Day Flowers

The best selling plants are annuals, herbs, and foliage plants. 6” pots sell best, and carefully pruning off discolored leaves and over-ripe blooms encourages customers to purchase more plants.

Impatiens are a very popular bedding plant. Marigolds and geraniums are good sellers as well. Ferns are terrific sellers and nearly every commercial greenhouse includes these green favorites. Include a few hydroponic vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, in your selection of plants.

If you are selling your plants to consumers, include a display of basic gardening supplies and seeds to help boost sales. A selection of gardening books and magazines is also a great way to increase your profits.

Keep a nursery log. Include important growing information for each type of plant for easy cross reference on peak times and suggested plant care.

Place fragrant plants near the entryway of the greenhouse to entice customers into the structure. Mix colorful plants in with greens to provide a visually appealing selection.

Fresh, moving air is essential to healthy plant growth, especially in winter months. Use a thermostat controlled heater to maintain temperatures of between 70-75° while ventilation flaps are open.

Take care of any standing water inside your greenhouse to prevent excessive humidity. Some commercial greenhouses will dig a ditch along the sides of the greenhouse wall to aid proper drainage and avoid standing puddles of water.

Invest in cooling pads to keep the humidity down and the soil moist. Keep in mind that using a cooling fan will decrease the overall temperature of the greenhouse by 10° for each fan used.

Growing terrific plants like commercial greenhouses is easy with a few insider tips like these. Commercial greenhouses pay top dollar for marketing and gardening experts, but you can take advantage of their secrets by observing the habits of successful commercial greenhouses.

In the distant past, most medical remedies came directly from plants and herbs, herbal remedies and even today are effective in treating some of our problems such as infertility disgust. If you have never considered an herbal alternative to help you conceive, let me introduce you to some of the most popular herbal supplements and more effective use in the treatment of infertility.

Flax seed oil

This is an herbal product that is useful for both males and females who are trying to overcome infertility, for men is important because flax seed oil ingredients help maintain healthy sperm and prevent impotence.

In women the value of flax seed oil lies in its ability to fight menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps and female infertility. The lining and the natural plant estrogen’s in flax seed help stabilize the ratio of transformation of the estrogen-progesterone, and this is important for fertility and for the relief of symptoms of various woman’s issues.

Ginseng

This is a common herb that is popular in the East where it is consumed widely in teas and health products has shown levels of testosterone increase, accounts of the semen, increases sexual desire as well as increase the motility of sperm. Again, this is a supplement to the male partner takes.

Himalayan men health products

Himalayan men health products are combination of well balanced herbal ingredients designed to overcome male fertility problems, improves quality of semen. This supplement is considered to be the strong antioxidant fight against the debilitating effects of free-radical compounds. It increase sperm count, Motility, Corrects male infertility, Himalaya products are formulation of natural herbs and minerals designed to overcome male fertility problems and give new hope to childless couples.

A clinical trial showed that Himalayan products improves quality of sperm in men by significant amounts and their uses in treating infertility are peer has skyrocketed since then. The main advantage of this herb is for men, helping to produce the quality and quantity of his sperm, so this is for the male partner of a couple who is trying to conceive.

It is one of the most popular herbal treatments for female infertility and male infertility. The value of this herb is its reputed role in the production of cervical mucus leading to the concept.

It makes the mucus more fertile ground for half the sperm and this is important because sperm must be sustained if it is a healthy move successfully through the cervix. In fact, if the mucus is healthy sperm can survive for up to five days in the tube fallopian tubes, increasing the chance of the concept even further copulation. Thus the presence of cervical mucus proper and healthy at the time of ovulation is vital to take supplements and fertility oil spring evening is one of the best ways to ensure that the mucus is healthy.

It can cause uterine contractions that could be harmful during pregnancy and that are why they should be used only from menstruation until ovulation.

