Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter and thank you again for all the positive responses I get regarding my newsletter - I love doing the newsletter but I love even more that my subscribers enjoy reading it so much. On that note, if there are any suggestions or thoughts regarding the newsletter that you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to tell me about them. This month the seasonal change is very much visible in nature all around us. The sun is setting quite a bit earlier, the leaves on most trees and bushes that are decidious have already turned gorgeous autumn colours and there is a decided nip in the air - especially in the early morning and early evening. If you have not yet started preperations for your herb garden's overwintering, now is a good time to consider doing a couple of seasonal maintenance tasks. Before the cold really sets in though, it is still a fabulous time in the herb garden and one that I particularly love. This time of end-of-season abundance calls for harvesting and preserving your summer bounty and often leaves us with much more than we can use - why not make attractive vinegars and oils to give away as presents? Of course some of the garden maintenance tasks, like gathering seeds and trimming back perennials fall nicely into the harvesting category as well, so there is plenty to keep you busy in your herb garden this April. As I said last year about this time as well, it is a great time to take stock of what worked and what didn't - make a list and start looking at what you'll change for the next season. This month I'll be focusing on strange tomatoes - the Tamarillo, or Tree Tomato which is now full in fruit and the equally unusual Tomatillo or Husk Tomato. I'll also do a quick look at herbs in containers  - whether or not herbs do well in containers and which ones will do best in pots are still questions I get asked almost on a daily basis at my nursery. Enjoy! News Plant Profile: Tamarillo / Tree Tomato & Tomatillo / Husk Tomato Herb Gardening: Container Herb Gardening Specials Footnotes Stomping out a new herbal high wkyc.com says "Salvia is a member of the sage family, but it is the Salvia Divinorum or Diviner's Sage that is creating potential problems for parents and law enforcement, because of the hallucinogenic effects abusing it can cause." Chemotherapy has roots in herbs According to pressTV, "Recent studies have revealed that the majority of chemotherapies used to fight cancer in modern medicine derive from natural substances. " Herbs and Spice and Everything Nice - That’s What Jack’s Harvest is Made Of! "Jack’s Harvest, frozen organic baby food embraces nature’s pharmacy to enhance baby’s wellness from the very first bite of food. Jack’s Harvest has chosen to add organic herbs and spices to its baby food to tempt curious taste buds and provide extra health benefits. A dash of cinnamon, cumin, ginger, mint, turmeric or vanilla not only helps to boost developing immune systems and aid in digestion, but adds appealing flavor as well. In addition, these herbs and spices are not common allergens." says BusinessWire DESCRIPTION The Tree Tomato, or Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) is an attractive half-woody evergreen or partially decidious small tree or shrub. It generally grows to a height between 3m and 5m. Its fairly large (10-35cm long and 1-10cm wide) alternate leaves are heart-shaped at the base and pointed at the apex and are muskily odorous. Fragrant flowers are borne in small, loose clusters near the branch tips during late summer or early fall and are followed by long-stalked dangling fruits in clusters of 3-12. The tamarillo fruit is smooth and egg-shaped and can range from solid deep purple, blood-red, orange or yellow, or red and yellow and may have faint dark longitudinal stripes. CULTIVATION Tamarillo trees are small enough and quite attractive to fit into many parts of the home garden. Site:  Preferring full sun, except in very hot and dry conditions where partial shade is better. Soil: Well-drained, fertile, light and rich in organic matter. Winds and Frost: Protect from strong winds. Although a few degrees of frost can be tolerated, the plants perform optimally in frost-free conditions. Water needs: It does not tolerate prolonged drought and must have ample water. Fertilising:  General fruit and flower fertiliser can be added every year in early spring and again in mid summer and in the late winter every other year. Propagation: They are easily propagated from cuttings or seeds although plants from seed may not be true to parent. Harvesting: Fruits can be harvested as soon as they are ripe.