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Ladybugs are good for your garden
There are more than 450 species of ladybugs in North America. Some are native, and some have been introduced from other countries. Most North American species are beneficial, with both adults and larvae feeding primarily on aphids. They also feed on mites, small insects and insect eggs. (There are two pest species in the group: The Mexican bean beetle and the squash beetle. Both adults and larvae of those species feed on plants.) Read the rest of this entry »
Lengthen the life of your cut flowers
Photo courtesy of sxc.hu
In the mood to bring the bounty of the outdoors inside? The amazing colors, fragrances and textures of your flower garden can easily be brought indoors, arranged and appreciated throughout the summer and fall months.
Here are a few simple steps from FTD.com you can use to ensure that your flowers last longer:
• Pick flowers in early morning or in the evening, when stems are fully hydrated and not stressed from midday heat.
• Take a tall bucket with lukewarm water with you and immerse the stems as you gather.
• Cut the stems on an angle with a sharp, clean knife or pruners, to allow greater uptake of water through the stem.
• Once all the flowers are gathered, re-cut the stems underwater and strip away any foliage that will fall below the waterline once stems are placed in a vase.
• Arrange the flowers in a clean vase filled with room-temperature water and floral food.
• Place arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from any drafty areas.
- ARA Content
Killing just the weeds
Photo courtesy of sxc.hu
Use this tried-and-true gardener’s trick to kill only the weeds you want to get rid of and not your prized petunias: Take an appropriate-sized box, carton, or foam cooler (something with a top that opens), and cut off the bottom. Place the box over the weed, open the top, spray, then close the box for a few seconds. Doing this will keep the weed-killing spray from reaching surrounding plants. If you have more weeds than desirable plants, cover the desirables with boxes to protect them, and just spray the exposed weeds.
- Household Magic
Create memorable outdoor parties for less
The backyard will be the summer entertainment hot spot as Americans seek affordable ways to spend time with family and friends. Create an unforgettable party within a tight budget with these tips from Natalie Ermann Russell, author of “The Outdoor Entertaining Idea Book:”
1 Keep decor simple: Save money on decorations by making the most of the greenery and foliage that surround you. Simple potted plants as center pieces create an elegant setting at little cost, and they’ll last much longer than cut flowers. Read the rest of this entry »
CAUTIONS ABOUT WILD ANIMAL PETS
Despite what animal sellers may say, appropriate care for wild animals requires considerable expertise, specialized facilities, and lifelong dedication to the animals. Their nutritional and social needs are demanding to meet and, in many cases, are unknown. They often grow to be larger, stronger and more dangerous than owners expect or can manage. Small cats such as ocelots and bobcats can be as deadly to children as lions and tigers. Wild animals also pose a danger to human health and safety through disease and parasites.
- www.hsus.org
Attract colorful summer birds
Whether city or country, bird watching is fun and you can create an environment for it in your own backyard in less time than you think.
John Robinson, chief ornithologist and manager of Scotts Birding Center of Excellence, offers this advice:
1. Vegetation provides shelter Read the rest of this entry »
Having a variety of shrubs and trees in your yard makes it bird friendly. White pine, arborvitae, spruce, juniper, cedar, holly and other broadleaf and needle evergreens provide essential protection all year as well as food.
Finding your sweet spot
Life is kind of like golf – once you find your “sweet spot,” things seem to fall into place.
Think about it. What do you absolutely love to do? Is it your quirky thimble collection or a love of all things sports? What about your profession, is it something you get a charge out of? Read the rest of this entry »
Good for the grill
Most guys know that when you are cooking a good steak, you don’t just cut it open to see if it’s done. You have to use a thermometer. The catch is that if you are inside cooking something else and the grill flares up, you can have a burnt steak quickly. Brookstone has a wireless grill thermometer that will let you know when your steak is done without you having to cut it open to see how pink it is. The device has a temp probe you ram into the steak and a wireless transmitter with a 300-foot range. The receiver clips on your belt, tells what temperature the meat is at, and speaks to you saying “almost done” and “done” so you know when to take the steaks off the grill. If your steak jumps from 140 to 300 degrees, you can also run out and put out the flames before your dinner is a crispy mess.
- www.ohgizmo.com
Tips for using pesticides and fertilizers
It’s that time of the year again when millions of do-it-yourself homeowners face the challenges of keeping problem insects and weeds away from home gardens and yards — while staying within the family budget.
The pesticides and fertilizers available at local hardware and home improvement stores are designed specifically to help with these tasks, but choosing the right products and using them correctly is something every homeowner must consider.
“Nothing is more rewarding than picking healthy, home-grown vegetables, or enjoying a healthy lawn or a pest-free outdoor space with family, friends and pets,” said Allen James, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. “The range of products available to homeowners is vast, but you have to use the ones that are right for your specific situation and use them responsibly.” Read the rest of this entry »
6 tips and tricks for adding curb appeal to your landscape
You only get one chance for your home to make a first impression. With a little help from Mother Nature, you can demand a second look from passersby with a show-stopping front yard.
“Every canvas needs to start fresh and clean,” said James A. Baggett, editor of Country Gardens Magazine. “So roll up your sleeves, stick your hands in the dirt and get ready to personalize your yard with color and style.” Read the rest of this entry »