Bud balling' is a syndrome where buds form but do not flower. Typically the buds develop almost to the point of opening, then stop developing, go brown, and drop off.
If your camellia is susceptible to bud balling, here's what to do:
* Pinch off half the buds, it's better to have half as many flowers, than none at all.
* Give the camellia a good feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser every six to eight weeks from about August right through to March. After applying the fertilizer at the recommended rate, add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to five litres of water - shake it around and water the camellia with that.
Nobody knows the exact cause of bud balling but if, after all that, your camellia is still suffering, you've got two more options: Move the plant to an area where it gets a lot less sun or, as Colin suggests, only partly in jest, "Enjoy a lovely green plant with glossy leaves."
Friday, July 27, 2012
Compression socks
I hurt my legs last month, I have only myself to blame. If I had been more careful I wouldn’t have strain my legs the way I did. So now it’s been almost a month that I’m out of action. The doctor wants me to rest and not do any strenuous activity and always have a pair of compression socks on everyday. I tell you what; for a guy like me doing nothing is driving me insane but I do enjoy the royalty treatment I get at home.
Microclimates
Have you ever walked around your garden and wondered why some plants are thriving and others are struggling to survive? It's because a garden isn't a uniform space. It's made up of a series of garden rooms, each with their own growing conditions. Some areas are hot and dry while others are cool and shady. These different growing conditions are called microclimates.
To create a successful and sustainable garden it's important to understand the different microclimates within your garden. Whether you're upgrading an existing garden or establishing a new garden the first step is to conduct a site analysis.
Three factors to consider are temperature, sunlight and air circulation. Consider where the hot spots in your garden are. Think about where shadows, particularly those cast by trees or the house - and these are likely to change from winter to summer. Also think about air circulation and which direction the prevailing winds come from. All these factors affect how plants grow and understanding them will help you to create a relaxing garden where the plants are healthy and happy.
To create a successful and sustainable garden it's important to understand the different microclimates within your garden. Whether you're upgrading an existing garden or establishing a new garden the first step is to conduct a site analysis.
Three factors to consider are temperature, sunlight and air circulation. Consider where the hot spots in your garden are. Think about where shadows, particularly those cast by trees or the house - and these are likely to change from winter to summer. Also think about air circulation and which direction the prevailing winds come from. All these factors affect how plants grow and understanding them will help you to create a relaxing garden where the plants are healthy and happy.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Liability insurance
Well day 1 saw me cleaning out the old room which is going to be my new office once all is done. There’s the problem of leakage on the roof which must be fixed before painting and new carpet can be laid. Then there’s the public liability insurance that must be purchased before I can even began to start moving in and start to have clients.
Worm Pouches
Portable worm farms are easy to make and provide a constant source of fertiliser to ensure garden plants thrive.
To make your own worm pouch, take a piece of shadecloth. Sow both sides together and leave the ends open – it needs to look like an open ended tube.
Fill the tube with worm food, kitchen scraps are ideal - but remove the onion and citrus, because worms don't like these - and then chop them into small pieces to allow the worms to get through them more quickly. Then add to the tube some wet cardboard or newspaper, and then the worms.
Get special composting worms. These are available from most garden centres or hardware stores. Put them straight in and fold the tube ends over – your portable worm farm is ready for the garden.
By placing it at the base of a young plant, it acts as a constant source of fertiliser. As water passes through the castings nutrients are taken through to the root zone. Worm castings are so mild that it's good for all plant species. The shadecloth also allows worms to move back and forward into the topsoil, although composting worms usually like to stay close to their food source. Another advantage is that the worm farm is wrapped up so cockroaches and flies aren't a problem. Top up the worm farm with food scraps once a week and watch your plants thrive.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Medical cart
Because we are run by generous donations from the community we can’t afford a lot of expensive medical equipments. We do what we can to help our patients but it can get quite frustrating at times. We can’t even afford a medical cart which we need to be more mobile as we tend to our patients from room to room. I just hope our appeal to the politicians will get somewhere. Hate to see this free clinic close, then the community will suffer.
Understanding Mulches
The word on everyone's lips is "mulch" and it's absolutely essential because it can reduce water use by up to 70 per cent. It also suppresses weeds and weed-seed germination and insulates the soil. Some mulches are better than others and there are some mulching mistakes that people make.
There are two basic types of mulch - inorganic mulches, such as pebbles and gravel - and organic-based mulches, such as pine bark, bales of pea straw, chopped pea straw, and sugar cane mulch.
Organic-based mulches break down and add goodness to the soil. A favourite is baled pea straw. It is good because the bale can be broken apart into biscuits and these pieces are spread out on the ground. This means it doesn’t blow away and the birds won’t scatter it.
When mulching with different straws or sugar cane it’s important to add at least five to seven centimetres for each layer to make it work effectively. But it needs replacing every year because it breaks down. Heavier mulches, such as pine bark or pebbles, need only be four to five centimetres deep.
The mistake most people make is using compost - such as mushroom compost, garden compost or a cubed pea-straw-based product - as mulch. The problem with using these as mulch is that they are too fine and can absorb moisture. They allow moisture to be drawn out of the soil, through wicking, and they form a great weed seedbed, allowing for weed seed germination. Use these composting products as a soil improver or conditioner – they are fantastic for this - but top it off with a coarser product that doesn't absorb moisture. That way, you know you're doing your best for the garden, by conserving moisture, suppressing weeds and insulating your soil.
Tascam
My little fellow is doing great with his music class. He’s been in it for 6 months now and still going strong. I think he’s found his calling in life! Well as long as he’s happy I’ll support him 100%. After the electric guitar he asked for, he’s now asking me to buy him a tascam recording workstation. I had a look at the range of products this brand name comes in and they’re quite impressive. It will be money well spent for my little musician.
Compost Net
In my garden I compost everything. I've got a large compost heap in the corner for garden refuse, and a small bin for kitchen scraps. But in summer the materials ferment quickly and can get clouds of vinegar and fruit flies breeding in the compost. But there is a simple solution.
Just use some shade cloth and wire. Use the wire to stitch together an open cylinder – stitch it along the edge, so that it's open at both ends. Then slip this into the compost heap and tuck it underneath the base of the compost heap. This means that nothing can get underneath. But keep it open at the top so it’s easy to add the kitchen scraps. In between visits to the compost heap just twist the top together, and hold it down with a stone. That way you have absolutely no problem with flies and you get perfect compost.
Appliance parts store
I think its about time I replace all of my household appliances. Seriously its like every couple days I have to run down to the appliance parts store to get something for my appliances. At this rate I might as well replace all my appliances so I wouldn’t have to worry about them breaking down and ruining my days fixing them. Time to go shopping I think.
Frangipani
Frangipanis are a spectacular plant. Their flowers and fragrance bring a romantic feeling to any garden, and they'll never go out of fashion because they're drought tolerant.
There are about 45 wild species of frangipani or Plumeria. They're native to Mexico, Venezuela and other countries of Central America and are either semi evergreen, drought tolerant shrubs, or small trees.
Frangipani was the name given to an Italian fragrance created in the 16th century by the Marquis Frangipani. When the Italians started cultivating these plants, the fragrance of the flowers reminded them so strongly of the perfume that the name stuck.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Car gps
Most young drivers have car gps in their cars nowadays. They’re convenient and they get you to where you want to go. I however am old school; I rely on my own trusty street directory but I think they’ll be phasing it out in the near future. Then I would have to join the rest of society and get myself a car gps also.
Growing Bananas
Bananas are the world's favourite tropical fruit. The fruits are rich in fibre, potassium, vitamins A, B6 and C. But it's also about flavour - and you just can't beat the taste of a home grown banana.
Bananas have been cultivated for so long that they have lost the ability to reproduce by seed. They need gardeners to survive. They are propagated either by division or by tissue culture, and that means they are all genetically identical clones. They're not true trees, in fact the stems are made from layers of tightly-packed leaf-bases, and each new leaf is forced through the centre of the stem. At maturity they flower and the first part of the flower to open is male - that’s called the bell. Then the spirally arranged female flowers come out and develop into fruit.
Anyone can grow backyard bananas, but banana-growing in Australia is highly regulated and a permit is needed to plant or transplant a banana. There's a good reason for this. Banana plants are susceptible to serious diseases and plants can only be bought from government approved, certified disease free sources.
Bananas have been cultivated for so long that they have lost the ability to reproduce by seed. They need gardeners to survive. They are propagated either by division or by tissue culture, and that means they are all genetically identical clones. They're not true trees, in fact the stems are made from layers of tightly-packed leaf-bases, and each new leaf is forced through the centre of the stem. At maturity they flower and the first part of the flower to open is male - that’s called the bell. Then the spirally arranged female flowers come out and develop into fruit.
Anyone can grow backyard bananas, but banana-growing in Australia is highly regulated and a permit is needed to plant or transplant a banana. There's a good reason for this. Banana plants are susceptible to serious diseases and plants can only be bought from government approved, certified disease free sources.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Artist paint
When I was in school, one of my favorite subjects was painting. I used to be quite good at it but then after leaving school I neglected this interest and now I’ve totally lost the skill. I should’ve nurture this interest back then; who knows I could’ve become a famous painter! Well I guess it’s never too late to pick it up again so I’ve gone to get some canvas, brushes, palettes and some artist paint to re-kindle my long lost talent.
Staking Tomatoes
Tomatoes have two growth forms. The main cropping varieties, such as Apollo, are traditionally grown up tree stakes, or suspended from glasshouses, on wires. A single stem is trained upward and the side shoots are removed for a really heavy crop.
But cherry tomatoes have a freely-branching habit. If you train them as a single stem, up a stake, you lose over half the fruit. Commercial growers use wire fences, but I've modified that idea for the home garden.
Just use lattice, supported by stakes. The joy of growing them like this is that you can loop the plants through the lattice as they grow. This means training becomes really simple.
The advantage of growing tomatoes on a frame, as opposed to a ground cover, is that you keep fruit and leaves away from the soil. This cuts down the risk of fungal disease. And the joy of growing cherry tomatoes like this is that they're really trouble-free and you get a lovely crop – in fact about two kilos of fruit every week for about 10 weeks. It’s a tip well worth trying.
But cherry tomatoes have a freely-branching habit. If you train them as a single stem, up a stake, you lose over half the fruit. Commercial growers use wire fences, but I've modified that idea for the home garden.
Just use lattice, supported by stakes. The joy of growing them like this is that you can loop the plants through the lattice as they grow. This means training becomes really simple.
The advantage of growing tomatoes on a frame, as opposed to a ground cover, is that you keep fruit and leaves away from the soil. This cuts down the risk of fungal disease. And the joy of growing cherry tomatoes like this is that they're really trouble-free and you get a lovely crop – in fact about two kilos of fruit every week for about 10 weeks. It’s a tip well worth trying.
Rustic tables
I love my gardens; I could spend all day in them either working up a sweat or just relaxing. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on my favorite seat by the rustic tables with some lemonade and some cakes to share with friends. This I try to do at least once a week when the weather is good and usually on a Sunday when most people are free. Come by this Sunday and we can have a cup of tea and cakes together.
Understanding Mulches
There are two basic types of mulch - inorganic mulches, such as pebbles and gravel - and organic-based mulches, such as pine bark, bales of pea straw, chopped pea straw, and sugar cane mulch.
Organic-based mulches break down and add goodness to the soil. A favourite is baled pea straw. It is good because the bale can be broken apart into biscuits and these pieces are spread out on the ground. This means it doesn’t blow away and the birds won’t scatter it.
When mulching with different straws or sugar cane it’s important to add at least five to seven centimetres for each layer to make it work effectively. But it needs replacing every year because it breaks down. Heavier mulches, such as pine bark or pebbles, need only be four to five centimetres deep.
The mistake most people make is using compost - such as mushroom compost, garden compost or a cubed pea-straw-based product - as mulch. The problem with using these as mulch is that they are too fine and can absorb moisture. They allow moisture to be drawn out of the soil, through wicking, and they form a great weed seedbed, allowing for weed seed germination. Use these composting products as a soil improver or conditioner – they are fantastic for this - but top it off with a coarser product that doesn't absorb moisture. That way, you know you're doing your best for the garden, by conserving moisture, suppressing weeds and insulating your soil.
Organic-based mulches break down and add goodness to the soil. A favourite is baled pea straw. It is good because the bale can be broken apart into biscuits and these pieces are spread out on the ground. This means it doesn’t blow away and the birds won’t scatter it.
When mulching with different straws or sugar cane it’s important to add at least five to seven centimetres for each layer to make it work effectively. But it needs replacing every year because it breaks down. Heavier mulches, such as pine bark or pebbles, need only be four to five centimetres deep.
The mistake most people make is using compost - such as mushroom compost, garden compost or a cubed pea-straw-based product - as mulch. The problem with using these as mulch is that they are too fine and can absorb moisture. They allow moisture to be drawn out of the soil, through wicking, and they form a great weed seedbed, allowing for weed seed germination. Use these composting products as a soil improver or conditioner – they are fantastic for this - but top it off with a coarser product that doesn't absorb moisture. That way, you know you're doing your best for the garden, by conserving moisture, suppressing weeds and insulating your soil.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Double lounger at ChaiseLounges.com
Well the extension is almost complete; there are just some painting to be done and some décor to be put in. We’ll soon be able to enjoy our al-fresco cum pool area in summer. What we still yet to find is some furniture to go with the area. We have in mind a double lounger at ChaiseLounges.com which we’ve fallen in love with. It is perfect for what we have in mind.
Screening Wall
A familiar problem in any garden is the need for privacy, and the need to create a barrier to block unwanted views, such as an unsightly compost system or rubbish pile. Now a great way to create a barrier is to construct a screen.
There are many materials available at the local hardware store, but for the budget conscious try constructing a screen from reusable materials, which can be collected at the tip.
