Monday, June 16, 2008

6 Important Tips for Beginner Bonsai Tree Caretakers

By Jon Weaver Bonsai trees are a wonderful hobby to enjoy for a lifetime. However, when most people start out, most of their bonsai trees fall sick and die within a few weeks. Bonsai trees are extremely sensitive to their conditions and the caretaker needs to learn how to properly take care of these wonderful and attractive plants. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about caring for bonsai trees, and their answers. Q: What about selecting the proper containers, and should they have drain holes? A: All containers have one or more drain holes; otherwise the trees will not be healthy, they will soon look sickly and finally die. Q: What proportion between tree and container do you advise? A: What is generally considered the ideal or artistic proportion is the tree 80% and the container 20%; or for dwarfer shrubs or low spreading trees, the plant 60% and the container 40%. In general, the smaller containers are better. In a shallow oblong or elliptical container, the tree should be planted at a point 70% of the distance from the right or the left end, according to the spread and shape of the branches, so that the bulk of the tree greenery is centered in relation to the container. In a square or round container, the plant is placed in the center, except cascade forms; these are planted toward the edge. Q: I need information on pruning, both theory and practice. A: Both root pruning and proper pruning of branches are important elements in caring for bonsai. The constant renewal or re-growth of the root system is essential to the proper health of the trunk and branches above ground. The root system will itself remain healthy only if properly pruned. This operation is associated with transplanting, and detailed directions of that can be found for free at http://www.BonsaiTreeGuide.com — the fundamental rule in root pruning is to keep the root system “happily” within the limited dimensions of the container. Q: Suppose I find a tree 3 feet tall at a commercial nursery that has healthy low-growing limbs and other qualities that would make a good bonsai. Shall I buy it? A: Yes. But understand that it will need special culturing. When you get home with it (assuming that it was balled and bur-lapped at the nursery), here are the main steps to take: 1) Pot it in a container large enough not to disturb the root ball. This may be a large commercial clay pot or a small wooden tub. Better yet, make a square or rectangular container, 6 to 8 inches high and just wide enough to accommodate the root ball. Fill in with additional soil around the root ball, and press firmly. Leave an inch at the top of the container to facilitate adequate watering. 2) A tree 3 feet high is too tall for a good bonsai. Cut off the terminal 1.5 feet (approximately). Make the cut just above a side branch that can then be wired into the terminal position. 3) After 2 years in the container, with appropriate and continuous pruning and wiring of side branches, as needed, the tree should be transplanted to a container of smaller dimensions, both shallower and smaller in diameter. After a year or two in the smaller container, transplant to a still smaller authentic bonsai pot, and you are on your way! Q: Should one deprive the little trees of as much water as possible? A: Bonsai should be kept drier than ordinary ornamental plants in pots; but if the object is to dwarf the trees or to keep them dwarfed, it is no use to make them bone-dry. Want of water only makes them stunted or unhealthy. If there is such a thing as a fundamental principle in watering bonsai, it is this: water liberally but be sure that the soil drains amply. In most cases, it does not matter how many times a day bonsai are watered if the soil has perfect drainage and does not hold the slightest excess of water. This fundamental principle may be modified to suit the individual case, according to the kind of soil obtainable, the climate, the kinds of trees grown, the containers used, and the amount of time one can spare each day for bonsai. Q: What do I need to know about winter care? A: Winter care differs for hardy and non-hardy or tender plants. Hardy plants are those that can live outdoors in the coldest weather without danger of winterkilling. They are not house plants but are real outdoor plants. Hardy species growing in bonsai containers present a special problem if left outdoors in below-freezing winter weather. Soil in the containers will freeze, and the containers will break. Moreover, it is impossible to properly water bonsai growing in firmly frozen soil. If a sun porch or cold but light room is available where the night temperature never falls below about 36 degrees F, this would provide a good place for wintering hardy or semi-hardy bonsai. Here is another suggestion for wintering hardy or semi-hardy bonsai in a freezing climate: keep them in an insulated deep cold-frame. It should be shaded by a lath house. The soil in bonsai pots, with such protection, should never freeze if the night temperatures do not go much below 0 degrees F. The bonsai should be watered as needed, and on warmer non-freezing winter days, it is well to remove the protective covering and give the plants full air. Be sure to replace the covering sash before sunset! Many non-hardy or tender species trained as bonsai should be treated as house plants and never left out in the cold. Just follow these few tips to help ensure that your bonsai trees stay healthy and attractive for decades to come. However, as with most hobbies and skills, experience will be the ultimate teacher. FREE information on how to grow, train and care for Bonsai Trees. Advice, tips and tricks for beginners and advanced growers alike. It’s FREE! Click here: http://www.BonsaiTreeGuide.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Weaver http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Important-Tips-for-Beginner-Bonsai-Tree-Caretakers&id=96545 no credit check cell phones borrow loan shark money instant cash 4 newbies tampa cash loans
