Because GardenDirect.co.uk was started around nineteen ninety six it has speedily become one of the current profiting mail order stockists of plants and garden tools. Within the business’s twelve years that they have been open Garden Direct presently have two million customers that have been pulled with good convenience, low charges, brilliant value for money & year after year high quality plants and garden tools. GardenDirect.co.uk’s products are so varied; www.gardendirect.co.uk are likewise consistently praised in their exotic shrub varieties which are also continually brought to said range, and it of course includes garden tools and accessories that can help buyers that can buy the very finest for their well kept garden. Garden Direct sell more than 130 million greatest prize shrub plants each year, the vast majority produced at GardenDirect.co.uk’s own nurseries, all this permits you to be assured about one’s buy and be sure that what folk have ordered is of the highest quality standard.
The online shop of course supply the choice of a catalogue aimed at folk to inspect through & buy from in some own time. www.GardenDirect.co.uk offer a wide choice from old favourites to other unique forms you yourself will often not notice located in most gardening stores; the catalogue can also comprise a selection of seasonal deals also. Garden Direct have particular options of plants which people might well purchase from Garden Direct’s website. People might often either go for a plug, ready or super seeding. All of which are totally diverse, plug flower plants, supplied 4-6cm tall in a plug of compost all these are the best superior value for money, you then have the bigger ready flower plants that are supplied at 6-8cm tall & being also more aged will often be planted straight into one’s garden, finally you have super shrub plants these are idyllic for people who have less time to spare, sold at 9-11cm high they don’t forget might well be directly planted into your garden.
Along with plants you sell the established gardening products that you yourself can acquire; the above mentioned consist of garden tools, gardening sheds & gardening shears along with numerous others. Should one be looking to buy garden tools, they can order them online at Garden Direct, without the hassle of having to go to a garden centre.
It’s early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so I’ve decided to enjoy it and sit on the front porch.
While relaxing in a rocking chair with my eyes closed, just enjoying the sun and early warmth I begin to hear a sound off in the distance. At first it’s not recognizable, sounds almost like a hum from a model airplane.
As it begins to get louder I’m beginning to think I know what the source of this strange noise is.
I open my eyes and sure enough just as I thought there is a small green colored Hummer hovering right at the edge of the porch - coincidentally right where a feeder normally hangs - now I’m not certain but he appears to be looking right at me like he’s trying to tell me “Hey, I’m back, where’s the food”.
Every year it’s the same, they show up around Mothers Day and every year I’m always a little surprised to see them and of course not prepared. Well so much for my relaxing afternoon, it’s time to get out the feeders, clean them and make up some food then get them hung. And so begins another season with these marvelous entertaining little birds.
Attracting Hummingbirds:
Hummers have a good memory they can remember where to find food sources from previous years. However in order for them to remember your home you will first need to let them know about it.
There are two ways to accomplish this, first by planting or hanging flowers that will attract them, second is to have an additional food source such as a hanging feeder that you keep filled with a syrup solution.
Flowers that have red to orange blossom colors are known to attract them but they will visit any color if they discover sufficient nectar.
Blossom shape is also important as this little birds beak is long and tapered, so downward-hanging blossom - Honeysuckle is a good example - are a favorite.
Several other varieties are as follows. These particular flowers are geared for the Northeast - where I happen to live - so you will want to check within your region for appropriate blooms.
Perennials:
Bee Balm
Salvia
Foxglove
Lilac
Hollyhock
Forsythia
There are several Annuals that will also satisfy their little palettes.
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Petunia
As these are favorites in the use of hanging baskets each summer try hanging several around your home. The most common place of course is on your front porch or on hooks around a deck or patio; another idea is to hang some right from tree branches. I’ve done this and not only do the Hummers like them; it also adds color and interest out in the yard.
Putting Up A Feeder:
From elaborately decorated glass to simple plastic there are numerous types of feeders to choose from.
I will tell you from experience, I’ve used both - the decorated one just because it was pretty, the Hummers really didn’t care - and I ended up with a simple teardrop shaped clear glass container with perches around the base, it was easy to tell when the solution was low and simple to take apart.
