From Garden Center magazine's "Weekly Dirt" - Another sign that consumers want do-it-for-me gardening: Plant by numbers. Reemay Inc. introduced 7-by-3-ft. landscape fabric with numbered circles printed on it. Three different flower bed patterns suggest which plants gardeners should assign to each circle on the fabric. Designs allow for perennials, annuals, shade and sun. . I guess it's preferable to just using a cookie cutter - you don't HAVE to follow instructions if you feel like adding some variety. . . .
Do you garden with children? Check out the National Gardening Association's latest venture. They have a "Gardening with Kids" store carrying everything from Grow labs and greenhouses to books and stepping stone kits. This seems to be a good stop for parents who want to help children develop and maintain an interest in gardening.
Here's a product I wish I had used before last summer's dreadful drought - Stockosorb -Sta-Moist water absorbing crystals that absorb many times their weight in water - up to three times higher than similar products according to company literature. That's 400 times its weight. It can last in the soil for up to 5 years. It has a neutral pH and won't affect the alkalinity or acidity of your soil, and is potassium based, rather than sodium based like competing products.
Normally when I look at the cost of a gardening newsletter I shudder and say no. But a copy of one called "Shade Gardening Gazette" just crossed my desk - put out by the very reputable Shady Oaks Nursery. And I began to realize the value of a newsletter. No glossy photos, but no ads. Nothing but information, pure and simple. This issue includes tips on bringing tender shade plants indoors, fall clean-up, the best bulbs for shade, planting to create MORE shade and more. There is even an article on the best blue perennials for fall. And we all know that blue perennials for any season or condition are tough to come by - so a list 10 really good ones for a single season in shade is rather startling. The Gazette costs $9 for four issues and you can subscribe by calling 1-800-504-8006.
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