In spring, the axis of the earth is tilted toward the sun and the length of daylight rapidly increases. The hemisphere begins to warm significantly causing new plant growth to "spring forth", giving the season its name.
5 Ways to use Waxed Paper Protect pans: Put a sheet between cast-iron pans when stacking them, the thin coat of wax prevents rust. Store candles: Roll colored candles in sheets of wax paper and twist ends to seal. They won't get nicked up or scuffed when they're placed in drawers. Shine a faucet: Rub chrome fixtures after cleaning to prevent water spots and finger smudges. Clean a household can opener: Run a piece of wax paper through the gears, it will loosen dirt and coat them with wax so they run smoothly. Unstick pages: Insert paper between wet pages of a book. When they dry, they'll be good as new
Spread Cheer Thank someone for opening a door for you, in return open a door for someone else, if your are in line at the checkout and someone behind you has less items, let them check out ahead of you.
Host a Ladies Closet Party Invite friends over and ask them to go through their closests and bring clothes they?re willing to part with. Have a clothes swap and what ever is left, donate to a local charity...
Meet Your Neighbor .Throw a neighborhood potluck. Ask each guest to bring a dish that in some way represents his or her heritage. Not only is this an opportunity to try some ethnic dishes, but also a fun way to learn more about your neighbors and their traditions |
Stay Green Here are some pointers; Paper Products: Choose paper products with the highest "post consumer waste" content you can find. Unbleached without chlorine... Candles: Use clean burning soy or beeswax. Paraffin candles are made from crude oil. Trash bags: Use biodegradable bags or those made with at least 65% recycled content. Light bulbs: Compact fluorescent bulbs use one-quarter of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last ten times longer. Natural scrubbers: Try cellulose natural sea sponges instead of plastic ones. Toothbrushes come in handy for cleaning grout. KICK THE BOTTLED WATER HABIT BUY IN BULK Switch to cold water. Plant trees. |
Water conserving & money saving tips for summer gardens
(ARA) - Summer 2009 may be a bit less dry than last year in some areas of the country, according to the National Weather Service’s Seasonal Drought Outlook. But it still makes sense, both environmentally and economically, to conserve water as much as possible in your gardening and landscaping efforts.
“Nothing shouts ‘green’ quite like a thriving garden or a lush landscape,” says Susan Thayer, an irrigation and water conservation expert, “. . . except, perhaps, a beautiful yard or garden that’s been nurtured with green practices that conserve precious water.”
While drought in some mid-northern areas is expected to improve, dry conditions will likely persist in areas such as California, Texas, Florida and North Carolina, according the Seasonal Drought Outlook map. One thing that isn’t likely to change anytime soon, however, is the need to cut costs and conserve resources during an economic recession.
Conserving water makes sense environmentally, and can also help your family reduce your water utility bill this summer.
It is possible to grow a thriving garden and nurture a lovely landscape while minimizing water consumption and saving money on your water bill. A combination of native-friendly plants, smart agricultural practices, alternative water sources and efficient irrigation can help keep gardens and lawns growing healthy throughout dry summer months.
Here are some tips for conserving water and saving money by reducing your water bill in your corner of planet.
* Choose drought-resistant native plants for your landscaping needs. Your options won’t be limited to cactus, either. From ornamental grasses to shrub roses, many drought-tolerant native species also offer bright color and visual appeal. Look for plants that do well in the driest conditions found in your geographic region. Your local Cooperative Extension office can help you identify plants that are right for your area. You’ll also find plenty of ideas online at sites like www.gardeners.com.
* Groom soil for optimum water absorption and retention. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends adding water-retaining organic material to your soil. You can also reduce evaporation by using mulch in landscaping beds.
* Look for alternative water sources other than the outdoor tap – such as collecting the water that drains from your air conditioner. Consider collecting roof runoff in a rain barrel for use in flower beds and vegetable gardens.
* Irrigate efficiently with low-volume irrigation systems and smart watering practices. Many communities now require all newly built homes to use low-volume irrigation in their landscapes. On average, micro sprinklers and drip irrigation uses 80 to 90 percent less water than traditional irrigation systems.
Irrigation manufacturers like Mister Landscaper are responding to increased consumer demand for low-volume systems by offering micro sprinkler and drip products that homeowners can easily install on their own. Mister Landscaper’s Micro Sprinkler Starter Kits efficiently and slowly irrigate flower and vegetable gardens, as well as areas where trees and shrubs grow. They are available in the plumbing department at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores or online at www.misterlandscaper.com. The system also offers a variety of retrofit products that allow you to replace or add on to an existing underground pvc sprinkler system so you can convert 120 gallons per hour (gph) heads to a 10 gph micro spray or 1-2gph dripper.
“The key is to apply water only exactly when and where it is needed,” Thayer says. Drip and micro spray irrigation provide optimum efficiency with minimum waste and over spray.
* Design your landscaping to minimize evaporation. Windbreaks and fences slow the movement of the wind over the ground and the evaporation it causes, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
To learn more about low-volume irrigation, visit www.misterlandscaper.com. For more information on water conservation, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Cottage Rose Potpourri 1 cup cellulose 1/8 ounce rose fragrance oil 30 drops essential oil of lemon verbena 20 drops essential oil of sandalwood 4 cups rose petals and buds 2 cups lemon verbena 2 cups patchouli 2 cups lavender buds Mix the oils with the cellulose and store for two days in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Combine the dry potpourri ingredients with the oil/cellulose mixture and store for two to four weeks to allow the potpourri to age and develop. | Spring Potpourri 4 oz. rosebuds Mix all dry ingredients, then add the essential oils, which have also been pre-mixed. Mix and store away from direct sunlight. Store in cool dry place. Use only glass, wooden or ceramic container and utensils. Add oils with an atomizer or spritzer or eye dropper. Age in airtight container for a few days to a few weeks - gently stirring once or twice a week. |