Where to hang your feeder or feeders - once you start, guaranteed you’ll have to have more than one - is up to you and the layout of your home and yard. If you have an open porch this is a great place or from tree branches. Most people look for spots where the birds can be seen; after all half the fun comes from watching these little dynamites. Feeders that mount to windows with suction cups are another alternative.
What To Fill Them With:
Two choices here, pre-made solution or hand made, the choice is up to you. I personally have done both but if you prefer to make your own the following is the standard recipe.
One part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water
Boil the water is you wish however it is not really necessary
Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you choose to make your own solution, do not add honey as it ferments very rapidly and can be fatal to the birds. Also the addition of red food coloring is not necessary, they will find the food without it.
Maintenance of Feeder:
Sugar and water mixed together will ferment - not good for the birds - which limits it’s usability, this can happen very quickly during hot summer months.
Therefore when temperatures range between 60-85 degrees - or higher - the mixture really should be changed about every three days, of course if you happen to have a few Hummingbirds visiting your outdoor diner then you will be refilling about this amount of time anyway. If you should notice any cloudiness in the mixture change it right away.
Before refilling feeder be sure to thoroughly clean the feeder with warm soapy water and rinse very thoroughly. This is where having a feeder that comes apart easily is important.
Attracting these wonderful little birds is not only entertaining it’s also beneficial as they also eat insects.
Plant some Bee Balm, hang a container filled with a beautiful Fuchsia plant and last but not least put up a feeder. You’ll find that having your peaceful afternoon snooze on the porch interrupted is worth it.
If you would like to learn more about the Hummingbird the following web site are filled with lots of great information.
The Hummingbird Society - www.hummingbirdsociety.org
The Hummingbird Web Site - www.portalproductions.com
This is a share ware article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 bonnie carrier.
Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by for information and ideas for both inside and outside your home.
http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com
http://www.savvyoutdoordecorating.com
Did you know that pottery buying is actually an easy process?
People spend their weekends digging through all sorts of rummage
sales, yard sales, and specialty stores looking for the perfect
piece of pottery to go in their home. In fact, there is an
incredible home furnishings store in our city that has simply
amazing pieces of pottery that anyone would love to buy
(including us). However, we are constantly amazed by the large
amount of people who don’t have any idea what the different
types of pottery are and how to buy the right type of pottery
for their home. Pottery shopping is actually a fairly easy
process once you get the hang of it. Follow these simple steps
and you will be ahead of 95% of pottery buyers who end up paying
more and getting less.
1. Get educated on the different types of pottery. Can you tell
the difference between Stoneware pottery and Polish pottery?
Pottery comes in many different styles and can sell for all
sorts of different prices. Spend the $7 on an informative
pottery book from Amazon.com and truly take the time to learn
all about pottery and how to tell the good stuff from the bad.
2. Use the internet to familiarize yourself with pottery.Guess
who is the #1 used car dealer on the face of the earth right now
(and probably for the foreseeable future)? Ebay. Guess who also
has extensive pottery listings? That’s right: Ebay. Ebay isn’t
just for swapping beanie babies anymore. There are immense
amounts of people who sell things on Ebay including lots of
pottery. If you simply watch what is selling on Ebay and the
prices that they are going for, you can get a pretty good idea
of what the new and used pottery market is like offline too.
I’ve generally found most ebay items to sell for at least a 25%
discount to new offline merchandise.
3. Finally, you must compare pottery prices. Without proper
price comparison, the other two points are almost meaningless.
There are tricks to getting the best deal on pottery by
comparing prices and no one should buy any without price
comparison.
A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is the stationary form of a hand-held drill. The advantage of the drill-press over the hand drill is the tool’s accuracy and power. A drill press is a very valuable tool with several different types and models of drill presses to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing your own drill press.
Floor vs. Bench-Top Model
A floor model is set directly on the floor while the bench-top model of a drill press is set on a table top. The floor models are typically better buys with more accessories and attachments and are able to handle larger projects than the bench-top models. The floor model is always a good pick unless you are looking for something that is a bit more compact to save space for a smaller shop.