The great thing about second hand materials is they are full character. But remember when collecting any materials wear safety gloves. To create a screen like ours, you will need to cut wood and metal, and put in some screws. But power tools such as a grinder, drill and saw, will also come in handy. If using power tools, wear safety goggles and ear muffs. To build this screen we have selected materials including an old pool fence, because it's roughly the size of the area to be screened; a saw blade for the end; some plywood pieces cut into strips, and compressed concrete sheeting, to create bands.
Firstly remove some of the bars from the pool fence to create flexibility and allow other materials to be threaded through. Once the bars are removed thread the compressed concrete sheeting through the fence, but you might need some help with this. Next make legs to support the screen. For this we used two pieces of timber and put them on either end. This provided structural strength, at the back of the screen. Use decking timber for the front, and sandwich the ends. Once you’ve found the right position for the screen and are happy with the level, backfill the hole, and use sand rather than cement. Cement holds moisture, so it will rot the post more quickly. Ram the sand in firmly. This screen looks fantastic as a backdrop for plants, and the colours of the materials blends into the landscape. It cost about $25 and would take a day to make with the help of a mate.
The great thing about second hand materials is they are full character. But remember when collecting any materials wear safety gloves. To create a screen like ours, you will need to cut wood and metal, and put in some screws. But power tools such as a grinder, drill and saw, will also come in handy. If using power tools, wear safety goggles and ear muffs. To build this screen we have selected materials including an old pool fence, because it's roughly the size of the area to be screened; a saw blade for the end; some plywood pieces cut into strips, and compressed concrete sheeting, to create bands.
Firstly remove some of the bars from the pool fence to create flexibility and allow other materials to be threaded through. Once the bars are removed thread the compressed concrete sheeting through the fence, but you might need some help with this. Next make legs to support the screen. For this we used two pieces of timber and put them on either end. This provided structural strength, at the back of the screen. Use decking timber for the front, and sandwich the ends. Once you’ve found the right position for the screen and are happy with the level, backfill the hole, and use sand rather than cement. Cement holds moisture, so it will rot the post more quickly. Ram the sand in firmly. This screen looks fantastic as a backdrop for plants, and the colours of the materials blends into the landscape. It cost about $25 and would take a day to make with the help of a mate.
Ovation guitars
As you may or may not know my teenage boy is really into music especially guitars. He was asking me the other day to get him one of those ovation guitars. I have no idea what ovation guitars are but I was told they can be quite expensive but they are the best. I don’t mind paying a little more as long as it helps him with his guitar lessons. I will always support his enthusiasm.
Clematis
Clematis 'Golden Tiara' is an absolutely fabulous little plant. Clematis is one of about 200 different species that comes from both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres. They grow in tropical areas at quite high altitudes and are members of the buttercup family. They're also known as Old Man's Beard, because of the greyish plumes that look a bit beard like, and also Virgin's Bower because it's said that Mary and Jesus sheltered under one of these on the flight into Egypt.
Clematis 'Golden Tiara' is a hybrid and it's been in the industry for about four years. It will grow to about three or four metres, so it's perfect for a fence or maybe a small bower or arbour. But also try using it as a ground cover, either down a slope or across the ground. A disadvantage is that you're not able to look into the flowers in the same way as when it's climbing. As with most Clematis it's easy to grow. Plant roots in a cool, shaded position and allow the plant to grow up into the sunlight. The moisture is just perfect for it. It's easy to prune. Cut it back to between 600mm and a metre at the end of summer. It flowers from spring probably until early May.
It doesn't need much fertiliser. But one tip; if you grow it up a tree just prune it back from the edge so that it uses the whole frame of the tree to grow and for its display. Clematis 'Golden Tiara' is an absolutely exquisite new plant on our market.
Clematis 'Golden Tiara' is a hybrid and it's been in the industry for about four years. It will grow to about three or four metres, so it's perfect for a fence or maybe a small bower or arbour. But also try using it as a ground cover, either down a slope or across the ground. A disadvantage is that you're not able to look into the flowers in the same way as when it's climbing. As with most Clematis it's easy to grow. Plant roots in a cool, shaded position and allow the plant to grow up into the sunlight. The moisture is just perfect for it. It's easy to prune. Cut it back to between 600mm and a metre at the end of summer. It flowers from spring probably until early May.
It doesn't need much fertiliser. But one tip; if you grow it up a tree just prune it back from the edge so that it uses the whole frame of the tree to grow and for its display. Clematis 'Golden Tiara' is an absolutely exquisite new plant on our market.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Blood test in Santa Clarita
Well my dermatologist now wants me to get a blood test. Something to do with my immune system or something like that. All previous methods have failed so now its getting pretty serious. I hope its nothing too bad..I need to get a blood test in Santa Clarita area. Anybody knows where I can go? I’m not very familiar in this area because I’m quite new here.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a wonderful fertiliser, a great soil builder and an excellent compost activator. All in all, seaweed is terrific stuff for the garden. There's a long tradition of seaweed being used as a fertiliser to improve crop production. For example Celtic and Scandinavian farmers have put it onto their fields for centuries.
Kelp is one of many different types of seaweed. One type is powdered kelp. It is convenient for adding to the garden. And what is it about seaweed that makes it such a good fertiliser? Seaweed contains complex carbohydrates and these really get the soil humming with life. This has two really important functions for the garden. Firstly, it stimulates the microbial fungi in the soil and these assist plants in their uptake of nutrients. They also assist in defending plants from soil borne diseases.
So adding seaweed fertiliser helps crop protection, and plant nutrition Of all the fertilisers, seaweed has the broadest and most balanced range of nutrients, to promote early flowering and cropping and increases the sugar content of fruit. All in all, it's very good stuff.
Kelp is one of many different types of seaweed. One type is powdered kelp. It is convenient for adding to the garden. And what is it about seaweed that makes it such a good fertiliser? Seaweed contains complex carbohydrates and these really get the soil humming with life. This has two really important functions for the garden. Firstly, it stimulates the microbial fungi in the soil and these assist plants in their uptake of nutrients. They also assist in defending plants from soil borne diseases.
So adding seaweed fertiliser helps crop protection, and plant nutrition Of all the fertilisers, seaweed has the broadest and most balanced range of nutrients, to promote early flowering and cropping and increases the sugar content of fruit. All in all, it's very good stuff.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Metal garages
The new house we bought doesn’t come with a garage; it just has a car port. I need a garage not just to house the car but I also need a workshop, a man cave! So we either build a garage adjacent to the house or we could get one of those metal garages that we can easily put together in no time. I’ve had a look at some of them on display and I like them.
Acanthaceae
The Acanthaceae family is often overlooked because the plants are sometimes considered to be old fashioned, but they are interesting because they have many different features that are attractive for gardens.
There are over 250 genera in this large family of vines, shrubs and perennials, and they occur all around the globe in warm and frost-free climates. It is the floral parts that unite a plant family and Yellow Candles Pachystachys lutea, a South American member of the family, displays these characteristics well. The flowers are often clustered in pyramidal spikes and the petals are fused to form floral tubes, with the floral bracts often outshining and outlasting the flowers.
Another point of distinction is the naturally patterned foliage. The Zebra Plant Aphelandra squarrosa is often sold as freshly rooted cuttings for use as houseplants, but planted outside in the right conditions these plants can achieve impressive proportions. They all have some common cultural requirements. They all enjoy moist well-drained soils, surface mulch in summer, morning sunshine and shelter from gales. Firespike Odontonema callistachyum loves hot, humid weather and can be trained as a groundcover or a wall shrub. In warm temperate climates the plant produces one large display of summer flowers whereas in the tropics it flowers continuously.
A general technique for pruning Acanthaceae is to lightly clip them to shape after flowering, if they do stop flowering. The clumps of contrasting foliage of two Graptophyllum cultivars like ones with yellow and a bronze leaves planted together, highlights the differences between them. Their slender upright habit also makes them very suitable for hedging, but they need all day sunshine to look their best.
There are over 250 genera in this large family of vines, shrubs and perennials, and they occur all around the globe in warm and frost-free climates. It is the floral parts that unite a plant family and Yellow Candles Pachystachys lutea, a South American member of the family, displays these characteristics well. The flowers are often clustered in pyramidal spikes and the petals are fused to form floral tubes, with the floral bracts often outshining and outlasting the flowers.
Another point of distinction is the naturally patterned foliage. The Zebra Plant Aphelandra squarrosa is often sold as freshly rooted cuttings for use as houseplants, but planted outside in the right conditions these plants can achieve impressive proportions. They all have some common cultural requirements. They all enjoy moist well-drained soils, surface mulch in summer, morning sunshine and shelter from gales. Firespike Odontonema callistachyum loves hot, humid weather and can be trained as a groundcover or a wall shrub. In warm temperate climates the plant produces one large display of summer flowers whereas in the tropics it flowers continuously.
A general technique for pruning Acanthaceae is to lightly clip them to shape after flowering, if they do stop flowering. The clumps of contrasting foliage of two Graptophyllum cultivars like ones with yellow and a bronze leaves planted together, highlights the differences between them. Their slender upright habit also makes them very suitable for hedging, but they need all day sunshine to look their best.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
JBL
One of the most important thing when putting together a band is getting the right gears and the only brand I trust with my speaker systems is the JBL speakers. Sure I’ve used others but somehow I always keep coming back to jbl. It just have that quality that is indescribably good. So I always recommend jbl everytime people ask me for my opinion.
Pineapples
Pineapples can be grown very easily from cuttings of pineapple that have been bought and eaten. Simply let the cut off crown dry out for several weeks and remove any excess leaves around the base. After the wound has sealed it can be pushed firmly in place into a container of clean potting soil and allowed to slowly develop roots. All varieties can be propagated in the same way. As they do not like wet feet the cuttings only need to be watered once a week or ten days. The plants will produce fruit within eighteen months to two years.
There are limited varieties currently available to consumers. The stock for these new varieties being developed still has to be propagated to significant numbers for production before they will be commercially available sometime in the near future.
It is often difficult to tell whether the fruit is ripe or not. There is a common misconception that a ripe pineapple can be ascertained by plucking a leaf from the crown, but this has nothing to do with the ripeness. The qualities that reveal the ripeness are to do with a bright, fresh looking fruit that has a quarter to half colour. Underneath, the stem should be fresh rather than dry and withered, and at the top the leaves should be firm and fresh. There should be a good aroma and a resonant sound when the fruit is tapped, which means that the fruit is not over ripe inside.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Baby keepsake gifts
We’re going to England next week. I’m a new uncle last week so we’re joining the whole family to welcome the new addition to the family. The air tickets are booked and accommodation organized. We just need to get some baby keepsake gifts from here so hopefully no one will get the same gifts as us. We’ll be staying for a couple of weeks so will also visit some old friends we haven’t seen for some times.
Aquarium Plants
There is a very restful and almost hypnotic quality about water gardens and fish, and if there is room water in a garden is a relaxing element to include. If there is not space for a pond outdoors, an indoor aquarium is an alternative. It offers an opportunity to design an underwater landscape that is mesmerising, which draws visitors to the colour and movement of the underwater world of fish in a tank. If maintained well an aquarium is a living showpiece and an attractive addition to the interior of a home.
Fish can be chosen for different purposes and to live at different levels in the tank. Types of fish include bottom-dwellers, suckers, schoolers and individuals, where the variety of fish work together to create a living ecosystem within the confines of the tank. Aquarium plants are a necessary part of the underwater landscape with a variety of plants used for different purposes that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the fish. Microsorum ‘Windelov’ is a small clumping plant that can be grown from pieces that shoot from the main plant, and can be planted to create an expanse of clumps spreading across the bottom of the tank. The fish use the plants to hide in, to rummage through and dart in and out of, which keeps them active and healthy. Some of the most dramatic plants in the tank have attractive foliage like the waterlilies, which have large russet or bright green leaves, or the Aponogeton, which is a vertical plant with attractive crested leaves. Cryptocoryne is a common low-growing plant that effectively spreads across the bottom of the tank in time to create a grassy blanket. Amazon Sword Echinodorum amazonicus is a plant with long pointed leaves growing from a central crown. It can vary in size, seasonally dying back but rejuvenating with a new vigour when it regrows.
Plants are also chosen for the type of fish that inhabit the tank. Some fish like to eat plants, while others suck the leaves, and some rummage through the foliage and around the roots. It is important to know the tendencies of particular fish before purchasing them so that equilibrium can be maintained between the growth of plants and the habits of the fish.
Fish can be chosen for different purposes and to live at different levels in the tank. Types of fish include bottom-dwellers, suckers, schoolers and individuals, where the variety of fish work together to create a living ecosystem within the confines of the tank. Aquarium plants are a necessary part of the underwater landscape with a variety of plants used for different purposes that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the fish. Microsorum ‘Windelov’ is a small clumping plant that can be grown from pieces that shoot from the main plant, and can be planted to create an expanse of clumps spreading across the bottom of the tank. The fish use the plants to hide in, to rummage through and dart in and out of, which keeps them active and healthy. Some of the most dramatic plants in the tank have attractive foliage like the waterlilies, which have large russet or bright green leaves, or the Aponogeton, which is a vertical plant with attractive crested leaves. Cryptocoryne is a common low-growing plant that effectively spreads across the bottom of the tank in time to create a grassy blanket. Amazon Sword Echinodorum amazonicus is a plant with long pointed leaves growing from a central crown. It can vary in size, seasonally dying back but rejuvenating with a new vigour when it regrows.
Plants are also chosen for the type of fish that inhabit the tank. Some fish like to eat plants, while others suck the leaves, and some rummage through the foliage and around the roots. It is important to know the tendencies of particular fish before purchasing them so that equilibrium can be maintained between the growth of plants and the habits of the fish.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Outdoor ceiling fans with lights
I’m thinking of getting ceiling fans for my al-fresco area after the heat last summer. In addition to that I’d like to get some lighting too so I can entertain. So I’m considering a couple of outdoor ceiling fans with lights so I can start using this area this summer to entertain my guests. I love entertaining; dinner parties and poker nights are great ways to spend your warm balmy summer evenings.
