Snapdragons

Snapdragons are easy to grow, colorful

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:46:14 GMT

Snapdragons are easy to grow, colorful

By Joan Cobb Washington County Master Gardener

I think every garden should have snapdragons (botanical name: Antirrhinum majus). They are easy to grow, colorful and make nice cut flowers. For grandparents, when you want to act like a child again for a "good" senior moment, and no one is looking, you can pick off the little snapdragon blossom and gently squeeze the sides of the top and bottom bloom and make that dragon roar! When little ones come to your garden you can choose your color of dragon and share in wildly imaginative adventures of dragon wars for a moment or two!

As a rule, snapdragons don't favor hot conditions, however, my snapdragons do well in my garden. They are treated as annuals, but often self-sow. The seeds can be planted directly in flower beds as soon as the soil is workable, or you can buy nursery-grown hardened-off snapdragons for spring planting. They bloom from summer to fall, and if hot weather temporarily halts blooming, just prune the plants and they will bloom again in the fall. Their colors are white, pink, red, purple, orange, yellow and some hybrids are bi-colored. The flowers are spikes of ruffled, tubular blooms, they prefer moist, well-drained soil and are partial to full sun. There are 30 to 40 species of snapdragon, their height can be 6 inches to 4 feet, their spread 6 inches to 2 feet.

Well-liked cultivars include the low-growing Floral Showers series that reach 6 to 8 inches tall, and Bells, another dwarf variety that provides long-lasting blooms in solid and bi-colored shades. The "Madame Butterfly" variety grows to 36 inches and features rich, double blooms that resemble azaleas. The "Sonnet" and "Liberty" series are two prime, medium-height selections. Both make nice cut flowers for bouquets. The "Rocket" cultivar reaches 48 inches tall and can handle heat, but to avoid toppling over will need to be staked. Deadheading regularly before seedpods form will encourage any size snapdragon to keep on blooming.

Snapdragons are an old-time favorite - they can stir up happy childhood memories and also be the beginning of some happy memories.

As I said, every garden should have snapdragons in it!

Morning Sentinel

Tags: snapdragons

All About Snapdragons

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:31:55 GMT

All About Snapdragons

The National Garden Bureau has designated 1994 as the year of the snapdragon. Snaps, like many garden flowers, have a long history of enjoyment. Children love opening the jaw of the flower and watching it snap shut. Opening the dragon's jaw in just the right place is a skill passed down from parent to child just like the love of gardening. The Latin name for snapdragon is Antirrhinum majus. "Anti" in Greek means "like," and "rhinos" means "snout." Snapdragon flowers are available in every color but blue. The erect spikes are covered with buds which open from the bottom to the top. The gradual opening of the buds provides color for an extended period of time.

During the 1950's snapdragons were one of the top five cut flowers grown in North America. In the late 50's, breeding work was started to develop varieties with improved garden performance. By 1960 six All American Selection 'Silver Awards' had been given to the 'Rocket' snaps. Another successful breeding project was the development of 'Bright Butterflies' during the 60's. The "butterfly" flowers do not snap as the usual snapdragons. The jaw of this snapdragon is replaced with a fused open face floret that resembles butterfly wings. In 1970 'Madame Butterfly' was developed. This was the first F1 Hybrid "double azalea" flower form with good garden performance. The double azalea form is the "butterfly" type with extra petals in the center. The breeding work done in the 50's, 60's, and early 70's has resulted in the three forms of snapdragon flowers available today; the "dragon jaws", "butterfly", and "double azalea flowered". In addition to flower form, breeding work was done to develop a dwarf habit of snapdragon. In 1965, 'Floral Carpet' snaps, which grow just 6 to 8 inches tall, were introduced and have gained in popularity ever since.

Snapdragon classifications are based either on flower form or height. Height falls into three categories; dwarf, medium or tall. Dwarf plants have a dense, bushy habit producing numerous flower spikes. They grow just 6 to 15 inches tall and are perfect plants for use in a low border or containers. Mid-sized varieties grow 15 to 30 inches tall and are used in borders (either alone or with other annuals) and as cut flowers. Tall varieties will grow 30 to 48 inches in height. They make a wonderful plant for the back of the border as well as for cut flowers.

