Archive for ◊ January, 2010 ◊

Maintain Your Grass Easily
Author:
• Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Today people are having a trend on go green product. It seems that people like to plant many plants and pay attention to stop Global Warming. Everybody wants to have beautiful garden to support government law. However, it is not easy to grows grass in fast and maintain for it.

If you want to have beautiful and green garden in your house you can use fake grass. This new technology is made from synthetic grasses that support eco-friendly projects. You do not need to cut it down every month or watering it everyday. It will help government to save water supply. Usually this grass is use in form of fake grass carpet. It is very easy to install and maintain in your garden. This carpet is resistant to rain and sun heat. Even it placed outdoor, the color and quality does not change due to the climate change and weather. If you want to buy cheap fake grass from your garden, you can buy at Fakegrass.org.

This web also offers you opportunities to buy fake grass for business. It usually use to mini football court business or football stadium. They also open for import sales through many countries in this world. If you want to order their products, you can leave email in this web.

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The Language and Meaning of Flowers
Author:
• Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Garry Gamber asked:




Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing

Thomas Hood poem, The Language of Flowers

Flowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, “Be mine.” But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, “I can’t live without you,” or that a purple hyacinth means, “Please forgive me,” or that a pink carnation means, “I’ll never forget you,” or that a gladiolus means, “Give me a break?”

Flower meanings have been used to convey ideas, feelings and messages for centuries. The word, floriography, has been coined for the assignment of meaning to flowers. There is a meaning to colors of flowers, to numbers of flowers, and to groups of flowers. It is a silent language that has been largely lost to us through lack of use.

In addition to the obvious choices of color and variety, the language of flowers also includes the way flowers are worn or presented. Presenting flowers upright conveys a positive meaning, but if they are presented upside down the meaning is the opposite. If a ribbon is included with the flowers and is tied to the left then the meaning of the flowers refers to the giver, but if the ribbon is tied to the right then the meaning refers to the recipient. Also, flowers can be used to answer questions. When they are presented with the right hand the answer is “yes,” but when presented with the left hand the answer is “no.”

History

The Turks in the 17th century seemed to develop flower meanings. In 1718 the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, Lady Mary Wortley, wrote a letter expounding on the “Secret Language of Flowers” that she had discovered during her visits to Turkey. Europe quickly picked up on the concept.

In 1819 Louise Cortambert, under the pen name, Madame Charlotte de la Tour, wrote and published what seems to have been the first dictionary of the flower language entitled, Le Language des Fleurs. It was a small book, but it became a popular reference on the subject.

During the Victorian era, the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, the meaning and language of flowers became increasingly popular. Victorian women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow. Tussie-mussies, a bouquet of flowers wrapped with a lace doily and tied with a satin ribbon became a popular and valued gift of the times.

In 1884 a whole book on the subject and entitled, The Language of Flowers, by Jean Marsh and illustrated by Kate Greenaway, was published in London. It became popular and respected and has been the standard source for Victorian flower meaning ever since.

Selected Flower Meanings

Here are some selected flowers and their meanings, a short dictionary.

Almond flowers — Hope

Anemone — Forsaken

Aster — Symbol of love

Balm — Sympathy

Basil — Best wishes

Bay leaf — “I change but in death”

Bell flower, white — Gratitude

Bergamot — Irresistible

Bluebell — Constancy

Borage — Courage

Broom — Humility

Campanula — Gratitude

Carnation, pink — I’ll never forget you

Carnation, red — My poor heart aches for you

Carnation, striped — Refusal

China rose — Beauty always new

Chrysanthemum — Love

Clover, four leaved — “Be mine”

Coreopsis — Love at first sight

Cuckoo pint — Ardor

Daffodil — Regard

Daisy — Innocence, new-born, “I share your sentiment”

Fennel — Flattery

Fern — Sincerity

Forget-Me-Not — True love

Furze or Gorse — Enduring affection

French Marigold — Jealousy

Gardenia — Ecstasy

Gentian — Loveliness

Geranium — “You are childish”

Hare bell — Grief

Heartsease — “I am always thinking of you”