As you can see, some herbal products are very common, easily obtained can play a huge role in overcoming the health problems that contribute to infertility in women and men. If you are trying to improve their ability to conceive a healthy baby then you should definitely consider these natural products, herbal now being used by men and women all around the world.

There are many variations to the food pyramid and one of the most popular variations is the vegetarian food pyramid. If you’re on such diet, you can still meet your nutritional needs with a well-planned diet. It’s untrue that vegans are at risk of suffering from nutritional deficiency. Note that each food group in the vegan diet pyramid is unique and no group can replace the other. In other words, they are equally important. As a general rule, your main source of calories (which translates into energy) should come from the bottom three levels of the pyramid guide.

The major food groups in the diet are basically whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and alternative groups (i.e. non-fat milk, fresh cheese, and yogurt). Within these groups, you should consume whole grains liberally; consume vegetables and fruits generously while for legumes and foods in alternative group, consume them moderately. Like all food guide advice, elements such as salt, sugar, and oil can be included but they should be consumed sparingly. As vegans do not consume meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, they can find nutritional replacements in different leafy plants. For example, iron (commonly found in meat) can also be found in tofu and leafy vegetables. As for protein in meat and fish, it can be substituted with legumes and lentils. Always try to choose low-fat protein sources (usually plant-based foods).

Calcium-fortified soy can also be used to replace milk. It is a good choice as it is low-fat and cholesterol-free. As a vegan, you can still enjoy many foods such as pizza, lasagna, and pasta. The ingredients changed slightly and it’ll taste just as great. Many vegetarian food products today may even look (and taste) like non-vegetarian ones, but they are lower in fat and contain no cholesterol.

A vegetarian food pyramid or vegan diet pyramid allows vegans to determine the best food combination when planning for their diet. You can still plan healthy and delicious meals with a little creativity. Being a vegan is not boring!

Second to water in popularity, coffee is consumed by billions of people throughout the world. Statistics have shown that about 400 billion cups are consumed annually and that children and adults have been taking it for several good reasons.

Coffee is a popular beverage served in two ways: hot or with ice. It is naturally prepared from the roasted seeds of a coffee plant, and these seeds are known as “coffee beans”. The beans originate from an evergreen tree which has grown and has been cultivated in a number of subtropical areas around the world, including Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Indonesia and other regions in Southeast Asia.

Being cultivated and produced in a number of countries, coffee comes in varieties. Each variety has its distinctive quality and differs according to flavor, acidity, amount of caffeine, and mouth feel. All of these characteristics are highly dependent on the environment where the coffee plants are grown, as well as on the way they are processed and produced.

There are three major varietals of coffee: the C. Robusta, C. Arabica, and the Blended types. Below are short descriptions for each type. Read on.

C. Robusta – Known scientifically as coffee canephora, the Robusta variety naturally contains 40 to 50 percent of caffeine and is cultivated in some major areas in the world where the second variety, C. Arabica, will not thrive. This type has a bitter taste and has little flavor. Its aroma is deemed as something similar to that of brunt rubber or wet cardboard. And, one of the very pricey and unusual subtype of this species is the Indonesian Kopi Luwak and the Kape Alamid, which is known and highly valued in the Philippines.

C. Arabica – Noted to have originated from the Arabian Peninsula, the Coffee Arabica is the older type of coffee known to man. It is thought to be indigenous to Ethiopia, and is widely known for its richer flavor and taste. Some of the well-known subtypes of C. Arabica are Colombian, Colombian milds, Costa Rican Tarrazu, Guatemala, Hawaiian Kona, Jamaica Blue Mountain, Ethiopian Harrar, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Sulawesi Toraja Kalossi, Tanzania Peaberry, Sumatra Mandheling, Sumatra Lintong, Java, and Kenya AA.

Blends – As the name implies, this coffee variety is a combination of both C. Arabica and C. Robusta. Blends are generally considered mainly to create a sense of balance and complexity. With this idea, a number of blends are available nowadays and one of the oldest is the Mocha Java, which is but a combination of coffee beans belonging to the same name. This blend is noted for its chocolate flavor, leading to the blending of the known Café Mocha.

