Whilst freestanding pots and tubs decorate the garden at ground level, hanging baskets introduce a new dimension to container gardening with charm, interest and a softening quality at eye level and above.
In the garden itself they can be suspended from the cross-beam of a pergola (check for strength of support before fixing) or you might even build a simple system of uprights and cross beams in an L shape. This is a particularly useful device in a new garden or one where there are few mature trees and plants because it creates an instant opportunity for plant interest above eye level when every-thing around seems rather flat.
In this setting, a series of baskets set at different levels in irregular, random pattern would be an eye-catching feature right through the summer, and possibly in winter months too if you choose some of the year round plants which are often available, such as winter pansies, evergreen ivy, dwarf conifer, sage and thyme.
Suspended from a wall bracket, hanging baskets can decorate a porch or house wall, a balcony or veranda and even a garage or rather unattractive outbuilding. Even an unattractive concrete shed can undergo a visual transformation thanks to the use of hanging baskets.
Choosing a hanging basket
Various types of hanging basket are available, from simple wire mesh (often plastic covered) to a solid plastic pot with saucer or a hanging clay pot. Ideally, the aim should be to hide the basket entirely with boldly cascading plants, so the appearance of the basket need not be too important. However, if you choose to go for a more delicate look and make the pot or basket a feature in itself then a more decorative style would obviously be important.
A wire mesh basket should be lined with a thick layer of sphagnum moss which has previously been well moistened; you could even moisten it in a weak solution of liquid fertilizer to give plants an extra start. A more modern alternative for lining ?is a purpose made basket liner in a fibrous, felt-like material. Once lined, the basket should be partially filled with compost (again definitely not garden soil) ready to receive plants. As you fill, moisten the compost and pack it in quite firmly and in the top make a ?dished? shape to prevent flooding over the sides when the basket is watered.
Again, safety is important - do ensure that brackets are securely fixed and avoid placing baskets where people may hit their head or where the drips from watering will damage anything underneath.
Planting your hanging basket
Plants should be positioned both in the top of the basket and poked through the sides so that a complete covering of cascading foliage and flowers will be achieved. For the top, a plant of upright habit could be chosen, but do make sure it is low growing or it will become tangled in the suspending wires or damaged in the wind. A low growing geranium would be fine, and you can -always pinch out the top to encourage bushy rather than upright growth.
Baskets can look equally stunning furnished with one single type of plant or a mixture - perhaps a colour theme of pink and white, mauve and blue or reds and oranges. Summer-flowering trailing plants that can be used to good effect include fuchsias, ivy-leaf geranium, lobelia and trailing nasturtium; also useful would be ivy; petunias and busy lizzies, which hang nicely if not exactly trailing; sweet alyssum; heliotrope; verbena and Phlox drummondii.
Hanging baskets need not be useful only in summer months. In the autumn they should be emptied and cleaned, but could then be planted up again for winter with hardy plants; these could even remain as a permanent feature of a small group of baskets which would make a framework of your collection. Suitable plants include ivy again, which can be kept over from summer displays (once greenhouse grown plants have been out for a whole spring and summer they should be quite hardy) and also the lovely creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) - a British wild plant with showy yellow flowers which are often fragrant.
Other hardy plants for baskets are the lovely little wall plant Campanula muralis; the blue periwinkle Vinca minor and Nepeta hederacca. Spring flowering bulbs like miniature narcissus, crocuses, snowdrops and scilla could also make a good display early in the year.
Caring for your hanging basket
Hanging baskets are exposed to sun and wind all round, so they tend to dry out rather quickly, especially in summer. Frequent watering is therefore essential, and indeed it is virtually impossible to overwater a hanging basket.
Access could be a problem and it might be practical to have a small ladder on hand so that you can water easily into the top of the basket ? this should be done at least once a day.
You can also obtain a special attachment for watering cans which makes a form of spout extension and could be useful.
Add a dilute liquid fertilizer once a week or make use of slow-release fertilizer pellets to save a few more trips up and down the ladder. Dead flower heads should be picked off as often as possible to keep the plants looking their best. Even lobelia is better for this although it is a fiddly job best done with a pair of nail scissors.
Whether you choose for your garden hanging baskets, a mass of exuberantly planted pots or a few well-chosen specimens - or a combination of all three; whether you have sprawling rural acres or a tiny corner of the city, the chances are that you will find container gardening an enjoyable form of growing.
Dedicated gardeners may become thoroughly absorbed and boldly experimental, whilst those less committed will probably be continually grateful for plants that seem to provide quick, impressive effect with so little care and attention!
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Headlines on yellowstone national park
Park sees snowmobile slide
Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:36:46 GMT
Gateway communities to Yellowstone National Park have wrestled for years with public perceptions about how many, or even if, snowmobiles should be allowed in the park …
Wyoming briefs
Tue, 14 Nov 2006 05:50:37 GMT
Two men face poaching charges YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK -- Two Montana men are accused of poaching an elk here …
Wyo. judge disputes D.C. judge's snowmobile order (AP via Yahoo! News)
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:29:25 GMT
A federal judge in Wyoming is sharply critical of a fellow judge's rejection of the government's snowmobile plan for Yellowstone National Park but says he doesn't have the power to alter it.
bed in a bag queen
garden arch Items For ViewingKanji Slate Coaster Set
 Beautifully etched in slate, the kanji symbols for Earth, Fire, Wind & Water are represented in this 4-piece coaster set. Handcrafted from all-natural materials in Colorado, the coaster set includes a metal tray, which stores the coasters in an upright position. The brown patina of the tray creates a wonderful color combination with the ebony coasters when not in use and adds a natural elegance to any home or office.