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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Honey Bees - Protect Our Threatened Friends

By Randeen Nelson Honey Bees are one of natures best friends, one of our best friends. They pollinate our fields, pollinate our flowers. They pollinate our vegetables and fruits. Honey bees are in danger. Through the high use of chemicals we have weakened one of our best friends. We need to pay attention to this major threat to the dedicated pollinators of what we eat and enjoy. Imagine a world without honey bees. Whole fields of crops would not be pollinated. This is a world wide concern, it will affect us all. Honey bees are being depleted and threatened. What would we eat if our foods were not pollinated? Can you imagine an army of human workers in white suits with cue tips out trying to imitate the work of our natural army of honey bee friends? Frightening. The influx of killer bees which are beginning to illegally immigrate into our country, to spread world wide is a real concern. The killer bees coming up from South America are beginning to interbreed into the lower states. The honey production is down, the threat of angry bees is up. We need to do all we can to stop any of these marauding invaders from transgressing into the US. Cleaning shoes, carefully following quarantine rules is a start. The other major threat is chemicals and disease affecting our honey bee colonies. They collect food and water and carry it all back to the hive. We have to be aware and do our part to help our honey bee friends recover and repopulate. There are major news stories telling us that some crops can be seriously affected this year by honey bee depopulation. We must be aware. We must do our part to protect our little honey bee friends. Have you ever seen a honey bee hive and how it works? Each member of the colony works in concert for the preservation of the whole. Each is a part of the whole. When these little worker guys go out into the fields, the gardens to collect pollen for the hive, they are more and more dependent on us to preserve the quality of what they carry home to the hive. Organic gardening is a good way that we can do our small part to protect our friends. By limiting or eliminating harmful chemicals in our own yards, we can one at a time make a difference. We can help our honey bee friends and our local ecosystem by keeping it pure and chemical free. We can make a difference. Of all the beneficial insects in our environment, the honey bees are of major importance. They work tirelessly to provide food for their colony. In the process they pollinate our important crops, our fruits and vegetables, our flowers that add beauty to our lives. Weakened or killed by harmful chemicals, they can not provide us with essential pollination of our plants. Do your part. Make a commitment to gardening the organic way. Make a commitment to create your own chemical free zone for the honey bees and all the other beneficial insects that give us healthy food and beautiful flowers. Provide a welcoming space for our little friends. Honey bees need water, lots of water. A bird feeder full of water or a backyard pond will give your friends the honey bees and other beneficial wildlife an essential of life.water. Plant flowers and blossoming vegetables, these give the honey bees a safe place to eat. Dont use harmful chemicals and sprays which kill the honey bees. You have created a Honey Bee Safe Zone. You are doing your part. The rewards are huge: Gorgeous flowers, flowering shrubs and trees, delicious healthy fruits and vegetables, all chemical free. You and your family will not be inhaling or breathing noxious chemicals. You will be creating your own honey bee and beneficial insect private reserve. You will create your own small piece of Eden. The honey bees will thank you. Randeen Cummings Nelson Randeen Cummings Nelson http://www.LandscapingCentral.net Backyard Wildlife Sancturary One of the Landscaping Central team, I grew up on a ranch and a farm in Montana. I learned early the joys and the responsibilities of life, both growing and breathing varieties. As a young married wife and mother, I struggled with feeding a growing family on a limited budget. My family thrived on Organic Gardening and edible landscaping became a lifetime avocation. My husband Randy and I live in the Northwest. We have our own Taj MaPond along with several other water features. My vocation is as a certified appraiser of personal property and my avocation are both centered on value. We’ve found the best things in life are natural, enjoying and preserving the beauty around you and yours. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randeen_Nelson http://EzineArticles.com/?Honey-Bees—Protect-Our-Threatened-Friends&id=471648 small loans until pay day for georgians fast easy loan military bad credit personal loan bad credit loan approval
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure � A New Treatment That Works