Several other varieties of coffee exist nowadays. All of these varieties are prepared from the blends, which are mixed with other less expensive varieties to provide a new taste and flavor. The Jamaica Blue Mountain and the Hawaiian Kona are but two of the most prominent examples of these recent coffee blends.

1. Frangipani (Plumeria) is very rare in China, and even more precious than orchids. So, when a person gives frangipani flowers to a sweetheart, it is the closest thing to saying you’re special, I love you in a culture where expression of personal feelings is frowned upon.

2. The colorful caterpillar of Pseudosphinx tetrio feeds predominantly on the leaves of Plumeria rubra (frangipani).

3. Warming” oils — such as those from frangipani are said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian holistic science that seeks to balance mind, body and spirit.

4. Frangipanis are good hosts for dendrobium orchids.

5. According to Vietnamese myth, ghosts live in trees with white and fragrant flowers including the frangipani. In Vietnam and China the colour white is associated with death and funerals.

6. In Hindu culture, the flower means loyalty. Hindu women put a flower in their hair on their wedding days to show their loyalty to their husbands.

7. There is a theory that Catholic missionary priests spread frangipanis around the world as they travelled. This may explain why the frangipani is so popular and common in the Philippines and Thailand but very rare in China and Vietnam. Thailand and the Philippines welcomed the Christian missionaries while, in China and Vietnam, they were persecuted until around the 1850s.

8. The frangipani is regarded as a sacred tree in Laos and every Buddhist temple in that country has them planted in their courtyards.

9. Frangipanis won’t burn except in extreme temperatures (over 500 degrees).

10. In Caribbean cultures the leaves are used as poultices (a healing wrap) for bruises and ulcers and the latex (sap) is used as a liniment for rheumatism.

11. The frangipani is also associated with love in feng shui.

12. In India the frangipani is a symbol of immortality because of its ability to produce leaves and flowers even after it has been lifted out of the soil. It is often planted near temples and graveyards, where the fresh flowers fall daily upon the tombs.

13. In Vietnam the frangipani is used for its healing qualities: the bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation. It is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure, while the roots have purgative effects on animals and the milk-like sap serves as a balm for skin diseases. The white flowers are used in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressure, haemophilia, cough, dysentery and fever.

14. In Malay folklore the scent of the frangipani is associated with a vampire, the pontianak.

15. In modern Polynesian culture, the frangipani can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status – over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if taken.

16. Frangipani trees were once considered taboo in Thai homes because of superstitious associations with the plant’s Thai name, lantom, which is similar to ratom, the Thai word for sorrow. As a result, frangipanis were thought to bring unhappiness. Today, however, the blossoms are presented as fragrant offerings to Buddha and Thai people wear them on special festival days like Songkran (Thai New Year).

17. The frangipani is the national flower of Nicaragua and it features on some of their bank notes.

18. The name, frangipani, comes from the Italian nobleman, Marquis Frangipani, who created a perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th century. When the frangipani flower was discovered its natural perfume reminded people of the scented gloves, and so the flower was called frangipani. Another version has it that the name, frangipani, is from the French frangipanier which is a type of coagulated milk that the Plumeria milk resembles.

19. The name, Plumeria, is attributed to Charles Plumier, a 17th Century French botanist who travelled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species, although according to author Peter Loewer (The Evening Garden: Flowers and Fragrance from Dusk Till Dawn; Timber Press, 2002) Plumier was not the first to describe Plumeria. That honour goes to Francisco de Mendoza, a spanish priest who did so in 1522.

We have all heard doctors and nutritionist talk about the importance of getting a well balanced diet. How many of us believe that we are eating correctly? What about our children? Why is it so important for a child to eat healthy food?

Whatever we eat affects every cell in our body. Eating healthy helps us to grow and develop correctly. When you look at the children in underdeveloped countries who have a very poor diet, most of them are extremely thin with very large bellies. Many of these children do not make it to adolescence.

