How to Control Poison Ivy

Author: Marilyn Pokorney

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Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readily found along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams. But it can also be found in your own back yard. It is planted there in bird droppings from the birds who eat the berries of the plant.

So how does one get rid of the rash producing plant? Here are some tips:

* Poison Ivy control is most effective May through July while the plants are flowering.

* Pulling out the plant with rubber gloves is temporarily effective but the plants roots will regrow.

* Never burn it as the smoke from the burning plant can cause very serious respiratory and eye problems.

* Mowing the plant will eventually kill it but be sure to use a mower with a collection bag and don't touch the remains when emptying it. This method will take several years to completely eradicate the plant from your yard.

* Don't use a weed-eater as that will only spread the broken pieces of the plant everywhere. Dried poison ivy is just as poisonous as fresh. It is said that even 100 year old leaves can still cause a reaction.

* Suffocation with black plastic has been known to work. This too takes time.

* An organic method consists of spraying the plant with salt water. A ratio of one cup salt to a gallon of water with a few drops of liquid soap added to help the mixture adhere to the plant.

* Broadleaf herbicides work but will kill any neighboring plants. Usually poison ivy is intertwined among plants that you want to keep, including trees. Using selective herbicides like Roundup can be applied to the plant stems as they are cut off to prevent resprouting.

No matter what control method you use, be careful to avoid exposing your skin to the plant. Wear gloves, long pants, socks and shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt.

For more information about ridding your yard and garden of this pesky plant:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/poisonivy.htm

About the author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Watching Your Children's Garden Grow

Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis

Article: Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their own garden patch and a spot to dig. Children love getting their hands dirty and watching things grow.

Be sure to buy good quality, child sized gardening tools. Plastic toy versions just won't hold up to the task. You will also need children's gloves and a watering can.

Mark off the garden area and turn the soil. Kids can help break up any lumps with their hands. Work in some organic compost.

Choose seeds that will grow quickly. Small children get impatient if their plants take too long to sprout. Radishes, Snapdragons, Cosmos, and Sunflowers will all germinate quickly. Carrots and strawberries are also easy to grow-- and yummy to eat.

Large seeds like beans and Morning Glories are easy for small fingers to push into the ground. You can start your seeds indoors in an eggshell carton. When the seedlings are an inch high, tear off the egg carton, and leaving the soil intact, transplant the seedlings outside.

Or, try placing beans on a wet paper towel inside a zip top bag. Tape the bag to a sunny window and wait for the seeds to germinate. I can remember, as a child, checking my beans every morning before school. The first shoots appeared to my delight and we carefully transplanted the beans outdoors.

Make garden markers by painting small rocks. This will help kids keep track of their selections.

Make it fun! Grow a sunflower house by planting the sunflowers in a circle with a space in the middle big enough for your kids to hide. Be sure to leave room for a door.

Grow a spaghetti garden. Plant herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. My kids love to snip fresh herbs. They stuff their pockets full of scented "spaghetti" herbs.

Share your garden with butterflies and hummingbirds. Zinnias, Verbena, and Cosmos are butterfly favorites. Hummingbirds love the nectar from Nasturtium and Lantana, and Hollyhocks.

Children love to pick up bugs and worms. Poke holes in the top of an old jar. Add some dirt and a few, new found specimens. Be sure to release the critters back into nature after a few hours.

Arm your kids with cameras to take photos throughout the summer. They will enjoy remembering the fruits of their labor. And, the pictures will help your budding gardener plan for next year.

Happy planting. And, don't forget to pick a few bouquets for mom.

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: 1. Printed in its full form with no changes 2. Includes an active link 3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact 4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article: About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit <http://www.togetherparenting.com> To subscribe to her online newsletter, go to <http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp>

About the author: About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit <http://www.togetherparenting.com> To subscribe to her online newsletter, go to <http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp>

Orange Perennials For Your Garden

Author: Lee Dobbins

Article: Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes, I forget that I even have them planted and then they spring up to my surprise and delight! I like to add some zip to my garden with flowers that are orange in color. They add a vibrant touch and the brilliant colors attract birds and insects.

Here's some of my favorite orange perennials: Butterfly Weed – This flowers in summer and can get as high as three feet. It has compact clusters of flowers and as the name implies, it does attract butterflies!

Day Lily – I see this beautiful flower growing wild all over the place here in New Hampshire. It blooms in summer and sits on 30" tall stalks. These perennials are virtually care free and will grow in most locations. Since 1 stalk can have over fourty flowers, you can have a bed of these that blooms for a month or more in the summer.

Gaillardia – This comes in a regular size that has 4" daisy like flowers and a dwarf size. The plant is short growing to about 2 feet and blooms in summer. These like to be planted in the full sun but are quite hardy and you can extend the bloom time if you cut off the fading flowers. And the best thing is that they also attract butterflies!

Helianthemum - Blooms This is a good ground cover that blooms in summer It is easy to grow on rocky slopes and creates a border of color. If you are lucky it will bloom twice, once in early summer and then again in late summer.

Oriental Poppy – Beautiful orange flowers that bloom in spring and grow to 24". These beautiful perennials like a sunny spot with well drained soil.

Torch lily - This interesting perennial blooms in summer and produces spikes of orange cone shaped flowers that can grow to 6 feet. It likes to be planted in a sunny location and is great for zones 5 – 10. This plant attracts hummingbirds! Trumpet Creeper – I had one of these beautiful vines growing wild up my chimney. It blooms in mid to late summer and has trumpet shaped flowers that hang from it's lush vines. It will cling to anything and can grow up to 30 feet. It can also grow as a shrub when it has nothing to cling to. It grows quickly and also attracts hummingbirds.

About the author: Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of <a href=""http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com"">Backyard Garden And Patio</a> where you can learn how to turn your backyard into an oasis and find out more about <a href=""http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com/garden-flowers.htm l""> garden flowers</a>

You Can Have a Mosquito Free Yard

Author: Sarah Yee

Article: In addition to the fact that mosquitoes are both annoying and cause some level of discomfort when you're unfortunate enough to be the entree on their daily menu, they also carry disease which can affect the animal, bird and human populations. In order to keep the possibility of such a fate to a minimum, you'll need to initiate steps to control these pests in the home environment.

Water that accumulates in tires, buckets and other types of outdoor containers provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Your yard should be carefully inspected for any signs of pooled water that might attract these insects. It doesn't take much to entice mosquitoes to hang around, once they've found a swampy area that they can call home.

Gutters should be checked on a regular basis, in order to avoid the accumulation of leaves and other objects that might form a blockage. When this happens, water can accumulate and offer the irresistible temptation for mosquitoes to breed. This is especially true in those climates which experience autumn, since fallen leaves are abundant and the foliage is often damp due to rain.

Children's wading pools can be the equivalent of a spa for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty the pool at least once each week and refill it with fresh water, if the pool is in constant use. When it's not being used, empty and dry it thoroughly and store it indoors – within a storage shed, basement, garage or other structure that can accommodate its dimensions.

Make it a point to fill holes or depressions in the ground around your home, as well as hollow stumps or holes within the trunks of trees. These, too, can gather water and lure mosquitoes to nest in the area. Be sure not to use foliage, grass or some other type of natural product that might serve to retain water and become akin to a comfy mattress on the mosquitoes' bed.

Screens, doors, windows and other entryways that may contain holes or other violations of their integrity should be repaired in order to keep mosquitoes from entering the home. Of course, it goes without saying that doors and windows that don't include screens should never be left ajar. This would be the equivalent of ringing the dinner bell for these pesky insects.

If you should happen to have an ornamental water garden on your property, be sure to keep the water stocked with mosquito-eating fish, such as goldfish, minnows or guppies. When mosquitoes hover over the water – which they're inclined to do – the fish will eat them and help to reduce their population around your home.

Other precautions, such as covering trash cans, barrels and stored boats will also help your efforts at pest control, but don't rely on bug zappers. These do very little to discourage mosquitoes from taking residence around your home. Your focus should, instead, be on ridding yourself of the excess water that may have accumulated in key points around your property.

About the author: Sarah Yee is a writer for http://www.mosquitocontrolguide.com, which mosquito information and mosquito control tips both at home and on the road.

Hostas - Plantain Lily

Author: Linda Paquette

Article: Hostas, commonly known as the plantain lily, own so many distinctive characteristics that it's difficult to pinpoint which of them has pushed it ahead of the day lily (Hemerocallis) as the most sought after herbaceous perennial for the home garden in the US.

A low maintenance plant, shade tolerant, and hardy in zones three through nine, there are currently over 2500 species of hostas available. Native to the Orient, hostas were first imported to Europe in the late 1700's and made their way across the Atlantic in mid 19th century.

One interesting fact about hostas is that they don't reach full maturity until between their fourth and eighth year. Moreover, with each season hostas clumps become larger and wider, colors become more intense and leaf patterns acquire wider variegations, dimples, and other traits like seer suckering.

Grown primarily for foliage, hostas leaves may be either solid in color or variegated and are enough to add a rainbow to any garden with colors that include white, ivory, gold, green and even blue. Moreover, a single cultivar may exhibit striking differences in its foliage, depending on the amount of sun it receives.

In addition, hostas bloom in summer with lavender to white lily-like flowers on tall spikes. Those hybridized from Hosta plantaginea not only carry 6-inch long white flowers but add a delicate fragrance to your flower garden as well.

However, as could be expected with a genus so rich in cultivars, hostas come in all kinds of sizes. The miniature "Baby Bunting" reaches only a few inches in diameter at maturity while some cultivars may span eight feet across.

Although widely available at nurseries and garden centers, most often hostas are propagated by lifting and dividing mature plants in late summer.

Hostas grow best in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Soil should be slightly acidic but rich in nutrients and organic matter. Plant hostas at least a foot deep. Because the shallow root clump spread horizontally and equal the diameter of the foliage, planting holes should be about 1 ½ the size you expect from the mature clump.

Hostas like water. Keep new plantings well watered for the first two weeks. After that, your hostas will benefit from a deep (1-inch minimum) weekly watering, which aids in healthy root development. Symptoms of inadequate moisture are leaf tip burning and drooping.

About the author: Linda is the lead author of <a href=""http://www.gardening-guides.com"">Gardening Guides</a> Hundreds of articles on Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Garden Design Ideas and tips

The Wild Spikenard

Author: J.A Carpunky

Article: The Wild Spikenard also goes by the names of False Solomon's Seal, and Solomon's Zig-zag. Its scientific name is Smilacina racemosa. This plant has white or greenish colored, small, slightly fragrant, densely packed flowers. It grows one to three feet tall, and has a simple, slightly angled stem which tends to be leafy and sometimes has a little hair on the upper parts. The leaves of this lily are lance-shaped and grow from three to six inches long. They have a fine hairy growth on the under side.

This wild flower also sports batches of aromatic, round berries which tend to be pale red speckled in color. It likes to grow in moist woods, thickets, or hillsides and the flowers bloom from May to July. This one likes the southern regions of the United States, from Georgia over to Arizona.

The False Solomon's Seal tends to grow close to true Solomon's Seal, so novice gardeners can confuse the two. But the feathery plume of greenish-white blossoms that crowns the false Solomon's Seal's somewhat zig-zagged stem is very different from the small, greenish, bell-shaped flowers, usually nodding in pairs along the stem, under the leaves, from the axils of the true Solomon's Seal. Later in summer, when hungry birds wander through the woods with increased families, the Wild Spikenard offers them branching clusters of pale red speckled berries, whereas the true Solomon's Seal plant gives them blue-black fruit to feast on.

More about ""True"" Solomon's Seal, also known as Hairy, or Twin-flowered Solomon's Seal. The scientific name for this wild flower is Polygonatum biflorum. As noted above, this plant produces whitish or yellowish green tubular bell-shaped flowers. It can put out up to four flowers at once, but usually tends to produce two at a time - thus the name ""Twin-Flowered"" - per penduncle. The twin-flowered solomon's seal has simple, slender, leafy stems and grows from eight inches to three feet tall. The leaves can be oval, pointed or lance-shaped and grow from two to four inches long. These have a soft, hairy texture along the veins on the underside of the leaf. It too produces berries, and these are a blue-black color. The plant tends to wilt after producing the berries.

This wild flower prefers to grow in the woods or thickets, and on shady banks. It flowers from April to June and does well in areas such as Florida and Michigan. http://www.garden-scoop.com

About the author: http://www.garden-scoop.com

The Home Garden

Author: Charles French

Article: The Home Garden

The garden should be near the house and away from trees. If it's some distance away from the house, it will not be as well looked after, nor will most use be made of vegetables grown. Vegetables near trees cannot get full sunshine; even more important, tree roots will rob them of water and fertilizer they need to do their best.

If you can, move the garden spot every 10 years or so to help keep down diseases. Proper rotation and use of disease-resistant varieties will help, but sooner or later the old garden spot becomes so full of various disease spores and nematodes that you cannot grow a good crop of many vegetables without use of special soil fumigants.

Soil should, of course, be well drained. Few vegetables can stand ""wet feet."" A sandy loam with a clay subsoil is best. Heavy clay soils may be made quite suitable by adding heavy quantities of stable manure or compost, or by turning under cover crops, preferably legumes such as vetch, clover soybeans.

Since the best quality quantity of vegetables cannot be duced on anything but a fertile soil, do whatever is needed to make it fertile.

Requirements for growth. 1. Proper degree of heat. 2. Moisture. 3. Oxygen in the air is essential for seed germination and good growth.

English peas, for example, will sprout when soil termperature is only a few degrees above freezing, while seed such as tomatoes will not germinate at all.

To start these tender vegetables for early crops, artificial heat, as in hotbeds, is needed. Otherwise, for early crops, buy plants from commercial growers, or from local growers who produce them with artificial heat. Tender vegetables that do not transplant such as melons, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and squash, should not be planted outdoors until soil has warmed up. These may, however, be started earlier in small pots in a hotbead.

To make the most out of your gardening efforts, take time to do some planning. Also keep a record of wheather you had too much or too little of certain vegatables at any time during the season for a continuous supply. Don't trust it all to memory.

Things to consider when planting.

1. How much of each vegetable to grow to supply your family needs.

2. Which vegetables are most need for good health.

3. How much extra to plant for storage

4. Which varities are best to plant.

5. When to plant for continuous growth and supply.

6. Which pesticides are best for control of insects and diseases.

7. Supplies needed such as, sprayers, dusters, tools, fertilizer, or mulching material.

Jotting this down on paper, plus any notes made during the season about special pest problems or how a new variety or practice turned out, will be valuable the next season when planning and planting time roll around.

About the author: Charles French is a freenlance writer and webmaster for Decorating Country Home

Gardening with annuals

Author: Tony Robinson

Article: Annuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, and it is hard to beat annuals for low cost, beautiful blooms and ease of planting. All most annuals need in order to thrive is proper water, sufficient sunlight and a good well balanced soil. Let's take a quick look at each of these important elements for growing a spectacular bed of annuals.

Soil Most types of annuals will do best in when given a well drained soil containing a moderate amount of humus. If you start a compost bin at home, you can provide your own high quality humus, or you can buy prepared humus from your favorite garden store. If your soil is very dry or contains a lot of clay it can be supplemented with manure or high quality compost.

Sunlight Most varieties of annuals need to have at least six hours of full sunlight per day. Many types of annuals, such as argeratum, browallia, coleus, fuschia, dianthus, pansy, and impatiens, do well in partial shade or in filtered sunlight, but few if any annuals will thrive in complete shade. It is important to take these sunlight needs into account when planning your flower bed.

pH Level Most annuals tolerate a pH range from 6 to 7.4. Soil that is too acidic to fit this range can be amended with lime, while soil that is too alkaline can be amended with aluminum sulfate.

Water The watering needs of annuals vary according to variety, and it is important to provide water in accordance with the needs of each plant.

Choosing the best plants Finding the best plants is very important, and it is important for the gardener to determine whether to grow the annuals from seed or buy transplants. When purchasing ready to plant stock from a nursery or garden enter, it is important to choose the plants carefully. It is important to buy only deep green, healthy looking plants. Most varieties of annuals do their best if they are transplanted before they have fully bloomed. It is also important to provide the plants with shade and water if they cannot be planted immediately.

Planting times Most annuals should not be planted until all danger of frost has past. Most varieties should be planted in warm soil, while hardy and half hardy varieties can be planted while the evenings are still cool.

Planting annuals The best time to plant most annuals is during the late afternoon. In most cases you will want to water the plants and the soil in the bed before the annuals are planted. When transplanting the seedlings, it is important not to disturb the roots. The hole in which the seedlings are planted should be dug slightly larger than the root ball, and the plant should be planted at the same level it had been in the transplant container. After the plant has been put into place, the soil should be carefully arranged around the roots and watered thoroughly after planting. It is important to keep the plant moist until the roots have established themselves.

About the author: Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to ""Smell the Roses"". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com

Home Fragrance in Vogue

Author: Carol A Cass

Article: <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> The home fragrance market is booming. From perfume, toiletries, and cosmetics to pre packaged foods. It is currently a multi billion dollar industry that continues to show strong growth. The strongest growth has taken place in the last 5 years and is expected to continue through 2007 and beyond. Western Europe, Japan, and the US continue to lead with 65 percent of demand and over three-quarters of world wide production of home fragrance products. Rapid growth of home fragrance sales has also been registered in Asia/Pacific, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> Market researchers attribute the growing trend of home fragrance popularity in the US to the fact that we are spending more time at home. We are using home fragrances to UN-stress ourselves and make our indoor environment a healthier and more pleasing place to be. And we like it, it makes us feel good. Consumer research is quite convincing. People feel better about themselves and are more comfortable at home when a home fragrance delivery system in use.</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> Market researchers also point out that consumers are eagerly embracing home fragrance products that neutralize odors and bacteria in our indoor air, not just cover them up. A stylish home fragrance delivery system which can be displayed as decor in the home or work place. Consumers desire an attractive as well as efficient home fragrance delivery system.</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> There are many home fragrance delivery systems available to us today. From the plug-ins, solids, and sprays, to name a few, which temporarily mask or cover up odors and are readily available in the local supermarket. To the stylish and very much in vogue Fragrance Lamps which you won't find in the local supermarket. Fragrance Lamps can be found in specialty gift and decor shops, and on line. One such Fragrance Lamp is the La Tee Da collection of fragrance lamps.<a href=""http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com/la-tee-da_effusion_lamp s.asp"" target=""_blank""> http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com/la-tee-da_effusion_lamps.asp< /a> La Tee Da is leading the way in home fragrance effusion lamp technology. La Tee Da's exclusive scalloped burner design enhances the home fragrance experience. La Tee Da fragrance lamps or ffusion lamps as they are sometimes called are made of hand blown art glass. These fragrance lamps come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. La Tee Da fragrance lamps befit any decor, home or work place. </font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> Sonia Perez of Coronet Gift Solutions <a href=""http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com"" target=""_blank"">http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com in Florida says her retail customers are becoming creative in their approach to home fragrance. ""They like to have different fragrances for each room of their houses. Say, Verbena in the bedroom and Sandalwood Mahogany in the living room or den."" Some of her customers fragrance 3 or 4 rooms, each with a different fragrance. Sonia recommends fragrance lamps because of their style and their ability to sanitize the air while they fragrance it. ""Fragrance lamps are great! And collectable too."" She also supplies interior designers who love using fragrance lamps as a decor embellishment. ""The La Tee Da lamps work well as an attractive accent piece to the design scheme and at the same time fragrance and sanitize the room or entire house, and their clients adore them"" .Pure indoor air has become a priority with consumers says Sonia. ""Women want more than just pretty air; they want clean air at home and at the office.""</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> The La Tee Da fragrance lamp catalytic conversion process is the same as that used by the old time European catalytic burner (effusion lamp) of Justus Von Liebig. Using this catalytic conversion La Tee Da fragrance lamps are highly efficient at sanitizing indoor air, not masking it. These fragrance lamps kill bacteria, including odor causing bacteria, and the unpleasant smells from dirty laundry, pets, mold, musty closets, and bathrooms. Frying fish tonight? No problem. La Tee Da to the rescue! Cooking odors neutralized, fast. Not just temporarily masked. Automobile anufacturers utilize the same catalytic conversion process on the cars we drive to reduce or eliminate noxious fumes, smoke, and odors from automobile exhaust. </font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> In Europe, before the days of modern electronic indoor air purification, the catalytic burner (effusion lamp) was used extensively in institutions such as hospitals, medical clinics and other facilities that required a high degree of indoor air purity. German holistic chemist Justus Von Liebig discovered that through the oxidation of primary alcohols the effusion lamp was efficient in neutralizing bacteria, allergens, and other impurities in the air including smoke and foul odors.</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> Aware of the health benefits of the effusion lamp, the French began to add liquid fragrance to their effusion lamps. Leave it to the French to transform the effusion lamp into the home fragrance delivery system we today call fragrance lamps. <a href=""http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com/la-tee-da_fragrance_lam pes.asp"" target=""_blank"">http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com/la-tee-da_fra grance_lampes.asp</a> Fragrance lamps have for many years been a fixture in homes across the European Continent and are rapidly gaining popularity in North America. Why? Because fragrance lamps sanitize as well as fragrance your indoor oxygen. Neurologist Alan Hirsh director of the Smell and Taste Treatment Center of Chicago has studied fragrance and the positive relation it can have as an aid in learning, reducing or increasing the desire to eat, and in arousal.</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif""> Retailers and restaurateurs are taking notice of the power of fragrance. Case studies of restaurants and retail shops using fragrance delivery systems to create ambiance and a perceived pleasurable shopping experience are quite satisfied with the results of fragrance. Customer surveys consistently prove that fragrance ranks high among reasons for customer loyalty to a particular store or eatery. Also customer word of mouth advertising regarding the fragrant environment brings in new customers. Retailers are exploring the power of fragrance, or scent to stimulate favorable emotional and behavioral responses of consumers. Hirsh also points out that the Nobel Prize in medicine was last year granted to researchers who discovered how olfactory receptor cells enable humans to recognize and store in memory 10.000 different odors. Hirsh states, ""I think we are going to be seeing interior decorating with smells in the future, the same way we do with color."" Sounds good to me. Decorate my bedroom in Verbena, my bathroom in Lavender, and my kitchen in Cinnamon Apple. Fragrance me with Bayberry in the den and Fresh Cut Clover in the laundry room. Sound good to you too? You bet it does!</font></p> <p align=""justify""><font size=""3"" face=""Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"">

About the author: Carol A Cass, the successful owner of "Interior Design by Carol" in Tampa Bay Florida was born and brought up in NYC where she resides with her husband and two children. Before relocating to Florida, Carol was a senior designer and general manager at one of New York's most prestigious design house. <a href=""http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com"" target=""_blank"">http://www.coronetgiftsolutions.com

Organic Roses in the Flower Garden

Author: Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Article: Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is healthier for them and their environment. It is natural that you may wish to grow your roses this way also. Using the pesticides and insecticides that are usually considered to go along with growing roses and keeping them healthy can cause many people have to health problems . Maybe you just don't want those kind of chemicals in your garden and around your children. This article will give some pointers in using more natural methods of growing your roses.

1. First do your homework and find out what type of roses grow well in your area. Buy disease resistant varieties. If you live in an area that has problems with a certain disease, look for a variety that is resistant to it. If you can, purchase organic roses. As they have already been growing with organic methods, this supposes they are ""healthier"". and not already loaded with chemicals. Thus they have a stronger immune system. Of course, buy roses with no blemishes on them.

2. Roses like full sun. Make sure they are placed so as to get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.

3. Do not crowd your roses together. Ensure that stress is reduced by providing lots of space for air to circulate around the bush. Take growth of the rose bush into account.

4. Plant your roses in good loamy soil. If your soil is not ideal, then amend it with organic material such as from your compost pile. You do have a compost pile, don't you? Roses like well draining soil but they don't want it draining as fast as you might get with sand, so amend your sandy soil. If you have clay soil, an alternative requiring a bit of work is to build a raised bed for your roses much like vegetable gardeners use. It should be at least a foot deep but more is better. Fill it with will amended soil.

5. Keep your watering consistent. Don't allow your plants to dry out and suffer stress before watering. Roses can need up to 2 inches of water a week. Water every two to three days. This, of course, depends on your area and the type of weather (how much rainfall) you are getting. Also, be careful not to stress the plant by overwatering and depriving the roots of oxgen.

6. Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulching can reduce the stress on your rose in several ways. It helps to hold in moisture which can be very good in a hot, dry climate. It helps maintain a more even temperature in the root zone. And mulch can smother weeds that could be competition for your lovely roses. As the mulch decomposes, it adds more nutrients to the soil around your plant. Lastly, it can cut down on some of your work. ;-)

7. Roses are, what could be considered, heavy feeders. They respond well to fertilizer and should be fertilized on a consistent schedule. Most organic fertilizers are slow-acting and may produce less spectacular results of a non-organic fertilizer. Some organic fertilizers to consider are composted manure, fish emulsion, alfalfa meal, blood meal, and cottonseed meal. If you wish to have a truly organic rose garden, you should ensure that your fertilizer is also organic. Of all these the only one you can be sure is truly organic would be your composted manure if you know exactly where it comes from and how the animals are raised. Perhaps you should consider your own animals raised organically. Chicken manure is very high in nitrogen and some localities allow a small backyard flock. Make sure it is composted thoroughly as chicken manure is very ""hot"" and will burn your plants.

8. Prune your roses in the early spring. To keep your roses healthy, get out the dead wood, damaged wood and anything that starts to look diseased (and don't compost these trimmings). Thin out your plant to keep it from being crowded. Don't allow branches to rub against each other. This will allow air and sunlight to get to the whole plant keeping it healthier.

In part 2 later this week, we will discuss some organic methods of combating specific diseases and pests.

About the author: Find more <a href=""http://flowergardenlovers.com"" title=""Rose Gardens"">Rose Garden </a>articles, as well as part 2 of this article, and other gardening tips for Flower Garden Lovers at our website.

Perennials in the Flower Garden

Author: Sandra Dinkins-Wilson

Article: Perennials are the basic flowers of any flower garden. To many people, a flower garden is simply beds of perennials. Each year they die and renew themselves for the next growing season. They can be long-lived and last for many seasons. However, care must be taken for the rapid growers which may smother less vigorous flowers. Perennials such as the iris and shasta daisies must be divided or transplanted every few years to prevent this from happening. This is a simple process which we will cover in another article.

