I don't think anyone expects to die from a falling branch especially when you are at a major park like Central Park, NY. Sadly, falling tree branches have already claimed two lives at Central Park this year. So if you happen to visit Central Park anytime soon, keep a look out for falling branches.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Great Green Careers
For those of you who are interested in starting a green career or who are just curious to see what is out there, check out Great Green Careers. You can post your resume, search for green jobs based on type of job, location, salary and more. Great Green Careers also provides a list of other resources for green jobs here.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Dinner Garden Gives Away Free Seeds
This organization's mission is to stop hunger in the United States. They provide people in the U.S. with a packet of free seeds to start a vegetable garden of their own. Their website also has information on battling pests, how to make inexpensive green houses, techniques on saving seeds, planting guides, recipes and more.
Free Dinner Garden Seed Packet
The Dinner Garden will mail you free seeds by filling out and submitting a request on their website.
Donations
This is a great cause, and any amount you wish to donate goes really far here. For example, "$1.72 provides 10 different types of vegetable seeds for one family to grow a full garden." That is a lot of bang for a couple of bucks. Click here to discover the several ways you can support this cause.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Vanishing Bees Documentary
Video: Trailer for the documentary feature film - The Vanishing of the Bees
Vanishing of the Bees takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. US release date is August 21, 2010 National Honeybee Awareness Day! For more information, visit http://www.vanishingbees.com.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Grow Your Own Beer Garden
Are you looking for a fun, unique Father's Day gift? Does your dad love beer? If so, consider getting him his own beer garden.* The White Box Gardens Beer Garden growing kit includes a sprouting and growing dome, three (3) seed packs (wheat, barley, and hops), growing medium, 3 color plant stakes, natural gravel, 3 color decals, and an instructions/info booklet.
The beer garden costs only $21.55 at Amazon.com. This product is also eligible for Amazon's FREE Super Saving Shipping on orders over $25.
Companion Gift Ideas:
- How To Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time book by John J. Palmer ($10.99)*
- Mr. Beer Deluxe Edition Home Microbrewery System ($29.99) --- Free Shipping
- Mr. Beer Premium Edition Home Microbrewery System ($39.98) --- Free Shipping
- Mr. Beer Premium Gold Edition Home Brew Kit ($47.78) --- Free Shipping
- Coopers Brewery Micro Brewery Kit ($99.99) --- Free Shipping
*Item counts towards Amazon's Free Super Saving Shipping on orders over $25.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Disney Tree Planting Kit
Get FREE SHIPPING on your entire purchase when you use coupon code KIDATHEART and buy one qualifying adult clothing or accessories purchase. May I suggest purchasing the earth-friendly Disney Reusable Tote for $2.95 to fulfill that requirement. It can double as a gift bag and re-useable grocery shopping bag.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Fresh, Flavor Packed Peas
I harvested some peas from the garden earlier today, and flash boiled them in lightly salted water for a couple of minutes before eating them. They are the best peas I ever had. I never knew peas could have so much flavor.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Old Aquarium, New Greenhouse
Photo 1: Lettuce and Nasturiums growing in my re-purposed aquarium
A small crack developed near the top of my acrylic aquarium rendering it useless as an aquarium (See Photo 2). Instead of throwing it away, I decided to re-purpose it as a greenhouse.
First, I removed the filtration system. Then I used pea gravel to create a one-inch drainage layer (See Photo 3). I normally use hydroton clay balls because it weighs next to nothing, but I had some excess pea gravel from another project. Next I placed screen mesh on top of the pebbles to prevent soil from settling into the drainage layer (See Photo 3). Lastly, I added organic gardening soil and planted some seeds. I am currently growing nasturtiums and lettuce for my pet tortoise (See Photo 1 & 4).
My fish tank is already equipped with a fluorescent bulb light fixture, which gives me the option to grow plants even in the dimmest corner of my home. I currently have mine placed in front of a window so I am not using the light at this time. If you do need to use the light, I recommend purchasing an automatic timer so you can easily provide twelve (12) hours of light per day without the hassle of remembering to turn the light on and off.
Photo 2: Old aquarium
Photo 3: Screen mesh placed on top of layer of pea gravel
Photo 4: Seeds germinated three days later.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Grow Avocados The Easy Way
Anyone can germinate avocados from seed! Forget the toothpick method. You do not even need any soil. Just wash away the flesh from the avocado pits, and wrap the pits in a damp paper towel. Then place the wrapped pits in a plastic bag. I used a snack bag (See Photo 1). After you seal the bag, place the bag in a warm, dark place. I placed my bag on top of my refrigerator. Now just ignore it for a few weeks. It will take about two to four weeks for your pits to sprout (See Photo 2).