Honeysuckle — Bonds of love

Heather — Admiration

Hyacinth — I am sorry, Please forgive me

Ice Plant — “Your appearance freezes me”

Ivy — Fidelity, friendship, marriage

Jasmine — Grace

Jonquil — “I hope for return of affection”

Lavender — Luck, devotion

Lemon Balm — Sympathy

Lilac — First love

Lily — Purity, modesty

Lily of the Valley — Purity, the return of happiness

Lily, Calla — Beauty

Marigold — Health, grief or despair

Marjoram — Kindness, courtesy

Myrtle — Fidelity

Oregano — Joy

Orchid — Love, beauty, refinement

Pansy — Loving thoughts

Periwinkle — Happy memory

Phlox — Agreement

Poppy, red — Consolation

Primrose — I can’t live without you

Rose, cabbage — Ambassador of love

Rose, red — Love

Rose, pink — Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow — Friendship

Rosemary — Remembrance, constancy

Rue — Contrition

Sage — Gratitude, domestic virtue

Snowdrop — Hope

Star of Bethlehem — Purity

Sweet Pea — Departure, tender memory

Sweet William — Gallantry

Tuberose — Voluptuousness

Tulip, red — My perfect lover, Reclamation of love

Violet — Loyalty, modesty, humility

Violet, blue — Faithfulness

Wormwood — Grief

Wheat — Riches of the continuation of life

Willow, weeping — Mourning

Wallflower — Fidelity

Yew — Sorrow

The Rose

The Rose is the flower whose meaning we most understand, but here are some details of the meaning of the Rose that may be of further interest.

Rose, Black – You are my obsession

Rose, Champagne – You are tender and loving

Rose, Leonidas – Sweet love

Rose, Nicole – You are graceful and elegant, aristocratic

Rose, Orange – You are my secret love

Rose, Pink – Brilliant complexion; the glow of your smile; perfect happiness

Rose, Red – Passionate love; I love you

Rose, Single Stems – Simplicity

Rose, White – I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; Secrecy and Silence

Rose, White and Red – We are inseparable

Rose, White and Red Mixed – Unity; Flower emblem of England

Rose, White, Dried – Death is preferable to loss of virtue

Rose, Yellow – Friendship; Jealousy; I am not worthy

Rose, Bridal – Happy Love

Rose, Dark Crimson – Mourning

Rose, Hibiscus – Delicate beauty

Rose, Tea – I’ll remember always

Rose, Thornless – Love at first sight

Roses, Bouquet of Mature Blooms – Gratitude

Multiple Roses

Single bloom red Rose – Love at first sight or I still love you

Single Rose, any color – Gratitude or simplicity

2 Roses – Mutual feelings

3 Roses – I love you

7 Roses – I’m infatuated with you

9 Roses – We’ll be together forever

10 Roses – You are perfect

11 Roses – You are my treasured one

12 Roses – Be mine

13 Roses – Friends forever

15 Roses – I’m truly sorry

20 Roses – I’m truly sincere towards you

21 Roses – I’m dedicated to you

24 Roses – Forever yours

25 Roses – Congratulations

50 Roses – Unconditional love

99 Roses – I will love you all the days of my life

108 Roses – Will you marry me?

999 Roses – I love you till the end of time

What To Do

With the lists above you should be able to assemble a meaningful gift of flowers or a bouquet that conveys a complex thought. Wrap the flowers appropriately and present them in a significant manner. Then, just to be certain that your efforts are not misinterpreted, include a card that fully explains the meaning of your flowers.

After a few flower presentations you should be able to drop the explanatory notes and begin enjoying and sharing the silent language of flowers.

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Roses and their Meanings
Author:
• Friday, January 29th, 2010
Samantha Forest asked:




Roses are among the top picks when it comes to flowers. Countless of bouquets of roses have been sent to millions of people through the years. Most of the time, they’re the default flowers of choice especially if the bouquet is given for romantic reasons.

