Plant Gardens 101

Although lead naturally exists on Earth, lead concentrations in the environment have been increasing for several centuries due to human activities including mining and smelting of ores, the combustion of fossil fuels, and the dissemination of lead through industrial processes. Lead has no known essential role in biological sphere serious environmental effects can result from high level of atmospheric lead fallout, leading to detrimental changes in ecosystem and community function. Lead bioaccumulates in plant material and consequently its concentration can be magnified in food chains. Serious toxicological effects can results from high level of lead fallout. Vehicular emission is of concern particularly in urban environment that has low assimilative capacity. The emissions react forming various species in various meteorological conditions interfering with man’s activities. To counter some of these effects like fog and breathing excessive amounts of these gases, researchers are trying to discover new sources of energy and power. There are now vehicles run entirely on natural gas as opposed to petrol. Vehicular emission in typical urban centre constitute over 60% of total pollutant emission compared to industry, power plants, space heating, refuse disposal etc. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide emitted principally from automobiles are the major ingredients of photochemical smog. (more…)

Many factors affect how often you must water your plants. Some of these factors are heat, humidity, wind, season, soil, and type of plant. The following guidelines pertain to plants recently transplanted into the garden. Remember, when transplanting, always be sure the plants were recently watered and are well hydrated before you put them in the ground. Water should be applied around the base of the plant and outwards a distance that is at least one and a half times the distance of the farthest reaching branch.

Water enough so that the soil will become wet throughout the entire root area. This will require a slow, soaking irrigation. Water should be applied only as quickly as it can be absorbed by the soil. Keep in mind your deepest roots will be located below the trunk and limbs of the plant. This area will require more water than the shallower roots located near the end of your farthest watering area. Root depths are commonly 6-12 inches for annuals, vegetables, and lawns: 12 – 24 inches for perennials and shrubs; and 28 – 36 inches or more for trees. (more…)

We would all love to have beautiful water features in our gardens, but what about the electricity costs of running them? What if it was possible to keep running that picturesque water fountain in these times of rising fuel prices? Well, it is, if you choose a solar powered water feature.

It’s difficult to truly sit down and relax in ones own little garden, even with the soothing trickle of water playing on the pebbles of your favourite water feature. Why? Because you’re thinking about your electricity bill and the cost running those wonderful therapeutic little devices.

Well, why don’t you truly relax and forget about those bills. How? Don’t have any bills to begin with! (at least not for your fountain), switch to Solar Powered Water Features.

The benefits of solar power all too well documented in this day and age, but here are a few things to think about which may have slipped your mind. (more…)

It is most beneficial to feed wild birds during the winter months when their natural food may be unavailable but shortages do occur at other times of the year. So putting food out for the wild birds at any time of year can help when there are shortages. During the breeding season a temporary shortage of food will affect the young fledglings so it is especially helpful to put out food for the birds at this time.

Feeding in the Spring and Summer

During the summer and especially when they are moulting, birds need high protein foods. Good examples to put in your feeder are raisins, currents, black sunflower seeds, grated cheese, meal worms, soaked sultanas and commercially prepared summer seed mixtures. You can also purchase mixes for insect loving wild birds. (more…)

As a species name, means “producing tubers.” For example, butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, develops a very thick tuberous root.