June 3, 2007
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Tillandsias are utterly fascinating and deserve a place in anyone’s collection. They are also called living air plants because believe it or not they will grow suspended in nothing but air, hanging from the branches of trees or almost anything. …
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June 3, 2007
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Choosing the right fern varieties is important in a water smart garden but there are other things you can do. Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist. One of the big reasons the ferns are doing so well is because of the protection they get …
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May 21, 2007
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Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a hardy perennial vegetable, best suited to cooler climates. It tolerates frost well. The succulent shoots emerge in early spring from the underground crown. Packed with vitamins and minerals, high in fibre, and absolutely delicious when fresh and well cooked, asparagus is growing in popularity.
The male and female asparagus plants are distinct (it is dioecious). The female plants produce (and drop) seeds, which can cause over-crowding if not controlled, and are lower-yielding and more disease prone. New “all male” hybrids produce no seeds and bigger yields (up to 3 times the yield).
April 26, 2007
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In 1908, Anna Jarvis chose dianthus caryophyllus (pink carnation) as the emblem of Mother’s Day, a celebration she campaigned to create that became a U.S. public holiday in 1914. Today, it is one of the most widespread public holidays. Carnations are also widely used for other celebrations and important occasions such as weddings, funerals and Velentine’s Day.
The “pink” in pink carnation actually refers to the frilled edges of the flower. Pinking shears were named after flower, as they produce a similar frilled edge on fabric. It has been suggested that the colour got it’s name from the flower, rather than the other way round.
April 13, 2007
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Colus hirudinosus
I was sent this photo of a colus hirudinosus, a rare fungus. This specimen was found near Broke, NSW, and appeared shortly after rain. It is a member of the stinkhorn family, and produces a strong fetid odor that attracts flies and other insects.