Nevertheless, roses are not something you can give as a romantic gift Philippines. Roses come in many different colors and each color symbolizes a different meaning. Whether you plan to give your special someone a bouquet just to make her smile, make a sick friend feel better, or give thanks to someone, check out below the different meanings of the colors of roses before deciding on a gift Philippines.

White. This color easily symbolizes innocence, purity, and truth. It can say ‘I miss you’, ‘You’re heavenly’ or simply pure intentions. Red. Roses with this color are classic and popular choices as an expression of love. The color symbolizes romantic love and passion. Aside from this, red roses could also be used to show courage and respect, or to say ‘Well done’ and ‘Congratulations’. Pink. The range of hues of pink roses one can use is varied. Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, sweetness, and elegance while light pink roses can mean fun, admiration, and happiness. Deep pink roses, on the other hand, could simply say ‘Thank you’. Yellow. This color easily sends a message of friendship, gladness, delight, and new beginnings. They are also great as a ‘Welcome Back’ or ‘Remember Me’ gift Philippines. They are also perfect for sending congratulations to newlyweds, graduates, newly engaged, and new mothers. Orange. Warmth, energy, desire, and enthusiasm are easily associated with orange roses. They can also be sent with a message of ‘I’m proud of you’. Lavender. This color symbolizes deep adoration and enchantment. If you want to express love at first sight, go for the light purple ones. Peach. Roses of this color speak of appreciation, gratitude, sympathy, sincerity, and modesty. Blue. Since roses of this color are not natural, they are only dyed; sending roses of this color symbolizes the unattainable or impossible. Visit the website http://www.myflowerdepot.com.
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Ordering Funeral Flower Arrangements
Author:
• Friday, January 29th, 2010
Matt Oliver asked:




Memorial floral arrangements have been used through history, in nearly all cultures, to show compassion and love for the deceased and the deceased’s family. These memorial arrangements are normally displayed at the wake and other services held at the funeral home, religious building, cemetery, or any combination of the three. After the service, the family has the option of bringing home any arrangements or live plants given by the loved ones of the departed.

Ordering funeral flower arrangements can be accomplished in several ways.

• Online Florists- Many online florists offer a selection of memorial flowers and other arrangements that can be conveniently purchased via the Internet. These online florists will usually have pictures of the available arrangements on their websites.

• Local Florists- Local florists are typically a better choice, due to the personal service found at these establishments. Being able to talk directly to the floral arranger will more easily allow you to effectively communicate your needs and will result in a better final product. The floral arranger will also be able to provide you with fresh ideas and be able to work more closely with you. As another benefit, you will be able to directly see the quality of the arrangement that will be used at the service.

• Funeral Home- It can be wise to contact the funeral home directly in the event you should want to provide arrangements for the service. Many funeral homes have good relationships with quality florists, and can provide you with a trusted, experienced, and quality floral arranger. At the very least, they can tell you which ones not to consider. This is also a good idea if are directly involved with the funeral services, as you will already have the opportunity to sit down with the funeral director in person.

The most important factor to consider when ordering memorial or funeral floral arrangements is quality. Using a trustworthy, qualified florist is the best way to ensure that you will be pleased and satisfied with your floral displays. Ask friends, family, and the funeral director if they have any recommendations or suggestions. You can also find reviews of florists online. Be sure to communicate your intentions clearly with the floral arranger to ensure you will actually get what you want. A good florist should be able to fully understand your wants, as well as be able to provide their own ideas for your consideration.

Most florists will deliver your floral arrangement directly to the funeral home, religious center, or cemetery, should you want them to do this. Typically, the flowers are delivered to the memorial site the day before, or the morning of the services to be held, and will be arranged at the service by the staff.

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Handmade Paper Flower Arrangements
Author:
• Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Jane Morris asked:




A handmade paper flower arrangement can be anything from a centerpiece to a strand of flower garland. The paper flowers can be used to decorate your home, wedding, given as gifts or sold.

Handmade paper flower arrangements are usually made from crepe paper or mulberry paper. They look very much like a fresh natural flower often times even nicer if the right sealant is used, it gives the flowers a nice shine.

