Eagle Lake Nurseries Gardening Tips May 2006 Petunias: from Supertunias to the Fantasy Series Neither the drying winds nor cold summer nights of our southern Alberta Chinook zone will stop the prolific petunia from flowering all season and into fall. For those of us that don't have the time to devote to our garden, this is the bedding plant to have. The striking blossoms can be depended on to spill over planters. I'm constantly amazed in autumn to see petunias everywhere in a full regal of color while many other bedding plants have long succumbed to our early frosts. Petunias prefer full sun but do very well in partial shade in an east facing or a north exposure that receives the morning and setting sun each day to catch enough rays for flower development. Here are just some of the many petunias we will be carrying at our garden center this year: Supertunia These bloom heavily and have a wonderful mounding habit. They suit planters, garden beds and hanging baskets. Height 6-10 inches and spread 8-12 inches. Royal Velvet: The name says it all, accurately describing its dark purple velvety flowers. Royal Magenta: Another stunner with magenta pink blossoms. Supertunia Mini Trailing growth habit. They suit planters and hanging baskets. Height 8-12 inches. Space 8-12inches apart. Bright Pink: Masses of bright pink flowers completely cover this plant. Supertunia Double Stunning double flowers complement any landscape. Height 6-10inches. Space 8-12 inches apart. Double Dark Blue: Fragrant dark blue flowers. The Wave It's strong spreading habit makes The Wave unique among its class. They look great growing in planters or garden beds. One little plant goes a long way spreading as much as 1.2 m (4 feet). Colors are purple, blue and pink. Fantasy Series Large flowers on a compact plant in shades of blue, pink and red. Some have deeper veining. Pink Morn -Soft Pale pink Blue - Rich deep blue color Helpful Hint - No time to fertilize your planter and hanging baskets regularly? Use a feed and forget fertilizer that lasts the entire season. The coated slow release fertilizer by Plant Prod are available at our garden center this year. Jennifer Seafoot Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd.