‘The Sahara Forest’ project is an ambitious proposal to turn areas of the dry arid desert into real-life oases. A team of architects and engineers are aiming to combine huge seawater greenhouses with solar power plants in the desert to provide food, fresh water and clean energy. They will use mirrors to focus the sun’s rays and generate heat and electricity, and eradicate the need to dig for fresh water creating lush areas of vegetation.
The vast majority of plants cannot grow in the desert due to the extreme temperature and lack of water, the seawater greenhouse can make these arid environments vegetation friendly. Charlie Paton is part of the Sahara team and the inventor of these greenhouses.
“So we’ve got conditions in the greenhouse of high humidity and lower temperature,” said Paton. “The crops sitting in this slightly steamy, humid condition can grow fantastically well.”
Paton said that the greenhouse produces over five times required for watering the plants so after cleaning the mirrors, the excess can be released into the local environment, creating a local microclimate outside the greenhouses for hardier plants such as jatropha - an energy crop that can be turned into biofuel. The ability to create these microclimates has been shown by Paton’s demonstration greenhouse.
To purifying the seawater and cool the air of the greenhouse, solar energy is used to power the evaporators and then pump the damp, cool air through the greenhouse, reducing the temperature to 15c less than outside. At the other end of the greenhouse from the evaporators, the water vapour is condensed. This fresh water can be used to water the crops and clean the solar mirrors.
Demonstration plants are already running successfully in Tenerife, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, producing lettuces, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. The designers are confident that virtually any vegetables can be grown in the greenhouses depending on the climate maintained in them. The nutrients to grow the plants can be taken from seaweed or the seawater itself.
Both the CSP (solar power) and seawater greenhouses are proven technologies so the cost of this project should be relatively low. The designers estimate that building 20 hectares of greenhouses combined with a 10MW CSP scheme would cost around £65m. Groups in countries across the Middle East, including UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, have shown interest in funding demonstration projects.
These projects are useful due to the production of extra crops, but most importantly will benefit the environment. Hopefully these seawater greenhouses can be used instead of, or to counteract the environmental damage caused by greenhouses already built. In Algeria, southern Spain, more than 40,000 hectares of greenhouses have been built in this desert region over the past 20 years, taking water from the earth around five times faster than it comes in, so the water table drops and becomes more saline. To convert them all to the seawater greenhouses would make sustainable
If you want to separate your patio from the rest of your home or even your outdoor area, adding patio doors creates just that perfect division.There are numerous doors to choose from, from all shapes and sizes to a variety of colors.
The great thing with solid patio doors is that they are easy to install and if you are looking for that special door, check the internet and find the types of stores that will service the needs you want.There you can ask questions and even have your doors shipped right to your home.
Patio doors create a simple way to have private parties or just simply block the additional noise.You can choose from glass sliding windows to your conventional door that separates.Your options are limitless and you will find doors that fit your needs within the budget you would like. If you do not want to go to your local home improvement store, start searching online for ideas and suggestions and have one shipped to your home.
Patio doors are a simple way to add an extra touch to your patio, making it reclusive and deterring unwanted noise.The choices are unlimited and you can find something that fits your needs.
Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the future. For me, the ultimate Magic Garden would be planted using the Feng Shui bagua as a guideline for the boundaries of the plot and incorporate flowers herbs and plants that correspond to each signifigant direction..
The first thing I would suggest, is to mark off your garden(or balcony full of pots) as a square (or as close to a square as you can get it) and determine the directions — north, south, east and west. Then use the rough guideline below, taking into account your climate and seasons to know what to plant where to bring you health, wealth, peace, guidance, happiness and protection. You dont have to incorporate all the suggestions below of course — just a couple of touches here in there might do wonders.
The SOUTHERN corner of your garden governs recognition and fame. The flowers you plant there should be predominantly red in colour. Red and pinks should be main theme, although there well be flowers in there included for properties besides colour. Flowers that bring you fame: poppies, roses, bluebells,violets. Trees: Cherry, orange. Foilage: Holly, hazel, heather and all ferns. Herbs: Star anise, veviter. Trees: .Produce: strawberries, leeks, chili peppers. This corner also represents the Fire element so it is a good area to string up lights, put the barbeque or have a little hearth for fire.
