (R) Bro's Colonnade (R) apple tree. This unique tree grows to only 8 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has virtually no branches yet produces apples, usually after the second year. You can grow these trees in the ground or in pots on your patio or deck. An option is to plant them side by side as a ``living fence.''
When planted in the ground, they can be planted as close as 2 feet apart. They should be planted in good garden soil and fertilized with a special tree fertilizer, especially when grown in containers.
These trees attract attention when loaded with apples but they're at their peak of beauty when in bloom in April. Three different varieties provide blooms of pink or white, hugging the central stem. Stark(R) ScarletSpire (TM) is a bright red over green eating apple. Stark(R) EmeraldSpire (TM) is a green eating apple with an attractive golden blush. Stark (R) Maypole (TM) is a pink flowering crab apple bearing crimson-red crabapples.
These trees are not self-pollinating and need another for pollination. You should plant at least two varieties for proper pollination and maximum fruit production.
Because these unique trees are new and patented, they are not inexpensive. Normal cost is around $30 each or $25 each when two are purchased. They may be found in some garden centers or ordered direct from Stark. The trees are backed by a Stark guarantee that says if you are not completly satisfied at the end of one year, Stark will send you a free replacement or refund your purchase price.
For a free Stark Bro's Nurseries catalog, address your request to Box 10, Dept. B4601R, Louisiana, Mo. 63353-0010 or call (800) 325-4180. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
STARK BROS
The Colonnade apple tree can be planted in containers and used in
small spaces.
by CNB