“I didn’t know what to do!” Explained Mrs Bradley. “She was coughing and holding her throat. I thought she was choking so I tried to make her bring up what she had swallowed.” Staff at the casualty unit of the hospital treats a four year-old child who chewed on a seedpod from a wisteria. This plant poisons many children.
”Parents often try to make the child vomit and this is very dangerous,” warns Sister Graham RN, RCHN. “If a child aspirates the poison, it could prove fatal. The largest numbers of poisonings we deal with here occur in children under five years of age.
Children are naturally curious but must be taught never to put any part of a plant in their mouths and never to eat berries, wild fruit, seeds or mushrooms. Flower arrangements for the dinner table or buffets should never include fruits, berries or seeds that might be toxic.”
Some varieties of cut flowers have toxic properties. Species of Orntihogalum are among the most poisonous plants and if allowed to contaminate fodder, leads to stock loss. Several of these are cultivated as garden plants and cut flowers. The most common are Ornithogalum thyrsoides and Ornithogalum conicum, commonly known as ‘chincherinchees’.
Often one part of a plant may be edible while the rest of it is poisonous (e.g. rhubarb). Many plants used for medicinal purposes are toxic only if ingested in large quantities.
Some plants, although not poisonous, cause allergic reactions in people suffering from hay fever or asthma, especially pollen bearing trees like Acacia or Plane trees.
Plants that are innocuous to some people, like strawberries, ivy or chrysanthemums can cause skin irritation in people who are
allergic.
If you suffer from allergies wear protective gloves when handling plants. Stems should always be cut rather than broken to prevent harmful sap from coming into contact with the skin. Fortunately, many poisonous plants have survival characteristics including thorns, hard outer shells or are bitter to the taste. Plants that cause irritations or illness in humans should never be fed to animals.
In case of suspected poisoning of a human or animal:
Act immediately – do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Some toxins can stay in the body and only manifest themselves a day or two later.
• It is preferable to go straight to a hospital Casualty rather than to a doctor.
• Identify and collect samples of suspected poisonous plants in your garden to take to the casualty
• Do NOT induce vomiting or give milk – some poisons are contra-indicated for milk.
• Carers should be taught about poisonous plants in the garden.
Write down contact numbers for the Emergency Poison Unit closest to you.
Published: 2008-11-21
Author: Sylvia Nilsen - http://sites.google.com/site/sylvianilsen/
About the author or the publisher
I am a freelance writer who has been published in a number of consumer magazines - Children, pregnancy, Food and Enterntainment, Women, Travel etc.
www.amawalker.blogspot.com
Source: ArticlesGratuits.com - Free Articles
Monday, January 26, 2009
Naturally Say Goodbye to Garden Pests
It's an unavoidable fact that if left untended, for every flower and plant that adorns our gardens, a greater number of pests will also take root. The good news is that removing these scoundrels from infesting your vegetation does not need to rely on chemicals, nor should it. For each individual species of pest that shows up in your garden abode, there is a natural solution that is cheaper and most importantly, safer to use than pesticides.
Shockingly, North Americans use upwards of 130 million pounds of pesticide each year, both in their gardens and in their homes. This dwarfs the amount used by farmers by almost three times, and accounts for a high percentage of wildlife pest poisonings and contamination of surface water from pesticide use.
Cutting back on this problem requires educating gardeners and homeowners everywhere. Taking the initiative by spreading the word yourself can only help, and the best way to do that is to lead by example, and keep your own home pesticide free.
The following tips will help you keep your garden healthy and pest free without resorting to harmful pesticide use.
The most common problem gardeners will face is insect damage to their plants. With proper cultivation and gardening methods, this problem can be drastically reduced before having to resort to other methods. This means having well-prepared soil, adjusting the pH balance as needed, good drainage and air circulation.
As your garden continues to grow and take shape, remove and dispose immediately of any struggling plants. Be sure to keep your compost area for storing your weeds, discarded plants and compost well away from your main gardening area, as the compost heap will be sure to attract pests.
Keep your garden beds well mulched and top-dressed with compost to ensure healthy plant development. Ensure you're using clean mulch, bought from a reputable dealer or cultivated yourself.