Price: 29.99
Copper Swirls Birdfeeder & Bath Set
 Handcrafted in the USA, this unique birdfeeder and bath consist of swirled solid copper fused together to create sculptural works of functional garden art! Two interlocked swirls on the birdfeeder create a tray for the birdseed as well as an overhead baffle to shelter the seeds and birds. The birdbath design is inverted so that the larger "swirl" creates a solid tray suitable for bathing or drinking (a few stones in the bath make a perfect perch for the birds). The elegant designs perfectly compliment each other and will last a lifetime while developing a unique green patina. Each includes an attached copper hanger for easy hanging.
Price: 99.99
Cup of Yarn - 'Freshly Squeezed' Baby Hat Knitting Kit
 Perfect for knitters of any skill level (especially beginners), each Freshly Squeezed Cup of Yarn contains all the ingredients needed to create an adorable baby hat! Kit includes 105 yards of fluffy acrylic yarn, a pair of 14-inch bamboo needles and an instruction booklet. The finished hat is shrink-proof and machine washable. Available in 'Apple Blueberry Burst' and 'Rasberry Mango Magic'!
Price: 18.99
Large Butterfly Garden Stake
 Perched atop a 4' stake, a big splash of fantastic color lights up your yard or garden year-round! This large 11" x 17" x 21" butterfly is fabricated from weather-safe heavy-gauge painted steel and is available in your choice of 4 colors. Handcrafted in the USA
Price: 89.99
Leather Coasters
 Practical and durable, each coaster consists of a double layer of high-quality finished leather, hand stitched to create a two-tone effect. Set includes 4 coasters. Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 21.99
garden arch For Your Reading PleasureA Garden Is Natural Art
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A Garden Is Natural Art | | Submitted By: Mary Amos | | | | |
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Gardening
A gardener's inspiration and motivation for gardening can vary, but most of the time, gardening is a hobby done either as a recreational form of natural art, or as an experiment in self-sufficiency. And with so many plant varieties available ranging from flowers to vegetables, it would be quite rare to find two identical gardens.
Most gardening takes place in regions with temperate weather, and each season bears the potential for new beauty. Planting can take place anywhere from early spring through mid-autumn depending on the location, climate, and plant.
Getting your gardening materials ready
Before you get started on your gardening project, there are a few tools and materials necessary to begin. Of course, you?ll need a plot of land or area within a yard to plant your garden. The size and design of the garden largely depends on what kind of garden you will grow.
Once you have determined how your garden will be physically laid out, you?ll need some basic tools to get started. A hoe or small plow will be needed to turn the soil in which you will plant. For small flower gardens, a hoe or even a small trowel may be sufficient. For larger gardens and for many vegetable and fruit gardens, a plow, or rototiller, would probably be more desirable.
After you have planted your seeds or plants, they will require water. A garden hose or watering bucket can be used to help irrigate the garden, particularly in months when rain may be at a minimum. Automatic sprinkler and irrigation systems may also be installed to maintain your garden.
Finally, some gardeners insist on the use of fertilizers and plant foods. While these may not be necessary, they may have a significant impact on your garden. If pests and other insects may be a problem, you might also consider investing in a safe insecticide for treating your plants.
Common challenges faced in gardening
We aren't all "green thumbs," but everybody faces the same basic problems in the planting and maintenance of a garden. First of all, insects and other pests can cause serious issues for an otherwise healthy garden. Many nurseries can offer you guidance in common pests and plant diseases that might be prone to your region or type of plant, and should be able to help you pick out a pesticide.
The weather can also seriously hamper your efforts at maintaining a successful garden. Brutally hot temperatures, lack of rain, and other weather conditions during the growing season can stunt growth, prevent blooms, or even kill entire gardens. And, of course, unexpected changes in the weather can catch even the most experienced gardener off-guard. Be prepared for anything in terms of weather, and this will help prevent surprises later on.
Gardening for beauty
Flower gardens greatly add to the overall landscaping of a home or business, and can add color at any time of year. Understanding the difference between annuals ? which bloom only once and typically die at the end of the season ? and perennials ? which, if cared for properly, will return again season after season ? can be of great benefit to establishing a garden.
Many flower gardens feature a set of perennials as part of the landscape, requiring the gardener to simply fill in the open space with annuals each year. Popular annuals for flower gardening include impatiens, begonias, daisies, tulips, and pansies. Some gardens may be designed around a color scheme or theme, and are often designed to be incorporated into the larger landscaping theme of the home or business.
Gardening for food
Many gardens are created for the sole purpose of growing and harvesting edible fruits and vegetables. In some regions of the world, fruit and vegetable gardening is so popular that nearly every home on every street or road has at least some size garden filled with fruits and vegetables.
