Indoor Flowering Plants with Low Sun Light

Cute Indoor Bonsai orange tree

The bonsai orange tree is very impressive by the fact of this tree considering how well it is doing indoors. However, the best part of this tree is that it is self-pollinating so there is no need for birds bees to spread pollen.

            

Spring Time with Tulips

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the conversion time between winter and summer. Spring and "springtime" refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. 

The specific definition of the exact timing of "spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. Spring is here. 

Europe celebrates springtime with tulips. The world says it with flowers but Europe says it with carpets of tulip. 

Lovely Garden with White and Pink Ladies

Conversation Piece Azalea is a rebloomer with large, wavy single flowers that can be solid deep pink or white with deep pink splotches.

• Scientific Name: Rhododendron 'Conversation Piece' 
•   Common Name: Conversation Piece Azalea 
• Plant Type: Evergreen 
• Leaf Type: Broadleaf
•  Height: 2- 5 feet 
• pread: 3 -5 feet 
• Bloom time: Spring 
•  Flower color: White, Pink 
• Light Exposure: Part Sun, Filtered Shade, Morning sun 
• Drainage: Well drained 
• Rate of Growth: Moderate 
• Water Requirement: Medium Maintenance Level: Low

Flowering Plant Revived After 30,000 Years in Russian

The plant in this picture dates from the Pleistocene Age, 30,000 years ago, before agriculture, before writing, before the end of the last Ice Age. And while it’s not accurate to say the plant itself is that old, scientists in Russia say they regenerated it from frozen cells they found beneath 125 feet of permafrost in what is now northeastern Siberia. 

 It was cultivated in the lab, with help from some “clonal micropropagation,” say the scientists, from seeds and leaves probably collected by some long-ago species of squirrel. The researchers, publishing their find today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, say the squirrel’s burrow was probably frozen over quickly, and stayed that way until they discovered it.

“The squirrels dug the frozen ground to build their burrows, which are about the size of a soccer ball, putting in hay first and then animal fur for a perfect storage chamber,” said Stanislav Gubin, one of the authors of the study, who spent years rummaging through the area for squirrel burrows. “It’s a natural cryobank.”

The plant is of the species Silene stenophylla, and radiocarbon dating says it is 31,800 years old, plus or minus 300 years. The Russian scientists report they were able to grow 36 plants in the lab, and after a year of tender loving care, they say the plants blossomed, bore fruit, and dropped seeds. They lived, in other words, as if there had never been a 30,000-year interruption.

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Spring Flowering Plants - Helianthus maximilliani

Strong, 4-7' tall stems are covered with 2-3" yellow blooms from midsummer to frost. A favorite of birds and butterflies! Long-lived plants thrive in heat, drought and even poor soil. Prefers full sun. #1 field-grown plants. Helianthus maximilliani.

Zones: 3-9
 Light: Full Sun
 Height: 4-7’
dth: 3-4’ Bloom
Time: Midsummer to Frost Deer tend to avoid.
This item ships only in the spring. If our spring shipping season is closed, your order will be shipped the following spring.

Spring Flowering Plants for your Garden

Spring, the very word invokes the thought of rebirth, rapidly lengthening days, emerging blossoms and greenery, and the smell of freshness. In the spring season of the human life cycle, we undertake new beginnings.

We may begin a new job, career, pastime, or relationship. We may start a new lifestyle or alter the old one. Spring is a time for overcoming the inertia of winter rest and springing into action, to sow the seeds of our winter planning which, with careful husbandry, will provide a rewarding harvest come autumn.

Choose plants that flower at different times of the year, rather than all of them flowering at once. Below is a list of popular spring flowering plants.

Plants that flower in the spring...
Allium
Aquilegia
Camellia
Cercidiphyllum
Chionodoxa
Corydalis
Daphne
Erythronium
Euphorbia
Fritillaria
Helleborus
Hepatica
Magnolia
Muscari
Narcissus
Primula
Pulmonaria
Pulsatill
Rhododendron
Trillium
Tulipa
View more plants in detail

Spring Gardening with Vegetable Plants

In early spring, nearly two weeks prior to the last average frost date in your area, it’s safe to plant lettuce, beets, carrots, radishes, dill, cilantro, cabbage, broccoli, celery, kale and potatoes outdoors. Both lettuce and celery seeds need light to germinate. Be careful to only cover these varieties of seeds lightly with soil during the planting process. Directly sow carrot, radish, dill and cilantro seeds. Transplanting is not recommended for these types of vegetables and herbs. Vegetable plants for spring gardening at home.