By Oliver Turner Since times immemorial, Acupuncture is a unique treatment for reducing high blood pressure in human beings. High blood pressure refers to a situation where blood starts exerting pressure against the walls of arteries, veins and also the chambers of the heart. Over a specified time period, this heavy rush of blood starts damaging the lining of the blood vessels. It can also lead to arteriosclerosis, meaning hardening of the arteries. Symptoms of high blood pressure High blood pressure symptoms are often acute in human beings. They include sudden dizziness, flushed faces, nervousness, severe headaches, restlessness, difficult breathing, nose bleeding, insomnia, intestinal complaints, depression, short temper and emotional instability. The diagnosis of high blood pressure is done when the normal pressure tends to repeatedly rise. The other physical symptoms of high blood pressure includes constant tendency to urinate, decrease in eye vision and muscle weakness. Electro-acupuncture treatments Acupuncture combined with electric stimulation or electro-acupuncture can lower elevations of blood pressure in human beings. When the research was conducted for the first time, acupuncture needles were inserted on the inside of the forearm just above the wrist, but to no avail. Researchers then started adding electric stimulation to the needles, which means that electric would start flowing from the needles to the body. While high frequency of stimulation had no effect, low frequencies of electro stimulation reduced blood pressure effectively. A thorough research on acupuncture shows that the inserted needles excites brain cells, causing them to release neurotransmitters that always heighten the hearts activities. To cure high blood pressure, acupuncture inserts needles on certain points on the wrist, forearm or leg, to excite the opioid chemicals in the brain and reduce excitatory responses of the cardiovascular systems. This eventual decrease in heart activity and need for oxygen can lower blood pressure to a great extent. It also promotes in the healing of other heart-related conditions like myocardial ischemia and hypertensions. Other acupuncture treatments to reduce high blood pressure While you are undergoing acupuncture treatments for curing high blood pressure, you can also use herbs like Tian Ma [Gastrodia Rhizome], Xia Ku Cao [Prunella] and Shan Zha to reduce high blood pressure. You should inject the juices of these herbs into your blood to achieve better results. A unique and natural acupuncture treatment for high blood pressure also include pressing of the skin on the back of your hand in between the thumb and index finger. Find all about acupuncture and high blood pressure only on acupuncture for high blood pressure and much more. All about acupuncture on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Turner http://EzineArticles.com/?Acupuncture-for-High-Blood-Pressure—A-New-Treatment-That-Works&id=193934 sjm marketing loan company payday personal loans maine apartment private money loans bad credit offshore lenders
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Friday, May 30, 2008

The Truth About Verbal Abuse

By Annie Kaszina Julie fell in love with Scott at first sight. It happened at the bus stop when she was 16 on her way back from her first day at college. Shed sprained her ankle and a friend was half-supporting, half-carrying her. Despite the pain she couldnt help but notice the good looking guy waiting at the bus stop. Scott looked at her and his first words to her were that she was a drunken c**t. Julie thought that was hilarious. By the time she got off the bus they had exchanged phone numbers. They started dating and within weeks had decided they were each others perfect partner. They soon got engaged. The relationship was passionate, tempestuous with tremendous highs and lows. 5 years on, Julie and Scott are still together and Julies confidence is shot to pieces. Scott still tells her he loves her, from time to time, but spends a lot more time telling her how stupid, lazy, ugly and fat she is. And, of course, how lucky she is to have someone like him, because nobody else would want her. The sad thing is, she believes him totally. Shes been so brainwashed by him for so long. We live in a society where people habitually say rude, abrasive, sometimes clever, things to each other, which are often quite funny. But rude, abrasive words have the power to chip away at a person until they break them into small pieces. And we live in a society where we arent very good at seeing the big picture: if words make us laugh, then they cant be damaging. (Why not?) Domestic violence is a situation in which one person, still statistically more likely to be the man, strikes their partner and/or the children. If there are no physical blows then it cant be violence, can it? Actually, it can. Domestic violence is a term that describes any situation where one person deliberately, and consistently, hurts another. Verbal abuse is, correctly speaking, verbal violence. The old adage says: Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me. Its an utter nonsense. Words, if spoken by someone whose opinion of you, you care about, can shatter you into a thousand pieces. Had Hitler not been able to use words so effectively in the first place he would never have won support and never have come to power. Hitler was a past-master of verbal violence. Did his verbal violence pave the way for physical violence, or simply go hand in hand with physical violence? It hardly matters here. What does matter is to be aware that the destructive power of verbal violence is huge. Whether or