While planting and growing flowers from seed is fairly simple, knowing when to plant seeds for a vegetable garden can be a more of a challenge. Many novice gardeners choose to purchases small plants to grow, leaving most of the work in maintenance of the garden.
Most vegetable and fruit gardens are planted in rows, which makes working in the garden, the weeding and watering for example, easier. Planting in rows also eases in harvesting the yields of the garden, as a person can walk through the rows next to plants to harvest and pick the food. Common plants in fruits and vegetable gardens include beans, tomatoes, all varieties of peppers, corn, and radishes. Most fruit and vegetables are summer gardens, although the yields may not be harvested until fall for some vegetables and fruits such as gourds and pumpkins.
For those who like plants for beauty, or those who want to grow fresh food in their backyard, the rewarding hobby of gardening is well worth a try.
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News about garden arch
Anti-trust/Competition (Mondaq)
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:17:13 GMT
Despite the fact that the House of Lords ruled over 20 years ago in Garden Cottage Foods v Milk Marketing Board 2 that third parties are able to sue for damages for breach of articles 81 and 82 EC Treaty, 3 enforcement of the competition rules in the UK has until relatively recently been primarily achieved through public enforcement.
Designer of Gateway Arch grounds dies
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:43:17 GMT
Eldridge Lovelace, a retired urban planner who helped design the Gateway Arch grounds, died Friday at a St.
Oakland Tribune - Shades of Green home tour set Oct. 5
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
September 25, 2008 -- The second annual Shades of Green Home and Garden Tour will take place Oct. 5 in the historic, tree-lined Crocker Highlands neighborhood. All...
Fern shares Boston name, not the cold
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:12:47 GMT
Q: I was winterizing my wife's Boston ferns and became puzzled. How did a fern that will not survive the weather outdoors in Boston become named after that city? Or was it named after someone named Boston? ...
bionaire ultrasonic humidifier
Labels: garden seats | gardening gloves
We would indeed be very happy if you showed some appreciation for what we have written here on lincoln park. A referral to others will suffice as appreciation.
Featured lincoln park ItemsAngel and Fallen Angel Wall Sculpture
 The 3-dimensional "Angel" and "Fallen Angel" Pair explores the notion of naughty and nice with a lighthearted flair! The contemporary folk art pair are individually painted on carved wood and embellished with mixed-media elements. Both also feature functional hooks - the Angel with faucet handles and the Fallen Angel with a split red hook. Each is lightweight and ready to hang. Handmade in the USA. Sold as a set only.
Price: 249.99
Winky the Face Jug Planter
 Does your garden need a bit of personality? Just invite "Winky". With a sly smile and flirtatious wink, he turns the classic art of face jugs upside down (literally)! Made from weatherproof high-fired ceramic stoneware, the unique planter is designed to directly hold soil and includes a drainage hole in the bottom. The interior planting cavity measures approximately 5" in diameter and 5.5" deep. Expertly handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 84.99
Bless This Woman Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
 A beautiful gift for all the special women in your life... even yourself! A quintet of raised spiral designs adorn the thick 3/16-inch exterior of this sterling silver cuff while the interior of the bracelet reveals the inscribed message 'Bless This Woman'. The cuff bracelet is naturally adjustable to easily fit most wrist sizes. Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 84.99
The Stampede Steel Wall Sculpture
 This 2-dimensional wall sculpture showcases a large dynamic stampede of majestic horses. Measuring a full 54" in width, the sturdy wall sculpture is intricately cut from mild steel with a natural finish. Crafted in the USA. Recommended for indoor use only.
Price: 159.99
'Top Dog' Raku Pottery Sculpture
 It may be a dog-eat-dog world out there, but everyone will find a soft spot for this Top Dog! He's ready to take the world by storm in his Italian shoes and power tie. And check out that swanky attache case - it's pure feline! This sculpture is skillfully crafted using the ancient raku firing technique. The resulting effect is a wonderful glow of warm colors - glimmering shades of burnt orange, copper and maroon. Meanwhile, a crackled white glaze provides contrast on his head, shirt, and attache. Elegant craftsmanship with a whimsical attitude!
Price: 104.99
Another Great lincoln park ArticlePlanting A Vegetable Garden Reaps Hidden Health Benefits
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Planting A Vegetable Garden Reaps Hidden Health Benefits | | Submitted By: Laurence Ireland | | | | |
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Planting a vegetable garden is a healthy way to relieve stress, eat healthier and safer - because you control what goes on your vegetables, provide better nutrition to your family with fresh vegetables, and get some exercise while enjoying the warm sun and environment.
You can challenge your creative side by laying out your vegetable garden so that your space looks great. Whether you have a huge area for a vegetable garden, a small area, or just a deck or patio by being creative you can use your space optimally. There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own vegetables in your own vegetable garden without the use of pesticides or chemicals, keeping you and your family that much healthier.
Planting a vegetable garden will promote good health and give you some nice gentle exercise. By planting and tending to your garden you control what you eat as well as how it is grown plus it just doesn?t getting any fresher than this.
