ANSWER: There are many flowers to choose from that need little or no deadheading. Petunias are known for not needing deadheading, and therefore are quite popular for hanging baskets, but you might want to experiment with the variety of petunia that suits your gardening style. Some need more frequent fertilizing and watering than others, for instance, to keep pace with their quick bloom growth. Wax begonias will deadhead themselves. Impatiens do not need deadheading, but they also prefer shade and will not bloom as well in full sunlight.

Licorice is a non-flowering, but pretty addition to hanging baskets, adding a touch of silver-green to your color scheme and no deadheading necessary.

Sun Spots knows that some of her readers enjoy gardening, so she’s looking forward to hearing their input.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you Sun Spots for all the help you provide your readers. The Woman’s Literary Union, located at 19 Elm St. in Auburn, is hosting the 16th annual Doll and Children’s Tea on May 14 and 15. Five sessions are available for reservations. This fun filled event will feature Peter Pan and Friends along with the ever popular doll boutique. Boys and girls are welcome to join us for tea, lemonade and snacks while admiring the decorated Foss Mansion. To make this event more memorable we are looking for donations of pirate-themed items: treasure chest, gold coins, large fish net and old toys to use for the Lost Boys. Contact Kathy by calling (207) 795-6134 or by email at kmlawrence@aol.com or Betty at (207) 782-7787 or by email at betty.turgeon@outlook.com. Tickets are $11 each and available at www.womansliteraryunion.org.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am asking all students who attended the Dixfield High School system if they would submit pictures and news articles for our new alumni memory book. I hope to have it ready for the banquet on June 25. I would like to see information on former teachers, school activities, sports, clubs, or anything that you might saved over the years that you would care to donate to the alumni. I would like to gather as much as possible by May 31. Please send any such items to Cynthia Lane, 96 Pine Street, Dixfield, ME 04224. Please do not send via computer as I do not have a printer. Thanks. — Cynthia, Dixfield.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to Cynthia who is looking for a manual typewriter repair person, Cosco Technologies in Winthrop is excellent. Patrick Costigan is the owner, and it’s located at 50 Bearce Road. The phone number is (207) 377-2897. — No Name, No Town.

ANSWER: Thank you, reader, for that information. Sun Spots is adding the business to her Rolodex.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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