Pacific Northwest
August, 2008
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
DonÂt Bite Me Insect Repellent
Summer is biting insect time, and not only are mosquitoes annoying, they can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and encephalitis. There is a plethora of repellent sprays on the market to...
New Dwarf Agapanthus
Agapanthus, or lily of the Nile, is a common perennial in warm climates (hardy in USDA zones 8 to11). The dark green, strap-like leaves provide an attractive ground cover, while the stalks of sky...
New Community Garden Book
With rising fuel and food prices, many people are turning to growing some of their food. However, people in urban areas or without access to land face challenges to growing their own. Community...
Does Rinsing Apples Remove Pesticides?
Its apple season and many people will be biting into the crisp fruit and enjoying the new crop in pies and sauces. Unfortunately, apples are routinely sprayed with pesticides to control a variety...
In the Garden
Flaunt Your Personality with Garden Art
Garden art must be one of the fastest-growing trends. Artful garden accessories seem to be everywhere -- from the grocery store to booths at the local farmers' markets. In fact, if you can walk past all the gazing balls and obelisks and sculptural...
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Resources
Books
Learn About Insects! The video MicroCosmos (Miramax Films, 1996; $14.95) captures the details and awesome diversity...
Favorite or New Plant
Mahonia, A Shrub for All Seasons In a quest to extend the season of interest in my garden, Oregon grape ( Mahonia aquifolium ) was...
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Regional Reminders
- Feed Tomatoes
- Practice Good Garden Sanitation
- Keep Composting
- Prolong Blooming of Roses
- Prune Flowering Shrubs
