Happy Gardening Newsletter 9/16/01

Hello Happy Gardeners,
This issue of the Happy Gardening Newsletter introduces the "Little Buddies" as an economical way to complement your existing garden. Due to the overwhelming response to our Grower's Choice Bearded Iris special, we did receive one additional shipment to fulfill any last requests from our readers. Finally, our gardening tip about soil preparation!

** We would love to hear our reader's thoughts about our newsletter...what you would be interested in reading about and any suggestions you may have for future issues and offers. Please send your comments to info@touchofnature.com and let us know how we are doing!

	Container Planting UPDATE (IMPORTANT INFO!!):
	In our last issue, we failed to include one MAJOR detail for those of you living in colder climates. When planting in pots and containers, it is necessary to either bury the pots in the garden and cover them with straw or leaves until Spring or bring them in the garage where they are protected from severe winter weather. Also, as Carol Wallace, one of our readers, pointed out, you can protect them by using a cold frame...stack bales of hay around them and lay an old window over the top. Some bulbs, like Hyacinths, Crocus and Daffodils can and will freeze if not protected.
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	Little Buddies in the Garden
	Our little buddies are complementary to any garden design...they are inexpensive in most cases and help make a garden complete. The best way to use these bulbs is in a frequent repeat pattern throughout the garden. Almost all are good naturalizers and will multiply easily. Plant them in groups of 8-12 to get the right effect. A brief list of our favorites follows as well as some of their attributes: CROCUS - Excellent for mass plantings. They will look superbly colorful when planted in the lawn as well...and don't worry, they will have finished flowering before it's time to mow the grass! CHIONODOXA - It's nickname 'Glory of the Snow' is only true in mountains where it grows naturally as the snow melts. Plant some in pots to bring indoors during Winter.
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	GALANTHUS - Despite the fact that they are small, their early blooming makes a big impact! They will bloom in late Winter or early Spring. Excellent for plantings in the lawn that is partially shaded, but be sure to plant them deep enough. SCILLA (Campanulata) - Excellent to be planted in shady or semi-shady areas around the base of trees and around shrubs...they bloom in late Spring.	Scilla Camp Mixed

	SCILLA (Siberica) - These bulbs are very reliable and grows best if left undisturbed. They can be planted in the lawn as well. IPHEON - They have delicately scented flowers and if also left undisturbed, will form large clumps, blooming for up to 4 weeks. DWARF IRIS (Danfordiae) - It's delightful scent is more appreciated when you force some in pots and bring them indoors during Winter. They also do naturalize very well. MUSCARI (Armeniacum) - It thrives in most places and multiplies freely. Excellent for edging and ideal for planting in bold drifts among shrubs. They can also be forced easily indoors.

	MUSCARI (Album) - Intermix this in ground covers such as ivy and the like. ORNITHOGALUM - These star-shaped flowers are called 'Star of Bethlehem' because they usually open in the morning and close in the evening. Another variety that thrives if left undisturbed.	Ornithogalum

	PUSCHKINIA - Even with minimal attention, it will continue to quickly form large colonies. They can be forced in pots and brought indoors during Winter. ALLIUM (Moly) - Terrific 'perennial' for planting in groups, blooming in early Summer.
	IXIA - A whole spectrum of color displayed in one spot. IXIOLIRION - This 'buddy' is also excellent as a cut flower. It naturalizes very well and blooms in late Spring. SPARAXIS - Freely flowering and excellent cut flower.	Sparaxis Mixed
	We do hope that you will take time to consider these items as additions to your garden...they help to enhance your existing plants, making for an even more spectacular show!

	Garden PHOTO Contest: (How to Enter)
	Our ninth winner for the PHOTO contest will be announced in our next newsletter. Click here to see previous winners and find out how you could win a $20.00 gift certificate redeemable for any items in our catalogs...send in your photos today!
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	Touch of Nature's Gardening Tip
	Your soil is ready to plant if, when you pick up a handful, squeeze it, then loosen your grip, the soil is still moist enough to hold together. Work in as much organic material as you can. If this is not available, get some peat moss and nature's helper to mix in really well to a depth of at least 12 inches. Make sure your planting area slopes to a side where the water can drain away. Cover the area with pine needles, bark chips, etc to prevent the rain from packing down the soil. 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!
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	Fall 2001 Catalog Download (578K) Fall 2001 Catalog
	We have a feature that will allow you to download our entire Fall 2001 Bulb & Perennial Catalog complete with pricing information and growing instructions. This feature uses the Adobe Acrobat Reader which you can download for free if you don't already have it. For Fall, all orders over $50.00 receive 10 FREE Yellow Daffodils 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 mailed to you, send us an email at info@touchofnature.com with your address and we will be happy to send it to you!

We hope that some of these items will find a home in your garden, on your patio, on your balcony or in your home. You can rest assured that your order will have our fullest attention and we know that you will be pleased with the quality results.

Until next time when our newsletter will discuss Indoor Forcing, Happy Gardening!

Bert Leek
Touch of Nature, Inc.

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