not, as often happens in time, verbal violence escalates into physical violence. Emotional abuse, correctly speaking, is emotional violence; as anyone who has ever experienced it will know. The difference between verbal and emotional abuse or violence is illusory. Maybe verbal abuse sounds less destructive, but it works through emotional brainwashing and brutality. Telling someone who loves you that they disgust you, repeatedly, will devastate them psychologically. Mental abuse, correctly speaking is mental violence. All verbal, emotional and physical violence is mental abuse. Mental abuse occurs whenever one person in a relationship attempts to gain unconditional power and control over the other person. When it is done through physical intimidation its easy enough to spot; although women will still, frequently, make excuses like: He was drunk, Hes had a hard time etc. Mental abuse is designed to smash another persons self-confidence so that they become emotionally dependent; which then becomes another fault they can be criticized for. Like Julie, I spent years in a verbally abusive relationship; in my case, a marriage. My then husband had had a difficult childhood. He was sensitive, vulnerable, and he also had a touch of the bad boy about him. It was an intoxicating mixture. I felt that I could care for him and make him happy. I was also flattered by the way he became so passionate about me so fast. I didnt know that fast wooing is a key sign of an abuser. They come into a relationship hungry for the status, the sense of well being and power that they get from having someone fall deeply in love with them. They woo fast, because they need to hook their partner in before he/she really starts to see their dark side. They woo fast because while they can come out with all the right words, and acts, and maybe even mean them at the time, its not love that really drives them, but having their needs met. They get their needs met by draining the life, the spirit, the independence, the joy, out of their partner. They are emotional vampires. Our courtship was brief. I didnt know it at the time but each time I committed a little more of myself to him he started to behave worse. There was the first time that he screamed: What the hell do you expect from me for no apparent reason. After half an hour he was fine. On our honeymoon he refused to speak to me for 24 hours. Then he was as loving as before. The fights and the silences became more frequent and longer. I didnt get it at all. I didnt realise that he was throwing temper tantrums and sulking and then starting the whole cycle all over again. At first when he was nice, Id ask him why hed said all those mean things, and hed say he didnt mean them. In time, he stopped being nice and I stopped asking. But he still told me, occasionally, that he loved me, and I was more desperate than ever to believe him. Partly because he didnt like them, partly because I was ashamed to admit what was happening, I stopped seeing my friends and family. The more isolated I became, the more dependent I became on him. And the more careless and cruel he was in his treatment of me. In public, of course, we acted like there wasnt a problem. I could almost convince myself there wasnt a problem: he loved me, didnt he? And I loved him. I thought he had so much potential to become the man of my dreams (despite all the evidence to the contrary). Our friends thought we had the perfect marriage; they thought he was as caring and sensitive as he appeared to be in public. He told everyone he was a nice guy, and they believed him. It took me over 20 years to realise the damage that had happened to me and to our child, who saw and understood - the stark reality long before I did. Then it took a while to start unpicking the web of lies hed spun around me. Actually, other people did like and value me. Other men did find me attractive. There were a lot of men out there who were an awful lot nicer, and kinder, than he ever was. I had all sorts of skills, talents and qualities that he had never recognised, never nurtured. The world was not the cruel, destructive place that he had said; that was his dark reality that he had visited on me. It didnt have to be mine. Recently I was talking, socially, to a wonderful lady in her seventies about a domestic violence poster for our local refuge. She said that people dont understand that verbal abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence. Shed been married to a verbally abusive man for 50 years; because her generation stayed married. But shed suffered terribly, not least because he always presented himself to the world as a delightful gentle man. The years of her widowhood had been the happiest and freest of her life. Nobody should lose years, or even months, of their life in the misery, humiliation and fear of an abusive relationship. If anyone says mean things about you and wont stop when you tell them not to, because its upsetting you, that is abusive. That person is giving you a clear sign that they dont care about your feelings no matter what excuse they make later. If they dont care about your feelings, make no mistake, they will smash into you whenever they want to, just to make themselves feel better. That is the reality of a verbally abusive relationship. The abuser acts as if he/she has a licence to hurt the other person. Each time you accept it and give him/her, or the relationship, another chance, you are endorsing his/her right to hurt you. You cannot help another person to change. You cannot change them by offering them the love they never had. You can only tear yourself into bite-sized chunks of raw flesh that they will devour whenever they feel hungry. That is exactly what you can expect. If you are prepared to end up as a whitening pile of bones at the end of the relationship, while your partner moves on to feed on fresh prey, then go for it. If not, then I suggest you listen very carefully, right from the start, to the words they say. If, ever, they are dismissive or you, or even if they put you on a pedestal but are dismissive of other people, then run. It wont be too long before they turn their savagery on you. A pedestal is no protection at all. Protestations of love are no protection at all. Predators feed on raw meat and abusers are predators, whether the violence they use is verbal, emotional, mental or physical. 