Aquarium Plants
There is a very restful and almost hypnotic quality about water gardens and fish, and if there is room water in a garden is a relaxing element to include. If there is not space for a pond outdoors, an indoor aquarium is an alternative. It offers an opportunity to design an underwater landscape that is mesmerising, which draws visitors to the colour and movement of the underwater world of fish in a tank. If maintained well an aquarium is a living showpiece and an attractive addition to the interior of a home.
Fish can be chosen for different purposes and to live at different levels in the tank. Types of fish include bottom-dwellers, suckers, schoolers and individuals, where the variety of fish work together to create a living ecosystem within the confines of the tank. Aquarium plants are a necessary part of the underwater landscape with a variety of plants used for different purposes that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the fish. Microsorum ‘Windelov’ is a small clumping plant that can be grown from pieces that shoot from the main plant, and can be planted to create an expanse of clumps spreading across the bottom of the tank. The fish use the plants to hide in, to rummage through and dart in and out of, which keeps them active and healthy. Some of the most dramatic plants in the tank have attractive foliage like the waterlilies, which have large russet or bright green leaves, or the Aponogeton, which is a vertical plant with attractive crested leaves. Cryptocoryne is a common low-growing plant that effectively spreads across the bottom of the tank in time to create a grassy blanket. Amazon Sword Echinodorum amazonicus is a plant with long pointed leaves growing from a central crown. It can vary in size, seasonally dying back but rejuvenating with a new vigour when it regrows.
Plants are also chosen for the type of fish that inhabit the tank. Some fish like to eat plants, while others suck the leaves, and some rummage through the foliage and around the roots. It is important to know the tendencies of particular fish before purchasing them so that equilibrium can be maintained between the growth of plants and the habits of the fish.
The best source of aquarium plants is from an aquarist shop, which will have the widest range of plants, the best plant support products and the best horticultural advice. Communal tropical fish are probably the easiest to keep and have an almost unlimited variety of plants that can be grown with them. Goldfish have a tendency to eat particular plants so should be avoided. Tropical plants need warm water and will require a heater, but all live aquatic plants, whether from warm tropical water or cool temperate water will require a light to help them to grow properly.
Water Wisteria has chrysanthemum-like foliage and pretty blue flowers, but Hygrophila ‘Rosea’ has larger leaves with decorative marbled foliage. Copperleaf Alternanthera reinekii is a popular plant because of its vibrant burgundy-pink foliage. Tall slender stem plants add a vertical accent to underwater landscapes, and the simple foliage of Vallisneria makes a good background plant. Fertilisers that are specifically designed for aquarium plants must be used. A good depth of gravel is also necessary to give roots adequate room to give optimum growth of plants. Plants may need to be moved to different locations within the tank environment to find their ideal growing conditions. The amount of light and the temperature of the water will influence their growth. Most fish will eat the same leafy greens that we eat. If they are blanched to make them softer and easier to eat and secured down in the tank with a rock, then it is likely that the fish will refrain from eating plants in the tank.
It is important to be diligent about changing the water in the tank at least once a week. It is also advisable to have a filtration system that is designed for a much larger aquarium, because it will be much more efficient at keeping a smaller volume of water in pristine condition.
Ensuring that each additional plant and fish is well established and happy in its new environment before adding a new variety will pave the way for a successful aquarium that will evolve over time.
Fish can be chosen for different purposes and to live at different levels in the tank. Types of fish include bottom-dwellers, suckers, schoolers and individuals, where the variety of fish work together to create a living ecosystem within the confines of the tank. Aquarium plants are a necessary part of the underwater landscape with a variety of plants used for different purposes that contributes to the health and wellbeing of the fish. Microsorum ‘Windelov’ is a small clumping plant that can be grown from pieces that shoot from the main plant, and can be planted to create an expanse of clumps spreading across the bottom of the tank. The fish use the plants to hide in, to rummage through and dart in and out of, which keeps them active and healthy. Some of the most dramatic plants in the tank have attractive foliage like the waterlilies, which have large russet or bright green leaves, or the Aponogeton, which is a vertical plant with attractive crested leaves. Cryptocoryne is a common low-growing plant that effectively spreads across the bottom of the tank in time to create a grassy blanket. Amazon Sword Echinodorum amazonicus is a plant with long pointed leaves growing from a central crown. It can vary in size, seasonally dying back but rejuvenating with a new vigour when it regrows.
Plants are also chosen for the type of fish that inhabit the tank. Some fish like to eat plants, while others suck the leaves, and some rummage through the foliage and around the roots. It is important to know the tendencies of particular fish before purchasing them so that equilibrium can be maintained between the growth of plants and the habits of the fish.
The best source of aquarium plants is from an aquarist shop, which will have the widest range of plants, the best plant support products and the best horticultural advice. Communal tropical fish are probably the easiest to keep and have an almost unlimited variety of plants that can be grown with them. Goldfish have a tendency to eat particular plants so should be avoided. Tropical plants need warm water and will require a heater, but all live aquatic plants, whether from warm tropical water or cool temperate water will require a light to help them to grow properly.
Water Wisteria has chrysanthemum-like foliage and pretty blue flowers, but Hygrophila ‘Rosea’ has larger leaves with decorative marbled foliage. Copperleaf Alternanthera reinekii is a popular plant because of its vibrant burgundy-pink foliage. Tall slender stem plants add a vertical accent to underwater landscapes, and the simple foliage of Vallisneria makes a good background plant. Fertilisers that are specifically designed for aquarium plants must be used. A good depth of gravel is also necessary to give roots adequate room to give optimum growth of plants. Plants may need to be moved to different locations within the tank environment to find their ideal growing conditions. The amount of light and the temperature of the water will influence their growth. Most fish will eat the same leafy greens that we eat. If they are blanched to make them softer and easier to eat and secured down in the tank with a rock, then it is likely that the fish will refrain from eating plants in the tank.
It is important to be diligent about changing the water in the tank at least once a week. It is also advisable to have a filtration system that is designed for a much larger aquarium, because it will be much more efficient at keeping a smaller volume of water in pristine condition.
Ensuring that each additional plant and fish is well established and happy in its new environment before adding a new variety will pave the way for a successful aquarium that will evolve over time.
Leather cleaning products
I love leather and I love wearing leather jackets and pants. I also love leather sofa in my lounge room. But to keep them in top condition I spend a lot of money in leather cleaning products to maintain my investments. Leather will never go out of style and it just gets better as it ages. It’s also easy to keep clean if you spill liquid on it. Just wipe off with a damp cloth. See if you can do that with fabric.
Invasive Trees
Trees are a very important part of our everyday lives. However some species are unsuitable to be planted in close proximity to houses. They can cause considerable amounts of damage, in particular to house foundations, sewer pipes, paths and walls, and this can be very costly.
Trees planted near buildings need to be chosen carefully. A beautiful tree like a fig, if planted in a bed that is too narrow to accommodate its massive roots, will ultimately lift up any pathways and damage the foundations of any nearby wall in its efforts to find room to grow. Both ornamental figs and rubber trees have large anchoring roots and needs to be given plenty of room to grow.
Root barriers are a good way of controlling young trees when they are established in the ground. The principle employed is that the barriers move the roots vertically rather than horizontally where they can cause excessive damage. Another method to control invasive tree roots on mature trees is by digging a trench around the roots and placing a double layer of shade cloth around the outside of the trench. As the new roots begin to grow they will be forced down vertically.
Trees planted near buildings need to be chosen carefully. A beautiful tree like a fig, if planted in a bed that is too narrow to accommodate its massive roots, will ultimately lift up any pathways and damage the foundations of any nearby wall in its efforts to find room to grow. Both ornamental figs and rubber trees have large anchoring roots and needs to be given plenty of room to grow.
Root barriers are a good way of controlling young trees when they are established in the ground. The principle employed is that the barriers move the roots vertically rather than horizontally where they can cause excessive damage. Another method to control invasive tree roots on mature trees is by digging a trench around the roots and placing a double layer of shade cloth around the outside of the trench. As the new roots begin to grow they will be forced down vertically.
Healthy trim reviews
I need to get back on a diet again. I’ve put on weigh since Christmas and I really need to lose it by September. A friend of mine told me about a new product and she swore by it. I like to read up more about this healthy trim reviews before I commit. I need to know that it will work for me. Sometimes it may work for some and not others.
Screening Plants
Plants used as screens in gardens are not always well defined for that purpose. A plant used for screening can take many forms, and are not always just climbers or plants used for hedges. Almost any plant can be trimmed to become a narrow plant or espalier to be used for screening. There are also many stem, standard and mop top plants that make very useful visual barriers.
Even in the smallest of spaces there is room for fruit trees. The technique of espalier is perfect for narrow places. In sunny situations it can be used very effectively to train and grow fruit, like citrus and apples, above fences or as dividers between spaces.
Any hedge or screening plant along a boundary will need to be regularly trimmed, perhaps several times throughout the growing season. Electrical trimmers or no-powered hedge trimmers are very fast and convenient, but can be very dangerous if the electrical chords are severed in the process. It is essential to have a cut-out safety device installed in the power board. A safer alternative is a petrol-powered trimmer. Blades should be treated immediately after use with a protective film to prevent damage and maintain them in good condition.
Even in the smallest of spaces there is room for fruit trees. The technique of espalier is perfect for narrow places. In sunny situations it can be used very effectively to train and grow fruit, like citrus and apples, above fences or as dividers between spaces.
Any hedge or screening plant along a boundary will need to be regularly trimmed, perhaps several times throughout the growing season. Electrical trimmers or no-powered hedge trimmers are very fast and convenient, but can be very dangerous if the electrical chords are severed in the process. It is essential to have a cut-out safety device installed in the power board. A safer alternative is a petrol-powered trimmer. Blades should be treated immediately after use with a protective film to prevent damage and maintain them in good condition.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Audio video conferencing
These days we’re starting to branch out all over the globe and emailing with our contacts overseas just isn’t enough for the amount of work we have to do now. Nowadays most people prefer to talk face to face and audio video conferencing is the way to go. Gone are the days when you used to get choppy and grainy video when doing video conferencing. Nowadays most countries have high speed internet that enable smooth and uninterrupted video conferencing.
Cannas
Cannas are clumping perennials. Most of them love the sun and are remarkably hardy. Lots of compost and animal manure should be dug into the soil when they are planted. Just before spring mix up a combination of blood and bone and sulphate of potash in a ration of 4:1 and apply to the surface of the soil around them. It will ensure continuous flowering from November right through until April. Dead-heading any spent flowers will prevent them from going to seed. From May hard pruning needs to takes place, removing all the old and spent flowering stems right to the ground leaving new side shoots. Systemic sprays for weeds have an instant effect on cannas, making organic growing the best option. Every plant in the ground can produce two, and sometimes three bulbs in one season, making it easy to have a good display very quickly.
Dynamic colours are popular at the moment and like their popularity in the 1930s cannas are now coming back into favour. Canna indica is a listed environmental weed in some states, so this species should not be planted. The hybrids and cultivars do not get out of control in the garden, and are a very hardy perennial with some of the most dynamic colours that you will ever see.
Dynamic colours are popular at the moment and like their popularity in the 1930s cannas are now coming back into favour. Canna indica is a listed environmental weed in some states, so this species should not be planted. The hybrids and cultivars do not get out of control in the garden, and are a very hardy perennial with some of the most dynamic colours that you will ever see.
PC desktops
After almost a month the new office is finally near completion. All we need to do now is move in the equipments like the photocopier and the filing cabinets. We decided it would be a good time to upgrade our old pc now but I’m tossing between pc desktops or laptops which we can take with us. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages but we can do more with desktops so..I don’t know.
Grevilleas
There are thousands of different grevilleas available to home gardeners because they hybridise so easily. There are an enormous range of flower colours and forms, as well as a wide variation in foliage and height and growth habit. By choosing wisely there is a grevillea to suit the soil and climatic conditions of any garden regardless of where you live, and they will flower for most of the year. As they hybridise so readily it is best that they are not plante in gardens that adjoin bushland where there are native grevilleas.
Grevillea ‘Firesprite’ is a popular hardy cultivar that has been in the marketplace for many years. Merv Hodge has a seedling of G. ‘Firesprite’ in his garden that has new characteristics worthy of a new cultivar, which will make it an excellent horticultural plant when it comes onto the market. Like all grevilleas it likes good drainage and it would flourish.
The delicate pink flowers of Grevillea sericea are at their peak in spring, but is an excellent plant to have in the garden because it will have spot flowering throughout the year. This species grows naturally on sandstone and does best in sandy soils.
Grevillea hybrid Grevillea ‘Simply Sarah’ needs very good drainage, and to grow this cultivar successfully garden beds will need to be raised at least 30cm to allow any excess water to drain away if the soil is not naturally well drained. It grows to over 1.5m but should, like all grevilleas, be pruned back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Pruning encourages new growth to thicken up the bush.
Insect pests are not usually a major problem with grevilleas. Because they attract lots of birds that feed on the nectar, they also feed on tiny insects and other pests as well.
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ is as tough as any plant that you will find, and will withstand drought conditions. If this ground hugging grevillea is given extra water is will flower even more prolifically.
Grevillea ‘Firesprite’ is a popular hardy cultivar that has been in the marketplace for many years. Merv Hodge has a seedling of G. ‘Firesprite’ in his garden that has new characteristics worthy of a new cultivar, which will make it an excellent horticultural plant when it comes onto the market. Like all grevilleas it likes good drainage and it would flourish.
The delicate pink flowers of Grevillea sericea are at their peak in spring, but is an excellent plant to have in the garden because it will have spot flowering throughout the year. This species grows naturally on sandstone and does best in sandy soils.
Grevillea hybrid Grevillea ‘Simply Sarah’ needs very good drainage, and to grow this cultivar successfully garden beds will need to be raised at least 30cm to allow any excess water to drain away if the soil is not naturally well drained. It grows to over 1.5m but should, like all grevilleas, be pruned back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Pruning encourages new growth to thicken up the bush.