Be sure to keep your garden area clear of debris and things that will attract insects. If you have fruit trees near your garden, be sure to dispose of any fallen fruit immediately. Spoiled pears or apples will attract all many of pests.
Seaweed fertilizer sprays are useful for strengthening soil and promoting plant growth. They contain helpful minerals and trace elements like iron, calcium, sulphur and magnesium.
Mix up your garden beds with a variety of plant types interspersed throughout. This makes it difficult for plant specific pests to propagate and spread throughout your garden bed.
If you've used your gardening implements on infected plants, be sure to sterilize them before using them on healthy plants.
Finally, you can call on the power of nature itself to help you in your fight using a natural product like neem oil. By attracting or purchasing insects which feast upon the particular pests bothering your plants, you can remove them in one fell swoop of natural selection. Praying Mantises, Hover Flies, Ladybugs, Chalcids, Brachonids, and if they don't frighten you, Wasps, are all insects which will help you battle common varieties of garden pests.
Having a healthy and beautiful garden should not be your number one priority, the health and safety of family should be. Thankfully it is not a choice of one or the other. By using any or all of the above tips, you can keep your garden looking great, and have no fear of your children playing near your plants. It's truly the best of both worlds.
Shockingly, North Americans use upwards of 130 million pounds of pesticide each year, both in their gardens and in their homes. This dwarfs the amount used by farmers by almost three times, and accounts for a high percentage of wildlife pest poisonings and contamination of surface water from pesticide use.
Cutting back on this problem requires educating gardeners and homeowners everywhere. Taking the initiative by spreading the word yourself can only help, and the best way to do that is to lead by example, and keep your own home pesticide free.
The following tips will help you keep your garden healthy and pest free without resorting to harmful pesticide use.
The most common problem gardeners will face is insect damage to their plants. With proper cultivation and gardening methods, this problem can be drastically reduced before having to resort to other methods. This means having well-prepared soil, adjusting the pH balance as needed, good drainage and air circulation.
As your garden continues to grow and take shape, remove and dispose immediately of any struggling plants. Be sure to keep your compost area for storing your weeds, discarded plants and compost well away from your main gardening area, as the compost heap will be sure to attract pests.
Keep your garden beds well mulched and top-dressed with compost to ensure healthy plant development. Ensure you're using clean mulch, bought from a reputable dealer or cultivated yourself.
Be sure to keep your garden area clear of debris and things that will attract insects. If you have fruit trees near your garden, be sure to dispose of any fallen fruit immediately. Spoiled pears or apples will attract all many of pests.
Seaweed fertilizer sprays are useful for strengthening soil and promoting plant growth. They contain helpful minerals and trace elements like iron, calcium, sulphur and magnesium.
Mix up your garden beds with a variety of plant types interspersed throughout. This makes it difficult for plant specific pests to propagate and spread throughout your garden bed.
If you've used your gardening implements on infected plants, be sure to sterilize them before using them on healthy plants.
Finally, you can call on the power of nature itself to help you in your fight using a natural product like neem oil. By attracting or purchasing insects which feast upon the particular pests bothering your plants, you can remove them in one fell swoop of natural selection. Praying Mantises, Hover Flies, Ladybugs, Chalcids, Brachonids, and if they don't frighten you, Wasps, are all insects which will help you battle common varieties of garden pests.
Having a healthy and beautiful garden should not be your number one priority, the health and safety of family should be. Thankfully it is not a choice of one or the other. By using any or all of the above tips, you can keep your garden looking great, and have no fear of your children playing near your plants. It's truly the best of both worlds.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Creative Landscaping With Yellow Plants
One of the three "primary" colours, yellow is the most visible of them all and it always gets noticed – a fact of which advertisers are well aware. In your landscape design you may not want to put yellow flowers beside that ugly old garden shed that you want to fade into the background, but you might like to use yellow to highlight a sculpture, or to focus on an attractive water feature or a patch of pleasing foliage that would otherwise be ignored.
Many yellow-flowered plants will bloom in part shade, where they really stand out, like street lamps glowing on a dark night. Some examples are yellow foxglove, clivia and corydalis. Tiny yellow primroses are great in a dark corner and the leaves of the variegated hosta can complement them beautifully.