Multiple Spindle Speeds
If you plan on using your drill press for woodwork and metalwork, it is important that your drill press has several speeds to suit the project you are doing. When working with metal you will want to use lower speeds while wood projects need to be in the medium to high range of speeds. For maximum versatility, look for a drill press that can operate between 500-4,000 RPM (a machine that only reaches to 2,000 is suitable if you will only be using it for drilling and not for other projects).
Horsepower
Just like with a car, you want a power tool that has some power. Greater horsepower allows you to drill larger holes through tougher material. You should look for a machine that has at least HP.
Drill Press Table
Good drill presses have tables that can be raised, lowered, and swiveled 360 degrees around the column of the drill press. This allows greater flexibility with your work.
Depth-Stops
The depth-stop manages the depth of the hole being drilled by controlling how far the quill descends into the material. Depth-Stops are a must for projects with repetitive boring in order to keep consistency. Look for a drill press with the “Easy-to-Stop” drill feature.
Mass
If you have two drill presses that are equal in every aspect except for mass, always go for the heavier one. As with most stationary shop tools there is an advantage with weight. The weight absorbs the vibration from the drill press allowing the machine to run more smoothly.
Useful Accessories
There are some accessories and attachments that can improve the use of your drill press. Something to look for is a drill press clamp. This keeps your material firmly in place while you are working. You should always avoid holding the project by hand when you are working with a drill press. Fences are also useful attachments that help keep the project in position during drilling.
A drill press can be used for a lot more than drilling if you have the right attachments and accessories. These extra uses include sanding, grooving, and mortising. Mortise attachments are very popular, allowing you to drill precise mortises with your drill press.
Ability to Be Serviced
As with all major power tools that are purchased, one should make sure that the tool can be upgraded and serviced. Are there repair parts readily available? It is important that your drill press can be easily serviced when needed.
When making an investment in a drill press, you want to purchase a tool that is suitable for your needs. Do your research and find out what products are available what they have to offer. Make sure to look at the above features of a drill press in order to select one that is right for you.
About the author:
Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with http://www.10xMarketing.com- More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To learn more about drill presses, please visit
http://www.toolamerica.net/drill-press.html
It’s August, the weather has cooled a bit here and the summer
monsoons where I live in New Mexico have begun. The kids are
starting back to school and I feel the onset of fall. I’m
getting that garden planning itch again! It happens 2-3 times a
year… This time, it’s time to start ordering bulbs and
perennials for fall planting. I’m always planning how my garden
will look better next season and I suppose most of you do the
same. Fall is the perfect time to plant for established growth
next spring!
Take a good look at your garden now and think about areas you
need to fill in. Do you need late season color, early spring
blooms? Are there bare spots or places where plants like poppies
or tulips go dormant and you need a filler to keep your garden
alive with color? I find the best time for next years planning
is in the fall when bloom time and plant combinations are fresh
in my mind.
You may be disappointed with a plant combination you chose last
season. Fall is the perfect time to rearrange. Get rid of
overgrown plants and revive areas with new color or foliage
combinations. Think about areas in your bulb or perennial garden
you want to develop. What size, shape and bloom color do you
need? Plant them this fall and watch your pans come to fruition
come spring.
Shrubs and trees do take years to mature and fill their place.
You can get a jump start by planting them this fall. When spring
arrives they’ll be much more hardy and will require less babying.
Fall is the perfect time to mail order bulbs, perrenials,
shrubs, hedges and trees. We’re winding down the season and if
you’re anything like me you’re just not ready to quit quite yet.
Sure there’s clean up to be done, but I find more planting helps
to finish those mundane cxhores. As I clean out I plant new!
Ordering online or by mail
Ordering plants online can be a bit scary. How are the plants
shipped? Will they be good quality? Will they arrive at the
right time and will I be prepared to plant them then?
Fear not! I’ve ordered in fall for years and have had
tremendous results!
Plant Quality and Guarantees
Nurseries do differ in what and how they ship so make sure you
do some research, but almost all reputable mail order nurseries
do guarantee their plants to grow or your money back. I’ve never
had trouble collecting on that promise and I have used it a time
or two for certain plants. I also admit, a bit grudgingly as a
then new gardener, that I should never have ordered those
specific plants for my climate. Nevertheless the nursery did
stand behind it’s guarantee.
How Plants Are Shipped
Some plants will be shipped bare root, others as potted plants.