Insect pests are not usually a major problem with grevilleas. Because they attract lots of birds that feed on the nectar, they also feed on tiny insects and other pests as well.
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ is as tough as any plant that you will find, and will withstand drought conditions. If this ground hugging grevillea is given extra water is will flower even more prolifically.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Cheap yard signs
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living in this house for twenty years. It’s even harder to believe how much stuff we’ve accumulated all these years. Before we can even think about moving we need to get rid of most of the stuff we don’t plan of taking with us to the new house. So a garage sale is what we need. Time to get some cheap yard signs so we can organize the biggest garage sale in the neighborhood. And it is going to be the biggest ever.
Soil Conditioners
Liming: If the soil becomes too acidic, then in order to plant species that prefer slightly alkaline conditions for growth, it is necessary to lime the soil. The lime will help break down the organic matter in the soil. Worms love alkaline soil and will draw down the mulch and further improve it. Acid soils are referred to as ‘sour’ and alkaline ones as ‘sweet’. Limestone needs to be treated before it can be used in the garden to improve the soil.
How do you test your soil for alkalinity and acidity? Use a soil testing kit to determine the alkalinity of the soil. Take a sample of soil and add the indicator supplied in the kit. The colour that you see can be matched against a chart to determine the soil pH.
Buy ground limestone and use it quite generously, about a handful per square metre of soil. Another way to sweeten the soil is with dolomite, which contains calcium and magnesium. Dolomite is a very good medium for sweetening the soil, but it takes some time to do so.
If you are in a hurry to reduce the acidity of the soil, use builders lime or hydrated lime. This lime is prepared by heating limestone and cooling it, then slaking and grinding it. The powder is much finer than other limes. Spread the lime on the surface at about the same rate as before. Do not dig it into the soil, the rain will take it in for you. This lime is very readily available to plants, but it you will need replenish it more than other limes.
Another source of calcium used in the garden is gypsum (calcium sulphate). It is like a plaster of paris and has a brown colouration. Gypsum doesn’t alter the pH of the soil, and in very alkaline clay soil, will make the soil slightly more acidic. Rather, gypsum is used to help break up clay soil.
Seaweed concentrate is an excellent soil conditioner. It contains alginates and thus improves the soil structure. Use seaweed concentrate in a very dilute form, no more than a couple of tablespoons in a full watering can. Remember it is not a fertiliser but it does contain lots of trace elements. You can use this solution to water seeds which will absorb all the trace elements.
You can make a spray of seaweed concentrate plus a teaspoon of the trace elements zinc sulphate, iron chelate, magnesium nitrate and boron. Spray it on to the leaves and stems where it will be absorbed by the plant. The liquid will also drip on to the soil where it will improve the soil structure.
Wear gloves when handling lime powders and spraying if it irritates you and remember, of all our natural resources, soil is one of the most important and we must look after it.
How do you test your soil for alkalinity and acidity? Use a soil testing kit to determine the alkalinity of the soil. Take a sample of soil and add the indicator supplied in the kit. The colour that you see can be matched against a chart to determine the soil pH.
Buy ground limestone and use it quite generously, about a handful per square metre of soil. Another way to sweeten the soil is with dolomite, which contains calcium and magnesium. Dolomite is a very good medium for sweetening the soil, but it takes some time to do so.
If you are in a hurry to reduce the acidity of the soil, use builders lime or hydrated lime. This lime is prepared by heating limestone and cooling it, then slaking and grinding it. The powder is much finer than other limes. Spread the lime on the surface at about the same rate as before. Do not dig it into the soil, the rain will take it in for you. This lime is very readily available to plants, but it you will need replenish it more than other limes.
Another source of calcium used in the garden is gypsum (calcium sulphate). It is like a plaster of paris and has a brown colouration. Gypsum doesn’t alter the pH of the soil, and in very alkaline clay soil, will make the soil slightly more acidic. Rather, gypsum is used to help break up clay soil.
Seaweed concentrate is an excellent soil conditioner. It contains alginates and thus improves the soil structure. Use seaweed concentrate in a very dilute form, no more than a couple of tablespoons in a full watering can. Remember it is not a fertiliser but it does contain lots of trace elements. You can use this solution to water seeds which will absorb all the trace elements.
You can make a spray of seaweed concentrate plus a teaspoon of the trace elements zinc sulphate, iron chelate, magnesium nitrate and boron. Spray it on to the leaves and stems where it will be absorbed by the plant. The liquid will also drip on to the soil where it will improve the soil structure.
Wear gloves when handling lime powders and spraying if it irritates you and remember, of all our natural resources, soil is one of the most important and we must look after it.
HCG diet Austin
Going on diet isn’t just about losing those extra pounds you’ve put on since Christmas. More importantly it’s more to do with being healthy and staying healthy. HCG diet Austin not only helps me loose my weights, they also help me with choosing a healthier lifestyle that is manageable without the stringent diet rules. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to live a happy and healthy lifestyle like me.
Clay soil
Clay soils are a problem for a number of reasons. Many garden plants cannot tolerate heavy clay soils. The particles of clay are so fine that the roots of plants cannot penetrate the spaces between them. This fine nature of clay also means that there is little aeration in the soil, thus little oxygen for plant roots and soil-dwelling animals such as earthworms. Fewer animals means less soil turnover and poorer oxygenation which exaccerbates the problem.
Is there anything good about clay soils? They are full of nutrients, but the plants can’t access them. It is possible to treat clay soils and improve the soil quality, freeing up nutrients for plants. Coir and cocoa peat are quite expensive and can be substituted with compost, which can be made at home very cheaply.
When planting in treated clay soils, make a slight mound in which to grow the plant. Peter demonstrates how clay-intolerant plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons can now thrive in the treated nutrient richsoil. By the time the plant develops roots that are long enough to penetrate below the treated layer, the plant will be big enough to cope with the clay soil.
Is there anything good about clay soils? They are full of nutrients, but the plants can’t access them. It is possible to treat clay soils and improve the soil quality, freeing up nutrients for plants. Coir and cocoa peat are quite expensive and can be substituted with compost, which can be made at home very cheaply.
When planting in treated clay soils, make a slight mound in which to grow the plant. Peter demonstrates how clay-intolerant plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons can now thrive in the treated nutrient richsoil. By the time the plant develops roots that are long enough to penetrate below the treated layer, the plant will be big enough to cope with the clay soil.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Outdoor umbrella
The warm weather is coming and I can’t wait to run around in my shorts and t-shirts. Of course with summer comes hot dry heat some days so a bit of shade while outdoor is very important. So this year I must remember to get myself an outdoor umbrella for my outdoor entertainment area. Then all I have to worry about is what to barbeque each day.
Sunflowers
Nothing characterises summer as much as sunflowers with their bright, enormous yellow flower heads. As a child it is easy to be captivated by these large flowers on tall stalks whose heads followed the sun across the sky. They always seem to have smiling faces.
Sunflowers are native to South and Central America and are always a great way to introduce children to the fun of gardening. Competitions to see who can grow the tallest sunflower are traditional in some families and inspire friendly rivalry. The tallest sunflower that Melissa grew when she was a child was 4.1 metres. The world record for the tallest sunflower stands at 7.76 metres tall.
Sunflowers are annuals that can be sown where they are to flower, ensuring that they are planted in a fertile, well-drained, sunny position in the garden. The seeds can be sown in spring or early summer when the soil is beginning to warm up, and it is important to sow them into beds that are well prepared with organic matter and that are kept weed free. Smooth over the top of the soil lightly to create a good surface for sowing the seeds. As a general rule seeds can be sown to double the depth of the seed and cover with soil.
It is important to water the seeds regularly and to keep the bed weed free. Water with a liquid fertiliser every 2 to 3 weeks to boost the height of the sunflowers.
Slugs, snails and birds are very fond of the young seedlings, so some protective measures may need to be taken during the early growing weeks.
Sunflowers are native to South and Central America and are always a great way to introduce children to the fun of gardening. Competitions to see who can grow the tallest sunflower are traditional in some families and inspire friendly rivalry. The tallest sunflower that Melissa grew when she was a child was 4.1 metres. The world record for the tallest sunflower stands at 7.76 metres tall.
Sunflowers are annuals that can be sown where they are to flower, ensuring that they are planted in a fertile, well-drained, sunny position in the garden. The seeds can be sown in spring or early summer when the soil is beginning to warm up, and it is important to sow them into beds that are well prepared with organic matter and that are kept weed free. Smooth over the top of the soil lightly to create a good surface for sowing the seeds. As a general rule seeds can be sown to double the depth of the seed and cover with soil.
It is important to water the seeds regularly and to keep the bed weed free. Water with a liquid fertiliser every 2 to 3 weeks to boost the height of the sunflowers.
Slugs, snails and birds are very fond of the young seedlings, so some protective measures may need to be taken during the early growing weeks.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Scaling skin
Growing up I had the worst skin; it was dry and scaly and I was always pick on in school. Kids would call me names and no one wanted to play with me. My mother tried all kind of remedies to help my scaling skin but to no avail. It wasn’t till I was in my late teen that I found out through my own research that to achieve healthy skin I needed to eat good proper food. So I decided to change my diet and just eat healthy organic food and my skin cleared in just a month. No more junk food for me now ever.
Grevilleas
There are thousands of different grevilleas available to home gardeners because they hybridise so easily. There are an enormous range of flower colours and forms, as well as a wide variation in foliage and height and growth habit. By choosing wisely there is a grevillea to suit the soil and climatic conditions of any garden regardless of where you live, and they will flower for most of the year. As they hybridise so readily it is best that they are not plante in gardens that adjoin bushland where there are native grevilleas.
Grevillea ‘Firesprite’ is a popular hardy cultivar that has been in the marketplace for many years. Merv Hodge has a seedling of G. ‘Firesprite’ in his garden that has new characteristics worthy of a new cultivar, which will make it an excellent horticultural plant when it comes onto the market. Like all grevilleas it likes good drainage and it would flourish.
The delicate pink flowers of Grevillea sericea are at their peak in spring, but is an excellent plant to have in the garden because it will have spot flowering throughout the year. This species grows naturally on sandstone and does best in sandy soils.
Grevillea hybrid Grevillea ‘Simply Sarah’ needs very good drainage, and to grow this cultivar successfully garden beds will need to be raised at least 30cm to allow any excess water to drain away if the soil is not naturally well drained. It grows to over 1.5m but should, like all grevilleas, be pruned back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Pruning encourages new growth to thicken up the bush.
Insect pests are not usually a major problem with grevilleas. Because they attract lots of birds that feed on the nectar, they also feed on tiny insects and other pests as well.
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ is as tough as any plant that you will find, and will withstand drought conditions. If this ground hugging grevillea is given extra water is will flower even more prolifically.
Grevillea ‘Firesprite’ is a popular hardy cultivar that has been in the marketplace for many years. Merv Hodge has a seedling of G. ‘Firesprite’ in his garden that has new characteristics worthy of a new cultivar, which will make it an excellent horticultural plant when it comes onto the market. Like all grevilleas it likes good drainage and it would flourish.
The delicate pink flowers of Grevillea sericea are at their peak in spring, but is an excellent plant to have in the garden because it will have spot flowering throughout the year. This species grows naturally on sandstone and does best in sandy soils.
Grevillea hybrid Grevillea ‘Simply Sarah’ needs very good drainage, and to grow this cultivar successfully garden beds will need to be raised at least 30cm to allow any excess water to drain away if the soil is not naturally well drained. It grows to over 1.5m but should, like all grevilleas, be pruned back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Pruning encourages new growth to thicken up the bush.
Insect pests are not usually a major problem with grevilleas. Because they attract lots of birds that feed on the nectar, they also feed on tiny insects and other pests as well.
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’ is as tough as any plant that you will find, and will withstand drought conditions. If this ground hugging grevillea is given extra water is will flower even more prolifically.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Trumpet cases
My daughter has been selected to play with her school band in the big city next month. I’m so proud of her, all those time spent learning the trumpet has finally paid off and she loves it. I need to get proper trumpet cases for all three of her trumpets that she’ll be taking with her. Normal suitcases just don’t cut it so an investment in good quality trumpet cases is a good investment.
Strawberries
Ever since they came into cultivation thousands of years ago, strawberries have been in demand as an all-year-round available fruit because of their luscious flavour, as well as having high nutritional value. They are delicious eaten directly from the plant.
Strawberries are grown from the sub Polar Regions to the tropics, and belong to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, plums, apricots and apples. Although all the flowers are similar the fruit of the strawberry is quite different. The main difference is that the seeds are on the outside of the fruit, rather than being encased in flesh in the middle of the fruit. When it is the middle of winter in the south of Australia, it is harvest time in the north in Queensland.
Large sized strawberries are renowned for having no flavour. These varieties have now been replaced with new cultivars that have all the desirable qualities that are demanded of a strawberry - large fruit that is full of flavour are the two most important qualities that home gardeners and commercial growers are looking for. As well they want cultivars where the fruit is abundant and easy to find on the plant. Strawberry ‘Redlands Joy’ has red flesh all the way through to the middle, and is beautiful and sweet to taste. For those who live on the north coast the varieties ‘Kabarla’ and ‘Adina’ will grow well, while in the Sydney region ‘Sweetheart’, ‘Selekta’ and ‘Torrey’ are best. ‘Kunowase’ and ‘Cambridge Rival’ are two good cultivars that grow well in Victoria and Tasmania. ‘Alinta’ is an excellent, highly recommended variety for southern gardens.
To grow strawberries well soil preparation is essential. This requires copious amounts of a good organic fertiliser that has high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash dug in well. Plant the runners into raised beds 30 cm apart. As soon as the plants start to flower, spray them with high potash liquid fertiliser, which will help the fruit to develop a beautiful sweet flavour. By March in the following year these plants will have developed new runners. In warmer climates like Queensland the plants should be treated as an annual, as the plants get tired more quickly. The old plants should be taken out and new runners replanted.
