Finds—What's New & Where to Get it
by Greg & Pat Williams
Finds is a compendium of new and unusual products and services for gardeners. Mention of commercial products here does not imply endorsement by Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Exquisite decorative lawn sprinklers handcrafted from copper are available from Dream Sprayer, 4381 N. Pine Tree Rd., Oneida, WI 54155; phone (920) 494-3430. And, according to the manufacturer, "if you're handy with tools, familiar with soldering of copper tubing, or willing to learn," you can also make your own—using a Dream Sprayer kit. For photos, visit dreamsprayer.home.att.net.
The Apples of Maine, originally published in 1993, is being reprinted in a limited edition signed by the author-publisher. The 400-page hardbound book is described on the jacket as an "exhaustive, one-of-a-kind identification guides...dealing with the history...[and] characteristics of all the apple varieties grown in the northeastern United States during the past four centuries." The price is $45 postpaid anywhere in the world. Order (or request more information) from George A. Stilphen, 986 Bolster's Mills Rd., Otisfield, ME 04270-7038; phone (207) 743-9420.
Ecologically Sound Lawn Care for the Pacific Northwest has far wider applicability than its title suggests. The 89-page report sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities (phone 206-684-7560) covers the science of environmentally friendly lawn care practices quite generally, including numerous references and other resources that should prove useful to resource-conscious homeowners in most areas of the United States. A free copy of the report can be downloaded from the web site www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/lawncare.
The Batrow Misting System for aiding propagation of cuttings and germination of seedlings is being marketed to hobby greenhouse enthusiasts as a less-expensive alternative to commercial-scale misters. You can choose bench or cable support for misting heads; the control panel uses a microchip for timing. To learn more, contact Batrow, Inc., P.O. Box 2276, Short Beach, CT 06405; phone (203) 488-2578.
Tropical Gardener is a quarterly magazine described by its editor as "dedicated to the art and science of tropical and subtropical gardening. It is a creative resource for anyone who has an interest in tropical plants. The magazine teaches gardeners to grow tropicals in almost any climate and garden situation, both indoors and outdoors." A one-year subscription is $18.00 in the United States, $24.00 in Canada, and $35.00 elsewhere. Order from Tropical Gardener, 13727 S.W. 152nd St., Suite 222, Miami, FL 33177; phone (305) 971-8558; www.tropicalgardener.com.
Regular contributors to P&G News, Greg and Pat Williams practice what they preach: Many of the growing tips they collect for their P&G columns are put to use on their farm in Gravel Switch, KY. The couple are also the editors of HortIdeas.