This depends on the plant variety and I’ve actually found
preference to bare root plants. They do look dead when they
arrive (they are actually dormant), but I assure you that unless
they have visible signs of disease like rot they’ll thrive come
spring.
*Note - If you do get any plants that look like the crown has
rotted either ship them back immediately or just phone the
nursery and they’ll ship out new ones.
When to Plant
While you never know exactly when your plants will arrive, they
are shipped to you at the proper planting time for your
gardening zone. If plants arrive and it’s not convenient to
plant immediately just make sure you follow the directions
included in your shipment for keeping your plants viable until
you can plant them. If you’ve planned ahead you will know where
they go and it’ll take you little time to get them in the
ground. A Saturday afternoon will usually give you ample time to
get this done.
Keep in mind these companies have been in business for years
and years and have shipped bare root and potted plants for eons.
They do know what they’re doing and most of them do it very
well. They’d be out of business if they couldn’t fulfill your
planting requirements.
Gardening Budgets and Selection
You can’t beat the cost and selection of ordering by mail! Most
mail order companies offer plant varieties you’ll never find
anywhere else. The selections seem endless and I’ve been amazed
what I can grow in New Mexico. Take advantage of fall specials
and free shipping and you get a double bang for you buck. For
about half of what I spend on a trip to the garden center on a
single spring garden binge, I can have more variety and many
more plants shipped to me at home.
Get on the Mailing Lists
Make sure you’re on the mailing list for the following
nurseries at least! You’ll get a catologue several times a year.
Take it into the garden with you,look around and plan
accordingly. Then hop online and place an order or order by
mail, but use the online resources for their help with plant
combinations and companion planting. They offer great
suggestions you may not have thought of before. Remember -
pictures will help any gardener no matter how experienced.
Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for their pungent flavour in condiments, spicy greens for side dishes and salads, and in traditional folk medicine and Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The name mustard comes from the Latin mustum ardens, or “burning must.” It was so named because as the seeds were pounded with unfermented grape juice, or must, their pungent qualities developed, hence “burning.” Mustards seeds are mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings dating back about 5,000 years ago and the Bible calls mustard “the greatest among the herbs.” Valued for their intense flavours and healing properties, mustard seed and the plant itself have been grown for its beautiful yellow flowers and spicy seedling leaves. Members of the Brassicaceae family, mustard is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, rutabagas, turnips, radishes, horseradish, cress, and broccoli with the attendant phytochemicals properties.
Mustard is categorised as a food, medicine, spice, and condiment. White mustard (Sinapis alba) also known as yellow mustard is a native of North Africa, central Asia, and the Mediterranean. This is the mustard that is used extensively in the production of American prepared mustards, as it is the least pungent. Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) is native to Asia and is the seed used to prepare specialty mustards such as Dijon. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of mustard seed and among the top five producers in the world. Saskatchewan produces over 80% of the domestic total and the brown mustard seed used for Dijon mustard comes from Saskatchewan.
Mustard seeds contain many healing properties and have been used for centuries by Chinese herbalists to treat abscesses, bronchitis, colds, rheumatism, toothache, ulcers, and stomach disorders. They are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, phosphorous, and a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Mustard seeds have been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Mustard plasters are still being used today to treat rheumatism, arthritis, chest congestion, aching back, and sore muscles. To make a mustard plaster, mix equal parts powered mustard and wheat flour, dilute the mixture with sufficient cold water to achieve a soft paste. Spread on a clean cloth such as cotton flannel, linen, or several layers of muslin. Remember that mustard is a hot herb and contact with the skin may cause blistering and should be avoided. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes. If the patient complains at any time during treatment, remove the plaster immediately. After the plaster is removed, bathe the treated area with cool (not cold) water to stop the burn. Dry the area and finish up with a dusting of baby powder or cornstarch to soothe the skin.
Mustard greens are the leaves of the mustard plant Brassica juncea. Mustard greens originated in the Himalayan region of India and have been grown and consumed for more than 5,000 years. All young mustard leaves can be used for mustard greens, however Chinese mustards or mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. rugosa), broad-leaved mustard greens, or (Brassica juncea var. foliosa), thin-leaved mustard greens, are the best mustards for greens. These varieties are also known as gai choy, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, mustard cabbage, Bamboo mustard cabbage, and Sow cabbage. Mustard greens are a staple vegetable in many cultures around the world. They are used much as spinach, dandelion, or beet greens are used (see recipe for Sautéed Mustard Greens).