2006 Annie Kaszina Annie Kaszina Ph D, is a coach and writer who has helped hundred of women to rebuild their confidence and their life after an abusive relationship. Annie is the author of “The Woman You Want To Be”. Inside this ebook you’ll learn to believe in yourself and the fulfilling future you’re looking for. To find out more and sign up to Annie’s free bi-monthly ezine visit: http://www.joyfulcoaching.com You can email Annie at: annie@joyfulcoaching.com Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your ezine, just include the resource box. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annie_Kaszina http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Verbal-Abuse&id=140467 cars with zero down and no credit check cash advance arrested direct payday loan cash advance pay day cash
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Easy Water Color Painting With Nine Tools

By Nancy Wigal Water color painting is challenging and tends to frustrate many beginners. This article will highlight some of the essential tools to help you overcome that challenge. Soft sponge: Keep plenty of small, soft sponges to erase water color painting mistakes. The removal process consists of warm water and a sponge. Gently pat the affected area until the mistake disappears. Paper: It’s best not to start off with a cheap paper grade. There are perfectly adequate rag-content papers you can use for practice. However, you should switch to a hand-made paper as quickly as you can. It takes paint better. Along with the type of paper, consider the grade. You can achieve consistent effects under ideal conditons when you use the same grade of paper again and again. Next, consider the weight. As a beginner, you’ll use a lighter weight, possibly 72 pounds. However, as you gain experience and become more competent, you’ll discover the lighter paper won’t hold up when you apply a heavy wash. Finally, the paper texture must be right depending upon the artist’s technique. Some artists prefer the rough paper because it softens edges and creates textures. The 300-pound rough is a good choice. Sand paper is used to scratch off paint where you need more white, and masking tape is useful to cover areas that you will either leave white or paint later on. If you want to create softer effects, an ordinary butter knife can scrape paint. You can use mat knives to nick and scrape paint areas to highlight white accents. Wet down paper with a cosmetic sponge - you can even use it as a paint brush! Paint rags are necessary for wiping brushes and creating cloud effects. Here’s something you may not have thought of - a hand mirror. Use it to look at your picture in reverse. When you view your water color painting in reverse, many things become immediately clear, such as picture balance. A low sketching stool will help your water color painting, because working close to the ground is easier on you. Correct your sketches before committing to painting with a kneaded eraser. Gather these tools and paper to help you create and paint the best water color paintings possible! Good luck, and happy painting. At last - you can paint water colors perfectly without wasting paper and paint. Discover this long-lost art book with the secrets for water color painting and drawing. http://www.easywatercolorpainting.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Wigal http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Water-Color-Painting-With-Nine-Tools&id=133816 debt consolidation personal loan pay cash or take out loan guaranteed personal loans instant approval need money now very small loan
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Quality Cell Phones: Staying Up to Date

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson]Chris Robertson The technology of dell phones and their accessories is constantly advancing. If your cell phone no longer meets your needs it might be time to look for a new one. Whatever your cell phone needs, you will be able to find the latest products online. New product lines are continuously added to offer you the best in quality products. Cell Phone Uses Cell phones are no longer used just to make a quick call. Many businesses use them for their main lines because they are portable and have superior reception. Text messaging has become popular with cell phone users because of the ease of use and convenience. Many new cell phones will feature cameras and video abilities to use for work or fun. New Product Lines Are Continuously Added Shopping online for a cell phone will impart to you the most unique selection of products and quality services. New product lines are continuously added to help you stay up to date on current products. If you are looking for a certain product you can go to your search engine and type in the key