Other benefits of using paper flowers are numerous including; the flowers never wilt, never have to be tossed in the trash, just dusted occasionally. They can be alternated with other centerpieces and arrangements so you always have the option of having a “new” arrangement in your home. 

Paper flowers can also be made any color you would like even if it requires the use of paints, markers, chalk or crayons. When it comes to paper flower colors the sky really is the limit. You can even have two-toned colored flowers, flowers with each petal a different color, you can also create different colored leaves at least different shades of green if you want.

When you use the flowers for your wedding or someone else’s – making paper flowers for weddings is a great business! You can accommodate the bride and make any flower(s) she wants. This is certainly a perk for brides and a great selling point. As well as the color factor so many flowers are limited in natural colors when you make your own or for someone else these wedding flowers there really is no limit on the colors you can make the flowers out of.

You can also enjoy making gifts using paper flowers creating a centerpiece or a candle centerpiece is a wonderful gift idea for almost any occasion. Centerpieces are not the only gifts that can be made out of paper flowers you can make several things with just a little imagination.

Paper flower decorations are another fantastic idea. The flowers make great decorations in the form of wreaths, strands of flowers or even as a single colorful flower laid on top of a napkin at a bridal or baby shower. Get well bouquets and arrangements are always nice especially when they are handmade, that handmade touch shows just how special you think the receiver is. In return they will also realize how special you feel they are.

Paper flowers also make great holiday decorations. You can make centerpieces, corsages for Mother’s Day and Easter, table settings for Thanksgiving and Christmas and of course ring in the New Year with a glitter assortment of floral arrangements.

Handmade flower arrangements are truly a gift for yourself and others that never stops giving! The beauty and natural look of paper flowers is something you can treasure and save a good amount of money making as opposed to buying flowers for all the special occasions in your life. Do not forget all the gifts that can be made from crepe paper and paper flowers. It is worth it to invest in a flower making book your home will thank you!

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The Special Thing with Roses
Author:
• Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Timothy Spencer asked:




I asked ten women which among the three cut blossoms can make them feel special or giddy the most: roses, lilies, or tulips. Roses got four votes while lilies and tulips got three each. While most women today say that they want something different and unexpected, I was quite confused why they still chose roses when other choices were presented to them. Out of the hundreds and thousands of cut plants in existence, have you ever wondered what makes the roses so special and popular after all these years?

The rose has many times appeared in both mythological stories and history. A white rose from the Garden of Eden blushed and turned into red when Eve saw and kissed it. The Goddess of Purity turned a fair Greek maiden named Rodanthe into a white rose at the temple of Artemis. Faced with her suitors’ passionate gazes, the maiden blushed and turned into red. A handful of stories from both the Greek and Roman myths also associate the God of Love, Eros, to roses where rearranging his name forms the word “rose”. Our ancestors were enthralled by these stories and soon found themselves dedicating the rose to their gods. A white rose clearly symbolizes the Blessed Mother Mary while the five-petalled red rose recalls the five wounds of Christ. During the Roman aristocracy, Nero requested that his floors be covered with layers and layers of rose petals when he is expecting guests. Shakesphere also seems to be fan as he narrates in Henry VI Part1: “opposing parties pick different colored roses at the Temple Church”. Roses have long been a symbol of heraldry as well reason why it is visible on coats of arms, coins, banners, seals, paintings, stamps, even on emblems of both England and some of the American states.

Over time, the rose has acquired its reputation as a symbol of exemplar virtues, compassion, purity, and gallantry. What’s most remarkable though would be its association to women: buds were sought by butterflies (as men do); its beautiful blooms and aromatic essence that seems to give one a warrant to pluck; and as it wilts and browns, it fades and unfortunately forgotten thereafter. Between all these stages, roses and women both prick and inflict pain with their sharp thorns.

Based on the definitions and pieces of history above, we can definitely tell that the rose will always be recognized and treasured as a source of delight to its receiver, whatever the meaning it has in tow nor whatever form it takes. This should be a good eye opener to everyone who’s handed a bloom, as there is so much more beyond its captivating beauty and aroma.

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Classifying Flowering Plants
Author:
• Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Cris Ramasasa asked:




Classifying  Flowering Plants.