The SOUTHWESTERN corner governs marriage prospects and marital happiness.The predominant flower colour should be yellow. Flowers for emotional security: daffodils, lillies, tulips, asters, bleeding hearts, daisies, roses, gardenia, lavender, orchid, poppy, primrose, periwinkle, hyacinth, trilliums, violet, geranium. Trees: Magnolia Fig, Willow, Olive Elm, Plum,Foilage: Myrtle, rye, witch grass, juniper, chickweed. Herbs: basil, marjoram, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme. Produce: Ginger, endive, raspberries, tomatoes. This area represents Big Earth so it is a good place to put a stone statue or a large rock or boulder.
The WESTERN corner governs children and fertility. The predominant flowers should be yellow and white. Flowers: Lavender, Cyclamen, Lily of the Valley, Morning Glory Trees: Oak, olive, banana, apple pine Foilage; Hawthorne Herbs:Mustard, catnip. Produce: Beans, carrots, cucumbers, grape, mustard. This area is known as Small Metal and would benefit from some windchimes or small silvery objects that catch the sun.
The NORTHWESTERN corner governs helpful people or mentors. The predominamt flower colour should be white yellow and orange. Flowers: Passion flower, sweetpea, Sunflower, Iris, carnation Trees: Lemon, peach, beech, walnut Foilage: Rowan, Myrtle, dogwod, clover Herbs: Pennyroyal, lemon balm, sage Produce: peppers, fennel, pumpkins, squash. This corner is called “Big Metal” so it is a good place to put table and chairs to invite the help into your life.
The NORTH corner governs career prospects. The flowers here should be
predominately dark purple or blue. Flowers that boost career: Camellia,
honeysuckle, jasmine, periwinkle, poppy, trillium, snapdragons, dandelion.
Trees: Orange, elder, apple, oak, maple, poplar Foilage: bromeliads, myrtle,
Irish moss (all mosses), ferns Herbs: dill, goldenseal, mint Produce:
cashews rice, grapes, onions, oats,peas, wheat. This direction represents
water, so it is the ideal place to put a fountain or pool. Add fish to it
and double your luck.
The NORTHEAST corner governs education and wisdom. The flowers here should be predominatly yellow and orange. Flowers: jasmine, marigold, roses, iris , sunflower. Trees: peach, bohdi, acacia Foilage: bracken, all grasses,flax Herbs: borage, eyebright, peppermint, saffron, thyme, rosemary, caraway, rue, savory, mint Produce: celery, onons, grapes. This area is “Small Earth” so it is good for a rock garden, a small alter or a birdbath.
The EAST governs family relationships and health. The foilage here should mainly be green and filled with bush or trees. Flowers are: loosestrife, meadowsweet, morning glory, violet, daisies, hostas Trees: all trees especially pines and spruces, Magnolia, Elder Foilage: Witchgrass, purslane, tobacco, hemp, hops Herbs: Lavender, scullcap, vervain, linden, sage Produce: avocado, rhubarb, rye. This area is called Big Wood which is why it is good to have at least one big tree there or a tree house.
The SOUTHEAST governs wealth and prosperity and should be as green and lush as possible. Flowers that bring wealth: Camelia, golden rod, helorope, honeysuckle, trillum Trees: all fruit trees, pecan, walnut, oak, pine Foilage: all bromelaids, mosses and ferns Herbs basil, clover, dill, mint, vervaine Produce: lettuce, corn, peas, oats, onions. This area is known as Small Wood and would be augmented by windmills, a swing or another structure made of wood (preferably one that moves to circulate energy.)
Flowers are one of nature’s greatest gifts. Their scent, their
colors, their shapes… everything about flowers is beautiful. A
colorful, cheerful flower can brighten even the darkest day.
Even more enjoyable than looking at flowers, though, is growing
them. Flowers can be bought from pots and replanted. They can
also be grown from clippings. However, one of the most popular
ways of growing flowers is from bulbs and seeds.
Growing flowers outdoors from bulbs is simple; in fact, it is so
easy that it’s almost foolproof. One of the most important
aspects is timing. Bulbs need to be planted about six weeks
before the first frost. Bulbs must be planted in an area with
good drainage and a lot of sun. Make sure the soil is loose, and
then plant the bulbs about six inches in the ground. (Package
directions may vary depending on type and location; when
directions differ, following your package.) Try to place the
bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the hole
and water. Voila! You’ve planted your flower bulbs.