words. You will find numerous sites to look at and compare products. There are many online malls that offer a wide variety of products and different brands. They also offer countless other products so you can do all your shopping on one site. Many offer wholesale or discount prices and make it worthwhile to check out their sites. To stay up to date and offer competitive merchandise such as cell phones, new product lines are continuously added. Popular Cell Phones With the heightened use of the Internet, the Skype phones have become more prevalent. With the new Netgear Skype WiFi Phone, you can make calls to anyone with a Skype phone anywhere in the world. You don’t have to be connected to your PC when you have access to the WiFi network. You can even call ordinary phones for a small fee. The Bluetooth products are popular because of their wireless features. Hands free use makes this phone ideal for active people and those who have to constantly be multi-tasked. There are assorted accessories for these phones to make it more convenient in your situation. Find the Cell Phone You Want Cell phones vary in price according to the features that are included. You can buy a quality phone for under a hundred dollars but can go higher for the advanced functions that you desire. Look for the online sites with a unique selection of products and quality services. As you shop for your new cell phone, you will find many other products that are compatible with the phones. You can purchase these along with your phone and have all the components that are made to use together. Where new product lines are continuously added, you’ll be able to find the cell phone that’s right for you any time of the year. Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular [http://www.majon.com]internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about cell phones. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson http://EzineArticles.com/?Quality-Cell-Phones:-Staying-Up-to-Date&id=459023 same day cash loans cash loan 12065 personal loan calculators cash advance places around belleveiwfl
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The Top Myth Every Successful Orchid Grower Needs to Avoid

By Jonah Winn-Lenetsky A little light never hurt an orchid, only a lot of light can. Lack of light is one of the main reasons orchids wont flower in the home. Dont believe what they tell you about light in the basic guidelines for growing orchids. Many orchids benefit from filtered, or even direct morning and evening sun. Different types of orchids require different light levels. Vandopsis orchids can sometimes be grown in nearly full sun, as can some kinds of Cattleya. However, most orchids, even most Cattleyas will burn from too much, or mid-day sun. This is not caused by the light as you might think, but by the building up of heat within the leaf. Just like freezing, too much heat can actually break apart the cells, causing damage to the leaf and in extreme cases the entire plant. Here is a list of suggested footcandle ranges for different orchids (see below for a definition of footcandles): * Cattleya: 2,000-5,000 Footcandles * Phalaenopsis: 1,000-2,000 Footcandles * Oncidium: 1,000-3,000 Footcandles * Dendrobium Phalaenopsis: High Light Levels * Miltonias: 1,500-2,500 Footcandles * Vandas: 4,000-5,000 Footcandles * Paphiopedilums: 1,000-2,000 Footcandles Generally, if the weather is not too hot then morning sun, or light during part of the day through an east, south, or west facing window can be very beneficial to orchids. Light is necessary for orchids to flower. In fact, light is one of the main reasons orchids wont flower in the home. They may be growing just fine, but that doesnt mean theyre getting enough light to flower. Flowering takes a lot of energy and orchids get their energy from light and water. That orchid may look great in the middle of the room, but it will most likely never flower. This is true of most orchids, but not always true of Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilums, as well as amazonica species and hybrids which can do well in normal household conditions in close proximity to a window. These orchids thrive in a range of light close to 1,000 lumens, which is what theyll get next to an east or north facing window, or in a very bright room. However, they are especially low light orchids and cannot withstand direct sun on their leaves, with the exception of winter sunlight for a brief period in the far northern and southern latitudes. Definition of Terms: Lumens, Footcandles Light is generally measured in Lumens, or Footcandles. A footcandle is the amount of light produced in comparison to candles at one foot away. Therefore, two candles from one foot distance will emit two footcandles of light, a normal fluorescent light bulb will produce a couple thousand. One lumen is the amount of footcandles distributed over a one square foot area. In general an object will receive about 10,000 footcandles in full sun, on a bright sunny day in the middle of summer. On the other hand, the middle of a room on a dull grey day, with only one incandescent light fixture will probably receive only a couple hundred lumens. Far too little for almost any orchid to grow and flower. Generally 1,000 footcandles can be achieved in a bright north or west facing window. As well as in the middle of a brightly lit room, on a bright day. For higher levels of light, an east or south facing window, or artificial light will be necessary. Be careful to guard orchids from hot midday or early afternoon sun, by using a sheer curtain (one that still lets light through). Lumens and Footcandles are best measured with a light meter (often used by photographers). Jonah Winn-Lenetksy is a hobbyist orchid grower and plant lover living in Minneapolis, MN. Read about his hopes for his blog, The Armchair Orchidist, His blog is intended to share some of the expertise and passion he’s gained in growing orchids over the past year. It is really intended as an informational site for beginning and intermediate orchid growers, who grow orchids in the home. For more informational articles and orchid facts, pictures and fun, please visit http://armchairorchidist.