You should be familiar with the plants you intend to plant. Your knowledge in classifying and naming plants would give you the right choice to select which one is suited to your place, soil, temperature, and other requirements your plants needs in their growing period.

Different flower plants varies in their growth patterns. This is critical in your decision making before you endeavor in flower gardening.

Therefore, don’t  be in a haste to enter into flowering gardening unless you’re sure you have already the knowledge to enter into.

Classification of flowers based on their growth cycle.



Annuals

Flowers in this classification lives only in one growing season, completing its life cycle (seed, flowering, fruiting, and death) in that period.

This group includes many weeds, vegetables, and wild flowers.

The duration of a cycle is varied, it may be a few weeks to several months, depending on the species. These flowers are produced for use in the landscape including some vegetables.

Some popular flowers includes, Geranium (Geranium spp.), Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), Marigold (Tagetes spp.), and Pansy (Viola tricolor).



Biennials



This plant completes its life cycle in two growing seasons. The first season, it produces only the basal leaves, grows its stem, produces flowers and fruits, and dies in the second season.

The plant usually requires some special environmental condition or treatment such as exposure to a cold temperature (Vernalization) to be induced to reproductive phase.

Although annuals and biennials rarely become woody in temperate regions, these plants may sometimes produce secondary growth in their stems and roots.

Perennials

They are herbaceous or woody and grows year-round through the adverse weather condition of their non-growing periods (winter, summer, winter, and fall) and then flower and fruit  a variable number of years of vegetative growth beyond the second year.

Perennials survive the unfavorable season as dormant underground structures (e.g. roots, rhizomes, bulbs, and tubers).

Examples are bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), daylilies (Lilium spp.), and Irises (Iris spp.).

Identifying Two Main Groups of Perennials



1. Herbaceous Perennials

Herbaceous perennials are those with more or less soft, succulent stems.

In temperate climates the tops die after a season of vegetative growth, sometimes dying down because of drought ,sometimes killed by frost or freezing, sometimes dying simply  after effect of flowering, fruiting, and producing seeds.

Their crowns, however, and often their roots, remain alive and produce new  stems and tops another season upon the appearance of conditions favorable for growth. In other words, their tops are annual, though their below – ground parts are perennials.

Examples of this group are; Asparagus ( ), rhubarb ( ), Oriental puppy (Papaver orientale), bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), and  many varieties of Phlox.

In tropic and subtropics climate the tops of herbaceous perennials may likewise die down, due to natural causes leading to a period of rest following flowering and seeding, or they may remain alive for long periods.

Most of the so-called “bulbous plants”, using the term in its broad sense, are to be classed as herbaceous perennials.

2. Woody Perennials

Though the stems of many herbaceous perennials and likewise of many annuals and biennials, become somewhat woody and those of many woody perennials are rather soft, there is seldom any great difficulty in distinguishing between them. The difference, however, is in hardness, in toughness of the woody fiber, rather than in the size or age that the plant attain.

In the case of trees, shrubs, or vines that survive for a number of years there is never a question as to how they should be classified.

Some plants, however, growing as woody perennials in their growing habitat, take on the characteristics of herbaceous perennials when grown where their tops freeze to the ground in the winter but where the temperature is not enough to destroy their roots.

Knowing Plant Growth Forms

One way in classifying plants is its stands in relation to the ground. Some of the types of growth forms of flowering plants are as follows:

1.  Erect

An erect stem has no support, it stands upright at 90-degree  angle to the ground level. These plants have strong stems and stiff branches which can withstand strong wind and other adverse condition.

2. Decumbent

Plants under this form are extremely inclined, with the tips raised.



3. Creeping or repent



These plants crawls on the ground, produces adventitious roots at specific points on the stem. Stems that grow horizontally in this fashion are called stolons.

4. Climbing

These are vines that needs support to stand its own. If there is no support their tendency is to creep on the ground. There are three general modes of climbing; Twiners, are climbing plants that simply wrap their stingy stems around a support, another modes is the climber which develops its cylindrical structures called tendrils that are used to coil around the support on physical contact, and the other mode of climbing is by adventitious roots formed on aerial parts of the plants.