Especially in spring, when we are moving away from the dull greys and blacks of winter, a vase of yellow flowers is a sure way to enliven a dull room. Some yellow-flowering spring plants for picking include forsythia and daffodils (of course). In summer there are many more: roses, lilies, dahlias, gladioli and yellow asters.
You can plant soft yellow Anizoganthus (kangaroo paws, a native of Australia) to accent the subtle foliage tones of a mixed perennial border when other summer-flowering plants are dying down. This evergreen plant grows in heathlands and sandy plains in its native country, so it is guaranteed easy care, loving hot places. It grows up to 3 feet tall by 1 foot wide and prefers full sun and a well drained soil. It may need protection in winter.
Yellow Hemerocallis (day lily) is another good choice for the perennial border. Day lilies are not fussy about soil type, establish readily in most situations and need little care other than some initial watering. While enjoying hot summers, they tolerate cold winters just as well, disappearing underground until conditions are suitable for their light-green spring leaves to pop through the ground and the vigorous growth to resume. Day lilies grow up to four feet high and produce numerous flowers over a long period. They are not suitable for flower arrangements because, true to their name, each bloom lasts only a day.
Beware of overdoing yellow. Bright yellow walls in a room have been shown to make people angry, so take care. Balance the accent color with plenty of green foliage. You can fade bright yellow daffodils into beds of cream-coloured jonquils, or intersperse yellow roses with cream or white roses; "Pascali", "Margaret Merrill", "Peace" and the brilliant white "Iceberg" are some older varieties that look stunning accompanying a yellow accent bush.
And yellow's complementary color (in terms of the artist's "color wheel") is purple, which is why purple pansies or violas, or dark purple grasses look so dramatic teamed with a yellow accent plant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Article by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of Landscaping Videos.com which offers free landscaping advice, landscaping pictures, and videos. Get even more free landscape and garden design ideas at www.landscapingvideos.com.
Many yellow-flowered plants will bloom in part shade, where they really stand out, like street lamps glowing on a dark night. Some examples are yellow foxglove, clivia and corydalis. Tiny yellow primroses are great in a dark corner and the leaves of the variegated hosta can complement them beautifully.
Especially in spring, when we are moving away from the dull greys and blacks of winter, a vase of yellow flowers is a sure way to enliven a dull room. Some yellow-flowering spring plants for picking include forsythia and daffodils (of course). In summer there are many more: roses, lilies, dahlias, gladioli and yellow asters.
You can plant soft yellow Anizoganthus (kangaroo paws, a native of Australia) to accent the subtle foliage tones of a mixed perennial border when other summer-flowering plants are dying down. This evergreen plant grows in heathlands and sandy plains in its native country, so it is guaranteed easy care, loving hot places. It grows up to 3 feet tall by 1 foot wide and prefers full sun and a well drained soil. It may need protection in winter.
Yellow Hemerocallis (day lily) is another good choice for the perennial border. Day lilies are not fussy about soil type, establish readily in most situations and need little care other than some initial watering. While enjoying hot summers, they tolerate cold winters just as well, disappearing underground until conditions are suitable for their light-green spring leaves to pop through the ground and the vigorous growth to resume. Day lilies grow up to four feet high and produce numerous flowers over a long period. They are not suitable for flower arrangements because, true to their name, each bloom lasts only a day.
Beware of overdoing yellow. Bright yellow walls in a room have been shown to make people angry, so take care. Balance the accent color with plenty of green foliage. You can fade bright yellow daffodils into beds of cream-coloured jonquils, or intersperse yellow roses with cream or white roses; "Pascali", "Margaret Merrill", "Peace" and the brilliant white "Iceberg" are some older varieties that look stunning accompanying a yellow accent bush.
And yellow's complementary color (in terms of the artist's "color wheel") is purple, which is why purple pansies or violas, or dark purple grasses look so dramatic teamed with a yellow accent plant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Article by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of Landscaping Videos.com which offers free landscaping advice, landscaping pictures, and videos. Get even more free landscape and garden design ideas at www.landscapingvideos.com.