Even apartment or flat dwellers can produce a nice size vegetable garden on their balconies. Most developments will allow flower box size gardens just pay attention to the weight. Remember a vegetable garden box 15cm(6") wide by 60cm(24") can weigh as much as 27Kg(60lbs) when wet from the rain so you do not want to hang it over the balcony for fear of it breaking loose and falling. Instead, secure it to the top of the ledge or on the balcony floor. You can also invest in brackets that will take the weight. That way you don?t have to worry about anyone getting hurt below if it falls.
Planting a vegetable garden outside will give you more exercise than you might realise and the good news is that it?s a nice gentle exercise so just about anyone can do it. All that planting, raking, pulling weeds, and watering so that your plants grow and produce delicious vegetables from your vegetable garden, provides you with an excellent low impact workout.
Starting a vegetable garden can be a little tougher and produce a little more exercise - but hey!... that`s not a bad thing - is it?. You will need to prepare the soil for planting. Besides removing weeds and debris from your vegetable garden to be, you may need to have top soil or fertiliser brought in depending on the condition of the soil. Working the soil can give you quite a work out but you want it to be in optimum condition so that your vegetable garden is as healthy as possible.
You may need to frame your garden space so that the soil stays contained within your vegetable garden area and is easy to work on. If you are going to use a wood frame, do not use wood that has been treated with anything that can contaminate the soil. Framing your vegetable garden beds will also increase the depth of the soil giving better growing conditions for your plants.
When the soil is ready it?s time to start to plant out your vegetable garden. You will need to decide whether you want to use young vegetable plants or seeds. There are pros and cons to each. Young vegetable plants cost more but they give you the edge to get your plants rooted and growing. Seeds are cheaper but they may not all come up. Both are healthy so it?s really a personal choice.
Deciding to grow your own vegetables in your own vegetable garden is one of the smartest things you will ever do for you and your family. Not only are you going to get to enjoy some sunshine and thus get your vitamin D, you?ll get some exercise which these days we all can use a little more, and you are going to be feeding your family a lot healthier.
You?ll be feeding your family fresher fruits and vegetables that you get to control. You decide what fertilisers and pesticides are okay to use on your vegetable garden or whether you are going to do the smart thing and use natural products that will keep your family even healthier.
These days when we buy fresh vegetables at our grocery store or supermarket they often aren?t that fresh after spending days travelling. On top of that, too often they are picked too early which reduces the amount of nutrients you get. With your own vegetable garden, it just can't get any fresher and there is no need to pick early. There?s nothing like a fresh salad or a tomato picked right off the vine.
Planting a vegetable garden is going to give you good health in more ways than one - you will get a little exercise, excellent nutrition, chemical free vegetables, and you can spend a little time outdoors soaking up the nutrients the sun has to offer.
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lincoln park in the news
The New New Approach: The Potrero Solicits Minimum Sealed Bids
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:45:00 GMT
It appears as though The Potrero's closeout offer of an additional $25,000 off already reduced prices of as much as $90,000 didn't do the trick last month on those ten remaining homes.
Swastika Desecrates San Francisco Holocaust Memorial
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:32:31 GMT
Vandals have defaced a Holocaust memorial outside the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco, police said today.
Sharp Park R.I.P?
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:45:00 -0800
I have no idea if this writer has any particular insight into the direction The City eventually takes with our golf courses. But if he is right, Sharp Park is done. While that would be disappointing, if, as he speculates, that means Lincoln Park lives on and is improved, I could live with it.Sharp Park Golf Course seems set to closeGreg Quiroga-S.F. Golf Examiner"Now that the election is over we may finally see some movement on this issue. Here's my call: San Francisco will keep Lincoln as an 18
Lakeview - 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Penthouse Unit $2500
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:19:20 -0800
Agent Email: chubin@rentsmartchicago.com This is your opportunity to celebrate the holiday season in style. 1200 sq. ft. penthouse with washer\dryer, dishwasher, microwave, fireplace and sorround sound system make this habitat perfect to enjoy your down time. The master bedroom has a steam shower, walk in closets and wall to wall carpeting. Great views from the private deck while you are BBQ’ing or just relaxing the day away. Enjoy the penthouse the developer built as his showcase: Crown mol
Preservationists work to restore Park Theatre in Lincoln Park - Metromode Media
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:16:09 GMT
aerobed twin
Labels: garden decoration
Writing all this on garden party can be considered an obligation to us. This is because we felt obligated on imparting all this knowledge we knew about garden party.
Recommended garden party ItemsCat Birdbath
 The artist-designed cat and bird pattern is fabricated from heavy steel and welded into a tripod pedestal, allowing the whimsical scene to be appreciated from all angles. The 24" birdbath pedestal includes your choice of a frosted glass bowl or a flanged polished copper bowl. Although a true attention-getter as a birdbath, the pedestal and bowl are equally at home indoors or on a patio filled with fruit, candy or floating candles. Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 349.99
Triple Drop Spice Necklace
 This fantastic necklace features resin created from turmeric spice with a deep organic mahogany/burnt umber color. Although naturally yellow by nature, the turmeric makes this dramatic color change when mixed with the base quality of resin, a natural chemical reaction. Three simple elegant drops of the solid spice resin are encased in polished sterling silver and hang from a delicate 18" sterling chain. Clean geometric shapes with a distinctive modern style! Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 84.99
Cast Bronze Doorbell - Palm Tree
 A handsome highlight to greet all guests at your door! Cast in solid bronze with a polished finish, time and weather eventually work their creative magic to create a rich patina on the piece. Designed for use with all standard 10 to 16 volt chimes, this palm tree doorbell features a lighted button and includes mounting hardware. Designed and created in Oregon.