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonah_Winn-Lenetsky http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Top-Myth-Every-Successful-Orchid-Grower-Needs-to-Avoid&id=364275 personal loans secured by auto is it hard to get a home loan with little money down unsecured 30000 bad credit loan houston bad credit bankruptcy car loan
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Vegetable Garden - Why and How to Grow Vegetables

By Carol Stack Planning, planting, growing and harvesting a vegetable garden can be great fun for the whole family. And while you are having fun, you will be growing your own food. Having your own vegetable garden can be a very satisfying undertaking and is an excellent way to teach your children about responsibility as well. Vegetable Garden Benefits There are many benefits to planting your own vegetable garden and one of the most obvious ones is the harvest. When you plant a garden that grows well, you will be able to enjoy the vegetables when they are ripe and, along with pleasing your taste buds, this will also please your grocery bill as well. Growing your own vegetables is much cheaper than buying them, so gardening will leave you with some extra money each month. Some other benefits of having your own vegetable garden are relieving excess stress and exploring your creativity with plants. Gardening can be great fun for the whole family and you can give your children their own gardening tasks to keep track of, as well. This will also provide a great means of exercise for the entire family. Where Do I Plant It? If you want a quality vegetable garden that will produce well, you are going to have to choose your garden site carefully. Make sure that your garden site gets plenty of sun each day to help your plants grow as they should. If you do not have enough sunlight hitting your vegetable garden, it will more than likely be a flop. You should also choose a garden spot that will get enough water. Be sure that water will not just sit in certain areas, but that the water will be able to get to the entire garden. If you are short on rain, you may have to water the garden yourself. Also try to find a garden site that has rich, healthy soil to ensure that your plants grow well. Choosing Which Vegetables to Grow There are many vegetables to choose from for your vegetable garden but you need to keep in mind which vegetables you like and how easy they are to grow. If your family does not like beets, you should probably choose something else to grow in your garden. If this is your first time having a vegetable garden, you may want to stick to vegetables that are easy to grow such as tomatoes, green beans, carrots, lettuce, peas, squash and corn. Vegetable Gardening Tips Once you have your vegetable garden planted, you want to make sure that you keep up with the garden to be sure you get the best growth possible. It is important that you keep the weeds out of your garden, since weeds can take away nutrients and water from your plants. You should also be sure that you do not water your garden too much or you can kill your plants with too much water. When you plant your garden, you will want to leave adequate space in between your rows so that you can cultivate your plants to stimulate growth. If you plant your garden in a great place and make sure that you take care of it faithfully, at the end of the season, you will reap the benefits of your hard work. When you sit around your table enjoying the wonderful fresh vegetables, it will be with the pleasure of knowing that your vegetable garden was a job well done. Carol Stack has always enjoyed gardening. She lives with her husband, children, dogs, and cats in the United States. They have a large yard that they are continually trying to keep looking good. You can learn about landscaping, lawn care, organic gardening and more at Carol’s Web site http://www.howtogarden.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Stack http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegetable-Garden—Why-and-How-to-Grow-Vegetables&id=461798 fast cash ohio guaranteed cash advance loan i need a loan with bad credit san diego commercial hard money lender
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Light Requirements for Indoor Plants

