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Letter to the editor

Backyard cuttings

By Judy Stark, Homes and Garden Editor
Published June 30, 2007

Petals worthy of a princess

Much of the world will watch the memorial concert Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The floral tribute: the Diana, Princess of Wales Commemorative Rose. It's a hybrid tea whose large, ivory-colored blooms have a soft pink blush. More than 475, 000 bushes have been sold in the United States since 1998 with a portion of each sale going to the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The bushes are $19.95 each from www.jacksonandperkins.com, or check with local nurseries.

Make an oasis in the summer heat

Residents of the Utah desert tell how they sizzleproof their outdoor living spaces. Is there a tip here for you now that summer's here?

- Water: A fountain adds the refreshing sound of running water.

- Air: Overhead fans keep currents moving.

- Earth: Large pots and drip irrigation are the secrets to container gardening.

- Sky: Umbrellas and awnings deflect the rays. Read more in Garden Rooms, a Better Homes and Gardens special-interest publication on newsstands through Tuesday.

Book helps choose the perfect orchid

For beginners or experienced growers, raising orchids is easier than many people think. In Orchids to Know and Grow (University Press of Florida, $19.95), Thomas J. Sheehan and Robert J. Black offer advice on selecting the appropriate plant by light, temperature, container type or appearance. Orchids live in every part of the world except major deserts and the polar ice caps, so there's something native no matter where you live.

Make your yard the 'greenest' one

Go to www.hgtv.com and click on "Gardening, " then take the quiz to see, "How green is your yard?" The site offers these 10 tips on greening your garden, and gives lots of advice that elaborates on each of them: improve your soil; mulch, mulch, mulch; choose the right plants; don't panic at first sign of a pest; skip pesticides; let good critters get rid of bad ones; weeds happen; use natural fertilizers; water wisely; and go native.

Herbs that flavor the season

"Our 10 favorite summer herbs, " from Rabbit Hill Gardens Herb Farm in Mount Dora: lemon verbena, basil, patchouli, aloe, garlic chives, culantro, Mexican tarragon or Mexican mint marigold, Cuban oregano, pineapple sage, lemongrass. Visit them at www.floridaherbs.com for recipes, butterfly attractions, events, links, more.

[Last modified June 29, 2007, 11:04:56]