Price: 29.99
Hot Lips Hilda Bird Feeder
 Finally - a bird feeder that brings style, color, and attitude to your yard! Hot Lips Hilda dispenses the latest gossip, advice, and of course, bird seed to her feathered friends. Made in the USA from weatherproof stoneware, this durable and functional birdfeeder is no mere novelty! Hilda is suitable for all seed types, will never fade or discolor, and is ready-to-hang! Choose from redhead, blonde, or blue hair.
Price: 36.99
Times Square Photographic Art Lamp
 With an amazing combination of light and photographic art, these distinctive table lamps brighten any room with an ambience not found with a standard table lamp. Mounted atop a contemporary silver base, the round lampshade features a warm, classic, sepia image of New York's Times Square. The original photographic image is produced on translucent film that allows the light to pass through and enhance the appearance. Made in the USA.
Price: 189.99
Today's garden party ArticleKids Cooking From the Garden
Okay, so the kids have helped in the garden and grown lots and lots of vegetables. Now what? Besides eating all the peas as they pick them and gnawing on the carrots after the great fun of pulling them out of the ground, what?s next? Let?s take the kids one step further and show them how to get the veggies to the table. Let?s get them to experiment. If your kids are like mine, they only like certain vegetables and they only like Mom to prepare them certain ways. Let?s shake their world a little and ask them to try these ideas: Make pizza! Produce from the garden can work well on a pizza. Start with a good crust. I use a simple recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook. Next comes the sauce. Depending on their level of kitchen skill, they can use a bottled pizza sauce or make one from scratch. The truly adventurous might want to try an alfredo sauce, barbeque sauce, or pesto sauce. Instead of always using mozzarella cheese, they might want to experiment with provolone, feta, gorgonzola, parmesan, or swiss. Next come the veggies, and your kids are only limited by their imagination and taste buds. Don?t forget all your garden herbs either. Oregano, basil, and rosemary come quickly to mind. Each pizza can be a different creation. They can try garlic, green onions, even cooked potato chunks, asparagus tips, and basil with a white sauce, or possibly grilled chicken pieces, red onion slices, cilantro, and broccoli tips over a barbeque sauce. Your kids might prefer a traditional pizza sauce with green and red peppers, cherry tomato halves, pepperoni, oregano and basil. Ooh, here?s another one: spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli tips, rosemary, and Canadian bacon with an olive oil glaze instead of a sauce. Tips for Success:
Help your child assemble all the ingredients ahead of time. Help them wash and chop so they don?t get overwhelmed (or lazy). I find they?re less suspicious of the pizza that has at least one familiar item on it; like pepperoni or sausage. If it?s really ?out there? then it?s probably best to call it something other than pizza. Cold pasta is a perfect backdrop for lots of different veggies, and a perfect way for kids to experiment. Corkscrew pasta, small shells, or anything that grabs their attention will work fine. My kids like the pasta shaped like little peace signs. Cook the pasta al dente and cool. To make it simple, have your child add some Zesty Italian dressing and some Ranch dressing to taste. Keep in mind that the Italian dressing will be absorbed by the pasta, so add a little extra right before serving. Which veggies to add? Anything they like and anything that sounds like it could go together. Here?s a list of possibilities to get them started: mushrooms, red onions, green onions, sweet onions, leeks, black olives, cherry tomatoes, roma tomato chunks, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, peas, pea pods, green beans, cauliflower, zucchini, egg plant, spinach, peppers, chilies, garlic, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, cilantro, and parsley. They can also add cooked chicken or chopped ham, cheese hunks, and slivered almonds or walnut pieces. Tips for Success:
Again, it?s good to help with the chopping of the vegetables. The key is to watch the proportions. Don?t overload the salad with so much stuff that you can?t find the pasta! If your kids aren?t into cold pasta, it can be hot pasta with spaghetti or fettuccini noodles and an alfredo sauce or spaghetti sauce. Just blanch the veggies first before adding them to the hot pasta. Don?t stop there. Your kids can also try adding different vegetables to a green salad, hot rice, or soup. It?s no secret that kids are more likely to sample food they?ve prepared themselves. By giving them choices to begin with, you?re setting them up for a meal they?ll be proud to prepare and happy to eat. Challenge your kids to see who can come up with the most creative pizza or pasta with maybe a prize for the best. Call it a Kids? Creative Pizza Cook-off. Don?t be afraid to let them loose in your kitchen. I?m confident they can create a masterpiece. After all, they?re pretty good at making a great mud soup with sticks, rocks, grass, and sand, aren?t they? Peggy Baron cooks with her kids in Colorado, and runs cookinkids which is a website devoted to helping other parents and kids have fun together in the kitchen. Peggy is the editor of the popular Cookin' Kids Newsletter. Each bi-monthly newsletter has fun facts, recipes, jokes, games, cooking safety, and cooking terms wrapped around a different theme. | |
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:59:08 GMT
Each Wednesday, Rocks Off arbitrarily appoints one lucky local performer or group "Artist of the Week," bestowing upon them all the fame and grandeur such a lofty title implies.