Strawberries are grown from the sub Polar Regions to the tropics, and belong to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, plums, apricots and apples. Although all the flowers are similar the fruit of the strawberry is quite different. The main difference is that the seeds are on the outside of the fruit, rather than being encased in flesh in the middle of the fruit. When it is the middle of winter in the south of Australia, it is harvest time in the north in Queensland.
Large sized strawberries are renowned for having no flavour. These varieties have now been replaced with new cultivars that have all the desirable qualities that are demanded of a strawberry - large fruit that is full of flavour are the two most important qualities that home gardeners and commercial growers are looking for. As well they want cultivars where the fruit is abundant and easy to find on the plant. Strawberry ‘Redlands Joy’ has red flesh all the way through to the middle, and is beautiful and sweet to taste. For those who live on the north coast the varieties ‘Kabarla’ and ‘Adina’ will grow well, while in the Sydney region ‘Sweetheart’, ‘Selekta’ and ‘Torrey’ are best. ‘Kunowase’ and ‘Cambridge Rival’ are two good cultivars that grow well in Victoria and Tasmania. ‘Alinta’ is an excellent, highly recommended variety for southern gardens.
To grow strawberries well soil preparation is essential. This requires copious amounts of a good organic fertiliser that has high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash dug in well. Plant the runners into raised beds 30 cm apart. As soon as the plants start to flower, spray them with high potash liquid fertiliser, which will help the fruit to develop a beautiful sweet flavour. By March in the following year these plants will have developed new runners. In warmer climates like Queensland the plants should be treated as an annual, as the plants get tired more quickly. The old plants should be taken out and new runners replanted.
Trophies
Following my excellent organization of the club’s anniversary I was asked to organize another event; my child’s school sports day! I need to source some trophies for the winners and I know just the place to get them at fantastic prices. I’m getting really good at this; maybe I should start a business organizing events for people. I’ll probably go broke doing that so I’ll stick to my day job.
Milk Fungicide
Some organic gardeners have been using milk as a fungal control for decades, but it has only been in recent years that it has been looked at seriously as an effective and safe control of powdery mildew on some garden plants.
University of Adelaide research is exploring its potency. Grape vines have been the main crop that Peter Crisp used as part of his trials during a three-year research project, but he has also used milk spray on roses, zucchinis and tomatoes where it has been very successful in combating powdery mildew. A dilution anywhere between 1:5 and 1:10 milk to water is adequate, but if it is much stronger than that it can cause problems like sooty mould. Low fat milk is less effective than full cream milk, but the difference is not really significant. There are various compounds that are active in milk including the fats. The natural antibiotics present in milk, as well as the production of other agents during exposure to sunlight both act to reduce fungal infection.
For it to work effectively it must be used regularly at seven to 10 days intervals, or every fortnight if it is hot. The most important thing is to get a good even coverage over all of the leaves. One of the great advantages of milk fungicide is that you don’t need any protective gear for spraying.
University of Adelaide research is exploring its potency. Grape vines have been the main crop that Peter Crisp used as part of his trials during a three-year research project, but he has also used milk spray on roses, zucchinis and tomatoes where it has been very successful in combating powdery mildew. A dilution anywhere between 1:5 and 1:10 milk to water is adequate, but if it is much stronger than that it can cause problems like sooty mould. Low fat milk is less effective than full cream milk, but the difference is not really significant. There are various compounds that are active in milk including the fats. The natural antibiotics present in milk, as well as the production of other agents during exposure to sunlight both act to reduce fungal infection.
For it to work effectively it must be used regularly at seven to 10 days intervals, or every fortnight if it is hot. The most important thing is to get a good even coverage over all of the leaves. One of the great advantages of milk fungicide is that you don’t need any protective gear for spraying.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Ski pants
We’re going to Aspen next week and I’m not even ready yet. So much to do with so little time. I have to get ski pants, boots, parkas and ski masks. What else? Oh yes, gloves and ski equipments too. And book the tickets also or we’re not going anywhere! Should have been more organised but with heavy workload I just didn’t have much time to organise my ski vacation this year.
Celery
There are several cultivars of Celery Apium graveolens var. dulce, which are very similar. The only thing that will influence your choice is the planting season; so get advice from a local seed retailer.
Close relatives, Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum is grown for its celery-flavoured root, while Florence Fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum is grown for its aniseed-flavoured bulb.
Common fennel has a similar growth habit to celery. The stems are buried deep within the above ground parts of the plant, being hidden by the fleshy leaf petioles upon which the feathery foliage is borne.
Celery has a very shallow root system, and needs frequent watering because the roots are concentrated in the top few centimetres of soil and so they will dry out quickly.
What we commonly call the stem of the celery plant, the part that we eat, is actually the petiole from which the leaves grow. If you pull celery apart, it can be observed that the stem is in the centre of the plant near the roots at the base of the plant. It will continue to grow to form a stem and flowers, which will set seed. It is too tough to eat at this stage.
It is possible to grow celery in almost any soil type, but it prefers friable loamy soil. It will grow in sand but much more nutrition and water will be required. Celery prefers to grow in the mid seasons of spring and autumn. It does not like the hot temperatures of summer or the very cold ones of winter. During the summer during its most rapid growing time, it takes about 10 to 12 weeks to reach maturity, and during the winter it takes about 18 weeks to reach maturity from transplanting into the field. It needs two or three applications of nitrogen and potassium during the life of the crop. Celery puts on 70% of its growth in the last 30% of its life.
Planting celery in blocks of plants encourages the stems to grow longer, fleshier and slightly lighter making them less bitter. If you are selecting celery in the supermarket, the bunch should be a good bright, glossy green and should be very turgid. The stems should be very firm in your hand, which will ensure that it will be crisp and have the best flavour.
Close relatives, Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum is grown for its celery-flavoured root, while Florence Fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum is grown for its aniseed-flavoured bulb.
Common fennel has a similar growth habit to celery. The stems are buried deep within the above ground parts of the plant, being hidden by the fleshy leaf petioles upon which the feathery foliage is borne.
Celery has a very shallow root system, and needs frequent watering because the roots are concentrated in the top few centimetres of soil and so they will dry out quickly.
What we commonly call the stem of the celery plant, the part that we eat, is actually the petiole from which the leaves grow. If you pull celery apart, it can be observed that the stem is in the centre of the plant near the roots at the base of the plant. It will continue to grow to form a stem and flowers, which will set seed. It is too tough to eat at this stage.
It is possible to grow celery in almost any soil type, but it prefers friable loamy soil. It will grow in sand but much more nutrition and water will be required. Celery prefers to grow in the mid seasons of spring and autumn. It does not like the hot temperatures of summer or the very cold ones of winter. During the summer during its most rapid growing time, it takes about 10 to 12 weeks to reach maturity, and during the winter it takes about 18 weeks to reach maturity from transplanting into the field. It needs two or three applications of nitrogen and potassium during the life of the crop. Celery puts on 70% of its growth in the last 30% of its life.
Planting celery in blocks of plants encourages the stems to grow longer, fleshier and slightly lighter making them less bitter. If you are selecting celery in the supermarket, the bunch should be a good bright, glossy green and should be very turgid. The stems should be very firm in your hand, which will ensure that it will be crisp and have the best flavour.
Plus size maternity clothes
This morning my wife dragged me out to the mall even before the shops were open. She had to get some plus size maternity clothes for her cousin who’s pregnant again at a later age. It was totally unexpected but the whole family is happy with the good news. Looks like we’re having an extra present under the Christmas tree this year.
Asian Vegetables
Over the last two decades our strong and growing connection with Asia has had a large influence on the food we eat today. A huge variety of Asian vegetables are available in the marketplace and are helping us to expand our culinary exploits. Their distinctive flavours combine well more traditional Australian foods. Many of the plants originate from tropical parts of Asia, particularly China where they have been cultivated and used for centuries.
Many of these plants have strong and distinctive flavours and are often quick growing, tender and have a variety of parts of the plant that can be used. Like many ingredients in Asian cuisine, nothing is wasted. Many of the plants have parts (leaves, flower heads) that can be periodically plucked without disturbing the whole plant. Some of these varieties are ready to harvest in as little as six weeks from sowing and many can be cut and a used throughout the growing season
Some varieties of Asian herbs and vegetables are becoming available in punnets, but they are very easy to grow from seed. Most varieties don’t like to be transplanted so it is a good idea to sow that seed directly. They need to be grown in areas of at least six hours of direct sunlight. In cooler areas most varieties can be planted in autumn or spring once any risk of frost has disappeared. In tropical areas Asian vegetables are a winter crop, so the seed is sown in autumn. When thinning out the seedlings don't throw them away as they are great used in soups and stir-frys. Coriander it is best grown in the shade as it goes to seed more quickly in full sun.
Many of these plants have strong and distinctive flavours and are often quick growing, tender and have a variety of parts of the plant that can be used. Like many ingredients in Asian cuisine, nothing is wasted. Many of the plants have parts (leaves, flower heads) that can be periodically plucked without disturbing the whole plant. Some of these varieties are ready to harvest in as little as six weeks from sowing and many can be cut and a used throughout the growing season
Some varieties of Asian herbs and vegetables are becoming available in punnets, but they are very easy to grow from seed. Most varieties don’t like to be transplanted so it is a good idea to sow that seed directly. They need to be grown in areas of at least six hours of direct sunlight. In cooler areas most varieties can be planted in autumn or spring once any risk of frost has disappeared. In tropical areas Asian vegetables are a winter crop, so the seed is sown in autumn. When thinning out the seedlings don't throw them away as they are great used in soups and stir-frys. Coriander it is best grown in the shade as it goes to seed more quickly in full sun.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Everett Gaskins Hancock
I’ve been in business for quite a number of years now but I’ve never seen times quite as bad as we have now. It seems like the only people making money now are the lawyers. I’ve just finished a lengthy court case against a former client but it looks like I’m going to need help from the everett gaskins hancock lawyers again with another client bellying up. I’ve had good results from these lawyers so I’d recommend them to anyone needing a lawyer for their business litigations.
Lemons, Limes & Cumquats
There are an enormous variety of fruits in the citrus family, many not commonly grown by home gardeners, but they grow extremely well in all areas of Australia from the tropics to the cooler, more temperate areas. Not all are used for their juice, but some like the Bergamot Orange Citrus bergamia is only used for its fragrance. It contains a rich essential oil that is the basis of Eau de Cologne. Others like the Buddha’s Hand Citrus Medica is used specifically for its zest in cooking and confectionary.
It is the lemons, limes and cumquats that are most often grown. Lemons are the most popular citrus that is grown in home gardens from the tropical regions to cold areas. The Lisbon Lemon Citrus limon ‘Lisbon’ is a favourite cultivar in a Mediterranean climate for alkaline soils. They are mostly grafted onto the rootstock of a rough lemon, and will give three crops a year, with only a short gap in January/February where the tree won’t have any lemons at all. The blossoms have a very strong fragrance and will frequently be flowering and fruiting at the same time. This variety can’t always be grown in all areas. Meyer Lemon Citrus Limon ‘Meyer’ is easier to grow in the cooler regions and Eureka Lemon Citrus Limon ‘Eureka’ is a better variety for humid areas. Good drainage is essential no matter what region a lemon is grown. Growing them in a raised bed or on a slope can improve an otherwise poorly drained area. After 10 or 15 year the tree may be too high to pick the fruit comfortably, so it is a good practice to keep them pruned to a height where the top of the tree is easy to reach. A Variegated Lisbon Lemon has ornamental foliage and smaller fruit that is not quite as prolific.
The Caffre Lime Citrus hystrix has become the most popular lime in Australia over the last couple of years. It is grown exclusively for the leaf, which is used as flavouring in Thai cooking. The fruits are extremely sour and not edible, but the plant makes an excellent container plant. They are very easy to grow if they are kept trimmed and are fed twice a year in spring and summer with a slow-release fertiliser. The West Indian Lime Citrus aurantifolia is smaller than the Tahitian Lime. It has a fruit with seeds but it has the best lime flavour and is widely grown and consumed in the tropics, whereas the Tahitian lime has smaller, thin-skinned seedless, very juicy fruit. The West Indian Lime is grown here at the edge of its geographical tolerance, so it is grown on a compatible rootstock, which is rough lemon. The Rangpur Lime Citrus x limonia has a large juicy fruit, almost orange with green seeds. This fruit has an interesting aftertaste.
Nagami Cumquat Fortunella margarita can be eaten whole, including the skin, unlike the Calamondin Citrus madurensis, which is incredibly sour and not one that can be eaten fresh. Chinotto Citrus myrtifolia is one of the most ornamental species that has pendulous branches with very glossy leaves, with fruit that turns bright orange when ripe, but also with fruit too sour to be eaten fresh. These are all best grown in a warm protected area. For a colder climate the Limequat Citrus aurantifolia x Fortunella margarita is an ideal hybrid with delicious fruit.
All of these varieties can be grown in containers, but should be given adequate amounts of fertiliser and they will provide tasty fruit as well as being a beautiful decorative feature.
It is the lemons, limes and cumquats that are most often grown. Lemons are the most popular citrus that is grown in home gardens from the tropical regions to cold areas. The Lisbon Lemon Citrus limon ‘Lisbon’ is a favourite cultivar in a Mediterranean climate for alkaline soils. They are mostly grafted onto the rootstock of a rough lemon, and will give three crops a year, with only a short gap in January/February where the tree won’t have any lemons at all. The blossoms have a very strong fragrance and will frequently be flowering and fruiting at the same time. This variety can’t always be grown in all areas. Meyer Lemon Citrus Limon ‘Meyer’ is easier to grow in the cooler regions and Eureka Lemon Citrus Limon ‘Eureka’ is a better variety for humid areas. Good drainage is essential no matter what region a lemon is grown. Growing them in a raised bed or on a slope can improve an otherwise poorly drained area. After 10 or 15 year the tree may be too high to pick the fruit comfortably, so it is a good practice to keep them pruned to a height where the top of the tree is easy to reach. A Variegated Lisbon Lemon has ornamental foliage and smaller fruit that is not quite as prolific.