Historically, perennials are among our oldest plants. They have been cultivated for centuries and can bear little to no resemblance to their wild antecedents. In some perennials, the blossoms have become so specialized through centuries of cultivation that they no longer grow 'seeds'. Indeed most perennials reproduce by sending up new plants from the base of the old one which is why the dividing process spoken of earlier must take place at intervals.

Another supposed disadvantage is the tendency of certain perennials to die down after flowering, thereby leaving gaps in the garden. There are a number of ways to solve this problem and the resultant spaces. One way is to intersperse perennials with annuals and other flowering plants, whose bloom occurs either later or earlier than that of the perennials. Instead of being a disadvantage, think of this as an opportunity to phase in more flowering plants into your garden design.

Some perennials are easy to transplant. Mums, for example, can be moved from one place to another with no noticeable effect. This is yet another way to keep the color and blooms in your flower garden throughout the growing season.

When your perennials do die down, remove and compost the dead and dying foliage and flowers. If the planting is large enough and accessible, some gardeners will simply mow over the spent flowers.

Perennials, either by themselves or mixed with annuals and other plants, can be placed along a path, or as a border against a background of trees, shrubs, a wall or fence. Such a background shows the flowers to best advantage. When planning such a border or planting along a path, care should be taken to consider the ultimate height of the plant, it's season of bloom, the color of the flower, and its hardiness and preference for sun or shade, type of soil and amount of water.

About the author: Find more <a href=""http://flowergardenlovers.com"" title=""Gardening Tips"">Gardening Tips</a> and other flower gardening articles at our informative website.

Green Thumb Gifts: Beyond Gardening Gloves

Author: The Gift Wizard

Article: Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners - no pun intended) have begun the quest for a weedless lawn, or a bountiful garden. But if you're looking for gifts for someone with a green thumb (or someone with green thumb envy), consider the situation first.

Some people think of gardening as a chore. Others see it as relaxing. Some will see it as exercise, and still others consider it art. Some people have the magic touch in the garden, while others couldn't grow mold if they tried! This is important when considering gardening gifts. You need to know if you should give something to make gardening easier, more fulfilling, more challenging, or more fun.

For those people who see it as a chore, gardening just adds more items onto the never-ending to-do list. In this case, you need to consider gardening gifts that will make these outdoor chores easier, faster, and less of a hassle.

Power tools and storage & organization aids usually fall into this category, along with the ever popular lawn tractor. A leaf blower/vacuum can make clean-up a breeze (again - no pun intended). The same can be said for a pressure washer. Heavy jobs are made easier with a wheelbarrow or yard cart. And organizing a collection of garden tools is simple with a storage bench or shed. Other ideas include a convenient watering timer.

If your gift recipient enjoys gardening as a hobby, you'll want to take a look at gardening gifts that can bring more fulfillment or enjoyment to the outdoors. They would benefit from a magazine subscription like ""Garden Design"", or a gardening book (""Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass"") to help cultivate their ideas. Garden enthusiasts like to sit back and enjoy their hard work, so patio furniture and accessories would also be a great gift.

And let's not forget the gardener wanna-be: those whom we love that just can't seem to keep that plant alive - whose thumb isn't really green at all! Start off with a how-to book like ""Lawn Care For Dummies"" or ""Taylor's Encyclopedia of Garden Plants"", and complement that with some basic gardening tools or accessories. These types of gifts would also be great for first-time home buyers.

For the gardener who already ""has it all"", you might want to consider something a little more unique, like an indoor grow light, solar stepping stones, or a cascading fountain. And if you're just not sure what to get, there's always a gift certificate or gift card.

For more gardening gift ideas, visit <a href=http://www.the-gift-wizard.com/gardening-gifts.html> http://www.the-gift-wizard.com/gardening-gifts.html

About the author: The Gift Wizard is a gift researcher for <a href='http://www.the-gift-wizard.com'>http://www.the-gift-wizard. com</a>

Improving Your Health & Quality of Life with Flowers

Author: Burgundy Shank

Article: Most people can appreciate flowers for their extreme beauty and wonderful scents. We have such a strong connection with them, responding very positively to their ability to bring joy, as well as their use at gatherings such as weddings, funerals and like celebrations.

Flowers also posses an even deeper ability to help heal our bodies when we are not at our best, and prevent illnesses from returning. Many flowers posses an essence, or life's energy, within their petals that can greatly enhance different aspects of our lives. While the list is great, I'd like to talk about some commonly available ones that are simple to introduce into daily life, returning extreme benefits with minimal effort.

Lavender flowers are recognized by many for their relaxing properties. What many people aren't aware of is that they're also very handy for cooking! While the essential oil is unsafe to digest, the fresh flowers can provide significant flavor to sugar by placing a spring into a jar and allowing it to sit for a couple of weeks. Those who are handy in the kitchen will enjoy lavender to make the most delicious cookies and ice cream. Even in its dried form, lavender can be steeped to produce a flowery tasting tea, or cooled for an incredibly moisturizing facial rinse.

Calendula (more commonly known as marigold) is a great flower to have around if you experience regular problems with your skin. Its petals secrete a soothing oil that helps to heal anything from acne to eczema, and can even help to smooth over blemishes over time when used regularly. The petals can be soaked in olive oil for a couple of weeks, then removed for an easy-to-use salve for problem skin, and can also be used as a hot oil treatment for hair. Dried petals work best for making calendula oil.

Chamomile is becoming more readily available at nurseries both in seed and plant form for you to add to your summer herb garden. The dainty little flowers make a cute addition to any indoor herb box, and make a relaxing evening tea. Soaking the petals in a carrier oil will provide a safe remedy for babies that are teething.

Growing a garden at home becomes even more pleasurable when you can enjoy the flowers for healing purposes in addition to their visual benefits. For those lacking a green thumb, these flowers are also readily available in their dried form in many health food stores or online.

About the author: Burgundy Shank makes handmade personal care products using lavender and calendula petals for their healing benefits. She also shares her lavender cookie and ice cream recipes, as well as recipes for natural at home beauty care in her newsletter, "Beauty Secrets from Around the World" at http://www.burgundysoap.com

About Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Author: Lesley Dietschy

Article: Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving from flower to flower in search of the tasty nectar within. These beautiful and tiny birds weigh about 2 to 20 grams and are found in a wide variety of environments from the high Andes to lowlands, and from dry desert areas to rainforests. They have slender beaks, extensible tongues, ten primary feathers, and tiny feet suitable for perching but not walking.

Hummingbirds can fly straight up, straight down, backwards, left, right, and even upside down. While most birds obtain their flight strength only from the down stroke, hummingbirds have power on the up stroke as well.

Most hummingbirds flap their wings about fifty times a second and have a very fast heartbeat and high body temperature. They feed every ten minutes or so throughout the day and typically consume two-thirds of their body weight in a single day. Their source of nutrition is primarily nectar from flowers, as well as sources of protein from insects and tiny spiders.

The key to attracting hummingbirds to your garden mainly consists of the right type of flowers and places where they can perch and rest during the day, such as trees or large plants. Hummingbirds are guided by visual means and are particularly attracted to certain shades of red. According to The Hummingbird Society, there are several possible explanations for their preference of red blossoms. Given that insects also see nectar, they can be regarded as competitors. Nearly all insects see well in the visible and near-ultraviolet light but poorly in the red end of the spectrum. Also, a red blossom may appear nearly black and unattractive to a number of insects, but not to the hummingbird, which can see the full visible spectrum but also some in the ultraviolet. This makes it less likely that an insect has taken nectar from a red flower. Another likely explanation is that during migration, red blossoms effectively contrast with a green environment more than other colored flowers do.

Hummingbirds are welcomed guests to nearly all gardens. By planting flowering shrubs and plants that are their favored food source, we can easily attract them to become regular visitors to our gardens. Below is a short list of their preferred flowering plants by common name, separated by region:

Southeastern United States:

•Butterfly Bush •Cardinal Flower •Coral or Trumpet Honeysuckle •Cypress Vine •Native Trumpet Creeper •Texas Sage

Southwest United States:

•Indian Paintbrush •Lantana •Lily of the Nile •Mexican Honeysuckle •Texas Sage •Western Coral Bean

West Coast United States:

•Beebalm •Bottle Brush •Cape Fuchsia •Colombine •Salmonberry •Woodland Orchard

Northeastern United States:

•Blue Lobelia •Cardinal Flower •Hollyhock •Red Morning Glory •Salvia •Scarlet Sage

Midwest United States:

•Coral Bells •Coral Honeysuckle •Foxglove •Hosta •Impatients •Lilac

Even though flowers are the natural means to attract hummingbirds to your garden, man-made feeders filled with a mixture of water and sugar (sucrose) are an essential alternative. Sugar, whether from a flower or a feeder, is a necessary nutrient in a hummingbird's diet. Tests have shown that hummingbirds favor sucrose in flower nectar more than other sugars such as fructose and glucose. Therefore, with the proper ratio of ingredients, your feeder becomes a good substitute to the flowers that hummingbirds like best.

