IS it too late to grow/bloom pink lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera sacred water lily)?
I’ve never planted one ….
making a zen garden this yr. and curious about this particualiar plant
thx
it’s not that late,but your lily isn’t going to be very big,and most likely won’t bloom.if you got a hardy one,take it in some place to keep it out of the water,if there is a chance of the water freezing.you will have a good start for next spring.
Greenhouse waiver gets the green light
IN A move to boost agricultural production, Finance Minister Audley Shaw has announced the Government’s willingness to grant waivers to persons who want to set up greenhouses. General Hydroponics-Watch This Before You Buy!
Common names: Sangre de grado, sangre de drago, dragon’s blood, drago, sangue de drago, sangue de agua
General Description: Sangre de grado is a tree that grows from 30 to 60 feet high in the upper Amazon rainforest of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is also the name of the red latex sap from the Peruvian Rainforest that has been used for centuries for healing sores and bleeding. Sangre de grado is a sustainable rainforest resource that has many potential applications.
Uses: Although its traditional use has been for healing wounds, Sangre de grado is also used for its antibacterial and antiviral properties; it is considered an antiseptic. It can be used both internally and topically. Examples include treatment for vaginal hemorrhaging, tumors, stomach ulcers, swelling from arthritis, tooth extraction, hemorrhoids, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and diarrhea. Its antiseptic properties lend well for healing of ulcerations in the gastro-intestinal tract as well as wounds on the skin.
This ethno-medicinal red tree sap is obtained from several species of Croton. The Sangre de grado tree emits blood-red sap which is collected and processed. Sangre de grado may also be sold either as a liquid straight from the tree, or the bark may be processed and sold.
Clinical research in 2000 showed that “…Sangre de grado is a potent, cost-effective treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers and distress via antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and sensory afferent-dependent actions. In traditional Amazonian medicine sangre de grado is used as an oral gargle for sore throat, as a vaginal antiseptic after childbirth, topically as a hemostatic, and taken internally for wound healing. In recommended dosages, sangre de grado is considered non-toxic, and there are no known contraindications or drug interactions.” (Alternative Medicine Review, 2001)
Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.
Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive, lawns depend on certain elements to live, sixteen to be exact. Most of these elements are already found naturally in the environment, but several others need to be added to your lawn. Adding fertilizer with these three elements, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, does the job.
But before you run out to the store to purchase a complete fertilizer, or, one that contains all three, it is important to understand why your lawns livelihood depends on it.
Nitrogen. This is possibly the most important element your lawn needs. It makes the grass grow and gives it its green color. It will also allow for more density, thick shoots, and sturdy growth, thus creating an environment that will naturally fight off pests and bugs.
Potassium. Since you cant toss bananas in your yard, your best bet for this mineral is to use fertilizer. Potassium enhances your lawns ability to resist disease, drought, wear and cold weather.
Phosphorus. This is used to encourage strong grass root growth.
Most fertilizers you will find in your local home and garden stores will contain all three of these elements. However, there are different amounts of each. This is reflected in a three digit number, such as 30 10 10, which tells the percentage of each in this order nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These blends will serve different purposes.
For instance, more potassium in blends are good for winterization. The factors you need to consider are grass type, climate, time of season and soil type. Once you know what your needs are, you will be able to determine the right combination of these elements. An additional way to scan your needs is to determine the current levels of these nutrients in your soil. This can be done through a simple pH test.
In addition to variation in percentages of the key elements, there are also different types of fertilizers to consider. There are four major options that will greet you in the fertilizer aisle. Granular (slow and fast release), Liquid, Synthetic and Organic.
Granular fertilizers are perhaps the most popular, probably due to their ease in use and duration. Since these are dry, they are much easier to spread. Granular fertilizers can come in a slow time release formula, which provides fertilization over two to six months. This is an efficient choice for homeowners, as it will not need another application for months to come.
Granular is also available in fast release, and although applied in the same manner, the nutrients are released quicker and work better in cold weather. This method also costs less. However, grass burn can occur and there will be a greater need for watering.
Liquid fertilizers are just as the name says, in liquid form. These are applied by attaching a hose and nozzle to a spray bottle. The contents of the bottle are usually in concentrated form, thus the need to mix with the water. If you can use a hose, this is an easy method, more so than spreading granular around the yard. Also, since this a liquid, nutrients are available immediately to the roots of your vegetation.
Herbicides can also be added or applied during this treatment. But, since the results are immediate, applications will have to be repeated more often than granular, and since liquid is more expensive to begin with, it can be more costly.
Synthetic fertilizers are usually manufactured chemically, hence being called synthetic. These engineered fertilizers offer immediate release of nutrients, and make lawns green. They simply penetrate the soil quicker. However, they are not natural, and many argue that lawns should be treated naturally.
Applications of synthetic fertilizer needs to be redone more often, as results dont last as long. They can also burn your lawn if not applied in a proper manner.
Finally, organic fertilizers are made from once living organisms and their bi products. These are applied to the lawn by spreaders, rakes and even by hand. Since this a totally natural fertilizer, the organics tend to break down slow when releasing nitrogen. They will improve the texture and density of your lawn, especially when added to soil or lakebed sand. There are some drawbacks however, including a foul smell in the case of manures. Also, these soils tend to have more nitrogen than other elements.
In summary, when choosing a fertilizer, you need to consider many things. The current nutrition of your lawn, how much money you want to spend, how much labor you want to invest in application, initial and repeats, as well as personal preference. But with the spurt in technology, choices keep growing as more combinations are being introduced.
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john savage has a Blog which tells you how to easily create your own incredible lawn in 4 days or less, and save 67% of the cost.