Flower bulbs and seeds make flower gardens accessible for
everyone. They can be grown virtually anywhere. One idea is to
plant them in containers. With container gardens, even apartment
dwellers can enjoy the beauty of flowers. Container-grown flower
bulbs and seeds also allow growers to defy nature. Flower bulbs
can be planted indoors in any season and in any climate, as long
as the indoor conditions are favorable for growth.
Flower bulbs are available in many varieties, such as tulips,
daffodils, gladiolus, and crocus.
Anyone can grow beautiful African Violets if they provide the simple conditions required for healthy growth.
Natural Light:
Adequate light is the most important factor in promoting flowering. Place plants near any window that has bright, but filtered, light. An east window is best because it gets morning sun. A thin curtain will be necessary if placing plants in a south or west window. In order to develop a nice symetrical form, plants must be turned 1/4 turn every week.
Fluorescent Light:
If adequate natural light is not available, plants can be grown under fluorescent lights. Use double tube fixtures with one cool white bulb and one broad spectrum bulb. Lights should be 8 to 10 inches above the top of the plants and turned on for 12 to 14 hours a day. If plants have tight centers or seem to be bleaching out, reduce the number of hours to 8-10 a day.
When to Water:
More violets die from overwatering than from any other single cause. Violet soil should be kept evenly moist and never allowed to become soggy. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Always use tepid water.
How to Water:
You can water from the top, bottom, use wicks or use self watering planters. However, about once a month, plants should be watered from the top to flush out accumulated fertilizer salts. Never allow plants to stand in water (unless wicked or Oyama Planters are used). If water gets on the leaves, dry with a paper towel to prevent leaf spotting.
Soil:
A potting medium suitable for African Violets should be sterilized, and light and airy to allow root penetration. Soilless mixes are ideal - they contain sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite.
Atmosphere:
Temperature and humidity are important factors. Most violets can tolerate temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. Ideal temperatures are 72-75 degrees day-time and 65 degrees night-time. The preferred humidity range is 40% to 60%. A humidifier or bowls of water placed near plants can be used to increase you home’s humidity during heating season.
Feeding:
Lack of regular feeding is one of the reasons an african violet will not bloom. The best way to feed is to use a dilute fertilizer solution every time you water. Use 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. fertilizer to one gallon of water. A balanced fertilizer should be used such as 20-20-20 or 12-36-14. Find a fertilizer with a low nitrogen urea content as urea burns the roots. Some brands are Peters, Optimara, Miracle Grow, Schultz.
Sharon Rosenzweig has been growing African Violets for more than 30 years. She is a Board Member of the Baystate African Violets Society (BSAVS) in Massachusetts. She is the owner of The Planter Depot which specializes in Oyama Self Watering African Violet Planters and other growing supplies.
The online store of The Planter Depot can be found at http://www.avplanters.com
This is the second year in a row I am dealing with a woodchuck.
That’s a ground hog to some.
A youngster that is finding my yard its personal salad bowl.
I won’t have sunflowers for the finches this fall and other things are getting munched on.
Last year I borrowed a live trap and relocated that one.
I’ll be doing the same thing as soon as I get the trap.
Now, I don’t know if this furry beast is a problem in your yard or garden but in mine……….. it means war.
Doing some research, I can’t find much of a list for plants that are woodchuck resistant.
I have observed what it doesn’t eat and the list is similar to deer and rabbit resistant plants.
Now what does this have to do with backyard birds you ask?
Well, it helps my blood pressure knowing that certain plants won’t become Mr Woody’s lunch and several plants are for birds.
Let’s Get Started
Several of these plants, you already have in your yard and a few
of them you just may want after this is all said and done.
In fact, you may want to beef things up a bit.
The four legged creatures seem to shy away from plants that smell or have a scent.
Most of these smells are pleasing to our senses yet over power the very sensitive noses of animals.
Monardas: bee balms come in several colors and sizes these days. A member of the mint family, you are familiar with the smell of a crushed leaf.
A very eye pleasing flower as well, Monarda is a hummingbird favorite.
Check out some of the newer varieties that are mildew resistant.
Perovskia: Russian sages are known for the tall silver green spikes that are topped with lavender flowers in mid to late summer.
A pungent yet powerful fragrance when brushed against. These garden favorites are drought tolerant and hummers will feed from them as well.
Lavandula: English lavenders have been a garden favorite in our garden for years.
The relaxing smell of lavender and the delicate flowers on the thin spikes set seed for the little birds later in the fall and early winter.
Agastache: hyssops come in many varieties to fit most landscapes.
Again, a hummingbird favorite for your yard.
