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blackberries

Southern Living, Jun 2006 by Bussell, Gene B

Who wouldn't want fresh fruit right at their fingertips? Newer, largerfruiting selections of this Southern favorite have made it a very desirable addition to the home garden. Loaded with vitamin C and full of antioxidants, blackberries are good for you. Thornless types such as 'Arapaho' and 'Apache' offer large fruit on upright plants. 'Kiowa' (pictured at left) is a large-fruiting selection with thorny stems. All prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown easily along a fence, trellis, or wall. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart. Order them from Johnson Nursery, 1-888-276-3187 orwww.johnsonnursery.com, and Petals From the Past, (205) 646-0069 orwww.petalsfromthepast.com.

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-GENE B. BUSSELL

LAWNS

Fertilize warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia with a 27-4-6 granular product, as this is the optimum growing time. For centipede, which is sensitive to too much nitrogen, use a formulation such as 18-0-18. Apply at rates recommended on the label.

DROUGHT-TOLERANT ANNUALS

There is still time to set out transplants of narrow-leaf zinnias, gomphrenas, moss roses, celosias, and gas marigolds. New this year are 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' zinnias, a 2006 All-America Selection. These easy flowers provide dependable color and need minimal watering once established.

CONTAINER RECIPE

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) offer bright blooms all summer and are available in reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and whites. You will need a 21-inch-diameter container. Add a 1-gallon Chinese Hibiscus, a 4- or 6-inch pot of asparagus fern, and a 4-inch pot of purple heart (Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'). Place in a mostly sunny location. Enjoy!

HOSTAS

Bright, bold leaves make these shade-loving perennials tempting for any homeowner. Foliage can be heart shaped, lance shaped, oval, or nearly round. Leaves are solid or variegated and come in a range of colors including blue-green and chartreuse. Hostas work well in flowerbeds and containers. They prefer soil that has some organic matter but can adapt well to a range of conditions as long as soil is well drained. Good companions include Southern shield ferns or autumn ferns. Impatiens are the perfect flowers to complement their foliage and add even more color to your yard.

GARDEN JOURNAL

June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of the season. If you didn't start a garden journal this spring, there's still time. Keeping a notebook of observations of what you are doing in the garden throughout the year is a great way to learn.

blackberries

Southern Living, Jun 2006 by Bussell, Gene B

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