The formula for the mixture used in hummingbird feeders is 4 parts water (not distilled) to 1 part table sugar. Boil the mixture for one to two minutes, then cool and store in refrigerator. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Do not use red food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners in your mixture, as this could be harmful to the hummingbirds.

If one of your goals is to attract hummingbirds to your garden, a visit to your local nursery is a great starting point. Find an experienced employee who can tell you which species of plants grow well in your area and have a history of successfully attracting hummingbirds. Most importantly, be imaginative and have fun planting and growing your garden to attract beautiful hummingbirds.

About the author: Copyright 2005, Lesley Dietschy, All rights reserved.

Lesley Dietschy is the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange, a popular home decor, garden decor, and home improvement website. Please visit the website for quality resources, articles, ideas, tips, free projects, and much more. The website also has a shopping marketplace and a unique Gallery featuring Pine Needle Baskets and Gourd Art. http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

When to Plant Vegetables

Author: Chip Phelan

Article: If you're planting a vegetable garden you'll want to pay close attention to frost and freeze dates to determine when to plant. This article gives an overview of how to determine when to plant and offers links to additional online resources for determining your frost and freeze dates.

Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from species to species. In much of the United States the prime consideration is the date of the last spring frost/freeze. Many vegetables can be planted up to four weeks before the last frost, while others need to wait until a couple of weeks after the frost.

Another consideration is the date of the first fall frost/freeze. In northern latitudes, where summers can be short, the length of time some vegetable species take to reach maturity (most notably tomatoes and peppers) make it necessary to plant vegetable seeds indoors and then transplant the seedlings outside at the appropriate time.

Other vegetables and fruits, such as winter squashes and some melon varieties, seem to do better when planted as seeds directly where they are going to stay. With maturation times up to twelve weeks, it may be critical to get vegetable seeds planted as early as it is safe to do. If you have a short growing season, and wish to grow these crops, choose vegetable varieties that will reach maturity within a safe time period for your area.

My personal observation has been that vegetable seed crops planted at their earliest safe date are less likely to fall victim to insects than later plantings. If you have a small vegetable garden it's not too difficult to reseed if a surprise late frost damages a particular crop.

Many vegetable plants that are planted in the spring can be planted again towards the end of the season. Again it is important to know what date you can expect the first frost.

By understanding the times and length of frost free weather in your area you can have a better chance for success in your vegetable garden.

The National Climatic Data Center has a data sheet online that can be downloaded as a pdf file or viewed online. The data sheet contains frost/freeze information for over 3000 U.S. locations. The information is presented as a table, listed in alphabetical order by state and then selected towns within each state.

Be aware that this information is based on 29 years of data gathering from 1951 to 1980, and that they are statistical in nature and cannot unequivocally predict exact dates for any given locality in any given year.

Biodynamics and Phenology use astrological and natural occurrences to discern clues about the best time to plant and harvest vegetables. Native Americans and other earlier civilizations used similar techniques.

Most areas consist of microclimates that vary by elevation, exposure and proximity to large bodies of water. The Freeze/Frost Tables are a good reference point, but it makes sense to keep track of temperature and other factors in your particular vegetable garden location if you want to truly understand when it is actually the best time to plant vegetables.

To View or download The Frost Freeze tables; click on the link below. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/documentlibrary/freezefrost/freezefro st.pdf

About the author: Chip Phelan, a contributing editor for Organic Gardening Review, is an organic gardener living in Rhode Island. Organic Gardening Review is a resource center for organic gardening enthusiast. Find us on the web: www.organic-gardening-review.com

Looking for a place to share organic gardening info? Visit our Organic Gardening Discussion Forum at: http://p097.ezboard.com/borganicgardeningforum

Garden Accessories

Author: Johann Erickson

Article: Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in a beautiful garden filled with flowers, greenery and garden accessories. There are so many different types of garden accessories available to enhance the beauty and ambiance of your garden. From wind chimes to Pergolas to will be able to fulfill your fantasies and create a wonderful garden where not only you will enjoy spending many hours but your favorite birds can call home.

<a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/wind-chimes-windchimes.ht ml"">Wind chimes</a> are wonderful garden accessories that many people enjoy. The soothing and harmonious sound of a wind chime can be very appealing as you rest or work in your garden. Wind chimes today, come in so many different varieties and styles that you may have a hard time deciding on which one you should choose for your garden. You will be able to choose from glass, pewter, wood, or even bamboo and the styles can be from Victorian to simple. Each wind chime has a distinct personality that it will bring to your garden whether that is charming or whimsical. Along the line of wind chimes you can also include a unique garden bell. These unique bells are so charming and inviting to behold in any garden.

<a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/gardenplaques.html"">Stepp ing stones</a> are another way to bring your own personality into your garden. These wonderful garden accessories can be used to take your visitors through your magical array of plants and flowers. You will be able to place each stepping stone in just the right location to enhance the view of your magnificent garden. Even garden signs can be personalized to give your guests more information. You can just have your own name on the sign or sayings like bunnies crossing or maybe choose a name for each section of your beautiful garden. With the garden signs you will be able to enhance your garden and give it the feel that you desire.

<a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/table-top-fountains.html"" >Fountains</a> are so unique that your garden will come alive the minute you place one of these garden accessories in your garden. You will be able to find smaller fountains that will look just awesome surrounded by vines or much larger fountains that will enhance the center of the entire garden. You may even wish to go one more step and purchase an enchanting waterfall fountain. Imagine sitting on a garden bench in front of your own waterfall. Peace and tranquility will be the center of your thoughts.

Do you enjoy watching all the marvelous and graceful birds that frequent your garden? If you love watching the birds, then you should invest in a birdhouse or two. Not only, will this garden accessory enhance the beauty of your garden, but it will give those beautiful birds a new home. You will be able to include other items that the birds will enjoy such as bird baths and bird feeders. The birds will love their new home and never have to venture far with all that you have given them.

If you have the room one of the most popular garden accessories is a garden bridge. You can either place a stunning cedar garden bridge across a small fish pond or even an appealing dry bed that you have created. These unique garden bridges will intensify the beauty country charm of your garden.

Another splendid garden accessory is the garden arbors. If you are seeking enchantment, then you have found the right accessory. The entrance to your garden will be special to everyone as they walk under the garden arbor that you have created and decorated. Your garden with have so much appeal and magic you may never want to leave.

With all of the new garden accessories your garden party will be one that your guests will always remember as a walk through a magical and enchanting park instead of a garden.

About the author: Johann Erickson is the owner of <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com"">Online Discount Mart</a> and <a href=""http://www.tvproducts4less.com"">TV Products 4 Less</a>. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. He is also a contributing writer for sites such as <a href=""http://www.helpfulhomeideas.com"">Helpful Home Ideas</a>

Garden Gnomes to add whimsey to your garden

Author: Johann Erickson

Article: <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/garden-gnomes.html"">Garde n gnomes</A> are a fun addition to your garden, patio or landscaping. Adding a perfect touch of whimsy, you can count on a garden gnome to always put a smile on your face. Besides their obvious charm, garden gnomes are also believed to bring good luck to your garden. After all, a garden gnomes is supposed to help with your gardening!

First appearing in the 1840s in England, <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/garden-gnomes.html"">Garde n gnomes</A> are popular figures in all types of gardens. The whimsy and merriment of garden gnomes make them ideal decorations. Put a garden gnome at the base of a flowering bush, reclining by a flower bed, or peeking around the edge of your patio, and you'll have a delightful companion for your garden.

There are hundreds of types of <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/garden-gnomes.html"">Garde n gnomes</A> to choose from. Practical jokers, such as garden gnomes that appear to have their head stuck in the ground add a generous helping of humor. Antique reproduction garden gnomes look like busy little workers. There are brightly colored garden gnomes, color-coordinated garden gnomes and a few sweet female garden gnomes.

Garden gnomes are a world-wide phenomenon, and many stories and legends are told about their origin and behavior. In Britain garden gnomes are called Nains, in Sweden they are known as Nissen, and in Hawaii they are called Menehuenes. According to common lore, <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/garden-gnomes.html"">Garde n gnomes</A> originated in Scandinavia and later migrated, preferring hilly meadows and rocky woodlands. Telling melancholy tales and growing a thriving garden are said to be the garden gnomes favorite activities. It is also said that garden gnomes have made practical jokes an art form, so watch out! You never know what your garden gnome might be planning.

These cute little garden gnomes are just the thing to add some personality and fun to your garden. Place them in clusters or scatter them throughout the yard. It's always fun to come upon a garden gnome slightly hidden from plain view. Garden gnomes are a delightful addition to any outdoor setting.