Building a Greenhouse: 10 Important Things to Consider
If you're getting ready to build a greenhouse, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself before beginning. What size greenhouse do you need? Do you have a good, sunny location planned out? Do you have easy access to build on that location? These are just a few important considerations that you should evaluate during the planning stages of your project to ensure a successful result. The following is a list of 10 important things to consider before you begin building your new greenhouse or hothouse:
1. Insure that the greenhouse you choose fits your own needs. The interior must allow enough room for potting plants and moving around easily.
2. Choose a clean, level site that will be easy to build on.
3. Remember that the location of your greenhouse is critical. You don't want to block a traffic path in your yard; however, the greenhouse should be close enough to your home that it's easily accessible on a daily basis.
4. Be sure to plan for snow removal. In the wintertime, you don't want to have to trudge through piles of snow to get to your plants.
5. Be sure there are no trees nearby that will excessively shade your greenhouse. You want maximum sun gain in your greenhouse. Also remember that deciduous trees will not cast shade on your greenhouse in the wintertime; however, evergreen trees will cast shade year-round.
6. Consider the change in angle of the sun from winter to summer and study how much solar gain you want for your particular climate. If possible, align the longest side of your greenhouse to face south. This will allow the roofline to catch the maximum amount of sunlight during the daytime. Also, if you need to use shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer, you'll probably only have to shade one side of the roof instead of two, thus reducing the labor and cost of materials.
7. Be sure to include potting benches inside your greenhouse of an appropriate height. You'll want a surface that's high enough so you're not constantly bending over.
8. Some potting benches are designed to fold down and out of the way when not in use. If you have a smaller greenhouse, these may be a good option. Also, some benches are designed with slatted surfaces so dirt falls through to a collection bin below, and this can be advantageous as well.
9. Remember that you'll need to water the plants in your greenhouse. Will you be able to run a hose in? Or will you have to carry watering cans back and forth? Furthermore, will you want a source of water inside the greenhouse, such as a utility sink that you can use to wash your hands or tools?
10. Don't forget storage for your gardening tools. A small workbench with shelves or a pegboard back can do wonders for organizing your gardening implements.
Remember, to ensure a good successful result to any project, it's important to devote plenty of time and thought in the planning stages. Building a greenhouse is a big investment in time and money. Be sure that you make the most of both by doing your homework before you begin. A little time invested in the beginning in good planning will pay you big dividends in the end. Happy greenhouse gardening!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: For more information on building a greenhouse, visit Home Products 'n' More, where you'll find a variety of greenhouse kits and wholesale greenhouse supplies, all with free shipping!
1. Insure that the greenhouse you choose fits your own needs. The interior must allow enough room for potting plants and moving around easily.
2. Choose a clean, level site that will be easy to build on.
3. Remember that the location of your greenhouse is critical. You don't want to block a traffic path in your yard; however, the greenhouse should be close enough to your home that it's easily accessible on a daily basis.
4. Be sure to plan for snow removal. In the wintertime, you don't want to have to trudge through piles of snow to get to your plants.
5. Be sure there are no trees nearby that will excessively shade your greenhouse. You want maximum sun gain in your greenhouse. Also remember that deciduous trees will not cast shade on your greenhouse in the wintertime; however, evergreen trees will cast shade year-round.
6. Consider the change in angle of the sun from winter to summer and study how much solar gain you want for your particular climate. If possible, align the longest side of your greenhouse to face south. This will allow the roofline to catch the maximum amount of sunlight during the daytime. Also, if you need to use shade cloth during the hottest part of the summer, you'll probably only have to shade one side of the roof instead of two, thus reducing the labor and cost of materials.
7. Be sure to include potting benches inside your greenhouse of an appropriate height. You'll want a surface that's high enough so you're not constantly bending over.
8. Some potting benches are designed to fold down and out of the way when not in use. If you have a smaller greenhouse, these may be a good option. Also, some benches are designed with slatted surfaces so dirt falls through to a collection bin below, and this can be advantageous as well.
9. Remember that you'll need to water the plants in your greenhouse. Will you be able to run a hose in? Or will you have to carry watering cans back and forth? Furthermore, will you want a source of water inside the greenhouse, such as a utility sink that you can use to wash your hands or tools?