The Caffre Lime Citrus hystrix has become the most popular lime in Australia over the last couple of years. It is grown exclusively for the leaf, which is used as flavouring in Thai cooking. The fruits are extremely sour and not edible, but the plant makes an excellent container plant. They are very easy to grow if they are kept trimmed and are fed twice a year in spring and summer with a slow-release fertiliser. The West Indian Lime Citrus aurantifolia is smaller than the Tahitian Lime. It has a fruit with seeds but it has the best lime flavour and is widely grown and consumed in the tropics, whereas the Tahitian lime has smaller, thin-skinned seedless, very juicy fruit. The West Indian Lime is grown here at the edge of its geographical tolerance, so it is grown on a compatible rootstock, which is rough lemon. The Rangpur Lime Citrus x limonia has a large juicy fruit, almost orange with green seeds. This fruit has an interesting aftertaste.
Nagami Cumquat Fortunella margarita can be eaten whole, including the skin, unlike the Calamondin Citrus madurensis, which is incredibly sour and not one that can be eaten fresh. Chinotto Citrus myrtifolia is one of the most ornamental species that has pendulous branches with very glossy leaves, with fruit that turns bright orange when ripe, but also with fruit too sour to be eaten fresh. These are all best grown in a warm protected area. For a colder climate the Limequat Citrus aurantifolia x Fortunella margarita is an ideal hybrid with delicious fruit.
All of these varieties can be grown in containers, but should be given adequate amounts of fertiliser and they will provide tasty fruit as well as being a beautiful decorative feature.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Guitar songs
If you ask me what my regret is in my life I’d say not learning to play the guitar. I love listening to guitar songs and I regret not learning to play it when I was growing up. Yes I know it is never too late to learn but I have absolutely no creative juices in me to be able to learn guitar playing. I think you’re born with musical talent and sadly I wasn’t born with it.
Seeds vs Seedlings
Most of our plants began life as a tiny seed, and this particularly true when it comes to flowering annuals and vegetables. Today there is the option of growing plants directly from seed or buying ready-grown seedlings. There are advantages and disadvantages of both.
Seeds vary in size from large ones like avocado and some beans, to the very minute seeds of lettuces and pansies. Small seeds must be placed on the surface of the seed-raising mix because if they are covered too thickly they will not germinate. Other seeds like sweet corn are planted at twice the depth of the thickness of the seed itself, and that is the basic rule to follow with all seeds.
When buying seed-raising mix make sure that it has been especially formulated for the purpose, with not too much air-filled porosity and the correct level of moisture-holding capacity. The surface should be levelled and firmed with a flat piece of wood or similar object, in preparation for sowing.
Seeds can be planted directly in the garden bed, or in seed-raising mix to plant the seedlings in the garden at a later time. If a small amount of Epsom salts is added to water, when applied to the soil the magnesium in it will help the plant to activate the enzymes that breaks down the food supply in the seed. A light misting is adequate. Too much water will rot the seeds. A covering of perlite will absorb moisture as well as provide an insulating layer and aid in germination.
There are several options when planting seeds in the ground. Some seed companies are supplying a length of tape that is impregnated with seed such as radish that is evenly spaced. The tape is laid out in a straight line as a row, and the seeds will germinate at regular intervals.
Many gardeners are also interested in heirloom and heritage seeds. Some are available from nurseries and garden centres supply a variety of these, but to get open pollinated varieties you may need to contact an organic growers group to get home-saved seed, or contact a seed savers network.
If you grow a lot of F1 hybrids, the chances are that the seeds will not be viable, so new seeds will have to be purchased otherwise seedlings can be used. Although seedlings cost a little bit more they save a lot of time. It generally takes 10 to 14 days for seedlings to germinate and come through the ground, and then another 2 to 3 weeks for them to develop some size as young plants. The germination rate of parsley is so poor that it is better to leave it to someone else’s propagating skills. Begonias also have a poor germination rate as well as the seeds being very expensive.
When buying seedlings, you are often confronted with a choice of very small plants or tall, leggy ones. The temptation is to buy the big ones thinking that they will be better, but this is not the case. The small seedlings will easily outgrow the larger ones, as well as being much stronger plants.
When planting seedlings into the garden care must be taken not to crush the stems, as this is the route of transportation of nutrients to the plant. Hold the plants by the leaves and ease them out so that you don’t damage the root system. After planting them in the ground, water them in with a seaweed extract, because the vitamin B1 will help the seedlings overcome transplant shock.
Seeds are cheaper but seedlings are quicker, so it is just a matter of personal choice.
Seeds vary in size from large ones like avocado and some beans, to the very minute seeds of lettuces and pansies. Small seeds must be placed on the surface of the seed-raising mix because if they are covered too thickly they will not germinate. Other seeds like sweet corn are planted at twice the depth of the thickness of the seed itself, and that is the basic rule to follow with all seeds.
When buying seed-raising mix make sure that it has been especially formulated for the purpose, with not too much air-filled porosity and the correct level of moisture-holding capacity. The surface should be levelled and firmed with a flat piece of wood or similar object, in preparation for sowing.
Seeds can be planted directly in the garden bed, or in seed-raising mix to plant the seedlings in the garden at a later time. If a small amount of Epsom salts is added to water, when applied to the soil the magnesium in it will help the plant to activate the enzymes that breaks down the food supply in the seed. A light misting is adequate. Too much water will rot the seeds. A covering of perlite will absorb moisture as well as provide an insulating layer and aid in germination.
There are several options when planting seeds in the ground. Some seed companies are supplying a length of tape that is impregnated with seed such as radish that is evenly spaced. The tape is laid out in a straight line as a row, and the seeds will germinate at regular intervals.
Many gardeners are also interested in heirloom and heritage seeds. Some are available from nurseries and garden centres supply a variety of these, but to get open pollinated varieties you may need to contact an organic growers group to get home-saved seed, or contact a seed savers network.
If you grow a lot of F1 hybrids, the chances are that the seeds will not be viable, so new seeds will have to be purchased otherwise seedlings can be used. Although seedlings cost a little bit more they save a lot of time. It generally takes 10 to 14 days for seedlings to germinate and come through the ground, and then another 2 to 3 weeks for them to develop some size as young plants. The germination rate of parsley is so poor that it is better to leave it to someone else’s propagating skills. Begonias also have a poor germination rate as well as the seeds being very expensive.
When buying seedlings, you are often confronted with a choice of very small plants or tall, leggy ones. The temptation is to buy the big ones thinking that they will be better, but this is not the case. The small seedlings will easily outgrow the larger ones, as well as being much stronger plants.
When planting seedlings into the garden care must be taken not to crush the stems, as this is the route of transportation of nutrients to the plant. Hold the plants by the leaves and ease them out so that you don’t damage the root system. After planting them in the ground, water them in with a seaweed extract, because the vitamin B1 will help the seedlings overcome transplant shock.
Seeds are cheaper but seedlings are quicker, so it is just a matter of personal choice.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Increase signal
The problem with my work is I get a lot of calls from clients and my work place doesn’t have very good cell phone reception. I’m asking the boss to invest in a device that will increase signal in the office thus no one has to keep ducking out of the office just to take calls from the clients. I hope the boss will see sense in it and get us the signal booster. He’ll have to if he wants the sales.
Asian herbs and vegetables
Some varieties of Asian herbs and vegetables are becoming available in punnets, but they are very easy to grow from seed. Most varieties don’t like to be transplanted so it is a good idea to sow that seed directly. They need to be grown in areas of at least six hours of direct sunlight. In cooler areas most varieties can be planted in autumn or spring once any risk of frost has disappeared. In tropical areas Asian vegetables are a winter crop, so the seed is sown in autumn. When thinning out the seedlings don't throw them away as they are great used in soups and stir-frys. Coriander it is best grown in the shade as it goes to seed more quickly in full sun.
Some Asian vegetables to grow are: Pak Choi and Bok Choi Brassica rapa Chinensis (Chinese White Cabbage), Tatsoi Brassica rapa Chinensis (Chinese Flat Cabbage), Kintsai Apium graveolens (Chinese celery), Mizuna & Mibuna Brassica rapa Japonica (Japanese salad greens, Garlic chives Alllium tuberosum, Coriander Coriandrum sativum, Garland Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum coronarium var. spatiosum.
Some Asian vegetables to grow are: Pak Choi and Bok Choi Brassica rapa Chinensis (Chinese White Cabbage), Tatsoi Brassica rapa Chinensis (Chinese Flat Cabbage), Kintsai Apium graveolens (Chinese celery), Mizuna & Mibuna Brassica rapa Japonica (Japanese salad greens, Garlic chives Alllium tuberosum, Coriander Coriandrum sativum, Garland Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum coronarium var. spatiosum.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Roadside assistance plan
Oops! I think I’ve let my roadside assistance plan lapse. I’ve better check to make sure; I’m going to need it when I go on my road trip next month. Nothing worse than getting stranded in the middle of nowhere with no help for miles. Once that’s taken care of all I have to worry about is planning the trip; there are so many places I want to go but I might not be able to visit all the places. I’m going to need more time!
Potting mixtures
There are a variety of potting mixtures. Those designed for terracotta pots are full of organic matter to retain a lot of moisture. Some potting mixes are unusual such as the lumps of bark used to pot a particular type of orchid (Cymbidium) that grows on tree trunks and lives on the moisture and nutrients that run down the bark. This orchid would not survive in ordinary potting mix or soil because it needs excellent drainage that is provided by the coarse bark.
You can make your own potting soil. Start with garden soil, add coarse river sand to create a free-draining soil and coca fibre to retain some of the water. These components should be in a ratio of one third of each. This soil won’t go hard and the roots can penetrate it easily.
The soil used for raising seeds is different. Seedling raising mixes are pasteurised to remove all the organisms such as harmful bacteria and fungi. This is different to sterilisation which kills all living organisms in the soil.
Remember when handling potting and seed-raising mixes be careful as it may cause irritations or respiratory problems especially if you have allergies, or are susceptible.
You can make your own potting soil. Start with garden soil, add coarse river sand to create a free-draining soil and coca fibre to retain some of the water. These components should be in a ratio of one third of each. This soil won’t go hard and the roots can penetrate it easily.
The soil used for raising seeds is different. Seedling raising mixes are pasteurised to remove all the organisms such as harmful bacteria and fungi. This is different to sterilisation which kills all living organisms in the soil.
Remember when handling potting and seed-raising mixes be careful as it may cause irritations or respiratory problems especially if you have allergies, or are susceptible.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Best buy coupons
I’m not one to pay retail prices for the things I like. That’s why I’m always keeping a look out for good deals like best buy coupons that will save me a bundle whenever use them. There’s no limit to the things you can save with these coupons and I always recommend or even give some of my coupons to friends and family so we can all save.
Fruit Tree Planting
Deciduous trees can be planted out from a container at virtually any time of the year, but the best time is when the plant is dormant. The first thing to do when buying a tree is to look at the root system. The roots have usually been cut back so that the tree can be carried around. Thus the roots are relatively small compared to the height of the plant. It is also important to look at the grafting union on the stem to see if it has been damaged.
Inspect the roots and cut off any damaged ones. Immediately, place the plant in a bucket of water containing a small amount of seaweed concentrate to keep the roots moist and supply the plant with minerals.
You will need a wooden stake to provide the tree with support until it becomes established. Dig a wide hole. This is important because you do not want the roots to be bent. Once dug, take the plant and test the hole for depth and width. Position the plant so that the roots are just below the soil surface. If the hole is too deep fill it in a little.
Once the hole is the correct dimensions, position the tree and tie it loosely to the stake. Then begin backfilling around the roots with a mixture of mushroom compost, soil and peat to hold in the moisture. Make sure that there are no air pockets by gently shaking the stem so that the soil filters down thought the roots. Then fill in the rest and secure the plant to a stake.
After planting you must restore the balance between the shoot system and the root system by pruning the stems so that they are in proportion to the roots. The way you prune will depend on the shape of the tree that you want. If you want the tree to grow into a vase shape, then cut out the main stem and the smaller branches will fan out. Alternatively you can have a christmas tree shape with a dominant stem. To achieve this, prune the lateral shoots back at a bud that is pointing upwards. Next remove all the leaders bar one so that you have a single dominant stem. This leader can be tipped later on when necessary. Lastly, mulch around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk. This will reduce weed growth.
Inspect the roots and cut off any damaged ones. Immediately, place the plant in a bucket of water containing a small amount of seaweed concentrate to keep the roots moist and supply the plant with minerals.
You will need a wooden stake to provide the tree with support until it becomes established. Dig a wide hole. This is important because you do not want the roots to be bent. Once dug, take the plant and test the hole for depth and width. Position the plant so that the roots are just below the soil surface. If the hole is too deep fill it in a little.
Once the hole is the correct dimensions, position the tree and tie it loosely to the stake. Then begin backfilling around the roots with a mixture of mushroom compost, soil and peat to hold in the moisture. Make sure that there are no air pockets by gently shaking the stem so that the soil filters down thought the roots. Then fill in the rest and secure the plant to a stake.
After planting you must restore the balance between the shoot system and the root system by pruning the stems so that they are in proportion to the roots. The way you prune will depend on the shape of the tree that you want. If you want the tree to grow into a vase shape, then cut out the main stem and the smaller branches will fan out. Alternatively you can have a christmas tree shape with a dominant stem. To achieve this, prune the lateral shoots back at a bud that is pointing upwards. Next remove all the leaders bar one so that you have a single dominant stem. This leader can be tipped later on when necessary. Lastly, mulch around the tree, keeping it away from the trunk. This will reduce weed growth.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Christening invitations from invitationbox.com
We have a new addition to the family; my niece has just given birth to a baby boy and everyone is over the moon. Time to plan for the christening but there are so many people we have to invite from all across the country. A great way of doing it is using the christening invitations from invitationbox.com, that would save us time to do other stuff like party and gifts.
Hanging gardens
Hanging baskets are wonderful for utilising spaces that would otherwise be wasted. They are literally hanging gardens of foliage or flowers and can be inside or outside.
