Some of you have been reading magazines or going to garden shows just to stay in touch. But, the garden season is upon us and it is time to think about varieties.

All American Selections announces ten new varieties that earned the AAS award for the 2006 garden season. All American selections are those plants which have performed satisfactory across the United States. You can visit the web site yourself if you would like at http://www.all-americaselections.org .

I think three of the new sensations deserve a little notice. How about 'Black Pearl' an ornamental pepper with pure black leaves when grown in the sun. No, this plant does not look dead, but fantastic – just like a sultry evening gown these black leaves would look fantastic next to some pink or white petunias. I love ornamental peppers because of their colorful fruit. These plants grow well without serious disease or insect problems. The fruit turns red when mature and is edible, but hot.

Zinna F, 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' is a flower with a unique bicolor pattern. This flower's center is scarlet-rose with yellow petal edges. This variety is heat and drought tolerant. At 24-29 inches, it makes a nice mid-border plant. Zinna flowers are butterfly attracting and this color pattern should be really showy in your landscape.

Or, how about "Purple Haze' carrot with a sweet taste and purple skin? This carrot should be eaten raw since cooking will dissolve the purple color. Your vegetable tray will be the talk of the party with this colorful display. Carrots require deep, loose soil so lots of organic matter added to your garden will help grow this selection.

Yes, there are other selections but these three have some unique special appeal. So, consider these All American Selections for your gardening project this coming year.

Gardening Quote: "You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt." (Author Unknown)