Snapdragons flower best in full sun or light shade and should be planted in rich well drained soil. Prepare the soil by breaking up large clumps of soil and amending heavy soils with compost or peat moss. The root system is quite fine and can easily be damaged by deep cultivation. A layer of organic mulch around the plants will conserve moisture as well as prevent weed growth. Tall varieties of snaps need to be staked to prevent breakage. Staking should be done early in the season. Tie the stem to the stake as the stem lengthens with soft cloth.

Dwarf varieties to look for at your local garden center include the 'Floral Carpet' and 'Floral Showers' series. Both varieties grow 6 to 8 inches tall with the traditional "dragon jaws" flower form. The 'Pixie' mixture grows 7 to 9 inches tall with a butterfly type flower. Mid-sized plants include the 'Liberty' series. These plants grow 18 to 22 inches tall with "dragon jaws" flowers. The 'Madame Butterfly' mixture grows 24 to 30 inches tall with the double azalea flower form. The 'Princess' series grows 16 to 18 inches with traditional flower form. Tall varieties include 'Bright Butterflies' mixture. This "butterfly" flowered variety grows 24 to 36 inches tall. The 'Rocket' series grows 30 to 36 inches tall with traditionally shaped flowers that are excellent for cutting.

1994 Year of the Snapdragon

Tags: Snapdragons, Floral Carpet, Floral Showers, Liberty, Princess, Madame Butterfly, Bright Butterfly, The Rocket

How To Grow Snapdragons

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:07:43 GMT

How to Grow Snapdragons

Snapdragons were one of the first flowers I tended as a child. Their bright colors and snapping jaws enchanted me from the first. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, snapdragons have been popular in gardens for years.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) come in three types: dragon, butterfly, and double azalea. Butterfly and double azalea varieties resemble their namesakes and are very lovely in the garden. But only the dragon varieties make the snapping sound, so they are the varieties I will concentrate on.

Varieties

Within the dragon types of snapdragons, there are several varieties. Some, such as the Rocket varieties, can grow up to four feet tall. Dwarf varieties will remain six to twelve inches high for the entire season. The taller varieties will need full sun to prevent the flower stalks from flopping over, but shorter varieties can tolerate some shade. Some varieties self-seed, but most that you will find in the nurseries are hybrids and won't come back true.

Growing Snapdragons

Snapdragons can be transplanted or grown from seed. Seed germination can be tricky, but is possible. Keep the seed flats in a warm place—on top of a refrigerator or on a heated germination tray—until they sprout, then get light on them. They will be ready to transplant three to four weeks after sprouting.

Transplanting is easy. Simply dig a hole a little bigger than the pot the snapdragon came in, and drop the snapdragon in. Fill in the dirt around the roots and water to settle the soil. Fertilizer is optional in most soils. Mulch them to keep the roots cool and the snapdragon blooming longer.

Cooler temperatures encourage long-lasting blooms.Daily highs over eighty degrees inhibit flowering. Buy the plants without blooms and get them in the garden just before summer temperatures begin to cool to allow them time to settle in. The roots will grow deeper and the plants will be healthier. Spring is another ideal time to plant snapdragons. Transplant them after the last frost and they will grow and bloom until summer settles in.

Deadheading, or trimming off spent blooms, keeps snapdragons flowering. The flowers form on tall spikes on most varieties, with the blooms starting at the bottom and working their way up. Wait until the entire spike has finished blooming and cut it off, rather than pinching off each flower.

Snapdragons will turn completely brown at the first hard frost. At that point, you can rip them out or trim them down even with the soil. They won't come back once they are brown. In places where winter frosts are light or nonexistent, snapdragons can be perennials.

Uses

Snapdragons are entirely decorative and a lot of fun. The tall ones look lovely in a small bed or as a backdrop for a larger bed, but I always keep a group of smaller ones up at the front of a bed for the kids to play with. If you've never done this, you must try it. Get close to the plant, so that your ear is within a few inches of the flower. Gently pinch the base of the flower, where the color just begins, right above the green. You'll notice the open flower resembles the jaws of a dragon with a fuzzy tongue. Release the flower and it will shut with a snap.

The taller snapdragons look beautiful in floral arrangements. Cut a spike when the buds are fully formed and the first blossoms are open at the bottom. The flowers will continue to open in the vase.

Snapdragons deserve a place in every garden. Introduce these to your children and grandchildren and enjoy them on cool fall afternoons.

