By Tamara Galbraith

Plants and their habits can be cruel sometimes. How else can you explain the reason for basil being an annual instead of a perennial? One of the most beautiful, fragrant and delicious herbs known to man, 'Ocimum basilicum' is very sensitive to cold. That we are denied its wonderful qualities year-round is just torturous.

Give it heat, sun and well-draining soil, though, and it'll do wonderful things for you. Like most herbs, little fertilization is required.

Choose from several varieties ranging in leaf color and flavor, but keep the flowers pinched off to maintain a nice plant shape and to prevent the stems from getting woody. (Some of the purple varieties do have pretty pink flowers, however.) Basil makes a good companion plant for tomatoes and peppers.

Use basil leaves, either fresh or dried, in soups, sauces, tomato dishes or with nearly any kind of meat. Basil can also be kept frozen with olive oil in ice cubes. Simply drop the frozen cube into whatever you're cooking and presto, you've got pesto! If you have any left over from cooking, dried basil is also great in a potpourri or sachet.

Here at McAdam Nursery & Garden Center we carry a variety of basil. Stop by for fresh basil plants today!

Just a note here: What most gardeners know as a "geranium" is probably a plant of the genus pelargonium and not the genus geranium (more commonly known as cranesbills). We are using the term 'geranium' here in deference to the common usage.

There are four main types of garden geraniums: zonal geraniums, Martha Washington geraniums, the scented-leaf geraniums, and ivy geraniums.

Zonal geraniums (pelargonium hortorum):
The most popular garden geranium, getting their name from the "zoned" leaf markings. They have clusters of individual flowers held on long stems above the foliage. There are many cultivars, with wide range of brilliant flower color and attractive leaves. Most will grow about 3 ft. tall.

Martha Washington geraniums (pelargonium domesticum):
The group known as the 'orchid of geraniums.' Flowers are orchid-like blooms; colors may be white, pink, red, purple, or mixed colors. These geraniums require cool (50 to 60°F) night temperatures in order to bloom. They may stop flowering in the heat of the summer but will resume once the weather cools in the fall.

Scented-leaf geraniums (pelargonium - various species and hybrids):
Grown for their beautifully scented foliage. They vary in shape, size, flower color and growth habit. Foliage fragrances include rose, chocolate, mint, apple, lemon, lime, ginger and nutmeg.

Ivy geraniums (pelargonium peltatum):
Named for the ivy-shaped foliage and trailing growth habit; flower colors are more pastel than zonals. Ideal for hanging baskets; also great for window boxes, or as ground covers in a protected location. They like moderate temperatures. If the temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees F, put them in full sun. If it is hotter than that, move them to an area with partial sun.

For planting geraniums in flower beds, work in a complete fertilizer like Espoma Flower-tone before planting. In mid-summer fertilize again with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Water well after planting, but don't overwater.

For planting in containers, use Baccto Lite Potting Soil, and top-dress with Espoma Flower-tone to provide continuing nutrients. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch (so water comes through the drainage holes).

Geraniums of all sorts are a great addition to your home and garden. Try a few this year for your window boxes, hanging baskets, and flowerbeds.

As the heat becomes more intense, water becomes critical to you and your plants. Adjust your watering times to provide adequate water without wasting this precious resource.

If your lawn has a significant slope, look at the water flow pattern at least once a month. Adjust the clock on your automatic sprinkler system to make sure you don't water to the point of runoff. Water pouring down the gutter doesn’t do a thing to make your grass grow. Try watering for two shorter intervals an hour or two apart to get the needed water penetration.

Here at McAdam Nursery and Garden Center we have many products that Dad would love! Stop by today and browse our selection of:

• Hozelock Auto Reels
• Bayer Advanced Products
• Bonide Mosquito Beater
• DRAMM Turret Sprinkler and Spray Gun

“Every piece I do is unique. I try to approach work with an organic vibe, and let the components put themselves together.”

Luke is a local artist. His company is called "Outside Room." We are proud to carry his unique line of Outdoor Art.

The only product that combines two targeted chemistries in one granule to achieve true maximum protection from insects that attack from above the ground and the ones that attack from below.

Quick facts:

• Fast Acting Formula Works 2 Ways for Powerful Insect Control
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Kills:
Ants, Aphids, Armyworms, Bagworm, Chinch Bugs, Cockroaches, Cutworms, Earwigs, Fleas, Grasshoppers, Gypsy Moth, Lacebugs, Leafhoppers, Leafminers, Mealybugs, Mosquitoes, Pine Tip Moths, Rose midges, Sod Webworms, Spiders, Spittlebugs, Thrips, Ticks, White Grubs, Whiteflies

Where to Use:
Lawns, Ground Covers, Flowers, Trees & Shrubs, along building foundations

When to Use:
When insects or damage first appear, grubs May through July