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NOTE:  We have added over 40 varieties of Tulips to our Vendor Special listing...get them for up to 70% off regular prices while supplies last!

We wrote about these "Emperors of the Shade" back on March 16, 2001.  A lot has happened since then and, therefore, we would like to draw your attention once more to these shade-loving and very rewarding plants.

FRAGRANCE...wouldn't it be nice if all the plants and flowers you planted had a sweet smell that wrapped you up and took you to another place?  Since that is not the case, I would settle for second best and find that another important aspect of a plant is its showiness.  Hostas can certainly be considered a 'show' plant...even the smallest varieties will show off if properly displayed!

At Touch of Nature, we have greatly expanded our Hosta offering and list over 80 varieties, giving you the opportunity to surely find something that will satisfy your taste!  Different types of Hostas offer everything from:

• Flowers ranging from white to purple
• Sun tolerance
• Excellent for border plantings
• Thrive with morning sun
• Holding variegation well
• Fast growers
• Very fragrant

Diamond Tiara	Fort. Patriot	Sieb. Great Expectations

Varieties that do especially well in warmer climates (Zones 9-10) are:  Honeybells, Invincible, Diamond Tiara, Golden Tiara, Grand Tiara, So Sweet, Stiletto, Birchwood Parky's Gold, Abba Dabba Do, Fort. Francee, Fort. Antioch, Fort. Patriot, Fringe Benefit and Gold Edger.

Also, just a little information on leaf variegation descriptions for those of you who are not familiar:

• Wide-margined means that they have a wide margin in a paler color than the center.  (Patriot above is wide-margined)
• Narrow-margined means that they have a very narrow margin in a paler color than the center.  (Diamond Tiara above is narrow-margined)
• Centrally-margined means that they have a wide pale, central marking and darker margins.  (Great Expectations above is centrally-margined)

Finally, take some time to browse our Hosta selection and reserve your favorites early!  Remember, your credit card will not be charged until your order is shipped!

We really have enjoyed getting your pictures for our contest...we are looking forward to seeing some wonderful photos of your gardens this upcoming Spring!

Hostas, like most plants, are susceptible to damage from pests.  Here are a couple along with tips to help you combat these problems:

• VOLES:  Apply vole bait (available at your local garden center) every 10 feet through the infected area.  Put it in the runs and cover with pots.  Repeat every two weeks.  Be sure to pay attention to the labels regarding application instructions and animal and human contact.  After you dig the hole for the Hosta plant, put a ring of dirt and gravel on the outside of the hole before covering it.  The voles may avoid digging through this barrier.
• SLUGS:  Do not place slug bait on top of the ground.  Instead, apply them under the rocks.

If your tip is being used in our newsletter, you will receive a $10.00 gift certificate also redeemable for any items in our catalogs!  Email us your tip today!

Canna Lenape	Dahlia Alpen Wonder	Daylily Georgette Belden

For Spring, all orders over $50.00 receive 2 FREE Cannas, orders over $100.00 receive 2 FREE Cannas and 1 FREE Daylily of our choice and, when you sign our guestbook, you will get a 10% discount on your first online order.  Remember to order early to ensure availability!

If you need or want a copy of our Spring catalog mailed to you, send us an email at info@touchofnature.com with your address and we will be happy to send it to you!