~Adele Francks

Adele Francks has been gardening since she could follow her mother around and hold her own spade. Flowers are a particular love of hers because they are so easy to grow.

Garden and the Earth

Tags: Growing snapdragons

Snapdragons,Snapdragon - Garden Basics

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:36:21 GMT

Snapdragon - Garden Basics

Snapdragons are a particular favorite of children who like to pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close. Their large, blossom-laden flower heads are faintly fragrant and come in in a wide assortment of bright colors. The vertical flower spikes, opening gradually from the bottom to the top, are available in two heights: dwarf varieties grow to about 10 inches while the taller types grow to a height of 18-24 inches. A vareity that grows up to 5 feet has been developed, but it must be staked. A single snapdragon plant may produce seven or eight blossom spikes in the course of a summer.

Snapdragons make excellent cutflowers and excel in beds and at the front of borders. Gardeners used to be less than enthusiastic about snapdragons as cut flowers because blossoms tended to "shatter"--drop off shortly after being fertilized by bees, but plant breeders have developed shatterproof strains. Snapdragons flourish in well-fertilized soil and full sun.

Sow seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost. Moving seedlings outdoors as early as a the bed can be worked. They will tolerate frost. In Zones 8-10, seedlings started in a sheltered seedbed may be moved outdoors any time in the fall for winter and spring flowering. Plants should stand from 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the size of the variety planted. Seedlings purchased from a garden center where conditions are carefully controled will usually bloom earlier than those started at home. If possible, choose rust resistant varieties. When the plants are 2 to 4 inches tall, pinch off the stem tips if shorter but more abundant flower spikes are desired. Then, as the flowers mature, use them freely for bouquets; the cutting will force plants to produce additional stems that will bloom later in the season. These plants will benefit from deadheading, which will prolong their flowering period.

Garden Guides

Tags: Snapdragons, Garden Basics, Cut flowers, Antirrhinum Majus

Welcome to Snapdragons

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:25:05 GMT

Welcome to Snapdragons

This long time favorite perennial has delighted gardners for decades. Infact, inthe 1950's it was one of the top five cut flowers grown in North America.

Once you plant them, you can count on many years of consistent and dependable beauty in your flower garden.

My other flower blogs include:

Zany for Zinnias, Marigolds, Cosmos Flowers and Sunflowers

Pat O'Connor

January 31, 2007

The Song Of
The Snapdragon Fairy
Into the Dragon's mouth he goes;
never afraid is he!
There's honey within for him, he knows,
Clever old Bumble Bee!
The mouth snaps tight; he is lost to sight--
How will he ever get out?
He's doing it backwards--nimbly too,
Though he is somewhat stout!

Off to another mouth he goes;
Never a rest has he;
He must fill his honey-bag full, he knows--
Busy old Bumble Bee!
And Snapdragon's name is only a game--
It isn't as fierce as it sounds;
The Snapdragon Elf is pleased as Punch
When Bumble comes on his rounds!

from "Flower Fairies of the Garden"
by Cicely Mary Barker

Garden Pages

Tags: Snapdragons, perennials,

Gardeners ready to share 'secrets'

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:20:44 GMT

Gardeners ready to share 'secrets'

By FRANCES JAQUES Staff Writer

Annapolis is a town for walkers. It's also a place where backyards are filled with flower-bordered patios, sparkling fish ponds and conversational settings underneath century old trees.

For four hours tomorrow, walkers who happen to be garden lovers will have a chance to visit 14 different garden sites, most of then hidden from sidewalk view, during the city's eighth annual Secret Garden Tour.

This event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. with all of the gardens within walking distance of the Annapolis City Hall on Duke of Gloucester Street, in the center of the city's Historic District.

Peggy Waggoner, who has lived for more than 20 years on Green Street, has had plenty of seasons to watch how the sun and the shade hit her small rear yard.

"I would stand at my kitchen window and study the sunlight across the garden," she said.

From these observations, she was able to arrange plants that like sun and those that prefer shade in locations favorable for all.

Each year, she picks a special flowering annual plant for color. This year her flower of choice is the snapdragon. Last year it was zinnias.

Her colorful snapdragons are planted in the few sunny spots around her small fish pond, just outside the rear door bordering a patio.