A typical diet should supply all the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins needed for proper growth and development. Proper nutrition carries its greatest influence during infancy to childhood, when the body is actively growing. There are many wonderful books available on nutrition. Your pediatrician should have literature on what to feed your baby as they develop from birth to childhood. If you are vegetarian, be cautious about placing your infant and young children on a strict vegetarian diet. Do your research.

Food contains carbohydrates (bread, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes), protein (meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, nuts, milk, cheese), lipids (fats, oils), vitamins, minerals and water. All six of these nutrient groups are found in foods in varying amounts. A healthy diet may supply all the essential nutrients and calories for typical growth and development during childhood.

At least half of all calories consumed should come from carbohydrates. High carbohydrate food produces fuel and provide energy for the brain. Carbohydrates can be stored in the muscles and released as needed for energy.

Protein should be 10 to 15% of the total calories consumed. Protein provides amino acids which help with new tissue, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. It also proceeds nitrogen, which helps to keep tissue healthy. Generally speaking, animal protein is higher in essential amino acids then plant protein. A lack of protein in the diet, especially during infancy, can lead to a reduction in growth rate and muscle depletion.

Lipids (or fats) are another important source of energy. They are also involved in the maintenance and well being of membranes, hormones and cellular signals. Fats produce energy, give food its taste, and make us feel full. Fats are also what generally cause us to gain weight, have cholesterol problems, and can cause blockage in the arteries. Infants require a higher percentage of fat calories then older children.

Vitamins stimulate metabolic reactions without being used up. Fresh food contains vitamins naturally, while they are added to processed foods. If a child is eating a well-balanced diet, they should not require vitamin supplements. Consult with your pediatrician before giving your child vitamin supplements.

We all need various minerals to ensure appropriate body functioning. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, help with the formation of bones, teeth and for normal muscle contraction. Potassium, chloride, and sodium maintain the body’s fluid balance. Having a mineral deficiency, even in the minerals which you only need a minute amount of, can cause some major health problems. Talk with your pediatrician if you think your child may suffer from a mineral deficiency.

Water is essential for life. It is important in the prevention of constipation and dehydration. Water transports nutrients to and waste products from cells, helps to regulate the bodies temperature and is involved in metabolic reactions.

Fiber, although not listed as one of the essential nutrients, is important in your daily diet. Fiber, in the proper amounts, helps to keep your gastrointestinal track healthy.

Gardening is perhaps one of the best hobbies that a more laborious nature lover can take up. The reason why I choose to call this hobby laborious is because it surely does involve a good deal of physical activity. This hobby is not meant for those nature lovers who simply want to bask in the natural beauty that already exists. Rather it is an ideal pass time for those who want to make their own contribution to the nature.

In order to be successful in gardening one must have the following qualities: -

1.) Besides having a love for gardening you should also have the will and determination to pursue your hobby.

2.) You must be physically fit and agile. Laziness and gardening are anonymous to each other.

3.) Learn to exchange your ideas and information with like-minded people who can show an equal passion for gardening.

4.) Try laying your hands on almost any books, magazines or articles that can enhance your knowledge on gardening.

5.) Be prepared to invest a small amount of your earnings in purchasing the “Can’t do without”, gardening tools.

The world of gardening is wide and it has immense possibilities for those who want to explore it with the right zeal and enthusiasm. You can choose from indoor gardening, outdoor gardening, landscaping, cultivating exotic herbs, growing bonsais and thus the list is endless. However it is important to do a fair amount of research work before delving into any of the above fields. You should master up the art of choosing the right plants and also learn the techniques favorable for their productivity and growth.

Growing plants is not enough. Deciding where the plants should grow is also an important aspect of gardening. Nothing can be more distasteful than a garden which has color clashing flowers growing all around in a haphazardly manner. So be careful about allocating the plants their respective locations. Arrange the assortments of flowers in accordance with their heights, textures and colors so that they complement each other without diminishing the beauty of your garden.

