Wolfie, would you like me to put the information about planting specific plants where, in here? I have been putting them in topic 32. Perhaps they belong here .

Support Your Local Growers If you think large discount stores and supermarket chains offer the best deals in plants, think again. Almost without exception, the plant quality, variety, and vigor is compromised in the process of mass plant production. The small growers in your community--through micro-nurseries and gardening clubs--offer something the big boys can't; a wealth of local knowledge and an understanding of which plants work in your unique conditions. Without your support, these alternatives to the circus tent variety of plant sales may face extinction. Then where will you find an heirloom treasure your neighbors don't have?

PERENNIAL or I Love a Mystery Plant by Duane Plummer Perennial. That's all it was marked at the home center where it was mixed in with more familiar selections. But I snatched it up because I knew I had a winner. Besides, it was the only one there, which to me says, "Ha, ha, I found it first! And no one else knows how special it is! And I get to keep it!" The fact that no one else was anywhere near me mattered not. I'd gone berry gathering and I'd found the berries. Let the other tribeswomen put that in their pipes and smoke it. Finding something special affects any collector in a primal way. If your partner scoffs at you in scorn, just remind him of all the times he's yelled and shrieked at some guy on the small screen who's scored the touchdown or the winning run. It's all very logical. He has to bring down the mastodon; you have to bring home the berries. http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/mystery.htm Perennial CONTROLLING LAWN GRUBS ORGANICALLY by Arzeena Hamir Beetle grubs can turn a fine looking lawn into a patchwork quilt of yellow spots. But before you reach for the insecticide bottle, there are a number of organic alternatives that will help you cope with the grubs without poisoning yourself or your family. What are these grubs? The grubs that you see in the lawn are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafers. These grubs are C-shaped, off-white in color with a dark head. They eat the roots of grass, causing the grass to die and form brown patches. Lawns that are heavily damaged by grubs will have a yellowish tinge and will feel spongy when walked on. The sod itself can be easily lifted, a sure sign that the brown patches were not caused by dog urine. http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/grubs.htm AOL: Grubs -----------MONTH NOTEBOOK----------- ***HERBS FOR HEALTHY HAIR*** Use these herbs to improve the health of your hair and scalp: YARROW - Rub a strong infusion into the scalp daily to treat oily hair. THYME - Condition the scalp by massaging with a strong infusion. SAGE - Use an oil infusion to darken hair. ROSEMARY - An oil infusion darkens, conditions, and tones hair. PARSLEY - An oil infusion ads shine and helps control dandruff. CATMINT - Use an oil infusion to promote shiny hair. CHAMOMILE - An oil infusion lightens and conditions the hair. MARIGOLD - An oil infusion adds highlights. NETTLE - An oil infusion improves the color and texture of hair. You'll find instructions for infusions and oil infusions here: http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/preparin.htm AOL: Preparations To use your herbal preparation, work the oil into the hair, then cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Sit in a warm place for 30 minutes to an hour, then shampoo. ***GROWING CITRUS IN CONTAINERS*** Citrus trees are terrific for sunrooms. The glossy foliage looks great year round, and the scent of the blossoms can fill a room. Citrus can be grown from seeds, but it will take several years to get fruit, and the overall results may be disappointing. For better results, buy healthy plants that have been grafted onto special rootstocks. Before you invest in a citrus tree, make sure you have a place in your home where the plant will be happy. It needs a long day of sun and good air circulation. Placing the tree near a heating vent will cause the leaves to dry out and drop. In warm climates, place the tree on a rolling platform so that it can be left outdoors most of the time, bringing it indoors only when frost threatens. The most common problems with citrus grown indoors are scale insects and leaf drop. Watch the plant closely for scale, since it is easiest to control when it first appears. If there are only a few, you can remove them with a sharp knife or fingernail, or you can rub them with a Q-tip soaked in alcohol. If you have too many insects to handle this way, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap at 5-day intervals, or alcohol spray (4 parts water to 3 parts rubbing alcohol.) Any time you use an alcohol spray you should shade the plant for the day. Leaf drop is usually caused by wide fluctuations in temperature. Try to maintain a constant temperature, both day and night. GENERAL CARE: Watering When the soil is almost dry water the pot until the water runs out the bottom, but never leave the plant standing in water. Plastic pots are best for maintaining a good moisture level. In winter, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. Humidity Plants can tolerate humidity in the summer, but prefer a low humidity in winter. Luckily, the air in most homes is quite dry in winter. Feeding Use a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer. Mix it 1/4 strength and feed the plant weekly from mid-spring until late summer. Discontinue feedings in winter. Temperature There are some very good varieties that will withstand a wider range of temperatures, but for most the summer maximum should be around 87F (30C) and the winter minimum should be 40F(5C). @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ Jackie Carroll GardenGuides newsletter@gardenguides.com