Courtesy of Turf & Recreation we have two installments of The Duffer.  We get Ian Robinson's unique point of view on the events of September 11th in The Duffer...let's not forget how to laugh.  In an earlier article worth reviewing Ian ponders the mysteries of modern children and modern television.  See The Duffer...of smart kids and survivor for his take on these mysterious elements of life.

Our Contributing Editor John Morley produced an elucidating article called The Common Quince for us.  This article contains the care and breeding habits of the Quince or Cydonia oblonga along with a description of the soil type and Rosaceae Family.  This self fruiting ornamental deciduous tree has an interesting history and is functional and beautiful.  Quince is well know as a pectin rich fruit used in jams, jellies and confections. John tells us that to enjoy the rich foliage and beautiful blossom of the tree we must prune annually to have the best display.

The Hosta Society Has provided us with the back issues of their newsletter.  The latest edition we have to present is Winter 2000 which is timely in its garden advice.  Joseph P. Rocchi of Binbrook presents his article "Gardening by the Square", which lays out a great garden plan that has many advantages.  Besides improving the ability to show off your hostas, it also makes the elimination of pests, weeding and fertilizing more easily achieved and increased the retention of water in the surrounding soil.  Also the article "Hosta A-Z" lists David Barham of Bramalea's favourite hostas complete with descriptions of them.  He gives us the Aphrodite, Birchwood Parky's Gold, Chinese Sunrise, Diamond Tiera, Embroidery, etc.  The letter to the editor in this edition also gives us some ideas about Mini-Rossizing as an option for early Hosta propagation.  For more about Hostas see the  Newly updated Hosta Page which now features Issues of the Ontario Hosta Society Newsletter dating back to Spring 1997.

Mr. Porter Presents his February edition of the newsletter City Gardening called Dizzy With The Heatwave.  In his articles this month he touches on the subjects of our unusually warm weather this winter and how it will effect the seed, plant and bulb dormancy.  Some plants must have a dormant period brought on by cold in order to produce good flower and foliage.  Wesley also directs us to watch for the spores of pathogens and insects who will have the advantage of the warmer winter and may appear in greater numbers as a result.  He advises us on the use of Dormant Oil and Lime Sulpher spray to eradicate the fungal pathogens and other garden pests.  Inside the house he advises us to beware of the spider mite and advises insecticidal soap for the preservation of Palms, Cycads, Cyperus, Hibiscus, Fuchsia and Bougainvillea as a household insecticide.  On the lighter side he discuses Valentines day and the art of cutting and arranging tulips.  Tulips are prized for the quality of dancing in the vase because they grow and bend, right in the vase, but he also gives us a method for straightening tulips that have bent toward the sunlight.  He lists the new David Austin Roses for us including Falstaff, James Galway, Sophy's Rose, Tess of the D'ubervilles, William Morris Rose and the illustrious William Shakespeare 2000.  He also edifies us about Phytophora ramorum or Sudden Oak Death a new fungus appearing in Canada. This edition was a great one.  Thanks Wesley!

                                           Hort-Pro Garden Magazine 2003