Mustard greens are an excellent source of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. They also contain vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, niacin, vitamin A, and are an excellent source of phytochemicals thought to prevent cancer. In Chinese herbal medicine, mustard greens are used to treat bladder inflammations and to stop hemorrhage. Eating mustard greens is thought to offer great benefit to individuals suffering from conditions ranging from asthma to heart disease to menopausal symptoms.
Mustards are annuals and grow from 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. The flowers produced are yellow and the white mustard flowers have a slight vanilla scent. They are known as cruciferous plants because they have four-petaled flowers, two long and two short that resemble a cross. Both mustards have pungent-flavoured, broad, dark green, jagged with irregularly cut lower leaves. Mustard is a cool season crop and bolts quickly in warm weather.
Mustards can be started indoors or planted directly into the soil in early spring. If you are starting mustards indoors, adequate light is essential. Hang lights 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the seedlings and leave lights on for 16 hours a day. They prefer a rich, moist, well-prepared soil with adequate drainage. Plant seeds at a depth of inch (6 mm) and follow directions on the seed packet. They grow best in full sun and need to be kept moist during the growing season. Space mustards 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Harvest your mustard plants for greens when the leaves are young and tender, for cooked greens when the leaves are mature, and for seed when the seedpods take on a brownish tinge.
In the kitchen, whole mustard seeds are used in sauerkraut, cabbage, pickles, relishes, curries, sauces, pot roasts, and to flavour meats such as lamb, pork, and rabbit. Use fresh flowers as an edible garnish or cook flowers for 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain and serve with butter and sea salt to taste. Mustard seeds can be sprouted and used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Young mustard greens are great additions to salads and stir-fry dishes. To make your own mustard condiment, grind, crack, or crush the mustard seeds. Macerate the seeds in wine, vinegar, or water. Make sure the liquid is cold as this causes the chemical reaction that releases the heat and pungency of the seed. Grind them into a smooth paste, adding herbs and spices such as tarragon, horseradish, crushed hot peppers, turmeric, garlic, pepper, paprika, ginger, or hot pepper sauce. Additional options are honey, dark ale, beer, whiskey, wine, wine vinegar, Scotch, or brown sugar. Fruit mustards are made with lemon, lime, orange, or berries. (If you don’t want to bother with grinding your own seed, start with mustard powder or use your favourite prepared mustard and add whatever additions you like.) Prepared mustard is used in vinaigrettes, marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood, mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, soups, and stews (see recipe for Basic Mustard.) Prepared mustards get their intense yellow colour from the addition of turmeric.
Basic Mustard
cup (125 mL) ground mustard seeds
cup (50 mL) ice cold water
cup (50 mL) vinegar (white, wine, cider)
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) sugar (to taste)
Grind, crush, or crack mustard seeds. Add the water to the ground mustard and stir. Let sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, then add remaining ingredients and blend. If you wish, add herbs or substitute wine for some of the vinegar. Pour into sterilised jars to seal. Refrigerate mustard.
Sautéed Mustard Greens
tsp. (2 mL) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 lg. bunch mustard greens
Wash mustard greens well, dry, and remove coarse stems. Chop stems into small pieces and leaves into 3 inch (7.5 cm) pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium, add onions and garlic and stir-fry until onions are wilted. Add stem pieces, small amount of water, and place lid on skillet. Cook for a few minutes until stems are slightly tender. Add leaves and sauté until all liquid has evaporated and greens are tender. Season with sea salt or soya sauce and serve immediately.
This recipe can be used for other greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, dandelions, and beets.
Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace - Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul. She owns the website Gwen’s Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the book and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca
Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 - 2005. All rights reserved.
Planting Instructions for Trees, Plants and Shrubs
Planting a tree or shrub is not as easy as, “Green side
up…brown side down.” Care must be taken every step of the way,
from selection, to transporting, locating a spot, checking for
utilities, allowing for the plant’s tolerances to shade, its
“hardiness zone” rating, heat tolerance, drought tolerance, pest
and disease resistances, etc.
