It is always gratifying to hear from garden enthusiasts who are exceptionally proud of their gardens. I recently received an e-mail from Mr. Gotelli of Willow Glen who not only enjoys gardening, but like many of his neighbors is very proud of the camphor trees lining his street. In the gardening column of September 26, I mentioned that Maple Drive in Beverly Hills exhibits excellent examples of camphor trees as street trees creating a cave like effect. Apparently, the southeast section of Westwood Drive (east of Meridian Drive and south of Willow Street) is even more impressive with older trees exceeding fifty years of age. Those interested in witnessing the potential of the species might consider a visit to this location.

Pam Manes, another garden enthusiast from Los Gatos is also very proud of the cool season annual color that she planted in pots around her garden patio in late September. Although Pam uses a wide range of species to achieve the desired effect and normally enjoys all colors, the range of colors is now limited to only red, white and blue. These three appropriately stylish colors have become so popular so instantly that many nurseries can not stock annuals within this range fast enough to supply the demand. It may unfortunately be a while before increased production becomes sufficiently available.

Annual color that may be planted now for good red includes pansy, salvia (splendens), primrose and verbena (‘color’ designates annual or perennial species grown for profusion of colorful flowers.) Because verbena does not continue to bloom in cool weather and salvia can eventually be damaged by frost, pansy and primrose are likely the most reliable annuals. Dianthus, cyclamen, fibrous begonia, and chrysanthemum are good red blooming perennials.

White may be achieved with annual candytuft, alyssum, verbena (while weather remains warm) primrose, viola or pansy. Perennials include the same as those listed for red flowers; dianthus, cyclamen, fibrous begonia and chrysanthemum.

Blue blooming annuals include viola, pansy, primrose, cineraria and ageratum. Verbena is also available in blue, but can be somewhat pale or purplish. Delphinium and some types of asters are perennials that bloom into autumn, but are not reliable through winter.

There are several other perennial and annuals color species, but these that I have listed are the more commonly available. Some garden enthusiasts prefer using pansy or primrose so that all three colors may be achieved with the use of one species. Those using primrose for the first time should be aware that some experience a potentially severe allergic reaction from contact, similar to that associated with poison oak.

Many garden enthusiasts may find this color range to be inconsistent with normal preferences. Personally, I prefer white flowers wherever they are suitable and only use other colors because our small garden is otherwise rather insipid. However, most will find that the use of this limited color range may enhance the therapeutic effects that most engage in garden activities for.

ecome so popular so instantly that many nurseries can not stock annuals within this range fast enough to supply the demand.