Growing Great Grapes Issue Now Out

The Summer 2009 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine is now printed and in the mail. I just got my extra copies back from the printer this morning and the grape photos are definitely drool-worthy.

This issue theme includes grape-growing tips for the Mid-Atlantic, a trip to local wineries and vineyards, and dealing with grapes gone wild in your garden.

More of a beer drinker than oenophile? You'll love our EdibleHarvest column on growing Hops vines, which includes a recipe for Hop Tea and some funky Hops Trivia. Did you know? "Hops are the larval host of the eastern comma butterfly (Polygonia comma). The pupa is called a "hop merchant."

Also in this issue, our PlantProfile on Passionflower. For this piece I went downtown to the Enid Haupt garden on the Mall where the Smithsonian hort guru, Janet Draper, is growing several gorgeous varieties. I took a close-up photo of the stunning Passionflower 'Incense' and restrained myself from molesting it further.

We also cover Mulching Basics (yes, there is more to it then dump and spread), investigate What's Bugging Your Tomatoes, and focus on Native Penstemon. We share tips on Wed-Free Compost, Dealing with English Ivy, and Thrifty Garden Strategies. Finally, wondering What do Mushrooms Say About the Health of Your Yard? We asked the expert and have her answer.

If you subscribe before September 1, we will start you off with this Summer '09 issue. To subscribe send a check for $20.00 payable to "Washington Gardener" to Washington Gardener Magazine, 826 Philadelphia Ave., Silver Spring MD 20910 or go to our web site to subscribe online using our PayPal order form.