Keep aside one day from the entire week to be your gardening day. Generally week -ends would be a good choice. On this day, equip your self with all the essential gardening tools and accessories and get down to your work. If you have children or friends who are equally interested in gardening call for their assistance. The more the merrier!

Once you are done for the day clean your tools well and store them in their right place. Be sure to maintain your gardening tools because well maintained tools can give you years of good performance. After all tools aren’t something that you can afford to buy every week.

Whether you are an efficient gardener or not can be best proved by your garden itself. So stop twiddling your thumbs and put your green fingers to use. As far as gardening is concerned, if you have really put in hard work your efforts will never go futile.

When it comes to the wedding party look, the flower girl is like the icing on the cake and provides the perfect finishing touch, tying all of the pieces of your wedding party together.

The flower girl is the sweetest little wedding guest of them all, stealing hearts as she precedes the bride down the isle in her own little fairytale dress. She wants to feel as special and pretty as bridesmaids and bride herself. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the perfect flower girl dress:

Small Style

Flower girl dresses are usually mini replicas of the bride’s wedding dress.  But that doesn’t mean that the flower girl’s dress have to exactly match the brides dress.  As long as the flower girl dress follows the theme and style of the event, elements of the fabric such as lace or beading can be incorporated into the flower girl’s dress, or you can match the sleeves, neckline and silhouette to the brides dress.

Another option is for the flower girl’s dress to be the same colour as the brides dress with a satin sash that matches the colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses to tie the whole bridal party together. Traditional flower girl dresses are usually white with full, ruffle skirts underneath to create a ‘bridal’ look.

Dress for the Season

There are a magnitude of fabrics and colours available for flower girl dresses; however it is also very important to consider the time of year when making dress selections.   For autumn or winter weddings, rich fabrics such as velvets and velours are a great choice to keep the littlies warm.   Spring or summer weddings call for natural light fabrics such as silks and silk chiffons to keep the girls from getting too hot. Tights are great for cold weather but too warm for the summer months.

Fabrics such as silk or velvet don’t wrinkle easily, however it’s still best to wait until the very last possible minute to dress your flower girl.  For a clean, wrinkle free flower girl dress we suggest not dressing the flower girl until it’s almost time for the wedding so that the dress will be free from wrinkles and you won’t have to worry about any food or drink spilt on it.

Colour me sweet

A flower girl’s dress should compliment the bride’s dress.  It can be ivory, white, or the same colour as the bridesmaid’s dresses.  Coloured sashes or colour accents can be used to tie them in with the bridesmaid dresses.  And don’t forget to match the colours of the flower petals that she is carrying to those in the bridesmaid’s bouquets.

Today’s flower girl carries a bouquet of flowers that are similar to the bridesmaid’s bouquets, but more proportionate to her size, in place of baskets of petals.

Comfort Counts

Little girls need to have the freedom to easily move and walk in their dress. You don’t want your wedding guests’ first impressions of your wedding ceremony to be a little flower girl tripping over or watching her itch all night.  Soft, silky fabrics will not make the little ones itchy, fidgety or feel uncomfortable. Flower girl dresses that are lined inside will add to the comfort of the little girl and to the durability of the dress for long term wear.

Leather ballet slipper shoe styles are best as new high heels or strappy sandals can cause blisters and can be uncomfortable or difficult to walk in.  No matter how beautiful the flower girl looks, it’s important to remember that if the little guests are uncomfortable, then it is most likely you or your older wedding guests will be too.

The Ideal Flower Girl Dress Length

Tea-length dresses or knee length princess styles are the most popular for young flower girls. Young flower girls can trip on long skirts, so it’s wise to select shorter dress styles.  If you are having multiple flower girls of different ages, rather than dressing them all in the same dress consider different lengths of the same style or different styles of the same colour or fabric to bring their look together.

