2B Seeds Gardening Newsletter
May-June 2006

THE SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION

Anyone of voting age with a mother who gardens probably remembers the old-fashioned petunias. With their fragrant, ruffled blossoms in every color have long been fixtures in flower-beds, window boxes and hanging baskets. The trouble with a lot of the old was that they didn�t like the heat, humidity and downpours that can happen in the late spring and early summer. It�s not that way anymore. New types and hybrids available in our Wave seeds like this climate just fine. Especially in the South, you can plant them in the Spring after the last frost, and they will bloom continuously into the fall and require very little attention.

In the Coastal and Tropical South where they�re winter annuals, you can plant them in the fall, and they willbloom through the following spring. The Waves are the BIG SPLASH and when Purple Wave was named All-American Selections winner the garden industry was in for a ride. Developed by Kirin Company in Japan that partnered with Ball Horticultural Company to distribute it in the U.S. To tell you what is so remarkable about these Petunias, well the plant spreads out like a ground cover . A single plant will spread 4 feet or more. Having 2-3 inch blossoms. Purple Wave blooms all summer without being pinched back.

Purple was the first color of the series, however now you can buy pink, lavender, lilac and blue. Two other Wave petunias also deserve mention, if you want a more controlled spread, choose a selection from the Easy Wave Series , they grow 8-10 inches tall and about 3 feet wide. But it is the Tidal Wave Series that has people foaming at the mouth. These dense, mounding plants grow up to 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. They have 2 inch blooms that just shrug off summer showers without missing a beat.. Give them full sun with good air circulation and provide fertile, loose, well drained soil. To keep them going make sure to feed, 20-20-20.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
BY BALL HORTICULTURAL

When you garden with Simply Beautiful seeds, you can expect success. Ball Horticultural Company developed this collection from superior genetics so plants are stronger and more tolerant of variations in weather and growing conditions. All in all, it means that you can expect success with them today, during the season, and every year you buy them.

New Vincas and Millet

1. Plant in Beds, not in containers, as in containers the roots dry out and freeze, which kills the plants. Container gardening is not recommended if you want spring blooms.

2. Pick a spot that is protected from the wind and offers sunlight This will keep plants blooming longer in the fall, and keep them safe over the winter, and promote earlier spring flowering.

Spring blooming will most likely occur before your daffodils and tulips. You will be amazed at how quickly Snow Angels grow in the spring with a vigorous habit. When the weather gets hot, pansies can start to look leggy, they grow more stems with fewer flowers. To keep your garden looking it�s best , slowly replace Snow Angels with your summer annuals. By the time your summer annuals have grown in, you will have removed all the Snow Angels pansies. Do the same thing in the Fall, but in reverse. Plant the Snow Angels around your annuals, and slowly remove your summer annuls as the pansies prosper. Your garden will always look established and full of color. We will be adding this exciting new series soon.

SNOW ANGELS ARE ABLE TO TAKE A WINTER FROST. THE PLANTS WILL LIMP OVER, BUT THE WARMTH OF THE SUN WILL BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE. IF YOU HAVE BELOWFREEZING TEMPERATURES, THE PLANTS MAKE LOOK DEAD, DO NOT DESPAIR THEY ARE MERELY HIBERNATING. SNOW COVER IS A GOOD INSULATOR AND PROVIDES PROTECTION.

Bring 2 quarts water to boil in large pot, add corn and simmer 2 minutes. Drain and let cool. Whisk oil, vinegar and salt, pepper to taste together in small bowl. Place tomatoes, Arugula, scallions and corn in large bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss until evenly coated. Gently toss in cheese and adjust seasonings.

We have emerged from four generations of professional and commercial growers. Starting in 1919 in Golden Valley, MN we were pioneers in what has evolved into today�s world of hothouse tomatoes. We have grown professionally flowers, vegetables for the local market. Over the years we have expanded into growing bulbs, fresh cut flowers and bedding plants from private selections and the best genetics. And now we bring to you what professional growers use for their seed. Our primary focus is to insure that you are successful in your planting with quality seeds.

Figaro Mix Dahlia Seeds	Bonanza Flame Marigold Seeds
Cypress Vine Morning Glory Seeds	California Thai Silk Mix Poppy Seeds