March / April 2007

What To Do With Borage Plant Choices No Tomato Like Old Tom Saving Tomato Seeds Live Oaks in the Landscape What To Do With Bergamot Natural Solutions New Victory garden Local Garden Clubs Opportunities Books Herbs Dining In Resources Bits & Pieces Editor’s Gleanings Gardening with Kids Herb for Crafting Notes from the Brazos Beck on Nature (greyed articles available in printed version - subscribe now!)

Gleanings Ah spring!!! Once more we are in the throes of what makes gardening fun — planting and dreaming of the wonders to come. It is too early to have bug problems or sunburn or other nuisances of summer. Now is when all things seem possible. When the seed racks and seedling trays seem limitless and invincible. None of the labels say, “The armadillo will dig this up 52 times” or “Your two year old will pinch off the flower buds before a single one gets to bloom.” No, now is the time when everything is possible. Spring is what gets our spirits rising and our backs aching. It gives us long lists of things that need doing and lovely days to do them in. Who doesn’t love spring? So get out there and enjoy yourself. Be sure to go to some of the nifty garden festivals and plant sales that abound this time of year, but don’t forget your local nursery. They are the one who are there for you all year long, who will replace that armadillo-ridden plant and advise you on what to do if problems come up. You’ve got to support them if you want them to stay in business! Look at our ads, you’ll find the best of the best there. And keep working on your soil to make it better and better. Don’t forget to plant some veggies in with those flowers, and add herbs if they aren’t already in your garden. The idea is to create a bountiful garden — full of smells, tastes, colors and life. That’s what spring means after all — the return of life and growth after the winter, the return of activity after dormancy, the return of good ole gardening fun!