About the author: Johann Erickson is the owner of <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com"">Online Discount Mart</a> and <a href=""http://www.tvproducts4less.com"">TV Products 4 Less</a>. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Author: Lesley Dietschy

Article: Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a gardener's best friend. The ladybug's bright coloring brings welcomed cheer to the garden, as well as helping with pest control. Since medieval times, ladybugs have been valued by farmers all over the world. Many believe that the ladybug was divinely sent to free crops of insect pests. In fact, that is how the ladybug got its name. People dedicated the bug to the Virgin Mary and therefore called it "The Bug of our Lady", which was eventually shortened to the present name "ladybug".

Adult ladybugs are usually oval or domed shaped and have red wings, yellow wings or shades and variations of these colors. The number of black spots can range from no spots to 15 spots and they are typically about one quarter inch in size or smaller.

The length of the life cycle of a ladybug varies depending upon temperature, humidity, and food supply. Usually the life cycle from egg to adult is about three to four weeks, and up to six weeks during the cooler spring months. During the spring the adult female ladybug can lay up to three hundred eggs in an aphid colony. The eggs normally hatch in two to five days. The newly hatched larvae feed on aphids for up to three weeks and then enter the pupae stage. About one week later, the adult ladybug emerges. There can be as many as six generations of ladybugs hatched in a year.

The ladybug enjoys popularity around the world. These pretty insects have long been considered a symbol of good luck and fortune because of their ability to eat an enormous amount of aphids. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 to 60 aphids per day. Aphids (also called plant lice) are herbivores and are one of the worst groups of pests on plants. They feed in colonies and damage plants by sucking the juice out of the leaves, stems, or roots. While aphids feed, they damage plant tissue creating a loss of plant fluids and the photosynthetic tissue needed to produce energy for plant growth. Some plants will show no adverse response to aphids, while others react with twisted, curled or swollen leaves or stems. Aphids also transmit many plant diseases from one plant to another.

Apart from aphids, ladybugs eat a variety of other insects and larvae including white flies, mealy bugs, spider mites, and other types of soft-bodied insects. They also require a source of pollen for food and for that reason are attracted to certain types of plants. Their preferred plants have umbrella shaped flowers such as dill, fennel, angelica, tansy, caraway, cilantro, yarrow, and wild carrot. Other plants that attract ladybugs include cosmos (especially the white ones), dandelions, coreopsis, and scented geraniums.

If your garden does not have adequate space to plant ladybug attracting plants, you can purchase ladybugs from numerous websites on the internet and most nurseries. Before releasing them into your garden, here are a few tips to help ensure that the ladybugs stay where you want them:

1.Release ladybugs near infested plants after sun down or before sun up. They navigate by the sun and are most likely to stay put in the evenings and early mornings.

2.Water the area where you are going to release the ladybugs. They will appreciate the drink and the moisture on the leaves will help the ladybugs to "stick" on the plants. If released in a dry garden, the ladybugs will most likely fly off in search of a drink instead of sticking around to eat.

3.In the warmer months, chill the ladybugs in the refrigerator before releasing them. This will not harm the ladybugs and they tend to crawl more in colder temperatures rather than fly away.

Another way to attract ladybugs to your garden is to place several ladybug habitation boxes around your garden. Fill the boxes with organic material such as peat or compost to encourage ladybugs to roost and lay eggs inside the box. In addition, the habitation box also provides protection for the ladybugs in the winter months.

To further promote ladybug populations, consider cutting back on spraying insecticides in your garden. Ladybugs are sensitive to most synthetic insecticides and if the majority of their food source is gone, they will not lay their eggs and therefore will not continue to populate.

Here are some interesting ladybug facts: •There are nearly 5,000 different kinds of ladybugs worldwide and 400 which live in North America.

•A female ladybug will lay more than 1000 eggs in her lifetime.

•A ladybug beats its wings 85 times a second when it flies.

•A gallon jar will hold from 72,000 to 80,000 ladybugs.

•Ladybugs make a chemical that smells and tastes terrible so that birds and other predators won't eat them.

•The spots on a ladybug fade as the ladybug gets older.

•Ladybugs won't fly if the temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

•The ladybug is the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Tennessee.

As you can see, the ladybug is one of the most effective and economically important insects to have in your garden. In some cultures, seeing ladybugs in gardens indicates a bountiful harvest, an indication of good weather or a good luck omen. Create an alluring environment for ladybugs and they are sure to provide charm and pest control in your garden for years to come.

About the author: Copyright 2005, Lesley Dietschy, All rights reserved.

Lesley Dietschy is the creator/editor of The Home Decor Exchange, a popular home decor, garden decor, and home improvement website. Please visit the website for quality resources, articles, ideas, tips, free projects, and much more. The website also has a shopping marketplace and a unique Gallery featuring Pine Needle Baskets and Gourd Art. http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com

Popular bulbs for the home gardener

Author: Tony Robinson

Article: Gardening with bulbs has many advantages for the gardener. For one thing, most bulb plants are inexpensive, and bulbs are durable out of the ground and hardy in the ground. Shopping for the right bulbs is also easy; simply choosing firm, healthy looking bulbs, and avoiding those that are cracked, dry or soft is a good way to choose the best bulbs for your garden.

There are so many types of bulbs, however, that it can be difficult to find the right ones for your garden. This article presents a brief overview of some of the most popular flower bulbs. Gladiolus Gladiolas are among the most popular of all bulb plants, and their distinctive sword shaped leaves and funnel shaped flowers are instantly recognizable to gardeners and non gardeners alike. This striking appearance has made gladiolas a favorite bulb with many gardeners, and they make a fine centerpiece to any garden due to their large size and attractive appearance. The large summer flowering gladiolas can range in height from three feet to a huge six feet, and their variety of colors makes them great for any garden.

Gladiolas are best planted in the spring, but only after the soil has warmed. Gladiolas typically bloom between 65 and 100 days after planting. Many gardeners plant new gladiola bulbs at one or two week intervals over a four to six week period in order to enjoy continuous blooms. Each gladiola bulb should be planted four times as deep as the bulb is wide, for instance a one inch wide bulb would be planted four inches deep. The spacing of gladiolas should be between four to six inches.

Gladiolas do best in full sunlight and they should be watered regularly during their blooming and growth phase. In much of the country, gladiola bulbs can be left in the ground over the winter months, but many gardeners choose to dig them up and store them during the winter. If you decide to take this approach, it is best to dig them after the leaves have turned yellow. The bulbs should be placed in a single layer and stored in a cool, dry and dark place to dry for two or three weeks. After the bulbs have dried sufficiently they should be stored in nylon stockings or onion sacks and kept in a cool and well ventilated place.

Hemerocallis Hemerocallis is the scientific name for the daylily, and it is one of the most well known types of bulb plants on the market. Gardeners love the hardy and trouble free nature of the daylily, and their arching and sword shaped leaves provide a striking addition to any garden. Daylily hybrids can grow as tall as six feet and bloom in the spring and summer months. The daylily produces flowers ranging in size from three to eight inches, and they are available in a wide variety of colors. The daylily gets its name from the fact that each of its flowers lasts only a single day, but its buds open on successive days, and this enhances the beauty of the plant.

The daylily is actually a tuberous root variety of bulb, and they are best planted during fall or early spring. Daylilies should be planted between ½ inch and 1 inch deep and space between 2 to 2½ inches apart in the garden. As with other varieties of bulbs, it is important to water daylilies on a regular basis during their growing season.

About the author: Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his busy life he finds time to ""Smell the Roses"". For geat tips, techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com

Add some splash to your garden with a fountain

Author: Johann Erickson

Article: One great way to add character to a garden is to add a fountain. Fountains, also called water features and water elements, can add elegance, a sense of peace or a feeling of fun to nearly any landscape design. The sound of flowing or trickling water is comforting and relaxing for most people, so it helps make the environment inviting. In addition, practitioners of feng shui often suggest fountains for enhancing energy flow.

When selecting a fountain, it is important to consider the personality of the space you want to decorate, as well as the effect you would like to create. <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/table-top-fountains.html"" >Fountains</A> are available in a myriad of sizes, materials and designs so the possibilities are limitless. Some fountains are built into the landscape, while others are self-contained and can be placed nearly anywhere.

<B>The centerpiece fountain</B> A centerpiece fountain is usually most appropriate for a large outdoor space. Consider using a centerpiece fountain as a focal point for your garden design. Often centerpiece fountains are sculptures consider them as works of art and choose a fountain that you will enjoy and that makes you feel good to view. Usually centerpiece fountains are made of stone, cement or resin.

A large fountain can be used in a smaller place such as a patio garden, but only if the primary use of the space is not impeded by the fountain's placement. For example, if children play in the space or groups of adults gather for drinks and barbecue, a fountain in the center is probably a bad idea. However if the patio is used for reading, tiny gatherings, or just observing the sunset, a fountain may be the perfect accent.

