Northern & Central Midwest
March, 2005
Regional Report
Web Finds
Kids Composting
Composting for Kids is a delightful slide show that teaches kids the basics of composting. It's clear, concise, and fun to read, even for grown-ups. What better way to get the kids started gardening than by making compost!
Favorite or New Plant
Hidcote St. John's-wort
The no-maintenance Hidcote St. John's-wort (Hypericum 'Hidcote') is a favorite of mine because of its low demands. It thrives in almost any type of soil -- especially dry, impoverished areas -- and blooms from June to September with lovely butter-colored, rose-like blossoms. The flowers are followed by large, attractive seedpods that turn reddish in the fall. They are accompanied by exquisite bright orange fall foliage. These plants are best cut to the ground each spring in Zone 5 since they usually die back anyway. They sprout again with vigor and reach about 2 feet in height and 3 feet in width.