10. Don't forget storage for your gardening tools. A small workbench with shelves or a pegboard back can do wonders for organizing your gardening implements.
Remember, to ensure a good successful result to any project, it's important to devote plenty of time and thought in the planning stages. Building a greenhouse is a big investment in time and money. Be sure that you make the most of both by doing your homework before you begin. A little time invested in the beginning in good planning will pay you big dividends in the end. Happy greenhouse gardening!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: For more information on building a greenhouse, visit Home Products 'n' More, where you'll find a variety of greenhouse kits and wholesale greenhouse supplies, all with free shipping!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Adding an Arbor or Trellis to Your Yard
If you are a home gardener, and you're looking for a project to tackle this summer that will enhance your garden and your home's curb appeal, consider adding an arbor or trellis to your yard. Whether in the back yard, garden, patio, or other area, an arbor or trellis will create an ambiance and charm that is well worth the time and investment. The following are some questions and factors you may want to consider before you begin the project of adding an arbor or trellis to your yard.
The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.
If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you'd spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can't beat the look of white vinyl. It's clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!
Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.
Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.
Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they're finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you're sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.
The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.
If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you'd spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can't beat the look of white vinyl. It's clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!
Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.
Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.
Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they're finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you're sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Turfgrass Fungus - Causes and Remedies
One of the most frustrating things for a meticulous gardener and homeowner is for their lawn to have problems with fungal diseases. Lawns are particularly susceptible to problems because they are monocultures—millions of the same plant in the same place, without diversity. Whenever you have many of the same plant without variety, there is always a greater potential for problems. Fungi are one of the most common causes of turf diseases. Fungi spread by spores that are carried by air and water. The microscopic, lightweight nature of the spores makes the spread of fungi wildfire-fast. How do you know if your lawn has fungal problems? After all, there are a variety of bacterial and insect problems that plague turfgrass in addition to fungi. Insect damage is less uniform in variety. It would be spottier and less symmetric. Some fungi have noticeable structures (mushrooms) on top of the lawn. Other fungi cause noticeable symptoms, but no large, above-ground structures.
Common Types of Turfgrass Fungus
Fairy Ring: Fairy Ring fungus causes a circular or semi-circular band in the grass. If the symptoms are not all over the lawn, water and fertilizer can mask the fungus by greening up the rest of the lawn. You can also treat fairy Ring fungus by aerating and breaking up the fungal mat. That will improve air and water penetration. If the fungal ring has grown large, you may have to dig out the soil and replace it with uninfected soil and re-seed. There are some fungicides, but they are expensive and do not always work well. Cultural controls work better than fungicides, generally.
Dollar Spot: This fungal disease is caused by the fungi Lanzia spp. and Moellerodiscus spp. It produces the effect of dead circular spots of six inches to two feet in diameter. When the grass is wet, you can see the cobweb-like strands of fungus in between the blades of grass. To control this fungus, keep your lawn properly fertilized and watered. The fungus thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, but low soil moisture. Fertilizing and watering schedules do a lot to control this fungus.
Necrotic Ring Spot: This fungal disease appears as rings of dead grass surrounding tufts of healthy, green grass. More prevalent when the weather is cool.
How to Prevent Turfgrass Fungal Problems
It is a lot easier to prevent fungus problems than to cure them. Most plants have problems when they are stressed. Turfgrass becomes stressed when the water conditions and nutrient availability are not optimum. Compaction and thatch buildup are other problems. To keep fungal problems from taking hold, learn what type of grass you have in your lawn and care for it appropriately. Most grass needs one to two inches of water a week. More or less water can cause stress. It is important to not over-fertilize. Excess nitrogen can cause weak growth in grasses. Thatch and compaction can be addressed by punch-core aerating in the spring and the fall, followed by topdressing with a compost/topsoil mix.
If your lawn is attacked by fungus, despite your best efforts, you can hire a professional to apply fungicide. You can also use corn gluten (which also serves as a pre emergence herbicide) to attract a type of fungus that feeds on other fungus. This is a biological control that can help keep your soil healthy. The key to lawn fungus control.healthy lawns fungus control is healthy soil. Regardless of your plant problems, if you notice a problem, you need to correctly identify it in order to fix it. Turfgrass fungus is no exception. With proper care, and treatment in the case of problems, you can have a luscious, green lawn, free of turfgrass fungal problems.
