Outstanding over-wintering ability and heat tolerance, blooming freely for prolonged periods of time. 'Gems' stretch less then other violas, and provide great masses of flowers. Plants reach 8 inches tall with 6-inch spread.

We especially like the 'Apricot Antique,' 'Pink Antique,' and 'Lavender Antique' cultivars. (We have other violas too, in many colors!)

Brilliantly colored flowers are ranunculus' chief attraction, and they are indeed special. They most often come in multiple layers of delicate, crepe-paper-thin petals, looking like an origami masterwork. These lovely flowers make great container plants as well as bedding plants. They make wonderful cut flowers too. Available in six packs.

This Week's Question:  Most people think of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds when they think of plant pollinators.  But these are mostly day creatures.  Can you name the two most common pollinators of night-blooming flowers?  (Looking for general groups here - like 'bees' - not specific species.)

This Week's Prize:  hanging basket ($17.99) of the winner's choice

When You Should Prune

• The best time to prune is during the plant's dormant season, generally in the winter.
• The exceptions are ornamental trees and shrubs grown especially for their spring flowers. Most of these should be pruned just after they bloom in the spring so the flowering buds are not removed.
• Evergreen plants can be pruned any time of year, but the best time is late winter or late summer just before seasonal new growth begins.
• Evergreen plants susceptible to frost damage should be pruned after there is any danger of frost.
• Tip: when you purchase a plant, ask us the best time to prune it.
• Dead, injured, or diseased limbs should be pruned immediately.

Technique

Pruning techniques vary, depending on what you are pruning and why you are pruning. We will cover the specifics in other articles. But here are some universals:

• The sharper the tool, the better. Using dull or rusty tools can harm the plant rather than help it.
• When pruning dormant plants, dormant spraying should be done immediately after pruning. If you feel lazy and decide to wait for a few days, you may find that new growth has begun to emerge. Your dormant spray will damage that tender new growth, setting your plant back and possibly resulting in deformed growth.
• When removing diseased limbs, get them away from the plant immediately and do not use the leaves for mulch, as that could spread the disease.

We frequently hear "I can't grow pansies." Here are some tips to get at the "root of the problem."

First of all, it may not be your fault. Pansies often succumb to a fungal disease called rhizectonia, which thrives in wet soil.

Tips:

1. Don't bury them too deeply - plant with the root ball slightly above soil level.
2. Be careful not to overwater.
3. Don't prop up floppy plants with soil!
4. Plant violas, they're a little stronger.
5. Plant them in pots, with a good potting soil.
6. Grow the pansies in a different area of your yard for 2 years (to give the disease time to disappear from the usual spot).