Finding the right basket for the purpose and plants is the first step. There are a multitude of different baskets. The two basic types are wire ones made from galvanised steel or iron and plastic ones with attached drip trays that are excellent for indoors. You can water baskets with drip trays quite a lot without worrying about over-watering, as long as the drip tray isn’t full. They are also useful because they can be watered directly into the drip tray.
The wire ones are relatively cheap and cost costs around $10. These baskets need to be lined in order to hold soil. You can buy liners or make your own out of shade cloth cut to size and pushed into the basket. To remove the folds, make slits in the cloth at intervals. The cloth will then overlap neatly in the basket. Use about 3-4 layers of cloth. Half fill the basket with potting soil and trim any edges of cloth that hang over. Hanging baskets can get very heavy, so it is advisable to hang them up while planting.
Add some cocoapeat or coir to the soil because this acts as a moisture reservoir which is important for plants in pots. Ferns make excellent foliage hanging baskets. Peter chooses a variety of ferns that can all be planted in the same pot and whose foliage complements one another. When planting ensure that the top of the root ball is just below the level of the rim. Place the first plant in the centre of the basket, then gently fill in all the spaces around it with other plants. Peter selects about seven different fern species including a forest brake fern, variegated brake fern, two species of maidenhair, a button fern and two species of pilea, P. mollis and P. nummularifolia (Creeping Charlie) which is excellent for the edges as it weeps over the side. This ability to grow numerous species in the one pot is the great advantage of basket gardening.
Backfill, all the spaces between the plants by hand with moist but not too wet potting soil. It should still be able to flow into the crevices. Push the soil in lightly and finish by watering thoroughly to allow the potting soil to settle down.
Finding the right basket for the purpose and plants is the first step. There are a multitude of different baskets. The two basic types are wire ones made from galvanised steel or iron and plastic ones with attached drip trays that are excellent for indoors. You can water baskets with drip trays quite a lot without worrying about over-watering, as long as the drip tray isn’t full. They are also useful because they can be watered directly into the drip tray.
The wire ones are relatively cheap and cost costs around $10. These baskets need to be lined in order to hold soil. You can buy liners or make your own out of shade cloth cut to size and pushed into the basket. To remove the folds, make slits in the cloth at intervals. The cloth will then overlap neatly in the basket. Use about 3-4 layers of cloth. Half fill the basket with potting soil and trim any edges of cloth that hang over. Hanging baskets can get very heavy, so it is advisable to hang them up while planting.
Add some cocoapeat or coir to the soil because this acts as a moisture reservoir which is important for plants in pots. Ferns make excellent foliage hanging baskets. Peter chooses a variety of ferns that can all be planted in the same pot and whose foliage complements one another. When planting ensure that the top of the root ball is just below the level of the rim. Place the first plant in the centre of the basket, then gently fill in all the spaces around it with other plants. Peter selects about seven different fern species including a forest brake fern, variegated brake fern, two species of maidenhair, a button fern and two species of pilea, P. mollis and P. nummularifolia (Creeping Charlie) which is excellent for the edges as it weeps over the side. This ability to grow numerous species in the one pot is the great advantage of basket gardening.
Backfill, all the spaces between the plants by hand with moist but not too wet potting soil. It should still be able to flow into the crevices. Push the soil in lightly and finish by watering thoroughly to allow the potting soil to settle down.
Rustic furniture
The best thing about moving into a new house is furnishing it. Every house is different so it is important that the furniture matches the style of the house to make the new home welcoming and cosy. That’s why I’m shopping for some rustic furniture for the new cabin I just acquire down by the lake. This will be my weekend retreat for years to come.
Composting
The secret to vigorous plant growth is using the finest of all organic fertilisers, compost. Almost anything can go in to compost from tea leaves to newspaper. It is virtually impossible to fill a compost heap, you can keep topping it up with organic garden and kitchen wastes and watering it down without it getting full.
There are different kinds of compost heaps. The smaller lidded bins are problematic in that they do not reach high temperatures, thus the waste takes a long time to degrade and weed seeds and pests are not killed. However, they are useful for small gardens, produce good compost and are full of worms. When the matter in them has degraded, they can be lifted up and moved, leaving a heap of compost for use in the garden.
If you are in a hurry to obtain compost, use a rotating bin. Organic matter is placed in the bin, the lid is closed and the bin rotated about two or three times a day. The bin has bars inside that mix up the compost and speed decomposition. Once finished, the bin is tipped up and the compost collected in a barrow.
The best way of making compost is to create a couple of wooden frames, one will contain fresh compost and the other old compost that can be used. The compost heap needs to get hot in order to kill weed seeds and pests. The base of the frame should be open to the soil. It should not be concrete because the worms must be able to escape the heat generated by the activity of bacteria that are breaking down the waste.
Begin by making a layer of organic matter, about a third of the depth of the frame. Next add a layer of manure such as sheep droppings, to weigh down the organic matter. This will encourage the bacteria to grow. A second layer of chicken manure is also good. It is essential to saturate the heap with water.
Start layering again with more organic matter containing straw and kitchen and garden wastes, you can even add cotton clothes. Build up successive layers of organic matter topped with manure and watered down each time until you have reached the top. Deep saturation is important, so water until it runs out the bottom. Water the heap regularly thereafter. The heap will become extremely hot. This means that it is working.
You can tell when the compost is ready to use as there will be no recognisable lumps of organic matter and it will have a rich soil texture. Use the compost in the plant hole of seedlings and for conditioning the soil prior to planting. Avoid using it as a mulch, rather mulch over the top of it with straw or dig it into the soil.
There are different kinds of compost heaps. The smaller lidded bins are problematic in that they do not reach high temperatures, thus the waste takes a long time to degrade and weed seeds and pests are not killed. However, they are useful for small gardens, produce good compost and are full of worms. When the matter in them has degraded, they can be lifted up and moved, leaving a heap of compost for use in the garden.
If you are in a hurry to obtain compost, use a rotating bin. Organic matter is placed in the bin, the lid is closed and the bin rotated about two or three times a day. The bin has bars inside that mix up the compost and speed decomposition. Once finished, the bin is tipped up and the compost collected in a barrow.
The best way of making compost is to create a couple of wooden frames, one will contain fresh compost and the other old compost that can be used. The compost heap needs to get hot in order to kill weed seeds and pests. The base of the frame should be open to the soil. It should not be concrete because the worms must be able to escape the heat generated by the activity of bacteria that are breaking down the waste.
Begin by making a layer of organic matter, about a third of the depth of the frame. Next add a layer of manure such as sheep droppings, to weigh down the organic matter. This will encourage the bacteria to grow. A second layer of chicken manure is also good. It is essential to saturate the heap with water.
Start layering again with more organic matter containing straw and kitchen and garden wastes, you can even add cotton clothes. Build up successive layers of organic matter topped with manure and watered down each time until you have reached the top. Deep saturation is important, so water until it runs out the bottom. Water the heap regularly thereafter. The heap will become extremely hot. This means that it is working.
You can tell when the compost is ready to use as there will be no recognisable lumps of organic matter and it will have a rich soil texture. Use the compost in the plant hole of seedlings and for conditioning the soil prior to planting. Avoid using it as a mulch, rather mulch over the top of it with straw or dig it into the soil.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Gaming computers
I used to enjoy going to computer swap meets on the weekends years ago. It was like a weekly ritual for me. You can find just about any kinds of computers and accessories you want and they are usually cheaper than in the stores. Well I haven’t been going for a while but I will need to pay them a visit this weekend. I’m looking at getting some gaming computers for the new lounge I’ve just open. That would bring in more younger customers I reckon.
Acid-loving Plants
There is a group of plants called the acid-lovers. The most beautiful of these are the azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. These plants like soil that is acidic and do not like any kind of lime or alkaline soil.
Acid-loving plants do not tolerate clay soils as they easily become waterlogged. The result is leaf scorch, indicated by brown patches on the leaves and a wilted appearance.
Rhododendron ‘Pink pearl’ will grow both in full sun and in dappled shade. When planting out you do not need to tease the roots, which should be tight and compact. Ensure that the top of the root ball is just below the soil surface. These plants do not require a lot of fertiliser and excess can retard growth, so don’t put fertilisers into the planting hole.
How do you keep the soil acidic? Mulch around the plant with compost, old cow manure and blood and bone. You can also use half-decayed leaves or pine needles because they are highly acidic. Always keep the mulch free from the stem or it will go mouldy.
These plants are poor at obtaining iron and alkaline soil can induce iron deficiency which can be identified by a yellowing of the leaves. The reason why these plants love acid soils is because they can obtain more iron under these conditions. Iron can be supplemented in the form of cheated iron, bought as a yellow powder. Place a large spoonful into a watering can and water over the leaves and into the soil. This type of iron can bypass the alkalinity and be absorbed readily by the plant, however it is only a temporary solution and long-term remediation of the soil may be necessary.
Acid-loving plants do not tolerate clay soils as they easily become waterlogged. The result is leaf scorch, indicated by brown patches on the leaves and a wilted appearance.
Rhododendron ‘Pink pearl’ will grow both in full sun and in dappled shade. When planting out you do not need to tease the roots, which should be tight and compact. Ensure that the top of the root ball is just below the soil surface. These plants do not require a lot of fertiliser and excess can retard growth, so don’t put fertilisers into the planting hole.
How do you keep the soil acidic? Mulch around the plant with compost, old cow manure and blood and bone. You can also use half-decayed leaves or pine needles because they are highly acidic. Always keep the mulch free from the stem or it will go mouldy.
These plants are poor at obtaining iron and alkaline soil can induce iron deficiency which can be identified by a yellowing of the leaves. The reason why these plants love acid soils is because they can obtain more iron under these conditions. Iron can be supplemented in the form of cheated iron, bought as a yellow powder. Place a large spoonful into a watering can and water over the leaves and into the soil. This type of iron can bypass the alkalinity and be absorbed readily by the plant, however it is only a temporary solution and long-term remediation of the soil may be necessary.
ProFlowers Twitter feed
For most of you who knows me also know that I’m a keen gardener. I like growing all kinds of plants be them for food or just for their pretty flowers. However just because I have a garden doesn’t mean I can live without shopping for my daily greens or bouquets. I still buy my vegetables and flowers when I need them but ProFlowers Twitter feed helps me keep up with all the flowers I need.
Snail Control
Snails can be a real pest in the garden, especially if you have soft leaved plants or tender seedlings, which they love to eat.
There are lots of different ways of controlling snails. The most environmentally sound method is to put on some boots of a damp evening and go stomping as snails generally feed at night. Alternatively you can collect snails and slugs by hand and kill them by dropping them into soapy water. Many of us don’t have time for this so the next best thing to do is buy an environmentally friendly snail bait that won’t harm pets such as cats and dogs or the native wildlife.
Snails like to live on vertical surfaces in the heart of strappy leaved plants and in crevices. This makes targeting them easier. Simply put a few pellets into the heart of the plant out of the sight of other animals.
Another more organically sound method of snail control is to use organic sprays made from plants that will deter these pests. Quassia amara can be made into a spray that is applied to the soil to kill snails and slugs and can also be sprayed onto the leaves of trees affected by pear and cherry slugs. Sprays can also be made from wormwood, garlic and white cedar to make the leaves unpalatable to pests, but are not recommended on vegetables that are going to be eaten soon after.
A bowl of beer placed strategically in the garden can be effective against slugs and snails, which are attracted to it, crawl in and drown.
There are lots of different ways of controlling snails. The most environmentally sound method is to put on some boots of a damp evening and go stomping as snails generally feed at night. Alternatively you can collect snails and slugs by hand and kill them by dropping them into soapy water. Many of us don’t have time for this so the next best thing to do is buy an environmentally friendly snail bait that won’t harm pets such as cats and dogs or the native wildlife.
Snails like to live on vertical surfaces in the heart of strappy leaved plants and in crevices. This makes targeting them easier. Simply put a few pellets into the heart of the plant out of the sight of other animals.
Another more organically sound method of snail control is to use organic sprays made from plants that will deter these pests. Quassia amara can be made into a spray that is applied to the soil to kill snails and slugs and can also be sprayed onto the leaves of trees affected by pear and cherry slugs. Sprays can also be made from wormwood, garlic and white cedar to make the leaves unpalatable to pests, but are not recommended on vegetables that are going to be eaten soon after.
A bowl of beer placed strategically in the garden can be effective against slugs and snails, which are attracted to it, crawl in and drown.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
CozyWinters.com electric mattress pad
Now that winter is just around the corner it is time to prepare our house for the chilly days and nights. I hate cold wintry nights so this year I’m going to get myself an electric-blanket, I found one that I like at CozyWinters.com electric mattress pad. I think this will keep me all warm and snugly so I won’t be needing my hubby anymore! LOL just kidding, he’s a keeper.
Organic Principles
Organic fruit and vegetable gardens contain no disruptive chemicals or artificial fertilisers. The purely organic soil supports a host of important micro and macro-organisms such as worms that are all doing their bit to aerate, condition and fertilise. Good soil is balanced and seething with life, but how do you fertilise organic plants? The answer is don’t feed the plants, feed the soil so the plants can take up nutrients as they require them. Home-made compost is the gentlest and best of all the fertilisers. Other types such as mushroom compost are also excellent for enriching and conditioning the soil. You can also use any type of well-rotted animal manure. Manure is composed primarily of organic matter but also has some vital nutrients. Blood and bone is fantastic because it is slow release and full of valuable minerals. First add manure to the soil surface, spread it out and cover it with compost. The more variety you add the better, so sprinkle some blood and bone on top, lightly mix it in to the other materials and cover it all with straw to speed up decomposition. This treatment acts like a mini-compost heap releasing nutrients slowly into the soil and keeping in moisture at the same time. Nothing goes to waste in an organic garden because all the debris is recycled back into the soil via compost.
