THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603090062
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBERT STIFFLER, GARDENING COLUMNIST
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
ED AND GRACIE Harper of South Norfolk wanted to grow a red, white and blue garden last season. ``But it's very hard to find blue flowers,'' Gracie said. ``So we settled for something less than blue.''
As many gardeners have discovered, there are not many blue flowers.
The Harpers have lived in their home since 1942 and have tried to make their corner the prettiest in the neighborhood. They've succeeded. Five times since 1984 they've been awarded ``The Yard of the Month'' trophy.
The award is given by the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council with emphasis on environmentally responsible gardening. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate from White's Old Mill Garden Center.
``We love hanging baskets and used to have a lot of them,'' Ed said. ``But people steal them, so we've about given up on that part of gardening.''
Their last attempt is a ``statue'' of ivy, with arms for holding hanging baskets. Ed covered a clothesline post with strands of aluminum wire and planted ivy around the bottom.
Gracie is a member of the Portlock Garden Club and arranges flowers for friends.
The couple is mostly limited to growing shade plants, because their yard is covered with trees more than 100 years old.
To grow roses, they made a bed by the curb where there is adequate sunshine.
The Harpers' lot is small, but they're doing their part to brighten a corner of the earth. MEMO: For information on the Chesapeake Yard-of-the-Month, call Gail Bradshaw
at 547-6542.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ROBERT STIFFLER
Ed and Gracie Harper have a ``statue'' of ivy with arms to hold
hanging baskets.
KEYWORDS: WEEDER'S DIGEST by CNB