La strana avventura di LiùThu, 06 Nov 2008 07:54:57 -0800
Lucrezia ci invia questa storiella cinese Nel grande lago Tung-Ting, tutti lo sanno, abitano i geni delle acque. Sono, di solito allegri burloni: si prendono gioco dei marinai e dei pescatori, ma non fanno male a nessuno. Però c’è, fra gli altri, qualcuno dal carattere veramente crudele. Spesso i geni del lago si impadroniscono delle giunche ancorate nei ...]
A Garden Party Rings in Boston - BlackAthlete.netThu, 30 Oct 2008 03:03:29 GMT
stainless steel crock pot
It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the end of this beautiful composition on kew gardens. Please do disburse its beauty to others.
Recommended kew gardens ItemsReclining Nude Cast Stone Sculpture
 Inspired by the love of European imagery, the Reclining Nude is an orginal sculptural work individually reproduced by the artist in cast stone/fine concrete. Sturdy and heavy, the use of cast stone allows the sculpture to enchance any indoor or outdoor space. A patina finish adds a rich luster and "aged" look to the sculpture while emphasizing the depth and curves of the figure. Individually cast, sealed and finished in California.
Price: 64.99
Blank Journal Refill (for Embossed Leather Journals)
 Measuring 5.5" x 8.5", this hard-bound blank book features 220 pages of acid-free heavy bond paper. Includes a removable lined template page that easily slips behind any sheet, allowing straight-line writing when needed. Perfectly sized to be used as a refill in our Embossed Leather Journals.
Price: 9.99
Wooden Salad Serving Utensils
 Individually crafted in Vermont, natural hardwood serving utensils inherit the natural markings of the parent tree's grain pattern, each a unique display of beauty. The set includes 3 pieces: 11-inch salad fork and paddle and 11-inch hinged tongs. Each utensil is finished with a mineral oil rub and ready to serve. Available in Maple or Black Walnut.
Price: 47.99
Nautilus Shell Steel Wall Sculpture
 Fusing industrial intelligence with artistic vision, the rigid black metal creates a captivating contrast to the slim, intricate curves of the spiraling nautilus shell. This sturdy wall sculpture features a natural black finish, a 1-inch welded steel frame and an alluring appeal that beautifully adorns any contemporary decor. May be mounted vertically or horizontally. Made in the USA.
Price: 84.99
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 'A True Friend Should Be Held With Both Hands'
 Give an everlasting reminder of your appreciation for the special friendship you share. This sensational solid sterling silver cuff bracelet is imprinted with the words 'A True Friend Should be Held with Both Hands', a timeless quote based upon a Nigerian proverb. Carved hands on each end of the bracelet embrace the wrist as a sculptural symbol of the enduring friendship. Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 69.99
Today's kew gardens ArticleA Child In The Garden
Most kids view a garden without much enthusiasm they see vast amounts of terrible things like broccoli, spinach and turnips. Couple the dreaded vegetables with the thought of pulling weeds and most kids will run for cover. I can certainly remember what seemed like endless hours spent in my parents gardens using a hoe and picking string beans I hated green beans and it was like cruel and inhumane punishment to make me pick green beans and then force me to eat them.
Today most people have a garden for fun or just to have some fresh vegetables in the summer I do not think as many people have the giant gardens that provided food for the family for the entire year. Several things can be done to make gardening fun and interesting for young kids. One of the first things is to make the overall garden experience a positive one don?t force your kids to spend long hours in the garden start with a few minutes at a time remember kids have a short attention span.
Second try to find and focus in on your childs interest if your child likes corn put them in charge of the corn get them involved right from the start they can help pick out the seeds try growing different types of corn don?t forget you can grow pop corn. By putting them in charge and being supportive they feel more like they have some power or control over the garden and when you are eating the corn they raised, praise them and they will feel proud and will be looking forward to gardening in the next season.
If your child is interested in birds you can dedicate a portion of your garden to your child to grow things that provide food for the birds over the winter. Sunflowers are a great source of bird food. The high rate of growth coupled with giant size sunflowers make an excellent choice for a young child to grow even as an adult it is hard not to look in wonderment t a giant sunflower. Wheatgrass is also a good source of food for birds that can grow most anyplace. Check with your seed supplier for bird food plants that can be raised in your area.
The biggest thing is to keep your child interested in the garden don?t make it seem like work. Use the garden time to teach your child about the world thy live in show them how some insects like lady bugs and praying mantis are good for your garden and other bugs can be harmful to your plants. Explain how all insects are important to keeping the eco system in balance. As long as gardening is kept fun your children they will want to be involved and you can enjoy some quality time with the whole family.
About the Author:
Megan Cherry writes articles for pegandrail. If you are looking for high quality coat hooks or to see an Oak, Cherry or Maple wall coat rack please stop in for a visit.
