On June 8, 2006, the Wall Street Journal ran an article promoting a ban on nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium nitrate). The author, Russell Seitz, argued that garden centers around the country are supply depots for terrorists. Europe has already banned selling the fertilizer in pure form.

Homeland Security mania is beginning to permeate the lives of ordinary gardeners. The poison ricin is made from Castor beans so we shouldn't grow them. Opium is distilled from bread poppies and we could be charged with intent to distribute if we grow them. Now, our arsenal of soil additives is under fire. Where will this end?

We already willingly give up substantial freedom to ride an airplane. Courthouses screen visitors with public business. We are subject to search in nearly any public gathering venue. Sinus medications are locked up in drug stores. Will we soon need to register our gardens to purchase ordinary products?

Wherever this culture of fear ultimately leads, I will not feel safer because garden centers are required to limit the sale of fertilizer. I know that getting in my car is still the most dangerous thing I can do.

Q: I have a small, urban sized yard and would like some flowering trees that will not overwhelm what little outdoor space I have. Please recommend something suitable?

A: Most of us live in spaces smaller than available in the past. Large suburban lots are being re-divided to accommodate our children's need for homes. So, while the size of homes has grown, the size of lots has shrunk.

Gardening in a smaller space means using trees and shrubs that don't take over the space while offering the character we want. A number of trees are naturally small in stature, such as the Japanese silverbell (Styrax japonica) or Amalanchier species.

Sometimes the effect of an erect, columnar tree, "fastigiated" to botanists, is a preferred choice in a formal or space limited situation. Many are 'sports': mutation variations of natural trees. Fastigiate trees can provide a sense of drama in an otherwise sea of dwarf plantings favored in restricted spaces.

Several conifers offer a narrow profile and moderate size including the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - ubiquitous in wine country -- and the silvery gray Arizona cypress (C. arizonica 'Pyramidalis'). Even the mighty Atlas cedar offers a narrowly pyramidal form in blue foliage variety Cedrus atlantica 'Argentea Fastigiata'. One of the tree true cedars native to the 'old world', the fastigiated blue cedar is especially dramatic for its color and shape, plus beautifully checkered bark.

Fastigiate cultivars are common among broad leaf or deciduous trees. One of the most effective is a form of white poplar (Populus alba 'Pyramidalis'). The leaves are green on top and nearly white on the underside. The effect in a breeze is one of flowing silver. The common weeping birch also offers a narrow cultivar in Betual pendula 'Fastigiata'. This one offers a similar visual to the poplar with smaller leaves undulating in the wind.

Less usual as narrow growing specimens are a number of new magnolia varieties. Trees for Life Nursery (a small specialty grower from Oregon) is offering unique magnolias at some local Farmers Markets, including Burien's Thursday market. Owner Ron Mannan is knowledge about his product and the prices are reasonable.

Both Magnolia "Daybreak" with light rose pink flowers and "Sunburst" with canary yellow flowers mature to less than 10 feet wide with fast growth to 30+ feet. Careful pruning can keep both smaller in stature. Ask the owner about "Vulcan", famed for its large ruby red flowers and heady fragrance. Information is available by calling 362-740-1857.

Warm humid days and cooler nights are a good environment for fungal infections. Powdery mildew is at least controllable, preventable, if not curable. Good air circulation is important but a few drops of milk brushed on leaves will prevent mildew spores from taking up residence. Once you see powdery mildew, spray with a mixture of one or two tablespoons of baking soda to a gallon of water and a couple drops of household dishwashing soap to help the mixture adhere. Spray infections on dry days and continue to spray whenever symptoms are present.