If you're looking for the best varieties to plant in 2004 and are unsure which flowers or vegetables to choose for next summer's garden, check out the All-America Selections award program (http://www.all-americaselections.org/). Each year this nonprofit group holds trials across the country to find the best of the new varieties. Winners are often identified with an AAS label next to their names. These varieties are widely adapted and worth a try in your garden
Favorite or New Plant
The western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a small deciduous tree, growing 15 to 20 feet tall. Although native to Utah, Arizona, and California, it's well adapted to growing in the Pacific Northwest. Redbuds bloom in early spring, producing tiny flowers that range from magenta to white. The heart-shaped leaves are bright green in summer, turning yellow or red in the autumn. Redbuds are shrubby trees with multiple trunks, but they can be trained into a single trunk. They adapt well to different moisture and soil conditions, living equally well near frequently irrigated lawns or in dry areas. For best growth, plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, and provide infrequent, deep watering in summer months.