Current kew gardens NewsNuduca 2008 Lancatlgue cafe NIKKO Vortex&Queenie Part1Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:20:43 -0700
Nuduca 2008 Lancatlgue cafe NIKKO Vortex&Queenie. リハの映像と最初のステージ約40分がご覧になれます。
Compiled by Joanna Fortnam - Telegraph.co.ukMon, 10 Nov 2008 18:39:18 GMT
Compiled by Joanna FortnamTelegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Nov 10, 200810 Lecture 'Guerilla Gardening - Gardening Without Boundaries', by Richard Reynolds, 6pm, Jodrell Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Kew. ... |
2012 Games will leave 250-acre park for LondonFri, 07 Nov 2008 21:56:15 GMT
Almost 250 acres of once contaminated industrial wasteland in East London are to be transformed into the biggest park built in the capital since the 19th century under a 200 million scheme.
Spectator, The - Mixed blessingsSat, 14 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
June 14, 2008 -- Summer Exhibition Royal Academy, until 17 August Sponsored by Insight Investment The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, now in its 240th...
Ruby Wax hits Las VegasSat, 08 Nov 2008 08:39:17 GMT
The last time she visited Las Vegas, Ruby Wax got married . Now she's back to cast an astonished eye over the most surreal city in the world Getty Images Low roller: Ruby Wax on the Strip A little history.
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Labels: organic gardening | landscape gardening | japanese garden
All's well, that ends well. We have now come to the ending of garden state soundtrack. Until we meet again, adios.
garden state soundtrack Items For ViewingCat Birdbath
The artist-designed cat and bird pattern is fabricated from heavy steel and welded into a tripod pedestal, allowing the whimsical scene to be appreciated from all angles. The 24" birdbath pedestal includes your choice of a frosted glass bowl or a flanged polished copper bowl. Although a true attention-getter as a birdbath, the pedestal and bowl are equally at home indoors or on a patio filled with fruit, candy or floating candles. Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 349.99
Triple Drop Spice Necklace
This fantastic necklace features resin created from turmeric spice with a deep organic mahogany/burnt umber color. Although naturally yellow by nature, the turmeric makes this dramatic color change when mixed with the base quality of resin, a natural chemical reaction. Three simple elegant drops of the solid spice resin are encased in polished sterling silver and hang from a delicate 18" sterling chain. Clean geometric shapes with a distinctive modern style! Handcrafted in the USA.
Price: 84.99
Cast Bronze Doorbell - Palm Tree
A handsome highlight to greet all guests at your door! Cast in solid bronze with a polished finish, time and weather eventually work their creative magic to create a rich patina on the piece. Designed for use with all standard 10 to 16 volt chimes, this palm tree doorbell features a lighted button and includes mounting hardware. Designed and created in Oregon.
Price: 29.99
Hot Lips Hilda Bird Feeder
Finally - a bird feeder that brings style, color, and attitude to your yard! Hot Lips Hilda dispenses the latest gossip, advice, and of course, bird seed to her feathered friends. Made in the USA from weatherproof stoneware, this durable and functional birdfeeder is no mere novelty! Hilda is suitable for all seed types, will never fade or discolor, and is ready-to-hang! Choose from redhead, blonde, or blue hair.
Price: 36.99
Times Square Photographic Art Lamp
With an amazing combination of light and photographic art, these distinctive table lamps brighten any room with an ambience not found with a standard table lamp. Mounted atop a contemporary silver base, the round lampshade features a warm, classic, sepia image of New York's Times Square. The original photographic image is produced on translucent film that allows the light to pass through and enhance the appearance. Made in the USA.
Price: 189.99
garden state soundtrack For Your Reading PleasureWindmill Palm Trees, Tropical Accent Plants, Cold Hardy For Northern United States And Canadian Gardens
The Cold Hardy Windmill Fan Palm tree originated on the island of Chusan off the east coast of China, and the Windmill palm tree is often called the Chinese or Chusan Fan Palm. Robert Fortune smuggled Windmill palm plants from China into the Kew Horticultural Gardens and into the Royal garden of Prince Albert of England in 1849 after the Opium Wars of China ended. The Windmill Palm tree was named in Latin, Trachycarpus fortunei, after Robert Fortune, and after 158 years, in the year 2007, these Windmill Fan Palm trees are still growing gracefully as a distinguished, exotic, rare tree at Kew Gardens, a palm of noble bearing.
From Kew Gardens in England, the Windmill Palm tree was spread throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean hot climates of Italy and Greece to a cold hardy testing ground in the landscape gardens of Switzerland and Bulgaria, where the Windmill Palm trees have remarkably survived, leaves even remaining green when covered with ice or snow. During the past seven years, truckloads of Windmill Fan Palm trees have been transported and planted in Canada and have survived the extreme cold winters in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Michigan.
Although most Windmill Palm nursery growers are conservative in recommending the Windmill Palm tree planting to be restricted to growing in zones 8-10; other Windmill Palm Nursery growers recommend and guarantee this rare palm tree to grow in zones 3-10. There has been a rush by Northern nursery retailers to plant Windmill Palm trees for the home gardener, who wants that tropical look and accent around his pool or patio. The Windmill Palm tree is planted at plant nurseries from seed, where they grow about one foot each year. The slow growth of the Windmill Palm is partially responsible for its cold hardiness. Another characteristic that is inherently cold hardy is that the fibers that cover the trunk insulate the growing center of the tree. The brown-gray color of the burlap-like fibers cover the trunk like a wool covering in winter, and the dark color attracts the warmth of the sunlight. A coarse green wax covers the leaves and stems to make the Windmill Palm tree even more cold hardy.
