Quotation of the Week: "A garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever." — Anonymous

We'd like to wish everyone a very happy Father's Day! About Father's Day The driving force behind the establishment of the celebration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, William Smart, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. He was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself. Mrs. Dodd was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not give the organizers enough time to make arrangements, and the first celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June (coincidentally, that was June 19th, the same date we celebrate Father's Day this year). Unofficial support for the holiday was immediate and widespread. Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. The observance of Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. Lyndon Johnson declared Father's Day an official holiday in 1966. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law a permanent U.S. Father's Day to be observed on the third Sunday of June. Like carnations to be worn on Mother's Day, there is also a flower for Father's Day. Roses are the Father's Day flowers: red to be worn for a living father and white if the father has died.

Keep Blue Hydrangeas from Turning Pink

Start with a hydrangea that was blue when you bought it. Some kinds never turn blue; white varieties always stay white. Some pinks turn purple instead of blue. Plant and grow blue hydrangeas in acid soil mix. When planting in containers use a commercial soil mix designed for camellias and azaleas. We recommend Farmers Azalea & Camellia Planting Mix. When planting in the ground, amend the native soil in the planting hole with the same acid planting mix, according to package directions, or use two-thirds premoistened peat moss. Mulch with leaf or redwood. If planting in the ground, check the root run of established plants to make sure the soil is not too alkaline. Use a soil test kit to test the pH of the soil. A pH of 4.5 to 5.0 yields blue flowers, a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 yields mauve, and a pH of 7.0 to 7.5 yields pink. Maintain the desired pH with aluminum sulfate. Use 1 tablespoon aluminum sulfate per foot of plant height, or 1/4 teaspoon per potted plant. Mix this in water and apply it as a drench several times in spring and fall, beginning in September. Never use fertilizer that contains phosphorus. Phosphorus is alkaline, so the use of it will raise the pH of the soil and turn blue hydrangeas pink.

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Easier Rose Care

First, a note on summer planting — There are those that think rose planting season is over by now. After all, it's past the first of June; aren't they supposed to be planted in cold weather at bareroot season? Nonsense. You can plant roses in the summer. Here are a few tips for hot weather planting: Always make sure the rose is well watered before planting; never plant (or fertilize) a dry or wilted plant. Provide lots of water after planting. It's a good idea to trim back some of the top growth so the roots don't have to work so hard. You can safely take off about 1/3 of the top growth. Use lots of planting mix and save some for a top dressing of mulch to help keep the roots cool. Once they are planted, these simple tips on care can help you keep your roses happy and healthy. Caring for Your Roses Watching For Problems: Remember that prevention by proper care is the best protection against problems. Roses need : 1. A sunny location 2. Rich moist soil 3. Regular feeding The Most Common Problems Are: Aphids. Tiny insects found on the tips of new growth and buds. Bristly rose slug. This larva of the sawfly is found on the underside of the leaves. It eats leaf tissue, leaving a lace effect. It's not hard to control, but will do a lot of damage if ignored. Thrips. Tiny insects found on the inside of flowers, thrips cause distorted and stunted blossoms. They usually show up at the end of summer in warm weather. Powdery mildew. A fungal disease that looks like white dust on the leaves. Rust. A fungal disease that looks like orange powder on the backs of the leaves. Avoid watering late in the day to help prevent fungal problems. Neem oil and narrow range oil such as Ultra Fine, or Bonide All Seasons Spray will take care of most problems. It's good to have some on hand to catch problems early. These products are more environmentally friendly than chemicals. There is a wealth of information available on rose care. By following the simple basics discussed here, even the beginning gardener should be able to enjoy roses. Just remember — lots of sunshine, lots of water and regular feeding. The American Rose Society is working on a list of favorite roses for different climates which should be very helpful in our quest to find the best roses for our area. Quick Overview of Modern Rose Types Grandiflora — Tall and similar to Hybrid Teas, a cross between Hybrid Teas and Floribundas. Example — 'Queen Elizabeth' Polyantha — Compact free flowering plants on compact bushes. Example — 'Margo Koster' and 'China Doll' Miniatures — Small leaves and flowers. Usually 1-2 feet tall, but can reach 6 feet! Climbers — A mixed group with long arching canes that need support.

1. Plant bougainvilleas, fuchsias, and epiphyllums 2. Use bedding plants for quick color 3. Plant perennials in bloom now 4. Plant Zoysia grass 5. Continue to plant summer vegetables 6. Plant and transplant succulents, including cacti and euphorbias 7. Purchase alstroemerias throughout the summer while they are in bloom 8. Plant papayas and bananas 9. Plant and transplant palms 10. Continue to pick and deadhead roses 11. Deadhead and pick summer flowers to keep them going 12. Remove berries (seed pods) from fuchsias after flowers fall 13. Clip runners off strawberries 14. Feed citrus trees and look for chlorosis in citrus, gardenias, azaleas and others; treat with chelated iron 15. Feed avocado trees 16. Fertilize roses 17. Water all plants well except some well-established drought resistant plants and some native plants 18. Put bloomed-out cyclamen and English primroses in a shady spot for the summer

What you need: 1 prepared chocolate pie crust (6-oz) 6 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 can (14-oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 egg 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries For Chocolate Topping 2 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate 1/4 cup whipping cream Step by Step: Preheat oven to 350º.  Beat cream cheese with mixer until fluffy; gradually add condensed milk and beat until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Arrange raspberries on bottom of pie crust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with whipping cream. Cook and stir until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat. Top cheesecake with chocolate topping; chill. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired. Yield:  8 servings