The single most common cause of allergic reaction in the United States is that of Poison Ivy. In the Midwest it grows as a crawling or climbing vine. In the far Northern and Western areas of the U.S. and Canada, it grows as a shrub. All parts of the plant can cause severe skin inflammation, itching, and blisters. The roots, stems, leaves, berries and flowers are all toxic; producing a volatile oil called urushiol. It is rendered inactive by water; …
Health Benefits of Plants
We’ve known for years that plants are beneficial in producing oxygen. Research has now found that plants also produce many other health benefits. Studies show that plants and flowers in the home or office increase our sense of happiness and well-being. This in turn contributes to a calmer more optimistic state of mind. Studies show that hospital patients with a garden view recover more quickly than looking at the walls or into hallways. When we are calm or relaxed we …
Flowers and Their Meanings
There is a language, little known, Lovers claim it as their own. Its symbols smile upon the land, Wrought by Nature’s wondrous hand; And in their silent beauty speak, Of life and joy, to those who seek For Love Divine and sunny hours In the language of the flowers. ~J.S.H. “The Language of Flowers”, London, 1875 Amaranth – Immortality, everlasting love Ambrosia – Love Returned Angelica – Herb of the Angels Apple Blossom – Preference Artemisia – Everlasting Basil – …
Treating for Japanese Beetles (Popilia japonica)
Have you noticed 1/2” long, shiny, metallic green beetles in your garden? Is your plant foliage becoming lacy? Chances are your garden is infested with Japanese beetles. These insects are most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States. Their infestations seem to be cyclic. After suffering a year of severe damage we sometimes go several years with minimal problems. These beetles attack over 250 different kinds of plants. Therefore, a large number of gardeners are at risk …
Home Remedies – Insects
USDA Recommends Soap and Oil for Insect Control : Household liquid detergents and cooking oils are being recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as low-cost, effective killers of garden pests. USDA scientists recommend using 1 tablespoon of detergent and 1 cup of oil – either peanut, safflower, corn, soybean, or sunflower. When ready to use, mix 1 to 2 ½ tsp of the prepared solution to one cup of water. The detergent-oil mix has been used successfully on eggplants, carrots, …
Hummingbird Favorites
A = Annual B = Biennial P = Perennial Vines: Honeysuckle (P), Trumpet (P), Morning Glory (A), Scarlet Runner Bean (A), Trumpet Creeper (P), Cardinal Climber (A), Clematis (P), Weigela (P), Mandevilla A), Mina lobata (firecracker vine) (A) Shrubs: Glossy Abelia (P), Azalea – All (P), Beauty Bush (P), Butterfly Bush – Buddleia (A), Coralberry (P), Flowering Currant (P), Tatarian Honeysuckle (P), & Yellow Honeysuckle (L. flava), Flowering Quince (P), Rose of Sharon (P), Lilac (P), …
House Plants – Moving them Outdoors for the Summer
When summer finally gets here we often get the itch to move our indoor plants outdoors. If you do, don’t forget they will all need to come back in for winter. All this moving can be confusing to the plant and hard work for you. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Do all plants need to go outdoors for the summer? No, but almost all plants will benefit from a few months of fresh air, frequent showers and …
Papa Joe’s Herb Chart
Herb Name Hardiness Uses Light Needs Water Needs Spacing Light Shade Sun Avg. Moist Dry Basil – ‘Aristotle’ Annual Pesto – Use fresh in Soups, Sauces, Fish, Meat dishes . ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Boxwood’ Annual Pesto, Tomato dishes, and Salads, as well as ornamental. Tight mounds of small leaves resembling boxwood. ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Genovese’ Annual Pesto – Use fresh in Soups, Sauces, Fish, Meat dishes . ***** ***** 24″ Basil – ‘Mammoth’ Annual Pesto – …
Drying Herbs
Leafy herbs with long stems can be tied in bunches and hung upside down to air dry out of sunlight. Ventilation and air circulation are very important. Microwave drying is another method. When microwaved herbs have a tendency to retain their green color. Place clean and patted dry herbs in a single layer between 2 paper towels. Microwave about 2 minutes, being careful not to cook them, you only want to dry them. Leaves should remain whole and placed in …
Garlic
Soil Garlic prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and major nutrients with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. We recommend preparing the soil several weeks prior to planting using plenty of organic amendments and fertilizer. This will allow beneficial soil organisms to increase. Sowing Remove outer skin from the bulb (not individual cloves) and split cloves from the bulb just prior to planting. This tells the clove it is time to sprout roots. Plant the best cloves. The larger …