<B>Waterfalls</B> While small waterfalls can be self-contained units, most waterfalls are integrated into the landscape. Waterfalls are ideal for a landscape that has a hill or slope. In some waterfalls, the water flows in a stream downhill. In others it falls from one plateau to another lower one. As the water lands, it has a lovely spray and satisfying sound. Often waterfalls have a pool at the base the pool may be used for fish such as koi, or decorative water plants. Usually, waterfalls use a plastic liner for the base along with natural elements for the sides of the waterfall.

<B>Tabletop fountains</B> Small fountains suitable for a tabletop or pedestal stand are also popular for gardens. Tabletop fountains are ideal for a small space to which you want to add a decorative accent and lovely sound without spending a lot of money. They are easy to maintain and move, so if you are unsure of the ideal location for your fountain, this may be your best bet. If you are looking to get the most fashionable type of fountain, then <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/mist-fountains.html"">mist fountains</A> may be just what you are looking for. They give off a light mist, that not only is a great humidifier, but looks more beautiful than just a trickle of water does. Tabletop fountains are also great for indoor atriums and make great gifts for those who love gardens. The smallest tabletop fountains have footprints of only a few inches, others are up to a couple feet across. Tabletop fountains can be made of stone, metal, resin or plastic.

<B>Wall fountains</B> If you are tight on space, <A href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/wall-water-fountains.html "">wall fountains</A> may be ideal for your purposes. Wall-mounted units are usually fairly small and can be hung from a fence or wall. These water features come in varying styles to look like artwork, natural elements or other structures.

About the author: Johann Erickson is the owner of <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com"">Online Discount Mart</a> and <a href=""http://www.tvproducts4less.com"">TV Products 4 Less</a>. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.

Give Your Garden a Rippling Effect: Add a Tranquil Pond

Author: Mary M. Alward

Article: A pond is a landscaping tool that creates a tranquil, relaxing retreat in which to unwind after a busy day – a tranquil haven where all of your stress will disappear.

A pond will bring your garden alive. It will transform a still image in to one that is full of life. You will enjoy abundant wildlife that visit, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, toads and other small creatures that are attracted by the sound of moving water.

A love of nature and gardening will help you keep your garden environment in balance while you're designing your garden pond. Even if you are inexperienced in the subject of water gardening, you will be able to create a project that will bring a touch of nature's magic into your garden.

Your pond will be your garden's focal point; the centerpiece where all the main activity is focused. Beautiful blossoming water lilies will rest among lush lily pads while goldfish glide through the water. Watch dragonflies circle over the pond and perch at the water's edge to lay their eggs. Your pond garden will be a tranquil, soothing place where blooming plants and wildlife will create an enchanting natural ecosystem.

While a pond can be totally self contained, it will be more successful if it is coupled with a bog garden. The plants used will provide opportunities for aquatic flora to flourish, as well as decorate the area around your pond. Plants included in your bog garden will allow you a unique opportunity to grow flora that would be impossible to develop in any other type of garden.

If your space is limited, or if a traditional pond is too large, container water gardens can be created. A half <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/barrel-fountains.html"">ba rrel fountain</a> converted into a pond where <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com/garden-gnomes.html"">gnome s</a> rush and pygmy water lilies flourish makes a profound accent for your garden. If a barrel isn't your idea of an attractive container, use old sinks, livestock watering troughs or a bathtub, covered in mosaics to create a unique container water garden.

When you are choosing a site for your pond, siting and safety are very important. The site is crucial to the success of your pond. It must be in a position to be highly visible and ecological factors must be considered. Plants won't prosper unless the pond's profile is suitable.

The materials that you use to construct your pond must be able to fulfill all the requirements that will be placed upon it. If you don't know, ask. Mistakes made while creating your pond are difficult and expensive to correct.

Though the construction of a garden pond takes a lot of care and consideration, most gardeners have the ability to complete the project. The most important aspects in pond construction are ensuring that the structure is secure and watertight and that the pond is suitable for both the fish and the plant life you plan to incorporate into it. If you wish your garden pond to be successful, careful planning is essential. The site should be positioned so there will be no interference with electricity or water supplies.

Pond liners are the most popular for creating garden ponds and they come in a wide range of materials. They allow you to design the pond in any shape you choose and add a very influential bog garden. However, lines are very susceptible to damage. Construction must be handled delicately in order to keep risks minimal.

Pre-formed ponds place some limitations on your imagination, as they are rigid. They can be used to create a delightful pond for those who aren't as particular about shape. Shop around to see what shapes are available before making your selection.

The best quality fabric to use for the pond's liner is the bentonite blanket. It is a new concept and has been used very successfully. It enables the method of clay puddling in a totally new form. The blanket is a specialized clay layer between geo-textile fabric that allows you to line the excavation site with natural clay, but without the problems associated with traditional clay puddling.

Whatever technique you choose, be sure to shop around at nurseries and water garden shops to get the best deal for your supplies. The professional staff will also be happy to suggest the plants that will best suit your project. Before you know it, the project will be finished and you will be spending your evenings enjoying the soothing sounds of water.

About the author: Johann Erickson is the owner of <a href=""http://www.onlinediscountmart.com"">Online Discount Mart</a> and <a href=""http://www.tvproducts4less.com"">TV Products 4 Less</a>. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article. He is also a contributing writer for sites such as <a href=""http://www.helpfulhomeideas.com"">Helpful Home Ideas</a>

Building A Birdhouse: Things To Know

Author: Donald Rohde

Article: So you want to build a birdhouse. A well-built birdhouse should be durable, keep out the rain, not overheat, and be easy to clean. Keep these requirements in mind and let's get started.

1. First, determine the types of birds you see around your backyard. Then figure out which ones will use a birdhouse. Some birds build nests in trees or bushes, such as doves, cardinals, and mockingbirds. Others may make their nests on the ground or even burrows down in the ground. Only cavity nesting birds will use a birdhouse. Examples of common cavity nesting birds are chickadees, flickers, and bluebirds. Determine the type of bird that you wish to use the birdhouse.

2. Determine the dimensions of the birdhouse. Most birds require different sizes of birdhouses as well as entrance holes. Below you will find a chart with some specs to build houses for various common cavity nesting birds:

3. When selecting the wood to use, use plain untreated lumber. Do not use exterior grade plywood (contains formaldehyde) or pressure-treated lumber (contains toxic preservatives.) Plastic and metal often overheat in the hot summer sun.

4. Almost time to pick out a birdhouse plan. First, however, remember these things about good houses: Has some type of ventilation holes or slots near the roof so heat can escape. Normally these holes will be on the sides of the house - NOT the roof - so rain will not drip in. •Roof is slanted enough to shed rain and extends well over the entrance hole for protection from rain and sun. •No perch. Most people think that there should be a perch under the entrance hole. However, the birds nesting inside do not need a perch. The perch also invites predators or other birds to attack or bother the parents and babies inside. •Has drain holes or small slots in the bottom of the nest box for drainage (you don't want those babies to be drowned during a storm!) •Has a door, roof, or side wall that can easily be opened to clean out the nest box. Leftover nests can attract mites and other parasites as well as make more work for new occupants who must clear out the old nest. •Inside wall beneath the entrance hole is roughed up or has some type of grooves for baby birds to climb as they get older.

Type of birdFloor sizeDepthEntrance above floorEntrance hole sizeHeight above ground Eastern Bluebird5""x5""8""6""1 1/2""5-8 feet Chickadee4x4""8-10""6-8""1 1/8""6-15 feet Downy Woodpecker4x4""9-12""6-8""1 1/4""6-20 feet Flicker7x7""16-18""14-16""2 1/2""6-22 feet House Wren4x4""8-10""4-6""1 1/4""6-10 feet Nuthatch4x4""8-10""6-8""1 1/4""12-20 feet Screech Owl8x8""12-15""9-12""3""10-30 feet Tits4x4""8-10""6-8""1 1/4""6-15 feet

5. Keeping these above points in mind, select a birdhouse plan for the type of bird you wish to attract to the house. There are number of excellent birdhouse plans on the Internet as well as many great books you can buy. (See the suggestions at the end of this article.)

6. Never use paint or stain inside the birdhouse. If you want to paint the outside, wait until it is built and paint only the wood that you can see. Be sure to use a non-toxic exterior latex paint that does not contain lead. Light colors will reflect the heat and light, keeping the house cooler in the summer. Or keep the house natural, without paint. Rough cedar or redwood would be an excellent type of wood if you want to go paint-less.