A second larger patio is at the end of the garden, bordered by the yard of the Ridout house, a historic house that fronts on Duke of Gloucester Street.

"When I moved in there were two patios and some grass in between," said Mrs. Waggoner.

She quickly decided to get rid of the grass and did so by adding the pond and a winding brick walkway connecting the two patio areas.

"I sponsor midshipmen and they helped put in the pond and the walks," she said.

Roses like the dampness of her garden and bloom on the fence that manages to get some sunlight.

Mrs. Waggoner originally planted roses for everyone in her family of five children. But as her grandchildren count, now 15, continued to grow, she decided instead to dedicate a rose bush to each family unit.

Across Green Street from the Waggoner home is a larger garden behind the home of Barbara and John Dugan.

For 10 years the Dugans operated their home as a bed and breakfast known as The Doll House. Now retired from running that business, Mrs. Dugan has more time for gardening.

Her yard is heavily shaded with century old trees, including a deodar cedar which has been designated by horticulturists as a "specimen tree."

More commonly found in warmer climates, the cedar has long thin needles on sweeping branches that form a lacy canopy above several white-painted wrought iron tables and chairs set for easy conversation or a cool spot for a afternoon cup of tea.

The Dugan's yard is grass free with the ground covered by small reddish stones.

An extensive back porch and deck area attached to the rear of the house adds to the enjoyment of the outdoors during the warmer weather.

The Dugans are limited with flowers because of the heavy shade but have found that impatiens and hydrangea bring a bit of color to the large expanse of greenery.

For additional interest, they installed a three-tiered fountain at one corner of the yard.

"It's been a trial and error experience, trying to find out what would grow in the heavy shade," said Mrs. Dugan. "We also found that nothing grows by the book."

Tomorrow's tour also includes the mother-daughter gardens of Carol Safir and Jennifer Christensen who live next door to each other on Charles Street and share backyards and gardens.

When Carol and Harold Safir bought their 1770-era home, it came with a garden of tangled old indigenous bushes, trees and plants.

The Safirs have cleared out the undergrowth and trimmed the trees while retaining the integrity of the old plantings.

With an abundance of sunlight at some areas, the gardens can accommodate roses and flowering annuals.

For added interest. the Safirs have placed curved garden benches, a bird bath, sculptured pieces and a three-tiered fountain.

They have also added the popular Knock Out roses which have become the most talked about flower this summer.

The back yard of the home of Jennifer and Tor Christensen has play areas for the couple's two young children. There is also a garden house at the rear of the yard which is part of a two-car garage. The house has been refinished to accommodate a study and small kitchen and can function as an adult get-away spot.

Most of the city gardens make use of hanging plants and since they are usually fenced, there is space along the fence wall for placing more plants. This mobility of placing plants at different places not only can change the look of gardens throughout the summer months, it may also add to the health of the plant.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/06_02-33/HOM

Tags: snapdragons, cool weather flower

Rust infects snapdragons

Sun, 20 May 2007 05:29:40 GMT

Rust infects snapdragons

05:39 PM PDT on Friday, April 27, 2007

Ottillia "Toots" Bier

Q: I just noticed that some of my snapdragons have bright orange bumps on the underside of the leaves. Should I be concerned?

A: What you have spotted is a fungal disease that affects snapdragons and many other plants such as roses and hollyhocks. It is characterized by yellow spots on the upper sides of the leaves and orange pustules (spores) on the undersides of the leaves. The spores are carried by the wind and may infect susceptible leaves on which they land.

Moisture and moderate temperatures typical of spring weather are necessary for spore germination.

Rust control is a year-round chore. You can reduce the incidence of spore germination by avoiding overhead watering and by watering early in the day so the leaves dry quickly.

In the fall and winter, gather and destroy all infected leaves, both those on the ground and those still on the plants. While the weather remains favorable to the disease, you can spray your plants every seven to 14 days with a fungicide specifically labeled for rust. As always, the manufacturer's directions must be followed carefully to ensure effective protection.

A final tactic for the future is to select one of the newer cultivars that have been bred specifically to resist rust infections. Although their degree of resistance may not be 100 percent, their performance will be a significant improvement over older cultivars.

http://www.pe.com/columns/toots/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_master0428.29a8dc1.html

Tags: snapdragons, rust, rust control, fungicide

Growing Snapdragons

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 12:25:23 GMT

Growing Snapdragons

One of nature's most stunning examples of color and beauty is the snapdragon.

