As you look ahead to the gardening season, consider these garden facts and trivia. Some may seem obvious; others are not so apparent.

The tomato is the most popular garden plant; more than 1,000 varieties are currently grown in the United States. Although it is botanically a fruit because it contains seeds, it was legally declared a vegetable by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1893. Vegetables are generally eaten with the main dish.

Zucchini, the most grown squash in this country, was only introduced here in the mid-1900s.

The inside of a cucumber may be 20 degrees cooler than outside air on a warm day.

Potatoes are the most popular vegetable among Americans.

The daisy got its name because the yellow center looks like the sun -- day's eye -- hence, daisy.

Saguaro cacti, found in the southwestern United States (and in the Desert Room at Phipps) don't branch until they are 75 years old.

Rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme and marjoram are all in the mint family.

About 80 percent of the world's rose species come from Asia.

More tulips are grown in Mt. Vernon, Wash., than in Holland.

Less than 1 percent of insects are pests, according to estimates.

100,000 plant species are dependent on bees for pollination.

Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) is so named because it gives off a volatile gas beneath the flower. Under the right conditions, the flame of a match lit near the flowers will burn blue.

The female ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tree produces a malodorous fruit that will make you regret planting it. Because the trees don't usually fruit till they are 20 years old and have reached some size, plant only male trees produced from known male cuttings.

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) may take seven to eight years after planting to begin flowering, but it will be worth the wait.

Hollies (Ilex sp.) have either male or female flowers. Females will produce showy fruits in fall, but male plants are needed for pollination for this to occur.

The world's smallest seeds come from certain epiphytic tropical orchids, up to 35 million seeds per ounce.

Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are among the world's tallest living trees. The giant sequoia (S. giganteum) is among the world's most massive trees.