7. Now it's time to put up your birdhouse. They can be attached to wood or metal fence posts, trees, or their own wood or metal posts. Bluebird boxes seem to attract more predators when on trees. If you are mounting your birdhouse to a post, always try to attach a baffle or collar to prevent snakes, cats, and other predators from climbing the pole to the house. Locate your house an adequate distance from each other since most nesting parents are territorial. Place the birdhouse where the parents and baby birds are not distracted and worried about your family's activities. The entrance should face away from the prevailing wind. Remember, bluebirds prefer lots of open space in front of their birdhouse and be sure to mount the house at the proper height.

Courtesy: Cedar Creek Woodshop Visit Cedar Creek Woodshop for a wide variety of birdhouses. http://www.cedarcreekwoodshop.com

About the author: None

Outdoor Patio Heaters

Author: Ross MacIver

Article: Outdoor Patio Heaters

Almost everybody enjoys spending time outdoors, and that's why most houses have an outdoor terrace or patio. People living in northern climates, however, can only use their patio during the pleasant summer weather. If you wish to extend your patio season, outdoor patio heaters can be used to enjoy your patio or terrace in the early spring and late fall as well as during the summer.

An outdoor patio heater is perfect for people who like to entertain outside. It can make the difference between being able to relax and being uncomfortable. Your guests will appreciate being able to enjoy the outdoors with you thanks to your patio heater.

There are many styles and colors to choose from when buying a patio heater. The most popular style is the freestanding patio heater, which provides a heating diameter of about 20 feet. There are many manufacturers who make this type of patio heater, so you have a large variety of models to choose from.

When buying a patio heater, check to see that it has safety features like a shut off valve. This will stop the flow of gas in case the heater is tipped or overturned. Without this safety shut off valve, a patio heater presents a real fire hazard.

Patio heaters can use either propane or natural gas as their fuel source. The burner unit should be high-quality stainless steel, and the heat distributor should be made of aluminum for the most efficient heat distribution. The rest of the heater can be made of many different materials, including cast aluminum, stainless steel, or bronze.

Some patio heaters are available with a wide variety of accessories. Lights are very common and useful for outdoor use. Other popular accessories include tables that surround the heater, and cooking surfaces for preparing food.

If your house has a patio or terrace, you will get a lot of use out of an outdoor heater. It could be one of the best purchases you ever make! 

About the author: Ross is the main author of the: <a href=""http://www.patio-furniture-ideas.com/product-pages/Patio_He aters.htm""> Patio Heaters, Barbeque and Patio Furniture Guide</a>

Build A Simple Planter Box

Author: Cedar Creek Woodshop

Article: Love flowers, but don't have the space -- or the desire -- to plant a garden? You may want to try making your own flower box, which can be just about any size you wish.

This planter box is built with a top and a bottom exterior frame; then you affix cedar panels to the frame and add bottom panels. After that, just add plants for a touch of spring anywhere you want to put it!

<b><u>Expert tip:</u></b> Always draw a diagram before you build anything. <u>Remember:</u> If you can't draw it, you can't build it! You don't have to be Leonardo Divinci, just that YOU can read it!! Your diagram will be useful in helping you determine the size of your project and the amount of lumber you'll need. Simply take the finished diagram with you when you go shopping, and you'll be sure to get everything your project requires.

<b><u>Materials:</u></b> Four Lengths of 26 Inch 1x2 Cedar

Four Lengths of 13 Inch 1x2 Cedar

Twelve Side & End Panels 5 ½ Inches x 12 ¼

Two Base Panels 1 Inch x 6 Inches x 24 Inches

Wood glue

Galvanized nails

Hammer

Stainless-steel or Ceramic Coated Screws

Drill driver and bits

Speed square

<b><u>Note:</u></b> All our sections were precut, so they just need assembly. If you can't or don't wish to cut your own lumber, home-supply stores will generally cut it for you for a small fee.

<b><u>Expert tip:</u></b> Before you begin hammering, use sandpaper to rough up the striking surface of your hammer. Then it's less likely to slip while you're working.

<b><u>Building the Frames</u></b>

Build the top and bottom frames out of the 1x2 cedar strips. You'll be butting the ends together, so no mitering will be necessary.

<b>1.</b>Fasten two 26"" strips to two 13"" strips to form each rectangular frame. (You'll need to ensure that the length remains 26""; to do this, butt the ends of the shorter strip against the longer strips. The thickness of the two longer strips will add an inch to each end of the shorter strips, increasing their length to 16"". Do this at each end of the longer strips to form a rectangular frame 26"" long and 16"" wide.)

<b>2.</b> Apply a bead of wood glue to the junctions of the strips; then nail together with a single nail in each junction in preparation for inserting screws to hold them more securely.

<b>3.</b> Predrill the ends prior to screwing them together; this helps keep the ends from splitting. Then insert a screw in each corner.

<b><u>Attaching the Side Panels</u></b>

<b>1.</b> Stand the two frames on their sides and apply a bead of wood glue to the inside face of the bottom side frames (the long sides).

<b>2.</b> Attach four side panels to each long side, smooth sides out, and nail from the inside to hold them in place. Make sure the frames are flush with the panel ends on at least one side, or the bottom panels won't fit properly. If the panels are jagged on the other side, you can always smooth them with a trim saw later.

<b><u>Tip:</u></b> Because you're nailing from the inside, you may have to drive the nails at a slight angle. The advantage of this is that it conceals the nailheads from the exterior face of the window box.

<b>3.</b> Repeat step 2 on the other side of the box.

<b><u>Attaching the End Panels</u></b>

<b>1.</b> Stand the half-completed box on its end and apply a bead of wood glue to the inside face of the bottom end frames.

<b>2.</b> Attach two panels to each end in the same manner that you used to attach the side panels, once again ensuring that the ends are flush on the bottom.

<b>3.</b> Repeat the process on the opposite end.

<b><u>Attaching the Bottom Panels</u></b>

<b>1.</b> Check and if necessary adjust your box for square.

<b>2.</b> Attach three bottom panels to form the base of the planter box, using wood glue and screws. The base will reinforce and brace the box.

<b>3.</b> Drill several holes in the panels so that water can escape, or simply leave a gap between the panels.

<b><u>Finishing</u></b>

Lightly sand any rough edges and corners to smooth out splinters. Now it's time to feel, smell, kiss and hug your new planter box, because it looks so good – and you did it yourself!

<b><u>Homework! </u></b>

If you wish, you can stain, seal or prime and paint your planter to suit your home's decor. Because you used cedar, however, it can stay unfinished: cedar is one of the best lumbers you can use for exterior applications.

This planter is a good size for potted plants, but you may wish to add a plastic liner and fill it with soil (add a layer of gravel first). If you do, don't forget to cut holes in the liner to line up with the drainage holes in the bottom of the planter.

Enjoy planting!

Courtesy: Cedar Creek Woodshop http://www.cedarcreekwoodshop.com

About the author: Courtesy: Cedar Creek Woodshop Visit Cedar Creek Woodshop for other free plans and great deals on cedar items. http://www.cedarcreekwoodshop.com

Spice up your Garden with Rare Flowering Bulbs

Author: Josh Gray

Article: Any experienced gardener knows the secret to a beautiful garden is in the bulbs. Flowering bulbs are usually quite hardy and undemanding and can provide the most amazing shower of spring and summertime colors. Bulbs naturally package all the essentials they need to flourish and grow. All that's required is warming temperatures to bring the bulbs out of dormancy. The great thing about bulbs is the wide variety of colors and shapes you can produce.

Many bulbs used by gardeners such as daffodil, crocus, hyacinth, tulip, and lily are common and can be found at your local lawn and garden center. For the more bold and adventurous, it can be very rewarding to obtain rarer flowering bulbs with unique colors and smells like Guinevere, Blackmore, and Landon Begonias. With the rise of the internet, anyone can now obtain rare and exquisite bulbs within the comfort of their own home. There are even websites like CouponChief.com that offer great online coupons and discounts for several online bulb vendors. Bulbs are usually shipped bare-root, right around planting time. Starting a beautiful bulb garden is possible in just a few weeks, depending on shipping times.

Once you get your bulbs at home its time for planting. Make sure you are planting during the right time of year. You can plant in fall for spring-flowering bulbs or in spring for summer-flowering bulbs. Most Bulbs do well in pots or in planters, so your main consideration should be the type of soil required and the depth and spacing necessary to give your new bulbs plenty of growing room. Specific instructions for each type or rare bulb you decide on are easily obtained online and are most often supplied with your purchase. With a little thought and preparation, your garden will be blooming with flowers that will make your neighbors jealous. Now that you know the secret to a beautiful garden, just don't tell anybody, ok?

About the author: Josh Gray, President of UC San Diego's Gardens Club, is a consultant to CouponChief.com. This <a href = "www.couponchief.com">online coupon</a> website provides free coupons and discount codes to many favorite gardening websites on their <a href = ""http://www.couponchief.com/home_garden_coupons/home_garden.html" >home and garden coupons</a> page.

The Language and Meaning of Flowers

Author: Garry Gamber

Article: 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.

About the author: Garry Gamber is a public school teacher. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com