Rows of perfectly formed, beautifully painted flowers adorn many stems. These well-favored annuals come in a wide assortment of colors and varieties. The website "Annuals A-Z: Choosing and Growing Antirrhinums", written and published by Graham Rice in 1999, says most annuals are not available in as many colors as the snapdragon. Various shades of white, scarlet, yellow, purple, pink, and peach are available. Two-toned snapdragons are particularly showy.

This softly scented flower comes in various sizes as well, ranging from dwarf varieties to varieties that can reach a height of four feet, according to the same article. Taller varieties make beautiful backdrops for shorter plants, and shorter to medium height varieties make nice borders. "Annuals A-Z: Choosing and Growing Antirrhinums" recommends "Lampion" for hanging baskets, which is a lovely cascading variety. Recommended for window boxes is a dwarf variety called "Kim". It boosts dazzling orange and yellow flowers. "Burpee: Complete Gardener" published in 1995 by Macmillan, suggests planting low-growing varieties as ground cover. One such variety is "Floral Carpet Hybrid". It also makes a nice flower for a border or window box.

Snapdragons produce more blooms when temperatures are cool, according to "Burpee: Complete Gardener". Snapdragons are often sold in garden centers and greenhouses, and they can be purchased as fully developed plants. If starting snapdragons from seed, they should be planted indoors approximately two to three months before spring planting.

The same book says snapdragons require light to begin sprouting, so the seeds should be sprinkled on top of the soil in peat pots, trays, or containers. Covering the peat pots, trays, or containers with clear plastic will help retain valuable moisture during germination adds "Burpee: Complete Gardener". Also, pinching off the tops of snapdragons that are about four inches tall will encourage the plant to branch out. Before you transfer your snapdragons to the outdoors, check the plant hardiness zone for your particular location. The same article says light frost will not adversely affect snapdragons, but heavy frost can be damaging. In addition, they should slowly be introduced to the outdoors before transplanting. Setting them outside for a few hours each day will strengthen and prepare them for outdoor conditions.

"Burpee: Complete Gardener" recommends planting snapdragons while temperatures are still cool in spring or early in the summer. They will do best in a sunny location with soil that drains well. The same book says the first blooms on snapdragons are usually the largest, but a greater quantity of flowers will bloom after the first ones are finished. It goes on to say that flowering will slow down during hot weather and will resume again when the temperature drops. Also, dead flower stalks should be removed to promote new growth. "Burpee: Complete Gardener" recommends supporting taller varieties with stakes.

Snapdragons are a spectacular addition to any flower bed or garden. They are easy to grow, are very versatile, and you will appreciate the touch of color and beauty they add to your property.

http://tx.essortment.com/snapdragonsinfo_rxzc.htm

Tags: growing snapdragons,

Plant some snazzy summer snapdragons and watch visitors snap to attention

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:27:49 GMT

Plant some snazzy summer snapdragons and watch visitors snap to attention

April 2007

By Norman Winter
Special to The Clarion-Ledger

Special to The Clarion-Ledger

Serena angelonias' spiky texture is most welcome in a garden world dominated by round flowers.

Each year, I enjoy helping announce the Mississippi Medallion award winners, but 2007 will be extra special because it includes the first angelonia to win the award: the Serena series.

Angelonias, also sold as summer snapdragons, have been in the Mississippi marketplace since 1997. MSU began planting them in trials at different locations to see how they performed and how unique they were for the summer landscape.

There are a lot of great angelonias in the market, but the Serena series holds special favor. It is the first seed-produced angelonia in the market. Sure, you'll buy it as a transplant, but the seed gives the grower that option if he chooses.

The Serena series is among the shortest of the angelonias, reaching 12 to 15 inches tall and spreading almost as wide. Choose a site in full sun for best blooming. Please do not stick this wonderful plant in tight, cement-like soil.

Before planting, work 2 to 3 inches of organic matter into your bed. While preparing the bed, take the opportunity to incorporate 2 pounds of a slow-release fertilizer with a 2-1-2 ratio. Plant at the same depth they are growing in the container, and then apply a good layer of mulch.

