ASK THE GARDENERS. Questions & Answers

Q Quite some time ago you gave the address for an organization that specializes in gathering and disseminating information on all kinds of fruits. At the time I was not interested, but I have since retired and now have room to grow several kinds of fruit. As I recall, members are from all over North America. M.F.

Santa Rosa, Calif.

The organization you are thinking of is North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX), c/o Jill Vorbeck, Route 1, Box 94, Chapin, IL 62628. Yearly dues ($8 US, $10 Canada) include a subscription to the quarterly magazine POMONA. National meetings are held yearly, usually at a prominent state university. The purpose is for the exchange of ideas about all kinds of fruit (including nuts). Aside from all the usual fruits, you would find information being exchanged on hardy kiwi, Juneberry (Amelanchier), mulberry, pawpaw, and others. The magazine includes a section on ``Orchards which may be visited,'' which are grouped under Eastern, Southern, Central, and Western states, and Canada. The latest issue even lists one orchard in New Zealand.

If you have a question about your garden, inside or out, send it, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the Garden Page, The Christian Science Monitor, One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.