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Valued for its lovely fragrance, which is often described as "like cherry pie" and its lilac-like blossoms, heliotrope (heliotropium arborescens) is a great garden addition. The blooms, which are a magnet for butterflies, are set against deep green, crinkled leaves, adding texture and richness to any bed of flowers.

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Sweet fragrance and lovely blossoms make heliotrope popular.

All heliotropes prefer moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. They are easy to grow and basically fuss-free. Cut the plants back by about half in early spring to promote bushiness. They can be propagated from seed in the spring or cuttings in early autumn.

Plants tend to go in and out of style, and there's no doubt that heliotrope has been on the wane in recent years. But in our grandmothers' time, it was prized, and after some absence from the market, it is now returning as gardeners rediscover this old-fashioned delight.

Some of the older residents of this province used to refer to the plant as "turnsole" because it had a tendency to turn its flowers and leaves toward the sun over the course of the day. It is this trait, likely, that has led to its revival, since now there are a lot of new-wave firms using the word in the titles of their firms.

Turning toward the sun is symbolized as a move towards enlightenment. The name heliotrope actually means move towards the sun.

Heliotrope grows well in containers as well as in flower beds, and it is an amiable mixer with other flowers. But be cautious in your container planting, for this flower doesn't wish to be crowded or it will be affected with powdery mildew.

As far as care during its growth period, don't forget to pinch them when they're young. It stimulates growth. If you find it hard to cut it back, you will end up with a spindly plant that is not satisfying.

One of the best ways to accomplish this task is simply to remove side shoots until the plant grows to the height you want it to attain. After that, start pinching back the top growth.

For those who are more concerned that the plant stay bushy rather than tall, pinch back the tips all over the plant early on. This forces lots of new side growth. This may deter the bloom of flowers a bit, but they will come.

Deadheading is also needed with heliotrope if you want the blooms to last well into fall. As soon as the blooms fade, get them off the plant.

Although in many parts of the country, heliotrope will over-winter outdoors, to be sure your plant survives, you might want to dig it up in the late fall and have it live throughout our coldest months as a houseplant.

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DAY OF TWO TOURS - This is a big day for gardeners in the Metro Moncton area. Lovers of the earth have a choice of taking in one of two excellent tours. One is the annual YWCA Gardening Tour and the other is the annual Parade of Ponds.

The garden tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features a self-guided tour to seven specially selected private gardens. Tickets are $12 in advance at MacArthur's Nurseries Inc., 232 McLaughlin Dr., and at the YWCA, 35 Highfield St.

Co-presenter is MacArthur's Nurseries and sponsors include Eastern Fence Ltd., Price Landscaping, and Larry Estabrooks of ecom Agents along with Crystal Clear Water and Tim Hortons. Proceeds go to the YWCA Women's Resource Centre.

Meanwhile, 10 gardens will be featured in the annual Aquascape Parade of Ponds Tour. Sponsored by Eastgreen Landscaping, Price Landscaping Services, and Bonsai Landscaping, it will be a day of touring gardens with special water features.

Proceeds go to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital. This tour is guided and bus transportation is provided. The bus leaves Highfield Square at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. Cost for the tour is $25 and includes lunch. Tickets are available at Green Village, MacArthur's Nursery and Co-op on Record Street.

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For your diary:

Aug. 2 - Seminar on Safe Ways to Deal with Garden Pests - Corn Hill Nursery, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The session will explore environmentally benign methods of keeping pests from destroying your plants and new varieties that make the job much easier. There is no charge for this seminar but pre-registration is needed. Call 756-3635.