The Windmill Palm tree is most often grown as a solitary, single trunk plant, however, some Windmill Palm nursery growers offer double or triple trees growing in the same container as large as 100 gallons. These huge 10 foot tall Windmill Palm trees are choice, tropical looking specimens for malls and at entrances to governmental buildings. The Windmill Palm tree can be easily shipped by UPS on short orders, and large Windmill Palm trees can be shipped by semi-truck, motor freight lines. Shipping Windmill Palm trees can be easily done any season, and the survival rate is excellent for large specimens. Very large specimens of Windmill Palm trees have been recently installed at the entrance of the new Cloister Resort Hotel?a 5-star hotel?located at Sea Island, Georgia, where the Windmill Palm tree is not only tropical in appearance and cold hardy, but completely resistant to the Atlantic Ocean salt water air problems. The Cloister hotel has grown smaller Windmill Palm trees at various out buildings for past years successfully. The expense of installing large Windmill Palm trees can be offset by planting small specimens that can be expected to grow about one foot each year. Because of the recent success of planting large specimen trees of the tropical looking Windmill Palm tree in Canada and Northern U.S. States, many gardeners are now experimenting with planting small Windmill Palm trees in the North, before the plant has developed a sufficient dense fiber covering to make the tree cold hardy enough to survive the deep freezes in the Northern States.
Typically the Windmill Palm tree has a history of surviving over 150 years of age in the Western World at a height of 40 feet, but accurate reports of Windmill Palm trees, native to the Island of Chusan in Eastern China, do not exist in translated texts, but conceivably could reach 100 feet in height. The rapid growth of Western influence on the development of China will undoubtedly reveal many more interesting botanical, developmental facts concerning the Windmill Palm tree in the near future.
The Windmill Palm tree appears to have all the perfection of tropical landscape gardening requirements for growing throughout the United States and cold hardy areas of Canada and Europe. Most types of soils are acceptable for growing Windmill Palms. Very few insect and disease problems exist to endanger growing Windmill Fan Palm trees. Even through slow growing, the Windmill Palm captivates the tropically minded gardener for pool and courtyard plantings. The Windmill Palm tree grows as separate male and female plants, and the date that is produced is inedible, resulting from the yellow, pleasantly, perfumed flowers that grow into blue seed, round and one-half inch in diameter.
About the Author:
Patrick A. Malcolm, owner of TyTy Nursery, has an M.S. degree in Biochemistry and has cultivated plants for over three decades.
Current garden state soundtrack NewsPhoto Flash: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at Paper Mill Playhouse - Broadway WorldFri, 07 Nov 2008 19:01:22 GMT
Music Review: Matt Duke - Kingdom UndergroundSun, 26 Oct 2008 06:52:17 GMT
On his sophomore album "Kingdom Underground" Matt Duke tries to stimulate the auditory senses of every girl alive.
Such Great Heights - Iron & WineFri, 05 Sep 2008 23:56:06 -0700
La musique du samedi matin is back ! Et comme souvent, en douceur. Aujourd’hui, Such Great Heights de Iron & Wine. Derrière Iron & Wine se cache l’auteur compositeur Samuel Beam, que, je vais être franc, je connais assez peu au final. C’est surtout sa reprise de Such Great Heights de The Postal Service que je connais et apprécie particulièrement. Et c’est une vraie Cover. En ce sens où l’artiste ne fait pas que singer l’originale, ce qui n’aurait aucun intérêt, musicalement parlant.
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Add a spot of artistic pizzazz to any wall with this wonderful 'Coffee Time' clock. Measuring 12-inches square, each clock features a high-quality reproduction of an original acrylic painting decoupaged on wood and embellished with eye-catching black & white clock hands. it easily compliments any kitchen with a cozy image of a steaming cup of coffee and a fresh combination of warm, inviting colors. Handcrafted in the USA.
Designer Jeff Davis has put a new spin on recycling by rescuing records and creating fascinating works of functional art. Each snack tray is created from a 12-inch vinyl record featuring classic rock artists! Perfect for fruit, cheese, chips or dry snacks. Individually made in the USA, the shallow tray has the original album label intact and protected with a clear mylar seal.
A decorative keepsake box with a perfect mix of quirky and sentimental features! The contemporary folk art box is individually painted on wood and embellished with a large crescent moon and mixed-media elements, including wobbling spring legs. The phrase "I love you to the moon and back" provides a timeless reminder to your loved one. Handmade in the USA.
Designed and created by Mary Carolyn and Ted Walker of Pennsylvania, each 'Orion' Cuff Bracelet is individually forged by hand from solid sterling silver. The bracelet features a flurry of bold silver swirls wrapped around the wrist. Designed to fit most wrists, but the cuff is naturally adjustable for slightly larger or smaller sizes.
A gathering of mice frolic about and hang on to the swinging pendulum of a smiling clock face. Directly based upon the classic nursery rhyme, this adorable wall clock brings a smile to the young and the young-at-heart. Featuring an original illustration by the artist, the image is created on a high-quality lithograph laminated on wood. Handcrafted in the USA.
