Each year, the best trees, shrubs, and woody vines are singled out for special honors. Here are details on some of these 2006 winners.

For 2007, All-America Selections (AAS) offers an outstanding line-up. These include four flowers and one vegetable. I tried these in my garden during the 2006 growing season, and they did beautifully.

Of all the gardening books released thus far in 2006, one stands out in the crowd. This extraordinary title from Prestel is "Florilegium Imperiale-Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria" by H. Walter Lack.

The foliage of trees and shrubs begin to change color during the fall from their mostly greens to a range of colors from oranges and reds to golds.

As fall approaches, it will bring cooler temperatures. This means it will be a great time for planting most evergreens. There are fewer heat-related stress problems on transplants during this time. They will need less watering than spring transplanted ones.

With native plants becoming so popular in recent years, here are some books that will help you identify and appreciate their unique beauty.

When you´re seeking shelter from the heat and humidity of dog days, begin creating handmade holiday gifts for loved ones.

Each year the Florastar and Fleuroselect organizations announce their award winning plants for the year.

In the dog days of summer when the weather is so hot and muggy, take a break from the garden. This is an ideal time to delve into some landscaping books.

The dog days of summer offer a good opportunity to start those garden craft projects you want to use for holiday gifts and shop for early gardening related gifts.