• Arugula
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Collards
• English Peas
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Radish
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Turnip

Best Flowering Plant for your Garden - Osteospermums

Osteospermum is a kind belonging to the Calenduleae, one of the smaller tribes of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Osteospermums gives a rich look for your outdoor garden. You can also have them indoor.

Osteospermums, also known as the African daisy, are enjoying a sunny position in a well drained plant border on the top of a wall. They associate well with other gray leaved plants which prefer a drier location such as Lavander, garden pinks and Senecio. All of these garden plants enjoy the favourable Dundee weather. The purple flowers last all summer on these perennial plants.

Bonsai Trees for your Garden

Bonsai is a Japanese art growing small trees in containers. Bonsai is not grown for production of food, for medicine, or for creating yard-size or park-size gardens or landscapes. Instead, bonsai practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container.

From ficus bonsai trees to Flowering Chinese Serissas, bonsai trees to grow indoors are among the most popular and consist of some the easiest to care for plants. Great for houses, apartments, condos and even offices and dorms, indoor bonsais make terrific gifts.

Outdoor Bonsai Trees often called Japanese bonsai need a winter rest. This set includes beautiful maples, Japanese maples, pines, junipers, cedars and flowering bonsai -crabapples and Cherry Bonsai trees. Outdoor bonsai trees make amazing gifts for the outdoor gardener in your life.

Most Beauitful Gardens in the World - Reality of Nature

A garden is an intended space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature.

The garden can fit in both natural and man-made materials. The most common form today is known as a residential garden, but the term garden has traditionally been a more general one.Thier are the Most Beautiful and Famous Gardens in the World.

Tips to get your roses ready

1)Roses like full sun — at least six hours a day — and fast-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil in your planting hole with compost. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for up to 24 hours before planting to replenish any lost moisture. In all climates, bare-root roses should be planted as soon as possible. If you must wait more than two days, wrap the roots in water-soaked newspaper and set the root ball in an unheated, dark place; this trick will keep the root ball ready for up to two weeks.

2)Next, dig a large, rough-sided planting hole with sides that slope outward from top to bottom. Dig the edges deeper to help the roots penetrate into the soil.Trim off damaged roots or canes. Set the rose on the cone, with the graft knot, if there is one, just at or above the soil level. Spread the roots over the mound, fill in with soil and water well.

3)Build a basin of soil around the rose 2 to 6 inches high and three feet across. Run the hose in the basin at a slow trickle until the soil is moist but not soggy. Repeat when the top 2 to 3 inches feel dry.

4)Wait until after the first bloom to feed new roses. Then water thoroughly so the fertilizer won't burn surface roots.

5)Remove canes that cross through the center, to give the plant an open, vaselike shape. Cut the remaining canes by less than one-third, pruning at a 45-degree angle just above outward-facing buds.

Make your tight space home as garden

Green, Gorgeous Gifts for Gardeners

1. Mason Bee House

This gorgeous mason bee house is handmade from reclaimed barn wood. If you're buying for a gardener who grows fruit or vegetables, this would be a great gift.

2. Organic Flower Power Soothing Salve

If the gardener in your life is as bad at remembering to wear their gardening gloves as I am, than it's probably safe to assume that their hands could use a little TLC. This all-natural salve is made from beeswax, olive and jojoba oil, as well as organically grown rose and chamomile

3. Tiny Terrariums


Tiny Terrariums are easy-care; cute terrariums are the perfect gift for most gardeners. A bit of green in a cubicle, office, or kitchen windowsill would be welcomed by just about any garden geek.


4. Quirky Windchime From Reclaimed Items


There is nothing quite as relaxing as listening to the gentle tinkling of a windchime while working or kicking back in your garden. This one has a great cooking theme, featuring a rolling pin and utensils, but this particular Etsy seller also has other windchimes, such as one featuring hand tools. Very creative.

Right diet for healthy heart

Heart disease

Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is caused when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrower because of the build-up of fatty deposits inside them. This 'furring up' of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.

In time the artery may become so narrow that not enough blood gets through to the heart. This means the heart muscle doesn't get all the oxygen it needs, which is called angina. The pain of angina happens when the heart muscle gets short of oxygen.

If the narrowed artery becomes blocked by a blood clot, this causes a heart attack.

Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease includes all the diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including CHD, heart failure and stroke. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 238,000 deaths every year in the UK.

There are a number of things that increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:

* high blood pressure
* smoking
* high cholesterol levels
* not being physically active
* being overweight
* diabetes

Healthy heart
What we eat can make a big difference to the health of our hearts. We can reduce our chances of developing heart disease by eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables, high in fibre, and low in salt and fat, particularly saturated fat. And don't forget that giving up smoking will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Becoming more active also helps protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and controlling our weight.