Organic gardens control pests and diseases in a number of ways. A good method is to employ crop rotation, which means cycling plants to a new bed every year, such that they are never in the same bed for 2 years running. Companion planting is another good method because these plants grow well together and protect one another. A good example is planting carrots, black salsify and members of the onion family alongside one another. Their different smells, colours and shapes confuse and deter insects. The same is true for sweetcorn, pumpkins, cucumbers and squash. Organic gardens are not free of pests, in fact they are full of them, but because no chemicals have been used, they are also full of predators which control pest numbers. Organic gardeners avoid using sprays by removing pest-infected fruit or shoots. For example, by removing young apples that were infected with coddling moth, the number of moths was lower the next year and fruit yield much greater.
There are many different types of organic gardens, not just fruit and vegetable but ornamentals as well. The plants in organic ornamental gardens have been nourished with rich organic matter and are therefore vigorous and healthy because they are strong enough to cope with and deter pests. Remember that organic gardening is not always easy or pretty, pests often nibble things but you will be better off for it in the long run. For example, Pete shows us a cabbage whose outer leaves have been chewed, but inside is a perfect cabbage that is very healthy because it has never been sprayed.
Organic gardens control pests and diseases in a number of ways. A good method is to employ crop rotation, which means cycling plants to a new bed every year, such that they are never in the same bed for 2 years running. Companion planting is another good method because these plants grow well together and protect one another. A good example is planting carrots, black salsify and members of the onion family alongside one another. Their different smells, colours and shapes confuse and deter insects. The same is true for sweetcorn, pumpkins, cucumbers and squash. Organic gardens are not free of pests, in fact they are full of them, but because no chemicals have been used, they are also full of predators which control pest numbers. Organic gardeners avoid using sprays by removing pest-infected fruit or shoots. For example, by removing young apples that were infected with coddling moth, the number of moths was lower the next year and fruit yield much greater.
There are many different types of organic gardens, not just fruit and vegetable but ornamentals as well. The plants in organic ornamental gardens have been nourished with rich organic matter and are therefore vigorous and healthy because they are strong enough to cope with and deter pests. Remember that organic gardening is not always easy or pretty, pests often nibble things but you will be better off for it in the long run. For example, Pete shows us a cabbage whose outer leaves have been chewed, but inside is a perfect cabbage that is very healthy because it has never been sprayed.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Network Architect Jobs
Graduating with a computer science degree I’m now looking for Network Architect Jobs preferably in my local areas. However I may go a bit further if the remuneration is good, even to the extent of moving to a new city but I draw the line on going overseas. There’s no place better than working in my own country since we’re still quite good job wise compared with other countries.
Handwatering
Water restrictions often occur over most of Australia during the summer months and it sometimes becomes compulsory to turn off the automatic watering system and water our gardens by hand. It is a time to think about how we use this precious resource and adopt ways of watering that can substantially reduce the amount of water we waste.
Hand watering on a beautiful early morning or evening is a pleasurable experience that gives us the time to look more closely at our garden, the plants and the soil. We have more control over how the watering is done and can cater to the individual needs of different plants more successfully. Sometimes it is the only way to water plants deeply. Watering at these times helps to increase water penetration and minimise evaporation.
Potted plants under a verandah, eaves or awning must be regularly watered by hand and it is important to water the soil thoroughly all the way through. Check by feeling below the surface to make sure it has penetrated deeply. Soil can become hydrophobic if it is allowed to dry out too much and it is then difficult to wet again. Water will bead and flow over the surface of the soil and drain away without being of use at all to the plant. Wetting agents will have to be added to restore its water holding capacity. These can be bought in liquid or powder form and are applied to the surface of the soil.
Planters with a built-in reservoir at the bottom can save you time and water. Overflow can be prevented by checking the water level as the water drains into the base of the pot, and watering will be a lot less frequent.
Whether you are watering pots or plants in the ground it is important to water only the base of the plants. Keeping water off the foliage will reduce the chance of plants developing fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Pathogenic fungal spores will travel rapidly in water splash or soil run-off and infect otherwise healthy plants. Infrequent, deep watering will encourage root systems to penetrate the deeper soil layers and have access to more permanent water, as well as nutrients. A deeper root system stabilises plants, especially trees and large shrubs, making them less susceptible to wind, drought and insect stresses.
Plants require more water when in active growth and this may not necessarily be in the summer months. Observation of your own garden situation is critical in using water efficiently. The condition of the plants and the soil varies with the season; natural rainfall, temperature, wind and growth activity and these are conditions that cannot be taken into consideration with an automated watering system. Hand watering gives you the time to observe the changing relationship of all the elements that influence your garden and at the same time gives you the time to enjoy the plants and their smells.
Hand watering on a beautiful early morning or evening is a pleasurable experience that gives us the time to look more closely at our garden, the plants and the soil. We have more control over how the watering is done and can cater to the individual needs of different plants more successfully. Sometimes it is the only way to water plants deeply. Watering at these times helps to increase water penetration and minimise evaporation.
Potted plants under a verandah, eaves or awning must be regularly watered by hand and it is important to water the soil thoroughly all the way through. Check by feeling below the surface to make sure it has penetrated deeply. Soil can become hydrophobic if it is allowed to dry out too much and it is then difficult to wet again. Water will bead and flow over the surface of the soil and drain away without being of use at all to the plant. Wetting agents will have to be added to restore its water holding capacity. These can be bought in liquid or powder form and are applied to the surface of the soil.
Planters with a built-in reservoir at the bottom can save you time and water. Overflow can be prevented by checking the water level as the water drains into the base of the pot, and watering will be a lot less frequent.
Whether you are watering pots or plants in the ground it is important to water only the base of the plants. Keeping water off the foliage will reduce the chance of plants developing fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Pathogenic fungal spores will travel rapidly in water splash or soil run-off and infect otherwise healthy plants. Infrequent, deep watering will encourage root systems to penetrate the deeper soil layers and have access to more permanent water, as well as nutrients. A deeper root system stabilises plants, especially trees and large shrubs, making them less susceptible to wind, drought and insect stresses.
Plants require more water when in active growth and this may not necessarily be in the summer months. Observation of your own garden situation is critical in using water efficiently. The condition of the plants and the soil varies with the season; natural rainfall, temperature, wind and growth activity and these are conditions that cannot be taken into consideration with an automated watering system. Hand watering gives you the time to observe the changing relationship of all the elements that influence your garden and at the same time gives you the time to enjoy the plants and their smells.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Maternity clothes stores
I have the weekend all to myself; the missus is going shopping with her sister at some maternity clothes stores. Her sister is having a baby, not her so I get to do what ever I want this weekend. This is rare opportunity so I have to make the best of it. What should I do? Go to the game with the boys? Poker games with the boys? Get piss drunk with the boys? Sounds good but are they going to be free though? Looks like just me in front of the idiot box all weekend.
Pond Maintenance
Ponds require a little bit of work to keep them looking good. The ecosystem of a pond involves the interaction of many factors including water, gases, minerals, sunshine, plants and animals. If this delicate balance is disrupted, algae will spread and the water quality will deteriorate rapidly. The health of a pond is affected by its size and shape, acidity or alkalinity of the water, amount of surface exposed to the air and sun, the type of plants used and the presence of pond life. Algae can build up quickly in warm weather and look very unsightly. Healthy ponds need oxygen, which is provided by oxygenating aquatic plants that also absorb carbon dioxide. Some good pond plants include Bacopa caroliniana, which produces foliage that floats on the water surface where it captures light for photosynthesis. It will also produce delicate mauve flowers. Not all plants float such as the submerged hornwort, Ceratophyllum demersum which is useful for oxygenation and providing a place for fish to hide. The Eel Grass, Valisneria gigantia is another lovely pond plant with its strappy leaves.
Water hygiene is an important part of pond maintenance. The appropriate way to improve water quality is through plant selection and appropriate maintenance techniques. Nursery manager, Tony Debincat uses a safe way of removing bacteria and excess algae. He adds a very small amount of Condy’s crystals to the water, which changes the colour to a reddish tint that lasts for around 2 days before clearing. This treatment doesn’t harm fish or plants if used in an extremely low concentration similar to very weak tea. In spring it may be necessary to clean out the pond and carry out any repair work. In summer, check water level and quality, check for algal growth, clean out the pump and filter and check for dead, diseased or damaged plants. In autumn remove any leaf letter and cut back any excessive plant growth.
Waterlilies play multiple roles in a water garden. Their large leaves create shade, produce oxygen, provide a hiding place for fish and produce large beautiful flowers. The tropical waterlilies can be distinguished from the hardier types that grow almost everywhere from the flower stalks, which are above the water. The flower buds and stalks are edible and can be used in salads, just peel off the ‘skin’ from the stalk before eating. The margins of ponds are usually planted with bog plants that are very important because they filter out any unwanted materials. Some good marginal plants include the flowering Woolly Frogsmouth, Philydrum lanuginosum and canna species like Canna indica. There are also some beautiful foliage plants such as Lepironia articulata. If you want advice or help choosing the right plants go to a specialist nursery and remember not to let your pond go, they do need some maintenance.
Water hygiene is an important part of pond maintenance. The appropriate way to improve water quality is through plant selection and appropriate maintenance techniques. Nursery manager, Tony Debincat uses a safe way of removing bacteria and excess algae. He adds a very small amount of Condy’s crystals to the water, which changes the colour to a reddish tint that lasts for around 2 days before clearing. This treatment doesn’t harm fish or plants if used in an extremely low concentration similar to very weak tea. In spring it may be necessary to clean out the pond and carry out any repair work. In summer, check water level and quality, check for algal growth, clean out the pump and filter and check for dead, diseased or damaged plants. In autumn remove any leaf letter and cut back any excessive plant growth.
Waterlilies play multiple roles in a water garden. Their large leaves create shade, produce oxygen, provide a hiding place for fish and produce large beautiful flowers. The tropical waterlilies can be distinguished from the hardier types that grow almost everywhere from the flower stalks, which are above the water. The flower buds and stalks are edible and can be used in salads, just peel off the ‘skin’ from the stalk before eating. The margins of ponds are usually planted with bog plants that are very important because they filter out any unwanted materials. Some good marginal plants include the flowering Woolly Frogsmouth, Philydrum lanuginosum and canna species like Canna indica. There are also some beautiful foliage plants such as Lepironia articulata. If you want advice or help choosing the right plants go to a specialist nursery and remember not to let your pond go, they do need some maintenance.
Olympus digital cameras
I bought my first digital camera many years ago and I think I should get a new one now. I feel embarrassed every time I take my big chunky camera while everyone else is using new slimmer models. Plus the new ones have so much better features than my dinosaur camera. There are so many brands to choose from nowadays but I’m eyeing some pretty good looking olympus digital cameras I’ve seen. Gotta keep up with the time I’ll say.
Organic Principles
Organic fruit and vegetable gardens contain no disruptive chemicals or artificial fertilisers. The purely organic soil supports a host of important micro and macro-organisms such as worms that are all doing their bit to aerate, condition and fertilise. Good soil is balanced and seething with life, but how do you fertilise organic plants? The answer is don’t feed the plants, feed the soil so the plants can take up nutrients as they require them. Home-made compost is the gentlest and best of all the fertilisers. Other types such as mushroom compost are also excellent for enriching and conditioning the soil. You can also use any type of well-rotted animal manure. Manure is composed primarily of organic matter but also has some vital nutrients. Blood and bone is fantastic because it is slow release and full of valuable minerals. First add manure to the soil surface, spread it out and cover it with compost. The more variety you add the better, so sprinkle some blood and bone on top, lightly mix it in to the other materials and cover it all with straw to speed up decomposition. This treatment acts like a mini-compost heap releasing nutrients slowly into the soil and keeping in moisture at the same time. Nothing goes to waste in an organic garden because all the debris is recycled back into the soil via compost.
Organic gardens control pests and diseases in a number of ways. A good method is to employ crop rotation, which means cycling plants to a new bed every year, such that they are never in the same bed for 2 years running. Companion planting is another good method because these plants grow well together and protect one another. A good example is planting carrots, black salsify and members of the onion family alongside one another. Their different smells, colours and shapes confuse and deter insects. The same is true for sweetcorn, pumpkins, cucumbers and squash. Organic gardens are not free of pests, in fact they are full of them, but because no chemicals have been used, they are also full of predators which control pest numbers. Organic gardeners avoid using sprays by removing pest-infected fruit or shoots. For example, by removing young apples that were infected with coddling moth, the number of moths was lower the next year and fruit yield much greater.
There are many different types of organic gardens, not just fruit and vegetable but ornamentals as well. The plants in organic ornamental gardens have been nourished with rich organic matter and are therefore vigorous and healthy because they are strong enough to cope with and deter pests. Remember that organic gardening is not always easy or pretty, pests often nibble things but you will be better off for it in the long run. For example, Pete shows us a cabbage whose outer leaves have been chewed, but inside is a perfect cabbage that is very healthy because it has never been sprayed.
Organic gardens control pests and diseases in a number of ways. A good method is to employ crop rotation, which means cycling plants to a new bed every year, such that they are never in the same bed for 2 years running. Companion planting is another good method because these plants grow well together and protect one another. A good example is planting carrots, black salsify and members of the onion family alongside one another. Their different smells, colours and shapes confuse and deter insects. The same is true for sweetcorn, pumpkins, cucumbers and squash. Organic gardens are not free of pests, in fact they are full of them, but because no chemicals have been used, they are also full of predators which control pest numbers. Organic gardeners avoid using sprays by removing pest-infected fruit or shoots. For example, by removing young apples that were infected with coddling moth, the number of moths was lower the next year and fruit yield much greater.
There are many different types of organic gardens, not just fruit and vegetable but ornamentals as well. The plants in organic ornamental gardens have been nourished with rich organic matter and are therefore vigorous and healthy because they are strong enough to cope with and deter pests. Remember that organic gardening is not always easy or pretty, pests often nibble things but you will be better off for it in the long run. For example, Pete shows us a cabbage whose outer leaves have been chewed, but inside is a perfect cabbage that is very healthy because it has never been sprayed.
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