Salvias: perennials and annuals are a main stay in my garden.
Perennials offer up vivid shades of blue and the foliage does have a strong odor.
Annual salvias are a prime time target for hummingbirds and these are planted in mass quantity to offer up a sea of bright red.
And of course, all the salvia herbs serve as herbs and bloom for the hummers.
Are you seeing a pattern here with plants that have a strong scent and plants that Bugs and Bambi shy away from?
These prolific bloomers also attract protein for the birds in the way of insects.
Nepeta: throw in some catmint and your yard is set with smells only a human could appreciate.
These smelly plants offer some soft and bright colors to any yard.
They give you texture and offer different heights for backdrops and boarders.
Here are a few plants also shown to be deer/rabbit and woodchuck resistant.
Paeonia: peonies, the everyday garden variety never gets munched on does it?
Peonies offer up protection for birds to scurry under and a place to get out of the summer sun.
Astilbes: astilbes are the backbone to any shady garden. They ad color,texture with the foliage as well as the feathery bloom heads.
Attractive and soothing, astilbes offer seed late in the year if you leave the seed heads on like I do.
Asclepias: milkweed or better known as butterfly weed offers up beautiful heads of orange (rare in any garden) that attract butterflies and caterpillars.
The milkweed family is toxic, for this reason, birds have learned to leave monarch butterflies and the caterpillars alone and animals wont munch it either.
Aconitum: monkshood is a beautiful flower that offers up nectar and seed for birds. For humans and animals it offers up a very lethal dose of toxins.
Very few nurseries tell you just how deadly monkshood is
A few centuries back, monkshood was used for poison darts and to put an enemy to death (a warning for those with little kids).
There………… my good deed for the day.
Animals just seem to know that some plants are dangerous.
Stachys: lambs’ ears have a soft green gray color that give way to tall spikes of pink flowers.
Lambs’ ears also offer up a soft downy material used in making certain birds nests.
Aquilegia: columbines are famous for being one of the first bloomers in my Michigan garden.
An important food source for hummers when little else is blooming.
Columbines also produce several hundred seeds if you dare let them go to seed.
Now, I’m just a bit curious.
Have you ever noticed any of these plants mowed off in your yard?
Here is one just because I like them.
Iris: German, Siberian, and Japanese iris thrive in my garden.
Besides the occasional grub or bug, I can’t find a single munch print in my iris.
I like iris simply because the flowers are so beautiful.
A few more suggestions for you.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses of all kinds seem to be critter resistant and grasses offer up seed, protection, nesting materials.
Grasses are just way to cool.
Ad some fall bulbs like Allium, hyacinth and daffodils and you have a pretty green yet tough barrier for the animals to crack.
Ron Patterson has been feeding and caring for backyard birds for the past 40 years. He is always looking for better and safer ways to feed and garden for birds. Ron is a Michigan Certified Nurseryman as well. This gives him the expert experience and knowledge needed to garden for birds. You can find Ron’s weekly newsletter “Backyard Birding Tips” at: http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/
The Emerald Green, Hetz Midget and the Riengold Arborvitae are
commonly used evergreen shrubs or trees useful in urban areas
where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars
with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow
pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other
forms which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are
planted in rows.
These plants fill many basic landscaping needs.
The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending
on the cultivar. Some reach 50′, others only 3′. Most prefer
full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions
should be avoided. A moist , well drained, loamy soil in full
sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae.
These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat
drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is
bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete
defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also
prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple
leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady.
Our most popular Arborvitae is the Emerald Green arborvitae.
Many people prefer to spell them Arbor Vitae . It is a bright
light green color and narrow in shape. It makes a distinctive
and impressive natural fence. It is easy to grow ,plant, and
keep in shape.
The Hetz Midget arborvitae is a dwarf globe variety. This is a
good choice for along walkways and gardens. This is a tough
plant that is easy to install and not going to cost a lot. It
will maintain its color in the winter and will withstand snow
loads well. We carry these plants in 2 and 3 gal. pots. The
prices on these dwarfs vary from $15 to $30 depending on size
and quanity ordered.