Knowing Other Operational Plant Classifications

Flowering plants may be used in a variety of other ways, both indoors and outdoors. They are classified according to the following uses:

1. Bedding plants

These are annual plants raised for planting outdoors in flower beds. Started from seed indoors in the off-season and transplanted later in the growing season.

Examples includes Petunia (Petunia spp.), Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), Pansy (Viola tricolor), and Marigold (Tagetes spp.).

2.  Hanging plants



These are hanging basket plants either annual or perennial, flowering or foliage, raised in decorative containers and hung by equally elegant ropes from the ceiling in the patio, in the doorway area, or from decorative plant poles.

Examples are Geranium (Geranium spp.), and Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum).



3.  House plants

These plants are adapted to indoor conditions. They are grown in containers, usually slow growing, and may be flowering or foliage plants.

Examples are Sansevieria (Sansevieria spp.) Indian Rubber plant (Ficus elastica), Philodendron (Philodendron spp.), Medicine plant (Aloe vera), and Pothos (Scindapus aureus).



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Why Do We Use Lilies at Easter Time?
Author:
• Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Misty asked:




There are many traditions surrounding the Holiday of Easter. From the American tradition of coloring and hiding eggs, to a Easter Dinner usually as Ham as the main course. There has always been the question in mind for me, as to why lilies are used during Easter.

The lily is sought frequently during the Easter Season, as it has become a symbolization of the Resurrection. As with many traditions of the Easter Holiday, the lily will continue to bring a breath of life to those who view it as a Holy Symbol.

First discovered by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1777, the Easter Lily(Lilium longiflorum) was starting a whirlwind tour, that would take centuries to come into a crowning achievement of acceptance and eventually tradition. Bermuda was the main production location for commercial bulb growing until 1898, when a virus destroyed the crop there. Until WWII production moved to Japan.

Ms Thomas Sargent is credited with the advent of using lilies in an Easter setting. In the 1880’s, 20 years before the crop was destroyed, She was visiting the Bermudas and liked how the Lily bloomed in Early Spring. This was due to the climate, as usually, a lily will bloom in late summer. Bringing back some bulbs with her to Philadelphia, she asked a local greenhouse grower there to train them to bloom in the spring.

Forcing the lily to bloom in spring is no easy task. It takes literally a thousand hours to get it to bloom properly. By controlling the temperature of the soil that the bulb grows in, a grower can control when the lily will bloom. When it is close to the Easter Holiday, which changes every year, there are different techniques that the grower will use to determine the correct time of blooming. By counting the folds on the leaf of a plant or moving the plants back and forth between warm and cold environments, it can be a daunting task to align nature with time.

When out lily shopping, look for plants with flowers in different points of bloom from buds, to open, or partially opened flowers. Look for a formed lily, being sure that it is about two times taller than the pot. The foliage should be thick, rich green in color, and extend all the way down to the soil line. Be sure to also check the foliage, flowers, and buds for signs of discoloration, disease, or insects.

At home, keep your lily away from drafts and drying heat sources such as appliances or heating ducts. Bright, indirect light is best with daytime temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch, but don’t over water. To maintain the life of the blossoms, discard the yellow anthers found in the middle of each flower.

If you have cats, especially those that like to chew on leaves, keep your lily away from them. Any part of this lily, as many of its relatives, can cause kidney failure in cats. Eating even one leaf can be fatal to a cat, starting with them stopping eating, vomiting, and becoming lethargic. If you think a cat has eaten a leaf, call a veterinarian immediately as prompt treatment often can be successful.

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Supermarket oranges do not truly do the fruit justice
Author:
• Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Paul Ingersole asked:




Oranges are probably one of the most popular citrus fruits out there. Although they are in season in the winter in most climates, they can be found in supermarkets year round. There is nothing like the feeling of cutting into or peeling ripened oranges. The scent is uplifting and reminds us all of sunnier days.