Before planting a tree all of the above have to be taken into
consideration, as well as the environmental conditions in your
area. Then, following installation, there’s care after planting.
Each area has special requirements that influence the outcome of
your work.
All people handling seedlings and small trees need to help with
the life support of your plants. Seedlings are like fish out of
water and need care which is often overlooked between the time
the seedlings are lifted and transplanted. Improper care means
higher mortality. Do not try and reinvent the wheel. You must
protect seedling from moisture and temperature extremes, as well
as physical damage.
Trees and plants are living and should be handled carefully just
as you would a baby.. For a higher survival rate, treat trees
carefully and plant them immediately. I like to have a backup
plan for planting if the weather turns bad. I will sometimes
switch from lining out the seedlings to potting them up if I
realize that the soil conditions will not be right for an
extended lenght of time. If planting must be delayed a few days,
keep the plants in a cold, protected place with air circulation
between the trees. Keep the trees out of the rain and wind. To
check if the trees need water, feel the media at the roots.. If
it isn’t damp, water the trees and allow the excess water to
drain. In cool, damp weather, the biggest threat to these trees
is from mold. Try to keep out of soil seedlings moist by either
restricting water loss with a water vapor barrier or by wetting
the roots at regular intervals. While handling or planting try
to reduce temperature and air movement around the seedlings.
Windy days can dry out seedlings so consider waiting for calmer
weather. Once your soil conditions are correct OUR FREE USE
PLANTERS will make planting a snap so its will be worth waiting
for good planting conditions.
HOW TO PLANT
Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind.
If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should
be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed.
Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root
seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with
plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them
damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or
packed in ice or snow. Don’t freeze the trees. Competition from
weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to
survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this
competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot
before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown
of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush.
Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic
material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to
expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting
hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out
when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure
the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If
roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to
take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow
down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your
planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed,
the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling
shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more
protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable
openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to
help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably
dead. Now I know you are thinking,”I will place them in a
buckect of water and store them there until planting”. This will
not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of
minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen.
Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized
tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is
to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in
place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully
extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in
the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots.
Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don’t crush the roots by
jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake
curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more
soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is
not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets
that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly
anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have
the tree leaning and have to staiten the tree later. (Addition
of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not
generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing
will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get
more production from a limited area by over planting and then
thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting ….
digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion
of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:
Tangled roots Planting to shallow Planting to deep Air pockets
Turned up roots (this is called J rooting) Planting trees that
are not tolerant of wet soils in poorly drained areas Planting
over rocks, septic tanks and leach fields, on sand mounds
CARE OF TREES FOLLOWING PLANTING Check periodically to be sure
that brush, grass and other vegetation is kept under control by
mowing, mulching, spraying or a combination of these treatments.
Always obtain advice from a licensed pest control advisor before
using chemicals. You ag extension agency may offer courses in
application of chemicals. Monitoring the appearance of your
trees will help you to detect signs of insects, diseases or
other problems. Apperances also help sell your product. Look for
foliage turning yellow, new foliage drooping or other signs of
poor health. It is easier to take successful corrective action
if the problem is detected early.
Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You
probably won’t need to water more frequently than every 7-10
days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the
soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots
to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering
encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more
dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a
major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice,
rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage.
In many states you may have to call your game commission and get
their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In
our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill
deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence
to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have
lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out
on a regular basis.
Everyone has different tastes; that’s why there are so many
different types of bathroom décor. But one thing is constant
despite your décor: the need for clear, sharp light. For
bathroom lighting, fixtures can make all the difference in the
world.
When choosing your bathroom light fixtures styles, keep in mind
that your real goal is to make yourself look great, not to make
your bathroom look great. You have a practical job to do -
grooming and looking your best - and this is what your bathroom
light fixtures are to help accomplish.
1) Realize That Vanity Counts
Vanity lighting or mirror lighting in the bathroom is crucial;
everyone’s walked into the bathroom where the lighting makes
anyone look greenish or pale.
