Coastal and Tropical South
Favorite or New Plant
'Hilo Beauty' Elephant Ear
In shady garden spots, elephant ear 'Hilo Beauty' (Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty') brings leaf variegation to a new level. Patterned leaves in green and yellow are blotched, almost mosaic, in their colors, and distinctively heart-shaped. Each is painted a bit differently from the others, but their impact is strong when planted with the subtler elephant ears, or with impatiens and ti plants in the tropical zone.
Tool or Gardening Product
Want to dampen the noise of power tools, either the neighbor's or your own? Like listening to the radio? Try radio earmuffs from Gardener's Supply (http://www.gardeners.com) to create a private oasis and protect your hearing simultaneously. They're comfortable and lightweight, tune in AM and FM, and have a built-in antenna for good reception.