Casey Coke is a Marketing Manager for Natural Environmental Systems, LLC. The company is a global supplier of microbial products including compost starter and other organic soil conditioners.
Common Types of Turfgrass Fungus
Fairy Ring: Fairy Ring fungus causes a circular or semi-circular band in the grass. If the symptoms are not all over the lawn, water and fertilizer can mask the fungus by greening up the rest of the lawn. You can also treat fairy Ring fungus by aerating and breaking up the fungal mat. That will improve air and water penetration. If the fungal ring has grown large, you may have to dig out the soil and replace it with uninfected soil and re-seed. There are some fungicides, but they are expensive and do not always work well. Cultural controls work better than fungicides, generally.
Dollar Spot: This fungal disease is caused by the fungi Lanzia spp. and Moellerodiscus spp. It produces the effect of dead circular spots of six inches to two feet in diameter. When the grass is wet, you can see the cobweb-like strands of fungus in between the blades of grass. To control this fungus, keep your lawn properly fertilized and watered. The fungus thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, but low soil moisture. Fertilizing and watering schedules do a lot to control this fungus.
Necrotic Ring Spot: This fungal disease appears as rings of dead grass surrounding tufts of healthy, green grass. More prevalent when the weather is cool.
How to Prevent Turfgrass Fungal Problems
It is a lot easier to prevent fungus problems than to cure them. Most plants have problems when they are stressed. Turfgrass becomes stressed when the water conditions and nutrient availability are not optimum. Compaction and thatch buildup are other problems. To keep fungal problems from taking hold, learn what type of grass you have in your lawn and care for it appropriately. Most grass needs one to two inches of water a week. More or less water can cause stress. It is important to not over-fertilize. Excess nitrogen can cause weak growth in grasses. Thatch and compaction can be addressed by punch-core aerating in the spring and the fall, followed by topdressing with a compost/topsoil mix.
If your lawn is attacked by fungus, despite your best efforts, you can hire a professional to apply fungicide. You can also use corn gluten (which also serves as a pre emergence herbicide) to attract a type of fungus that feeds on other fungus. This is a biological control that can help keep your soil healthy. The key to lawn fungus control.healthy lawns fungus control is healthy soil. Regardless of your plant problems, if you notice a problem, you need to correctly identify it in order to fix it. Turfgrass fungus is no exception. With proper care, and treatment in the case of problems, you can have a luscious, green lawn, free of turfgrass fungal problems.
Casey Coke is a Marketing Manager for Natural Environmental Systems, LLC. The company is a global supplier of microbial products including compost starter and other organic soil conditioners.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Secrets of Commercial Greenhouses
No matter if you are considering opening a commercial greenhouse, selling a few plants from your front yard, or simply want to grow better plants, knowing a few inside secrets of commercial greenhouses is an appealing idea. These tips from the commercial greenhouse experts can help your plants and your business flourish.
The best selling plants are annuals, herbs, and foliage plants. 6" pots sell best, and carefully pruning off discolored leaves and over-ripe blooms encourages customers to purchase more plants.
Impatiens are a very popular bedding plant. Marigolds and geraniums are good sellers as well. Ferns are terrific sellers and nearly every commercial greenhouse includes these green favorites. Include a few hydroponic vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, in your selection of plants.
If you are selling your plants to consumers, include a display of basic gardening supplies and seeds to help boost sales. A selection of gardening books and magazines is also a great way to increase your profits.
Keep a nursery log. Include important growing information for each type of plant for easy cross reference on peak times and suggested plant care.
Place fragrant plants near the entryway of the greenhouse to entice customers into the structure. Mix colorful plants in with greens to provide a visually appealing selection.
Fresh, moving air is essential to healthy plant growth, especially in winter months. Use a thermostat controlled heater to maintain temperatures of between 70-75° while ventilation flaps are open.
Take care of any standing water inside your greenhouse to prevent excessive humidity. Some commercial greenhouses will dig a ditch along the sides of the greenhouse wall to aid proper drainage and avoid standing puddles of water.
