01.27.12

Facts About the Weeping Cherry Tree

Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai' Issai Beautyberry from MortellarosA weeping cherry tree puts a different spin on the Japanese version that may come to mind when you think of a cherry tree. Originally from Asia, cherry trees have a lot of symbolism in the Eastern world. While these traditions may not have traveled overseas with the plant, people all around the world enjoy these beautiful trees. The large amount of flowers the cherry tree produces gives it its signature look and smell. In the springtime, the tree’s branches will bud and bloom into hundreds of light pink flowers. As the weeks and months go by, the flowers will fade into a pale white color and eventually fall off. Just like any other tree, you should take into consideration the size of the plant when it is grown. This will help you space the sapling a proper distance from structures and other elements of your landscape, so you don’t have to transfer plants years down the road.

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01.8.12

Organic Farming – Control Your Diet Through What You Grow

The old adage you are what you eat still stand true today. In fact, it is even more important for us to have a good diet to fight against a myriad of diseases that are rampaging across the world today. Studies have shown that the nutritional content of the food we are consuming today is much lower compared to the last few decades. This is due to the higher levels of pesticides and herbicides that are used in conventional farming which lead to a higher accumulation of such chemicals in the crops. This is where organic farming steps in to provide a source of fresh foods and fruits that are nutritious and free from chemicals. However, as organic farming takes more effort and resources than conventional farming, the price point of organic products is higher. Those who are not able to afford such prices on a long term basis can turn to growing their own food.

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12.17.11

The Beginners Guide to Growing Dill

Dill SeedsDill is an easy-to grow annual herb with many culinary uses. Most notably, it is used for pickling cucumbers but it can also be used to flavour cream cheese, salad dressing, mayonnaise, and steamed or roasted vegetables. Dill seeds germinate quickly and in abundant quantities, and can be sown directly into the soil. It is best to grow dill plants outdoors as they lose some of their flavour when grown indoors. Consider Growing Dill next to cabbage, kale of tomato plants, since dill benefits the growth of these plants. The plants thrive on any kind of soil and only require occasional watering. Dill plants should be grown in clumps rather than in neat rows since they are fragile and tend to break. Dill freezes and dries well. Store dried dill in an air tight container, away from heat sources for up to six months. Frozen dill will keep for six months to a year.

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11.25.11

Grow Lights a Great Memory

Anna enjoyed a lot of things about being home for the holidays. Some people focused on the presents and generosity of people. Some of her friends enjoyed the freedom from dietary restrictions by stuffing themselves with the kind of food only available at the holidays. Some of her friends loved simply spending time with their families. Anna liked all of these things, but she especially liked the extra fresh produce and flowers from her family’s indoor garden. Her mom made the most of her indoor garden, harvesting an impossible amount of delicious things. Anna loved these, but there was no way she could receive those in one of her mother’s lovingly prepared care packages. Anna knew she was the only one that enjoyed curling up around a fire enjoying a nice plate of freshly sliced tomatoes warm from the grow lights. She sighed, it was great just thinking about it.

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