In certain climates, it is not uncommon to find that people are growing their own oranges. Some people do not have the luxury of being able to walk outside and pick their own oranges. But for those who do, they know that the taste of an orange that is completely fresh is unbeatable. The oranges that you can buy in the stores will never be that fresh.

There are a few things that you can do with oranges. Most people either peel them or slice them. Fresh squeezed juice is also another treat. But, the peels are also useful as a cooking spice and to flavor desserts and beverages. They also make a great addition to potpourri blends. Oranges are also an important item in various kinds of cooking. The juice, for example, works well in things such as marinades, dressings, and as a flavoring for dessert.

It is also possible to purchase things like orange essential oil and orange fragrance oil as well as orange flower water. Orange flower water is an ingredient that is often used as a skin care ingredient. But food grade orange flower water can also be used in things like smoothies and in some dessert recipes, such as in the syrup for the popular Greek and Middle Eastern dessert, baklava.

Supermarket oranges do not truly do the fruit justice. In order to really experience oranges how they should be experienced you really need to eat them fresh from the tree. If not fresh from the tree, the next best thing would be to purchase them directly from a grower. Fruit of the month clubs and other gift clubs also have oranges available. I’ve even seen oranges offered as fund raisers. These oranges tend to be a little fresher than the oranges found in the markets, unless the market is located close to the farmers or is part of a farmer’s market in an area where oranges are grown. When it comes to oranges, the fresher the better.

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Daylilies: A Gorgeous and Low Maintenance Flower to Brighten Any Garden
Author:
• Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Art Gib asked:




My mother always had a flowerbed or two in front of our house and she would spend a morning every now and again weeding, watering, and generally taking care of her flowers. Yet she never got more adventuresome with her flower choices than petunias, pansies and an occasional geranium. I asked her once why her flower horizon was so narrow when there are so many gorgeous flowers available to experiment with planting and growing. She shrugged and said most flowers looked too high maintenance for her.

A common misconception is that if flowers look particularly elegant or exotic, it means they are finicky and difficult to care for. Hemerocallis, or daylilies are a perfect example of flowers that are both delicate looking and hardy at the same time, requiring very little care to thrive in nearly all conditions.

Daylilies come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and are easy to grow. The perennials are not true bulbs, but grow from clump-forming tuberous roots. Although daylilies prefer well drained soil with plenty of organic material and lots of direct sunlight, they will tolerate much less favorable conditions such as extremely damp to dry sandy soil. If planted in heavy shade, hemerocallis usually respond by producing more foliage and fewer flowers.

Daylilies are perfect for a varied garden because the different varieties range in height from 8 inches to 5 feet, and flower size can be as small as 2 inches or as large as 8 inches. The spectrum of colors and shapes also adds distinction and variety to your flowerbed. Unlike some more fastidious flowers, hemerocallis usually bloom the same year they are planted, though they take three to four years to reach mature size, and can live for a very long time if given even moderate care.

Daylilies will bloom from late spring until autumn and many varieties have more than one flowering period. Because of the entangled clump-root system of daylilies, they provide excellent ground covers on slopes and are recommended for erosion control.

Daylilies are also particularly effective for blending in structures with the natural terrain. They have a naturalizing effect to blend fences, decks, steps, statues, driveways or shrubbery with the surrounding landscape.

The planting process itself is probably the most rigorous phase of caring for your Hemerocallis. To ensure that they take root properly you should water plants thoroughly after planting, and deep soak them every three or four days until established. If you ordered the plants rather than purchasing them in a garden store they may have become dried out during shipment from a supplier. If this happens, soak well for at least 15 minutes before planting. Although daylilies are drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering while budding and flowering will produce better-quality flowers.

For absolute best results daylily gardens should be mulched well with peat or compost in spring. Waiting until the plant is established to fertilize will encourage initial root growth. Add manure or other organic fertilizer in the early spring just as signs of new growth appear, and again in midsummer.

Very few pests and diseases are enough to harm the resilient hemerocallis, slugs and snails being the major exceptions. Daylilies are not bothered by lily beetle or any other problems of bulbous lilies. Root-knot nematodes could also pose a problem if you are planting on former cropland (especially soybean and tobacco land).

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