When shopping for flower girl dresses, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that children grow fast. If you are ordering flower girl dresses six months before your wedding to ensure you get the style and colour you are after, allow for a few extra inches for the dress. It can always be altered closer to the wedding.

Where to buy Flower Girl Dresses?

You can have flower girl dresses custom made or you can purchase them from the same shop where you purchase your wedding dress.  You can even buy flower girl dresses online where you can find flower girl dress shops, children’s boutiques and online stores for kids’ special occasion clothing, offering a variety of designs and sizes to fit any style and budget.

All about Flower Girl Accessories!

Simple and fun jewellery that the girls can hold onto as a special gift or memento of the big day is the key to accessorising your flower girls. Be careful not to over accessorise as they are playful and need to move freely without restrictions.

Keep hair accessories simple. Just like the bride’s veil, elaborate hairpieces can be taken off the flower girl at the reception. Flowers are a pretty addition to cute little up-dos for girls; just make sure they are held in place securely and comfortably.

More and more flower girls are carrying a pomander (full, tight balls of flowers that have a satin fabric loop to hold).  Pomanders are easy to carry and can usually be decorated in the same flowers as the bride and bridesmaid’s bouquets, making for something a little different for the flower girl.

Have fun with your flower girl as she is just as proud to be in your wedding as your other wedding attendants. A cute, happy flower girl will bring lots of joy and happiness to your wedding day!

Great investments are hard to pinpoint especially due to the fact that we only live once. However, several statistics made by several industry publications have stated that conservatories are one of the best one-time investments a person could ever make. This investment will increase the value of your home substantially and as a comfort measure, the investment placed in building the conservatory can easily be made within 5 years without any issue at all!

Conservatories are very pleasant to have within your home especially with the beauty and aesthetics along with their practicality as an extension of the home. By possessing a conservatory in your home, several home buyers will have their eyes targeted at them as well as conservatories often leave a great impression on your home overall thus increases the property value and likelihood of your house being sold for a great price. The practicality of conservatories have proven to contribute highly in successful events ranging from serious personal business discussions with colleagues or clients, to even simple occasions such as inviting friends over for tea.

Further factors can be stressed on how practical conservatories can be due to the mere fact they keep you away from any terrible weather along with allowing you to look outside into your garden without any problems. This benefits any garden lovers as you are kept away from either a terribly hot blazing sun or even a cloudy gloomy day yet you will still be able to keep your eye on your beautiful plants and garden!

The only challenge in having a conservatory is to choose the right conservatory for the home. This is why several companies such as the well-known Apropos-Conservatories give personal guidance in choosing the perfect conservatory. Customer service and support often guarantees in a great choice along with the varieties of conservatories to choose from. Apropos-Conservatories not only help in choosing the right conservatory but also provide several other equipments necessary within a conservatory ranging from sliding doors to even flooring materials all in aid to building the perfect conservatory.

If the weather suddenly turns cold, early-flowering and tender plants may need special protection to avoid damage by freezing temperatures. There are several ways you can provide winter protection, including 1) mulching; 2) covering the plants; 3) moving them; or 4) taking advantage of a light snow covering.

MULCHING: This is one of the best ways to protect plant roots. Bark, straw, sawdust, peat moss, leaves and even grass clippings are the most common mulching materials. Remove the weeds (if possible) before applying the mulch. As a rule the mulch should be about 2 inches in depth. However, there are exceptions that will be stated a little later in this information bulletin. Keep the mulch an inch or two away from the trunk or main stem of the trees and shrubs. Again, there are exceptions, such as roses and cane berries, where the mulch is actually mounded over the canes. Then when spring arrives, after all danger of frost has passed, these mulching materials are pulled away.

Occasionally check through the mulching material, (about once a month) to be sure that moisture is getting to the soil below. This is especially important for plants that are situated under the eaves of the house or under tall evergreens where the soil is likely to dry out. It is important to note, that the combination of dry soil and cold temperatures can cause serious freeze damage to garden trees and shrubs. In fact, in some of the drier areas of the garden, such as under the eaves or under tall evergreens, you may need to water in mid-December or mid-January, if you find the soil dry.