11 Tips for going green at home

Ask about Energy Efficient Mortgages, known as EEMs. They often allow new homeowners to qualify for a larger mortgage with a lower annual income due to the energy savings expected in homes built to high-energy efficiency standards. Ask your real estate professional or mortgage lender about EEMs.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling.

Consider a Hybrid. Looking to buy a new car? Consider a hybrid, which runs on a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. Hybrids get up to 50 mpg compared with 15-25 mpg for typical vehicles. Even better, walk, bike, carpool or take transit more often. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.

Kill the Energy "Vampires." TVs, video and DVD players, cable boxes, chargers for phones, laptops, camera, handheld devices and other electronic equipment found in nearly every American home are wasting huge amounts of energy. When these devices are left plugged in or in standby mode (e.g., computer "sleep" mode), they use about 40 percent of their full running power. To avoid the drain of these energy "vampires," plug them into a power strip and turn it off when they are not in use.

(Energy) Audit Your House. The greenhouse gas emissions of your house are equivalent to two average automobiles. By making improvements - sometimes as simple as fixing leaks, adding insulation and installing a hot water heater blanket - you can reduce your energy use by 30 to 40 percent, and even cut it in half. Cutting your energy consumption by even 25 percent is the equivalent of taking a car off the road for six months each year, keeping three to four tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Farmers' markets make it easy for you to buy produce from local farmers. Produce that is grown and sold locally avoids energy used to transport items from great distances. Many local farmers also use organic growing methods.

Put the Pressure On. Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated tires are energy drainers. This simple action can save 400-700 pounds of CO2 per year. Changing auto air filters regularly also increases fuel efficiency. Accelerate slowly (don't lead foot it) and drive the speed limit. Better yet, ditch the car and walk, bike or take transit. Every gallon of gasoline you don't use keeps 20 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Get an Electric Lawnmower. Surrender your gasoline lawnmower, which is among the dirtiest of modern machines. Using your gasoline-powered mower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a car 93 miles. Gas mowers emit a disproportionate amount of CO2, as well as carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Replace your gasoline lawnmower with an electric model or, better yet, a manual mower. You'll build strength and reduce emissions.

Plant a Tree. In the fall, gather acorns, chestnuts and seeds from maples and other leafy trees and plant them in small pots at home. Keep the saplings for four-five years, then plant them in your own garden, offer them to friends as gifts, or return them to nature. Experiment with different types of seeds. A single tree will absorb one ton of CO2 over its lifetime.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The manufacturing process produces an average four-eight pounds of CO2 for every pound of manufactured product. You'll save 2,400 pounds of CO2 per year by recycling half of your household waste. Avoid plastic bags; take sturdy tote bags to the grocery store. Reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and tote bags. Reuse take-out containers for plant saucers. Take a travel mug to your favorite coffee shop. Reuse gift-wrap or use reusable gift bags.

Hang it Up. Clothes dryers are energy gluttons. To reduce energy use, clean the lint filter after each load (improves air circulation and speeds drying). Use the cool-down cycle, which uses residual heat to complete the drying process. Better yet, abandon your dryer (or use it less often) by hanging up your clothes. Apartment and condo dwellers can buy a drying rack that fits into the bathtub or folds up into the wall. Reduces CO2 emissions, and your clothes will last longer.

Pick nature's clothes dryer

Have you noticed that most dryers - even the newer, more advanced machines - have fairly modest energy star ratings? That's because, by their very nature, they're heavy on power usage and expensive to run.

In fact, a medium-sized 2-star clothes dryer used just twice a week will use more power in a year than a medium-sized 4.5 star two-door fridge!

The cost of using a dryer quickly stacks up on your power bills and costs our environment - all for something that can be obtained for free, outside in the fresh air.
Big savings

Take advantage of the sun in your garden or balcony – it's free! Hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using a dryer can save a huge $280 off your yearly power bill and cut your household's carbon pollution by 1,400kg.
Use only when wet

Consider your dryer only as a drying appliance for really wet weather.

Even better, avoid washing altogether on rainy days. If you can, use clothes horses or airing racks and lines inside to fully or partly dry your washing.

When you do need to use your dryer, follow these power saving tips to lower your power use and impact on our environment:

* use correct temperature settings to minimise the amount of electricity consumed Clean the lint filter regularly to improve the dryer's energy efficiency
* don't overload your dryer – it takes longer to dry your clothes and uses more power
* use residual heat – if you've got several loads, dry them one after the other
* use your washer's spin cycle to make sure clothes aren't soaking wet when you put them in the dryer
* clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load to maximise drying efficiency, maintain full airflow, and minimise fire risk
* create airflow in the laundry by opening doors and windows to prevent humidity forming which slows down drying time
* don't mix heavyweight and lightweight articles in the same load
* share the load, finish drying or partly hang the items outdoors or in the sun

Tips to reduce the amount of gas you use

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Planning and combining trips

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Choosing a more efficient vehicle

Thinking about buying a new vehicle?

Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $668 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.67).
That's $3,338 extra in fuel costs over five years!

Scotland urged to save money by going greener

A new campaign offering hard-pressed families advice on how to cut their fuel bills and help save the planet in the process was launched today.

Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, tv, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages.

Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, it reminds people that small, simple lifestyle changes can add up to significant financial savings and safeguard the environment for future generations:

• Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs could save the average family up to £60 a year - energy-efficient lightbulbs last around 10 times longer than normal bulbs
• A household can save around eight per cent on fuel bills by switching appliances off at the socket instead of leaving them on stand-by
• Fitting a full heating controls package can save up to £180 per year
• Turning down the heating thermostat by just one degree can cut up to 10 per cent off fuel bills

The campaign follows new research from the Energy Saving Trust, which shows Scots are keen to go greener in order to save money.

Launching the campaign in Edinburgh, Environment Minister Michael Russell said:

"Unless we take decisive action to protect our environment there is every chance that rather than passing on our wonderful heritage, we will have to explain to our children why we ruined it.

Go Greener billboard poster

"Many of us have already changed our ways - recycling more, using more energy-efficient light bulbs and buying more seasonal and unpackaged produce.

"In Government we are also reducing our local and global environmental impact through tackling climate change, moving towards a zero-waste Scotland and increasing the use of renewable energy.

"The energy-saving measures and other steps we're promoting through the 'Go Greener' campaign will help us all make simple changes to the way we lead our lives. Achieving a greener Scotland depends on all of us - and will benefit us all too.

"We need everyone to get involved, so whether you are a business or an individual there are lots of ways to show your support. Go to www.infoscotland.com/gogreener to sign up."

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Today marks the start of a new drive to encourage more Scottish households and businesses to reduce their energy use and save money through our 'Go Greener' campaign.

"These are clearly tough times, and becoming more green will benefit our wallets as well as our world. The average household could save up to £340 a year just by taking some simple energy efficiency steps.

"Our six-point plan for the Scottish economy includes helping households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate. We are determined to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households.

"Our new campaign features simple, helpful advice on how to save money and do your bit to reduce our impact on the planet. We owe it to future generations to take action now."

Harry Mayers, Head of Programme Delivery at the Energy Saving Trust (Scotland), explained:

"These are just a few simple steps we could all fit into our daily life which will make noticeable savings on our annual fuel bills and help protect the environment.

"Simple things such as turning down the thermostat one degree and washing clothes at 30oC instead of a higher temperature will cut down on the amount of energy used.

"Also, hanging clothes up to dry costs nothing and is much better for the environment than using a tumble dryer, which costs a lot to run. An added bonus is that clothes will last longer - the lifespan of elastic and many synthetics is drastically reduced by tumble drying."

Jim Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director at ScottishPower, who are actively supporting the new campaign, said:

"ScottishPower is committed to helping customers get the best out of energy use and as such, fully supports the efforts of the Scottish Government's Go Greener campaign.

"We are all looking for ways to save money on energy bills and by taking simple steps, households can make substantial savings as well as making their homes more comfortable whilst doing their bit to protect our environment.

"As a leading developer and operator of wind farms, ScottishPower is committed to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency."

Taking action to reduce energy and help cut fuel bills by installing energy-saving lightbulbs and not leaving devices on standby are two simple yet effective actions the Scottish Government is promoting as part of its 'Go Greener' campaign.

Tips to stay greener at home

Improve your insulation
Around half the heat lost in your home escapes through the walls and roof. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation will not only stop heat loss - it could also reduce your bills.

Use labels to buy energy and water efficient appliances
The Energy Saving Recommended logo can only be used by the most energy efficient products, usually the top 20 per cent of those available.

Use timers and thermostats
Take control of your heating and you could save energy and money.

Switch to energy-saving bulbs
Choosing energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways of cutting your energy use.

Keep the VOCs low
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in paints, finishes and preservatives, can be harmful to humans, wildlife and plants. Most of these products carry a label showing their VOC content, so try choosing the ones with lower VOCs.

Turn off appliances instead of leaving them on standby
Electrical appliances left on standby waste six to ten per cent of all energy used in the average home. Switch TVs, stereos, mobile phone chargers and other gadgets off at the switch or the plug when you're not using them.

Install water-saving products
Low-flush-volume toilet cisterns, water efficient shower heads and aerating heads on washbasin taps help reduce your water use significantly.