Beginning in the spring, they will bloom and bloom and bloom - incredibly long for a plant called summer snapdragon. The angelonia is from Mexico and the West Indies and can take anything Mississippi's summers can dish out.

Serena angelonias are available in several colors: lavender, lavender-pink, purple, white and a mix. Since they are such heat- and drought-tolerant plants, you will want to plant them in mass with other rock-solid performers such as melampodium, Profusion zinnias, Titan periwinkles or rudbeckias. Their spiky texture is most welcome in the garden world dominated by round flowers.

Pay attention though, because if they should go through a prolonged dry spell, supplemental irrigation will pay dividends with a healthier, more productive plant.

A light, monthly application of the 2-1-2-ratio fertilizer, such as a 10-5-10 with minor nutrients, is all this plant needs to keep blooming. The bloom period is really long, and when it does want to cycle, it responds well to trimming with a pair of pruning shears.

There have been virtually no disease or insect pressures on the Serena angelonia making it a great choice for the novice gardener as well as the more experienced.

Serena angelonias are being promoted as annuals and are a terrific buy. From Hattiesburg southward, keep your eyes open next spring for a repeat performance, especially with good bed preparation where winter drainage will not be an issue.

Look for Serena angelonias to arrive at garden centers this month. Serena is the 43rd Mississippi Medallion award winner since the program began in 1996. The program is sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, The Mississippi Plant Selections Committee and the Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association.

Norman Winter is a horticulturist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Contact him at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, 1320 Seven Springs Road, Raymond MS 39154. He can be heard weekdays at 7:19 a.m. on Public Radio in Mississippi.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/COL0703/704060309

Tags: snapdragons

Snapdragons Plant them and your garden will ignite with color.

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:14:11 GMT

Snapdragons Plant Them and Your

Garden Will Ignite With Color

Over the years I have enjoyed watching children squeeze this flower's cheeks to see the dragon open wide, exposing its brightly colored throat, and then snap closed. This childish act has entertained generations of youngsters, but it's not the only thing that makes this plant special.

When people ask me what to plant in the fall other than pansies, snapdragons quickly come to mind. They give you more height than groundhugging pansies and work well in the middle or back of borders. They also work great in containers. These cheery plants come in a wide array of colors, ranging from the brightest reds and yellows to the softest pastel pinks. Many of the flowers are bicolored. Some selections have blooms that look like open butterfly wings. An All-America Selections winner Madame Butterfly sports large, azalealike flowers.

Snapdragons are tender perennials but are typically grown as annuals. I wait until late October or early November, after the chrysanthemums stop blooming, to plant them at my home. In the Lower South snaps will bloom throughout the winter. But in the Middle South spring is the time they really put on a show. If you live in the Upper South, where the ground freezes solid, plant snaps in the spring and they'll bloom until fall.

The last three autumns, I have planted Liberty snaps that grow 18 to 24 inches tall. Towering selections such as Rocket shoot up to 36 inches. These two are not only tall but also winter hardy. If you prefer dwarf snaps, try Little Darling-a mere 10 to 12 inches tall.

Lucinda Mays of Callaway Gardens likes the sturdystemmed Sonnet Series. She was also impressed with the way Black Prince held up during the cold last winter.

If you have full sun to partial shade with rich, welldrained soil, you'll have no problem growing snaps. Pinch off the first buds to create a bushy plant. If you leave the first buds you will have early blooms and tall, spiky plants. Once your snaps begin to bloom out and turn brown, cut them back below the spent flowers. This will encourage new growth and a second bloom. Snaps can get top-heavy and topple over; try using small dogwood branches to prop them up. Taller selections such as Rocket may need to be staked to a single piece of bamboo.

If you think snaps look good in your garden, you'll love them in the house. They make wonderful, long-lasting cut flowers. So this fall, in addition to planting pansies and bulbs, try snapdragons. They're guaranteed to make you and the children happy.

Pages 94-95: Black Prince, Liberty, Madame Butterfly, and Little Darling, available from Thompson & Morgan (MO), 1-800-274-7333, no minimum order, catalog free; Rocket available from Park Seed (MO), 1-800-845-3369, no minimum order, catalog free; Madame Butterfly available from Ferry-Morse Seeds (MO), 1-800-283-3400, no minimum order, catalog free.

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Tags: Snapdragons, Autumn Flower Colors, Perenniels