Invest in cooling pads to keep the humidity down and the soil moist. Keep in mind that using a cooling fan will decrease the overall temperature of the greenhouse by 10° for each fan used.
Growing terrific plants like commercial greenhouses is easy with a few insider tips like these. Commercial greenhouses pay top dollar for marketing and gardening experts, but you can take advantage of their secrets by observing the habits of successful commercial greenhouses.
About the Author: Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful information about greenhouses for sale and greenhouse gardening at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com
The best selling plants are annuals, herbs, and foliage plants. 6" pots sell best, and carefully pruning off discolored leaves and over-ripe blooms encourages customers to purchase more plants.
Impatiens are a very popular bedding plant. Marigolds and geraniums are good sellers as well. Ferns are terrific sellers and nearly every commercial greenhouse includes these green favorites. Include a few hydroponic vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, in your selection of plants.
If you are selling your plants to consumers, include a display of basic gardening supplies and seeds to help boost sales. A selection of gardening books and magazines is also a great way to increase your profits.
Keep a nursery log. Include important growing information for each type of plant for easy cross reference on peak times and suggested plant care.
Place fragrant plants near the entryway of the greenhouse to entice customers into the structure. Mix colorful plants in with greens to provide a visually appealing selection.
Fresh, moving air is essential to healthy plant growth, especially in winter months. Use a thermostat controlled heater to maintain temperatures of between 70-75° while ventilation flaps are open.
Take care of any standing water inside your greenhouse to prevent excessive humidity. Some commercial greenhouses will dig a ditch along the sides of the greenhouse wall to aid proper drainage and avoid standing puddles of water.
Invest in cooling pads to keep the humidity down and the soil moist. Keep in mind that using a cooling fan will decrease the overall temperature of the greenhouse by 10° for each fan used.
Growing terrific plants like commercial greenhouses is easy with a few insider tips like these. Commercial greenhouses pay top dollar for marketing and gardening experts, but you can take advantage of their secrets by observing the habits of successful commercial greenhouses.
About the Author: Michelle Torres has nearly 20 years experience using and designing greenhouses and is an avid gardener. You can find additional useful information about greenhouses for sale and greenhouse gardening at http://www.greenhousecatalog.com
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Jacaranda The Beautiful Tree
Submitted by urlreader
Sun, 28 Dec 2008
Jacaranda is a kind of flowering plants and native to tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. In many parts of the world, the blooming of this tree is welcomed as a sign of spring.
Jacaranda's size varies from 2 to 30 m tall. The leaves are bipinnate in most species, pinnate or simple in a few species. The flowers are produced in conspicuous large panicles, each flower with a five-lobed blue to purple-blue corolla. The fruit is an oblong to oval flattened capsule containing numerous slender seeds.
Several species are widely grown as ornamental plants throughout the subtropical regions of the world, valued for their intense flower displays. The most often seen is the Blue Jacaranda. Some are also commercially important. For example the Jacaranda copaia is important for its timber because of its exceptionally long bole.
Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. From April to June the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles that grow at the tips of branches.
Most jacarandas are big size trees, and are not for small properties. Occasionally certain varieties are available that are smaller and can be enjoyed in suburban yards and for patio plantings. Since this is a deciduous tree it is best planted among evergreens that will hide its bareness in the winter and provide a green backdrop for the vibrant flowers in the spring. This tree is especially impressive when reflected in the still waters of a lake.
The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer. It stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks, this makes it even more desirable. Jacaranda are inexpensive and easily available from most nurseries and garden centers in areas where it will grow.
Jacaranda prefers enriched sandy, well drained soils but is tolerant of most soil types. It is not a salt tolerant plant. It prefers bright sunny conditions. This tree will tolerate some shade but will bear fewer flowers. It likes moisture but will tolerate some drought. Doesn't like soggy or poorly drained situations. Selected varieties are grafted. But in most situations, it propagates by seed.
Pretoria in South Africa is called as The Jacaranda City due to the enormous number of Jacaranda trees planted as street trees. In flowering time the city appears purple in color. The time of year the Jacarandas bloom in Pretoria coincides with the year-end exams at the University of Pretoria, and students believe that if a Jacaranda flower drops on your head, you will pass all your exams.