By Briscoe White Different houseplants make different demands on their environment. Most plants have their requirements expressed by symbols, which you will find on the care tag of most plants. The trick is figuring out what those symbols actually mean. Most light needs are divided into 3 specific categories: full sun, semi-shade and shade. However, these classifications are not standardized, so variations do exist. In addition, the number of daylight hours also has an effect on the growth of plants. In winter, there is less sunlight and a plant that received more than adequate light during the summer months may be light deprived in the winter. Be flexible. The number of daylight hours also influences the flowering period and the growth of the plant. There are two distinctions that can be made regarding the growth and flowering habits of houseplants. Some plants will only bloom whiten there are only a few hours of daylight while others bloom only when the day is long. Short-day plants make flower buds when there is less than 12 daylight hours. Long-day plants flower when there are more than 12 daylight hours. Growers make use of these characteristics by keep plants artificially dark (the poinsettias are brought on early for the Christmas trade) or growing in artificial light in the winter for earlier blooms. In general, the three light requirements are: Full Sun the plant tolerates unshaded sunlight for an unlimited number of hours each day. It can be placed in or near a south facing window. Semi-shade this plant needs a lot of sunlight, but it has to be protected from the strongest rays of the sun. In a south-facing window, blinds should be shading it form direct light. An east facing window, where the sun disappears after about 10 AM, is a good choice as is a west facing window where the plant will receive afternoon sun. This classification is also often called bright, indirect light. Shade this plant should not be exposed to any direct sunlight, particularly in the summer. A northern exposure is best. This is tricky as you do need some sun, or the plant will not grow. In 1985, Briscoe White opened The Growers Exchange in an abandoned Texaco station on a busy urban street corner in Richmond, Virginia. The facility has grown over the years, and is now 5 distinct growing environments with 5 acres under cover. Briscoe has over 25 years of gardening experience. For further information on indoor plants or gardening tips please contact Briscoe White at bwhite@thegrowersexchange.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Briscoe_White http://EzineArticles.com/?Light-Requirements-for-Indoor-Plants&id=257512 bad credit personal loan sources five star payday dc bad credit lender example of paycheck stub
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Business or Hobby?

By David Breth “Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception”. When I heard this statement used, my first thought was ‘hummm this seems dishonest.’ The more I pondered and studied this statement, the more I began to see that this was not a justification to be dishonest, but it was just being honest about most people. “Most people do not buy reality, they buy perception”. I recall a story I read years ago about several bakeries located on the same street each located only a few shops down from one another. One of these bakeries placed their sign out front of their store and it read “The best bakery in the universe”. Another had a sign reading “The best bakery in the world”, yet another displayed a colorful sign with bold letters “The best bakery in the state”. The one that is always packed with paying, repeat customers is the bakery that has the sign that simply says “The best bakery on this street”. You see whether they were actually the best bakery on that street or not, the perception is that they are from what their sign says. An example that is closer to home, I am one of only a few magicians in my area that offers all my customers a “100% GUARANTEE. If you don’t like, you don’t pay”. I have my share of ‘well meaning’ magicians telling me …”oh, you should not offer a 100% guarantee. There are always gold diggers out there looking for a bargain”… That statement is true, yet for me I have never had any one take me up on my offer. Then these same ‘well meaning’ magicians ask me …”what if they do decide to take you up on your offer then what?” …”If they do, I will tear their check up”…. Real to life: I live about 30 miles outside of Baltimore, MD just this year 2005 I am on the phone with a potential client, we are chatting about their son’s fourth birthday party. When I told them about my 100% GUARANTEE Mr. and Mrs. X said “really, wow”. They secured my services right then and there. Now you may be saying OK neat, but what is the big deal? Oh, yeah I have not mentioned to you the fact that they live just outside of Boston, MA. This means they have to fly me in, put me in a hotel, and take care of my meals and ground transportation. Mr. and Mrs. X are not just a couple that have flown off their rocker, they are real to life folks like you converse with each and every day. They were not buying the reality that it would cost them more to have me travel there than to have a local drive ten minutes to their house, they were buying the ‘perception’ of me being the ‘best’, and giving them a security blanket (100% Guarantee) in case I said I was the best and did not come through. Disclaimer: You must be able to deliver what you promise or you will be taken up on your guarantee. I strive to over deliver. Give them more than they had agreed to… Notice I said more - not less. Footnote: I am not in anyway putting down the ‘well meaning’ magicians that tell me I should not offer my 100% Guarantee. 99% of them that tell me this are not full-time and perform less shows in a few months than I perform in one month. I am not boasting; please know I am humbler when I say this! A fellow entertainer, David Breth Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Breth http://EzineArticles.com/?Business-or-Hobby?&id=119756 private party unsecured loans sba loan for coal bed seam gas extraction directory of georgia payday loans missouri legislation-pay day loans
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