Photo 1: Avocado pits have been cleaned, wrapped in a damp paper towel, and sealed in a snack bag.
Photo 2: Both avocado pits have germinated
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Asparagus Anyone?
Photo: Asparagus Jersey shoots started from seed
I have turned my attention to decorative, edible plants. Under the right conditions, asparagus could be a wonderful and unusual apartment gardening jewel. These mass of spears would look wonderful in the right container, and it will also provide fresh asparagus for future meals. You can grow ordinary green asparagus or sweeter purple passion asparagus. It is a perennial so it will continue to grow back each year, spreading more and more. The down side is that it requires full sun, is a heavy feeder, and if you start them from seed, it will take a few years to grow spears large enough for consumption.
It is a lot easier to grow asparagus from crowns. Our local Home Depot were selling asparagus crowns in early spring, which is the ideal time to plant them. I like a challenge so I started mine from seed. It is currently in a 4-inch pot, but I will eventually transplant it in a container about a foot deep and two feet wide.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Nature's Insect Traps
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Birdie Planter
Here is a photo of the bird bowl sans plant:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Plant a Pineapple Head
Photo: Do not plant the fleshy part of the fruit or you will risk the roots rotting
Update: Just plant the green top part of the pineapple in the soil or you risk the root rotting. Being careful not to hurt your hand, grab the base of the green top and twist. The green top should easily twist off. Then remove leaves from the bottom inch (or two inches) of the stem. Plant the exposed stem in potting soil and water thoroughly. Place the plant in a shady place, and keep watering your plant. The plant will take root. The outer leaves will eventually brown and die, but new leaves will form in the center, and eventually the plant will produce small pineapple fruit.
Grow a pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple head!
Last Saturday, I had a craving for an "island" burger, which is really just a normal cheeseburger with a nice slice of grilled pineapple. I had everything to make the burger except the pineapple so I had to ask myself, did I really want an island burger? It turns out I did so I made a trip to the grocery store for a whole pineapple and some other munchies.
As I was firing up the grill, an idea in one my gardening books jumped out at me---I should try and plant that pineapple head. According to this book, you can grow a whole new pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple head. You should plant a pineapple head that is not too ripe, and has leaves that are still green.
My pineapple head's leaves were only partially green so I am curious to see if it still works. For detailed instructions on planting a pineapple head, you can click here.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Low-Maintenance Housewarming Gift
As I was walking to the register, a woman stopped to ask me where I got them from. She loved them too, and she was surprised they were only about $20. I am feeling good about my purchase. I think my friend will love her housewarming gift!
Clean Up Stragglers and Stretch Your $$$
If you happen to get a collection that looks straggly or overgrown, take a sharp knife and cut back the stragglers, but do not throw away these cuttings. You can turn these cuttings into new plants. Succulents are easy to propagate. I normally just stick them in ordinary potting soil and keep the soil warm and moist (but not soggy) until they sprout roots. If you wish to take the safer route, allow a "scab" to develop over the end of the stem by allowing the cutting to dry out a bit, then dip the cutting in some Rooting Hormone before planting them in the dirt.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hiking in Mother Nature's Garden
View of Ocean from Tomales Point Trail (Point Reyes National Seashore, CA)
It's spring! I love to go hiking this time of year in California. The ponds are full and the waterfalls are strong from the winter/spring rainfall. Everything is green and the fields are full of blooming wildflowers. It's a great way to rejuvenate your spirit and get a little exercise.
Here are some photos from my most recent hike. I wish I could recapture the beauty of the place, but the pictures really don't do it any justice.
Another view of the ocean from the trail
Photo of a bed of wild irises.
I also found a random cluster of giant calla lilies, chamomile, poppies, and other wildflowers.
Photo of a border of rocks.
You can hear your own heartbeat here. It is so silent.
Trees in the mist
To get to TOMALES POINT TRAIL (15 km / 9.5 mi.)
This open trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is also a prime wildlife viewing trail, as it is remote and the tule elk are enclosed in this reserve. The first 5 kilometers (3 mi.) to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. The Tomales Point Trailhead is at the end of Pierce Point Road, 40 minute driving time from Bear Valley.
For More Trails at Point Reyes National Seashore Click Here
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