Another small arborvitae that we grow in pots is the Rheingold
arborvitae. This is a small globe shaped plant that has a golden
green cast to it in the summer and a bronze winter color. We
also have the American Arborvita known as “Tiny Tim”.This
arborvita grows in zone 2 - 7. Its is a needled evergreen in the
Cupressaceae Family. It will grow in height from a half a foot
to 1 foot tall. Its spread will be about 1 to 1.5 feet. This is
a plant that requires little work. Selecting quality arborvitae
for the home landscape :
When you get to the nursery or garden center where you will
buy your arborvitae, pick out the healthiest, most robust plants
that have no evidence of disease or insect damage. The potting
medium should be moist, but not wet, and the roots should well
dispersed in the medium. Arborvitae that have roots growing from
the drainage holes or circling the top of the pot are less
desirable. Many people choose to buy arbs from a mail order
company, which is perfectly acceptable. However, realize that
most woody plants purchased from mail order catalogs will be
shipped dormant and bare root, that is, without any soil
attached to the root system. Such plants may be smaller in size
because of the expense of shipping. It is important to plant
such material immediately upon arrival. Generally it is best to
purchase one-year-old material from mail order companies since
this material is more vigorous and will transplant better. The
larger material that is offered is often composed of the less
vigorous plants held over from previous years. Most large sized
arbs are balled and burlaped. Don’t buy any arbs bare rooted
over 3′ tall. Any plant larger should be balled and burlaped.
These are just afew of the arborvitae and trees that we raise
on our Doylestown Pa. farm. We are pleased to show you these in
the field and discuss their habits and help you determine the
best plants to help you improve your landscape. Visit our other
web sites at http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com
By now you have already been captivated by the first blooms of late April and you’re filled with anticipation over the wave of blooms which are yet to come. This is the beginning of the season that we wait for!
Begin your deep watering program
In early May, heavy rains could still be left over from April. If that’s so, then adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Otherwise, maintaining the correct moisture level is an absolute necessity.
Although Roses don’t need as much water as other plants do, they prefer a root soaking rather than watering their blooms and leaves. Of course, over-watering can cause mildew and related fungal diseases to appear so be careful.
Start your deadheading program
Deadheading your rose plants results in an extended blooming season. Simply cut back a few branches with outward-facing buds that have more than five leaflets.
This is also a good time to enhance the overall appearance of your bushes by removing any faded blooms.
May is the start of the organics season
Once your roses have produced their first flush, it’s time to apply the organics. Organics, including blood, fish, alfalfa, and cottonseed meal are an excellent food source for roses as is seaweed and wood ashes. Rinse seaweed in fresh water before using.
This is also the right time to start working on your soil amendments by applying compost and manure, shredded leaves, and grass clippings freely and abundantly.
Summer Pest Control Issues
Insects and diseases will be trying to get off to a good start this time of year as well. You can nip them in the bud, no pun intended, by recognizing and counteracting the effects of these common rose threats.
Aphids
These green or brown-colored insects form small colonies and suck the fluids from your roses. While their presence is often fatal to your roses, treatment is simple and effective. Just spray them with a mild soapy water solution.
Black Spot
This fungal disease can be recognized by the black spots that appear on the foliage. This condition is caused by incorrect watering. First prune away the affected foliage and discard the clippings in a trash can. Do not leave them on the ground around your roses. Next, start soaking your roses at the roots rather than watering from overhead.
Canker
This fungal disease causes the canes to turn black or brown before dying. Canker usually forms while the rose bush is under winter protection. Prune back affected canes to below the canker spots and discard the canes in a trash can.
Midge
These are maggots which bore into your roses and cause the buds to turn black. Prune out and discard the affected buds in a trash can.
Rust
This fungus disease can only be treated with a commercial fungicide. Symptoms include an orange-color powder which gives the disease its name. Rust is usually the result of mild, wet winters which allow the fungus to thrive when it would normally be killed.
Spider Mites
Initial infestation becomes evident when the foliage starts to turn a dull red color. As the infestation increases you will begin to notice small webs. Treatment is as easy as spritz the mites, as well as the affected areas, with plain water. About the Author
Angie Noack is a home and garden strategist with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to combine these two skills, she’s able to help gardeners save time and increase productivity. You can find her online at http://www.agrerose.com.
Superbly crafted teak garden furniture adds beauty and elegance to any garden. It is also a symbol of luxury and affluence. Garden furniture may be permanent or temporary. Temporary garden furniture is mainly used for relaxation. It is kept outside and can be moved to the garage when the weather gets colder. Temporary garden furniture is generally made from lightweight materials to make it easy to move. Permanent garden furniture is rarely moved. It is selected for its looks first, then its comfort.
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