COVERING: This is one of the most effective ways of protecting the foliage of broadleaf evergreen shrubs. Rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and early flowering plants will often benefit from being covered with some type of cloth material during extremely cold weather..

Start by placing three or four stakes around the plant being protected. Next drape some type of cloth material over the stakes, being careful that the cloth does not come in contact and freeze on the leaves. Notice I said cloth material, do not use clear polyethylene for this job, as it not only cuts off air to the plant, it also acts much like a greenhouse, taking plants from nightly lows to high daily temperature in a relatively short time period. This rapid temperature change can cause serious freeze damage or may be fatal to plants.

Any type of covering should only be left in place during the cold spell. As soon as the weather moderates or it begins to rain, remove the covering completely. However, leave the stakes in case it gets cold again.

Burlap, old moving blankets, sheets, Reemay or similar cloth or fabric materials are the best types to use as a cover over plants.

LIGHT SNOW COVER: Mother Nature actually provides the best blanket of protection in the form of a light snow. Up to two or three inches of snow not only insulates the ground around your plants it also provides a blanket of protection over the leaves.

On the other hand, it should be noted, that a heavy wet snow can cause considerable damage. As it tends to place to much weight on the leaves and branches, often causing them to break. And, in some cases even causing trees to break off. So if the snowfall is wet and heavy, you should make it a point to shake-off the excess snow before any damage occurs. Try to do this carefully so some snow remains as a winter protection.

SPECIAL CARE

ROSES: Mound mulch up over the base of rose canes, to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. Bark, sawdust and straw are among the best materials to use for this job. Pull the mulch material away in early spring. A frame of rabbit or chicken wire can be made around tree roses, then filled with straw to completely protect the stem and upper parts of the tree rose. Most climbing roses are very hardy and seldom need covering protection.

CONTAINERS: One of the easiest ways to give them winter protection is to simply take them into the basement of garage during a cold spell. (Avoid putting them into a heated room.) Then once the weather improves put them right back outside. Do not leave the planted containers inside all winter, unless you have a greenhouse or sun-porch, for them.

Remember containers are exposed to air on all four sides, plus the top and the bottom, so they can freeze very easily. And, exceptionally cold weather can damage the container too.

If the planted container is too large to move into the garage, during cold weather, you can mulch around the sides of the container. Simply mound bark or sawdust up around the sides of the pot, or wrap the container with blankets or packing. (Either way, this is not attractive, so even if you have to borrow a hand-truck, it’s best to move the large container into the garage during coldest weather.)

CANE BERRIES: Berries like raspberries seldom need winter protection, however if you live in a very cold spot, you can mound 10 to 12 inches of mulch around the base of the canes. Straw is excellent for this, then in springtime use the straw as mulch between the rows.

TENDER PERENNIALS: Plants like chrysanthemums, hardy fuchsias, penstemons; and other tender plants can be covered with only about one inch of straw during a cold winter. (In a mild winter, this is usually not necessary.)

HALF-HARDY SUMMER ANNUALS: Stock and snapdragons are only two prime examples of annuals that will sometime become perennials and winter-over if given a little mulching attention. Straw, bark or sawdust are the best materials to use for mulching over these plants. Use only about one inch of mulch.

HALF-HARDY SHRUBS & VINES: This group would include: Bougainvillea, Euryops (Yellow daisies), Hibiscus, Gardenias, Mandevilla, Citrus, etc. In the Pacific Northwest and other areas where the temperatures dip below freezing, these plants should be treated as indoor houseplants over-winter.

OTHER ANNUALS: New Guinea impatiens, fibrous begonias (Wax Begonias), coleus and Abulton (flowering Maple) are just a few of the summer annuals that you can pot-up and bring into the home to use as houseplants. Then next spring, after all danger of frost is over, these plants could be once again planted outside.