There are two very easy vines for those of you who are commuting every day. These vines' blossoms will grab you coming and going. Plant them in a sunny spot at the base of a trellis, along a walk you take to your car or next to your garage.

At sunup, as you leave for work, 'Grandpa Ott' or 'Mt Fuji' morning glories will be opening up to the rising sun. Even those of us who dislike seeing the break of day can banish our gloom with these bright flowers.

Plant 'Heavenly Blue' morning glory for the nostalgia they will impart. Your mother or grandmother most likely grew this pale blue one.

For the trip home, plant moonflowers. Their pristine white flowers fairly spin open in front of your eyes. The scent of these large flowers hangs close in the air. Pause to take a whiff. Feel the tenseness of the drive home melt away.

The seeds of both vines are treated the same. Soak the seeds in a lightly wrung out paper towel. Don't let it dry out; add some water as needed. Once they swell (in just a day or three), they are ready to plant so have your planting spot ready. After this initial treatment, you can plant them early indoors in pots or plant them directly in the ground outdoors after the soil thoroughly warms up in spring.

It only takes a few minutes to plant your mood adjusters. Coming or going, these flowers will keep you company all summer.

--posted by Anne Moore March 18, 2007--