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Southern Magnolias

Southern Living, May 2007 by Bussell, Gene B

With beautiful, fragrant flowers and glossy leaves, these evergreens are tempting treasures to add to any yard. Use as a specimen, or plant en masse as a large screen. In a compact space, try 'Little Gem' (10 to 15 feet wide and 25-plus feet tall at maturity). It has small, dark green leaves that are rusty brown on the undersides, and it flowers at a young age. If you have a little more room, use 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' (10 to 15 feet wide and 30 feet tall), which has undulating leaves that are rust-colored beneath. For a larger space, try 'D. D. Blanchard' (25 to 30 feet wide and 50 feet tall at maturity). Its lustrous, dark green leaves are orange-toned on the undersides. -GENE B. BUSSELL

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PURPLE BASIL

Mix this herb into your flowerbeds and containers where you can enjoy the foliage and the fragrant leaves up close. Excellent choices include 'Red Rubin,' 'Purple Ruffles,' and 'Dark Opal.'

STAKING BLOOMS

Secure tall-growing flowers such as gladioli, dahlias, and lilies now before they begin to bloom. Bamboo, wire cages, or branches cut from your yard will work well for the task. Tie stems with raffia, garden twine, or strips of old cloth.

SUMMER VINES

Plant the seeds of annual vines such as hyacinth bean, snail vine, scarlet runner bean, moon vine, and morning glory now. For easier germination, nick the seed coat with fingernail clippers, and then soak the seeds in warm water overnight before planting.

EASTER LILY

This elegant plant (Lilium longiflorum) can be added to your garden after you have enjoyed its display inside. Once the flowers fade, remove the plant from its pot, and place it in a sunny, well-drained location in your border. Be sure to plant the bulb in the soil at the same depth it was planted in its pot. The bulb will then settle back into its normal bloom sequence. But be patient; sometimes it takes more than one growing season.

PLANTING TOMATOES

Set out transplants of tomatoes now. Select sturdy plants that do not have any flowers or fruit. Plant in rich, well-drained soil in a location that gets at least six hours of sun a day. Set them deep enough so the first pair of leaves touches the soil. Water well, and mulch. Plant assorted kinds to use in the kitchen. Good ones to slice for sandwiches include 'Celebrity,' 'Better Boy,' and 'Big Boy,' Great cooking types for sauces, freezing, and canning include 'Roma,' 'Viva Italia,' and 'San Marzano,' For salads and snacking try 'Sweet 100,' 'Ildi,' and 'Sun Gold.'

FOR MORE INFO

"Around Your Garden" archive: southernliving.com/may2007

Southern Magnolias

Southern Living, May 2007 by Bussell, Gene B

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