Your National Gardening Association weekly news for May 20, 2017

Meet the Asian Pears

"Like apples, Asian pears ripen on the tree and have a crisp, firm texture. But like pears, they have juicy, white flesh and pear flavor and fragrance."

Growing Mint

"The mint family offers a tremendous diversity of refreshing scents and flavors for cooking, beverages, and potpourris. Bumblebees and other pollinators are attracted to the delicate flowers that appear in mid- to late summer. Some varieties sport variegated foliage for added interest in the herb garden."

Weeds- Plantain

"Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is found throughout North America, usually in compacted places in lawns or in garden pathways. A tap-rooted perennial, plantain becomes dormant in winter, and new leaves appear in mid-spring."

Growing Vegetables in Containers

"If you don't have room for a garden, or only want to grow a few vegetables, planting in containers is the best way to go. Almost any vegetable can grow in a container and with a little care can produce abundantly. Here's how to get started."

Guidelines for Successful Tree Planting

"Planting a tree is a long-term investment. Your tree will do the best if you take the time to get it off to the best start by planting and caring for it correctly."

Planting a Window Box

"Combine flowering plants and those with attractive foliage in window boxes to add color to decks, window sashes, and porch rails."

Grasshopper

"There are many species of grasshoppers in North America, and about 30 of these qualify as garden pests. They are most damaging in the center of the continent in a band extending from Minnesota and Montana in the "

Drying Tomatoes

"Few pleasures match the satisfaction of tasting summer's fruits long after the season has passed--appreciation seems to increase the further the calendar is from summer. Although the intense aroma and flavor of a tomato just picked from the vine are almost intoxicating, by season's end, dealing with the bounty is almost a burden. After all, there are only so many friends to share the harvest with. Preserving these garden treasures, an art born of necessity, allows you to extend the season in several ways. Freezing fresh tomatoes is quick and easy, but the defrosted fruit can have a mealy texture. Canning offers"

Photo of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (Iris 'Oh Canada')
By Dachsylady86:

Photo of Blue Bottle (Muscari neglectum 'Baby's Breath')
By William:

Photo of Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
By cliftoncat:

Photo of Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'El Greco')
By tveguy3:

Photo of Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Dark Reflection')
By sarahbugw:

Photo of Bellflower (Campanula Fancy MEE®)
By bxncbx:

Photo of Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum 'Deep Fire')
By Patty:

Photo of Lily (Lilium 'Fusion')
By William:

Photo of Tulip (Tulipa 'Slawa')
By William:

Photo of Rose (Rosa 'Disneyland Rose')
By Calif_Sue: