Each fall the National Garden Bureau announces the latest developments in flower, herb, and vegetable varieties. The latest list has some very interesting selections. As you are evaluating your garden this month, consider ordering seed of the following choices soon, so you can have

– Agastache &8216;Sunset Hyssop&8217;: (Agastache rupestris) In full sun, bright orange/lavender flower spikes 6-8 inches tall explode with color next to fine airy leaves. Pleasantly scented plants 24-36 inches tall attract butterflies and bees. (Available from Botanical Interests, Inc. www.botanicalinterests.com)

– Amaranthus &8216;Dreadlocks&8217;: (Amaranthus caudatus) Fun, eye-catching 2-to-3-foot long inflorescences have the appearance of oversized deep maroon dreadlocks. Plants 4-feet tall are fabulous in the back of a sunny border. Sure-fire conversation starter. (Park Seed Co. www.parkseed.com)

– Basil &8216;Pepper&8217;: (Ocimum selloi) Handsome, peppery-tasting basil with small, lavender blossoms, leathery dark-green leaves, and the distinct aroma of green pepper. In sun, this excellent heirloom is 3 feet tall, spreading 1-to-2-feet. (Underwood Gardens Limited www.underwoodgardens.com)

– Basil &8216;Queen of Sheba&8217; (Ocimum basilicum): Highly decorative, long-blooming basil for full-sun summer landscapes and containers. The 16-to-18-inch tall annual offers deep lavender 3-to-4-inch inflorescence. Mild flavor makes it a versatile culinary option. (Park)

– Eggplant &8216;Sweet African Orange&8217;: (Solanum aethiopicum) Abundant, plump. 4-inch oval or round fruits mature from white to shiny orange-red. Harvest at white or red to enjoy mild, sweet, ambrosial flavor 90 days from sowing seed. Plants reach 2.5 feet tall. (Underwood)

– Rehmannia &8216;Chinese Foxglove&8217;: (Rehmannia angulata) Two to three foot tall plants have scalloped leaves and graceful upright flower stems of nodding, deep rose-colored 2-to-3-inch bell-like blossoms. Very long lasting and prolific bloomer in a sunny sheltered garden. (Renee&8217;s Garden www.reneesgarden.com)

– Sunflower &8216;Junior&8217; (Helianthus annuus) The first pollen-free dwarf branching sunflower. Cheerful 4-to-5-inch faces have long bright yellow petals and dark center disks that smile atop branching stalks just 2.5 feet tall. Perfect annual for sunny pots. (Renee&8217;s)

– Sunflower &8216;Sunny Smile&8217; (H. annuus): Dwarf, pollenless plants have sunny golden orange petals surrounding a black disk. Three-inch blooms. In a small pot, it grows to 6 inches tall. In a large pot, it will grow to 15 to 20 inches during long-day conditions. (Johnny&8217;s Selected Seeds www.johnnyseeds.com)

– Tomato F1 &8216;Golden Rave&8217; (Solanum lycopersicum): Indeterminate, Romanita-type. Medium size plants yield sweet, 2-inch long yellow oval fruit. Little or no cracking. Tolerant to viruses. Harvest in 67 days. (Johnny&8217;s)

– Tomato F1 &8216;Jelly Bean Red and Yellow&8217; (S. lycopersicum): Sweet-flavored snack-sized red and yellow grape tomatoes are perfect for popping like candy straight from the staked vines. Harvest this fun treat 70 to 75 days from sowing. Disease resistant. (Botanical Interests)

– Watermelon &8216;Katanya&8217; (Citrullus lanatus) : &8220;Ice-box&8221; type melon with sweet salmon-pink flesh and a fruity aftertaste. Sturdy vines produce large quantities of 8-to-10-pound round, dark green melons. Russian heirloom seed from &8220;Katanya,&8221; a woman in northern Illinois. Harvest 65 days from sowing seed. (Underwood)

As Thomas Edison said, &8220;Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets planning.&8221;

Traci Maier

writes a weekly column about gardening in the Miss-Lou. She can be reached by e-mail at

ratmaier@bellsouth.net

.