Without good un-shadowed light in a bathroom, it’s impossible to
look your best outside the bathroom also, because you can’t see
yourself properly when you’re putting on make up. This need for
clear, un-shadowed lighting is what makes bathroom light
fixtures so important. When choosing fixtures, bear in mind that
the clearer your lens or shade is, the more light it will
release into the bathroom.
2) Place Fixtures To “Support” Your Face
Placement is a second, important consideration for your bathroom
light fixtures. Ideally, you should surround your face with the
best light possible, minimizing shadows under the chin and eyes,
and illuminating your cheeks and forehead properly.
You don’t have to use Hollywood strips with a half-dozen lights
down each side of your mirror, but you should definitely use
more than one bathroom light fixture. Ideally, you should have
at least one on either side of the mirror.
Don’t place them above your head; instead, take into
consideration the relative heights of your family, and try to
place your bathroom light fixtures at about average forehead
height. This will minimize shadows on all sides of the face.
Keep bathroom light fixtures at least two and a half feet apart;
this shouldn’t be a problem, since the average bathroom mirror
is at least this width.
If you want to mount your bathroom light fixtures directly on
your mirror, that’s fine too; but look at them against a mirror
before choosing to do this, as some fixtures just don’t look
good in this setting. You may want an additional bathroom light
fixture on the ceiling if you have a large or a dark bathroom.
3) Choose Good Lighting - Match Your Fixtures To The Lighting
When choosing your bathroom light fixtures, you should always
consider what kind of lights you plan to use. In general,
fluorescent is not a great choice; it tends to make people
greenish or washed out. Instead, go for incandescent bulbs, or
bulbs that advertise their similarity to daylight. Remember that
the wrong bulb can make anyone look terrible. If you know of a
place with bathroom lights that make you look terrific, see if
you can find out what kind of lights they use, and go for these.
Bathroom light fixtures should not change the color of the light
inside them; instead, they should release the light clearly and
brightly.
Fixtures should be easy enough to maintain and should be
guaranteed. Before installing them permanently, hold them up to
daylight and be certain you like what you see.
Real men (and women) use reel lawn mowers. There are many benefits to using a reel lawn mower - namely, they are better for the environment than a rotary mower.
Here are some other benefits of reel mowers:
You just push it and it mows - you do not have to worry about starting up the lawn mower or having it break down on you.
They are quiet.
You can mow at any time of the day or night without worrying about waking up your neighbors. You can hear the birds chirping and your cell phone ringing and other sounds that you can not hear when pushing a rotary mower.
You can actually enjoy a beautiful day, noise-free, when you are out pushing a reel mower - mowing your lawn becomes less of a task and more of an enjoyment.
They are less expensive than rotary mowers - they cost less to purchase and less to maintain, and you do not have to pay for gas to fuel them.
Low maintenance - you just need to periodically oil your lawn mower and sharpen the blade.
You can get a bit of exercise when you are out mowing the lawn! Of course, do not worry. Reel mowers of today are much easier to push and use than those that your grandfather owned. They are lighter and easier to maintain than those of the past, as well.
A reel mower is light enough and small enough to lift up and stow away on a wall in your garage.
Because the blades of a reel mower spin at an angle perpendicular to the ground (the blades of a rotary mower spin parallel to the ground), they actually cut the grass rather than simply smashing the ends of the grass.
They are generally safer than rotary lawn mowers.
They do not pollute!
Drawbacks of reel mowers:
They do not cut tall weeds very well. In other words, they are not going to be very useful for cutting the grass of a vacant lot, but they will still work great on your lawn. A reel mower will just roll right over dandelions and other weeds
For them to work best, you need to use them weekly. Tall grass can really bog them down, and cutting it will give you more of a workout than you are looking for!
Because you are, in a sense, the motor that keeps this type of lawn mower going, you may get too tired if you have a large lawn to tackle - reel mowers are best for smaller lawns.
They do not break up sticks like a rotary motor. In fact, you may have to stop and get sticks out of the blade.
In the end, the choice is, of course, up to you. But realize that a reel mower is most definitely a lawn mower option that should not be so easily overlooked!
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on gardening and garden tools, please visit Garden Tools.
