Contest Rules

The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The correct answer and winner will be announced on the following eLetter’s contest page. In the event there is no correct response, no prize will be awarded. The Taunton Press is not responsible for system breakdowns or lost emails.

This contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older. Employees, officers, and directors of The Taunton Press, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, dealers, advertising and promotion agencies, their respective employees, officers, directors and agents, and those associated with the development, distribution or implementation of this Contest, their immediate families (including parents, in-laws, siblings, children or spouse, regardless of where they live) and members of the same household, whether related or not, are not eligible to participate. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Winners agree to allow The Taunton Press to use their name in conjunction with this contest and subsequent promotion.

Prize:
The winner will receive a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening magazine. If the winner is a current subscriber, a year will be added to his/her subscription term. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash substitutions will be made. The total value of this prize is $29.95. All taxes are the responsibility of the prize winner.

If you know the genus and species of this month’s mystery plant, you could win a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening. Send your entry, along with your complete mailing address, by April 30, 2009 to [email protected]. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

Last month’s mystery plant was Actinidia kolomikta, commonly known as the variegated kiwi vine. This perennial, deciduous vine is native to eastern Asia and has deep green leaves that are variegated with large sections of pink and white. The vine grows to 15 feet tall and bears clusters of fragrant white flowers in early summer followed by small, edible fruits. Variegated kiwi vine prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. Margaret Eyring of Carmel, New York, was chosen at random from all correct entries to receive a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening. Congratulations, Margaret!

What eLetter subscribers have to say about Actinidia kolomikta:

“I haven’t grown one but I have seen it in nursery displays here in Michigan.” -Marilyn Hanks, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“A wonderful vine that my mother has in her garden. I wish I had space for it in my little garden!” -Jean Herlihy Harkins, Brunswick, Maine

“I have one growing on my entrance arbor. I look forward to when it gets its beautiful pink coloring that I have seen elsewhere.” -Jane Donelon, Brunswick, Maine

“I wish I had a spot for it! Maybe someday.” -Brieannon Akins, Jacksonville, Florida

“I love this plant!” -Karen Clancy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Although I always picture this plant with white and pink blotches, I understand that some plants are also solid green, and some are green with white splotches.” -April Clark, Kaysville, Utah

“It is supposed to grow well here in Oklahoma with few pests or diseases.” -Dana Dobias, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

“I’ve never tried this vine, but would like to. I love variegated foliage.” -Mary Chapman, Allen Park, Michigan

“I have a male and a female vine that are about 15 years old. Every year they clamber along a fence in the shade of an old oak tree, and then shoot off into the tree for the fun of it. The female produces fruits the size of your first little pinkie joint. The fruits are hidden among the leaves, but are worth seeking out for a burst of sweet kiwi flavor in your mouth. Finding and eating the ripe fruits are a favorite summer activity for me.” -Edie Moro, Cheshire, Oregon

“I’ve had this one for several years, but between the rabbits and late frosts that tip back the new leaves, it has never taken off for me in my zone 5 garden. I have seen spectacular mature plantings at the Royal Botanic Garden in Ontario Canada, so I plan to move it to a higher location in my garden, less susceptible to those damaging late frosts.” -Julie Finucane, Owosso, Michigan

“I’d love to have one!” -Linda Pugh, New Bern, North Carolina

“Beautiful!” -JoAnne Hildebrand, Port Republic, Maryland

“I haven’t tried one yet, but it’s on my wish list.” -Dawn Beat, Merritt, British Columbia

“A great plant, only I wish it’d afix itself to brick!” -Rick Burdeniuk, Waterdown, Ontario

“We have this vigorous vine growing over our pergola. The female has small green fruits which tend to drop and smell. Males are preferable.” -Carol Ferryman, North Vancouver, British Columbia

“A simply gorgeous vine with lovely variegated foliage!” -Trish Jodoin, Vancouver British Columbia