The University of Queensland in the city of Brisbane in Australia has a very high concentration of the tree, and due to the impressive display of purple flowers in mid-Spring, students claim that one will not start studying for exams until the jacarandas have molted. At Sydney University, stundets claim a similar expression: By the time the jacaranda in the main quadrangle flowers, it is too late to start studying for exams.
Brisbane's hilly geography allows views of the city and suburbs in which the brightly coloured flowers can be easily seen for miles. The jacaranda has become a part of the city's identity, despite the fact that it only flowers from September through October.
About 70 years ago, when new mothers leaving the hospital, they were given a jacaranda sapling to plant. People believe that is the main reason for the Jacaranda's proliferation in Brisbane.
The city of Grafton on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is also famous for its Jacarandas. Every October the city has a Jacaranda festival during the period of full bloom.
Jacaranda is also popular throughout most of southern California. In California, jacarandas are known as the trees that bloom twice a year, although the fall bloom is generally not as striking as the spring bloom.
Jacarandas were introduced to Israel over 50 years ago, where they are in full bloom during May. They are popular and can be found in cities all over Israel.
Sun, 28 Dec 2008
Jacaranda is a kind of flowering plants and native to tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America. In many parts of the world, the blooming of this tree is welcomed as a sign of spring.
Jacaranda's size varies from 2 to 30 m tall. The leaves are bipinnate in most species, pinnate or simple in a few species. The flowers are produced in conspicuous large panicles, each flower with a five-lobed blue to purple-blue corolla. The fruit is an oblong to oval flattened capsule containing numerous slender seeds.
Several species are widely grown as ornamental plants throughout the subtropical regions of the world, valued for their intense flower displays. The most often seen is the Blue Jacaranda. Some are also commercially important. For example the Jacaranda copaia is important for its timber because of its exceptionally long bole.
Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. From April to June the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles that grow at the tips of branches.
Most jacarandas are big size trees, and are not for small properties. Occasionally certain varieties are available that are smaller and can be enjoyed in suburban yards and for patio plantings. Since this is a deciduous tree it is best planted among evergreens that will hide its bareness in the winter and provide a green backdrop for the vibrant flowers in the spring. This tree is especially impressive when reflected in the still waters of a lake.
The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer. It stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks, this makes it even more desirable. Jacaranda are inexpensive and easily available from most nurseries and garden centers in areas where it will grow.
Jacaranda prefers enriched sandy, well drained soils but is tolerant of most soil types. It is not a salt tolerant plant. It prefers bright sunny conditions. This tree will tolerate some shade but will bear fewer flowers. It likes moisture but will tolerate some drought. Doesn't like soggy or poorly drained situations. Selected varieties are grafted. But in most situations, it propagates by seed.
Pretoria in South Africa is called as The Jacaranda City due to the enormous number of Jacaranda trees planted as street trees. In flowering time the city appears purple in color. The time of year the Jacarandas bloom in Pretoria coincides with the year-end exams at the University of Pretoria, and students believe that if a Jacaranda flower drops on your head, you will pass all your exams.
The University of Queensland in the city of Brisbane in Australia has a very high concentration of the tree, and due to the impressive display of purple flowers in mid-Spring, students claim that one will not start studying for exams until the jacarandas have molted. At Sydney University, stundets claim a similar expression: By the time the jacaranda in the main quadrangle flowers, it is too late to start studying for exams.
Brisbane's hilly geography allows views of the city and suburbs in which the brightly coloured flowers can be easily seen for miles. The jacaranda has become a part of the city's identity, despite the fact that it only flowers from September through October.
About 70 years ago, when new mothers leaving the hospital, they were given a jacaranda sapling to plant. People believe that is the main reason for the Jacaranda's proliferation in Brisbane.
The city of Grafton on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, is also famous for its Jacarandas. Every October the city has a Jacaranda festival during the period of full bloom.
Jacaranda is also popular throughout most of southern California. In California, jacarandas are known as the trees that bloom twice a year, although the fall bloom is generally not as striking as the spring bloom.
Jacarandas were introduced to Israel over 50 years ago, where they are in full bloom during May. They are popular and can be found in cities all over Israel.
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