One other quick note: Butterflies also like puddles. Provide a small water source in your garden with a shallow birdbath or buried bucket filled with stones and then filled with water.

Did you know that the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has a Butterfly Pavilion?

For more information, go to: http://www.nhm.org/exhibitions/butterflies/

Although it takes most clematis plants a few years to become established, they are fairly easy to care for once they mature, providing masses of blooms throughout much of the growing season. They have one shared requirement--that is their need for support. They can be attached to fences, trellises, arbors, gazebos, garden objects or other plants such as climbing roses or tall shrubs with similar needs.

Clematis prefer to have their feet in the shade and their heads in the sun for at least 5-6 hours per day. They prefer rich, fast-draining soil amended and their roots protected by a layer of mulch. It's important to water clematis regularly, especially in hot weather. Most varieties will continue to produce blooms repeatedly provided they are fed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season and decorative seed heads are removed after each bloom cycle.

We have a great selection of clematis just waiting to find a new home in your garden. We invite you to visit us and see how spectacular and versatile this wonderful plant really is. It truly is the Queen of Vines.

There's nothing that says summer like the sweet, succulent flavor of melons. What a refreshing, tasty warm weather treat! When plucked fresh from the vine at the perfect ripeness, they have a flavor that brings a smile to everyone. A slice of melon makes the perfect ending for any summer picnic or barbeque.

The most important factor in growing melons is heat. The hotter your climate, the better melons will grow. In warmer climates you can grow seed directly in the ground starting in early spring. However, where the growing season is shorter you will need to grow fast maturing varieties and plant starter plants from seed grown early indoors. You can also lay black plastic over the soil around the plants or cover with a floating row cover until the plants start flowering.

Make sure to sow seed or starter seedlings after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. If you grow vegetables in raised planter beds, the soil will warm up faster than on flat ground. If you must plant on flat ground, make sure the area has good drainage. Always prepare all sites by adding an organic soil amendment, such as Master Nursery Black Forest Soil Conditioner, and a good starter fertilizer, such as Master Nursery Master Start.

Plant your starter plants (or two or three seeds in one hole, thinned out later if needed) at least two feet apart or grow vertically on an arbor or trellis. Melons take up a lot of room, so plan accordingly. Make sure to avoid planting near cucumbers, or the cross-pollination can create undesirable flavors in both fruits.

Try to avoid overhead watering at all costs, because that can make melons more susceptible to mildew and other diseases. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will help to avoid wetting the foliage. Water often enough to keep your plants healthy. Once the melons have reached full size (check label or seed package for size)--but before they have fully matured--cut back on watering to avoid bland flavor and splitting of the fruit.

When melons are fully ripe, they slip off their vines quite easily. Harvest honeydew types when they turn color or when the leaves where the fruit is attached to start turn yellow. We have a great selection of melons in seed and starter packs, so hurry in and get started today. You'll soon be on your way to a great crop of delectable, sun-sweetened summer fruit.

How do I get sweeter fruit on my fruit trees?

Answer:

First, fruit trees need a minimum of at least half a day of sunlight each day during the growing season. The more sun, the sweeter your fruit will be. If your trees are in a bad location, consider transplanting when they are dormant in winter.

That said, many times the fruits on trees are not as sweet as they could be, because the soil they are planted in is lacking phosphorus and potash. It is important to apply a 2-10-10 formula fertilizer such as Master Nursery Bloom to the soil around your trees in November and again in January to provide these vital nutrients.

During the growing season, feed once after the blooms are finished, again in June and one more time in September with a complete fruit tree food such as Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer. Make sure not to overwater, either. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.

Established fruit trees respond best to deep and infrequent watering.