tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1633895593517924802024-03-13T12:27:23.547-04:00Plants of FloridaIf every tree
tried to look like another,
they'd forget that they're special
and unlike any other.
~ Mike Dooley ~Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-12326550326036989732013-03-16T19:04:00.000-04:002013-03-16T19:12:44.090-04:00A visit to Busch Gardens
It was a cold, rainy day when I finally made it to Busch Gardens in Tampa. However, all the shows I got to see were a lot of fun, and soon it stopped sprinkling and warmed up enough for me to enjoy the Sky Ride, the Treetop Trails and Serengeti Railway.
Due to the weather one would expect less visitors but the park was quickly filling up throughout the morning and non-existing Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0Busch Gardens Tampa, N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA28.0363515 -82.42245739999998528.022336499999998 -82.442627399999978 28.0503665 -82.402287399999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-28788156912397914842013-02-21T20:06:00.001-05:002013-02-21T23:37:41.384-05:00Recycled sweet onionI've been growing plants all of my life, from seeds and seedlings, by layering, dividing, from cuttings and pits. I've witnessed grafting and I've always been interested in testing a new growing method myself. Yet, growing vegetables from scraps is new to me. For years I've been composting all the kitchen scraps, even my grandmother did that, but never thought of growing a new plant from a Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-81417628382278453362010-07-25T11:14:00.000-04:002010-07-25T11:14:31.722-04:00How to kill bugs without poisonImage via WikipediaHow to kill bugs - or how to keep them at bay - has probably been an important question since the dawn of the humankind.
It still is and as going green is becoming more and more powerful trend by the day, no-poison methods are consequently sought after, used and appreciated more than ever.
Video below provides quite a few ways to kill bugs without using any kind of chemical Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-68568278108307973172010-05-27T11:04:00.000-04:002010-05-27T11:04:32.098-04:00You can grow African violetsThe rights to distribute newly discovered African violet plant (Saintpaulia ionantha) were first sold to the German company, Ernst Benary, in 1893. A year later, this Seed company provided seeds to the Harris Seed Company in Philadelphia.
The real popularity of African violets in this county began after 1927 when the Armacost and Royston Nursery in Los Angeles released a number of hybrids Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-43160846447400266142010-05-08T22:32:00.000-04:002010-05-08T22:32:23.102-04:00Growing African Violets Under the Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Light Bulb LightAfrican violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) was discovered by Baron Walter Von Saint Paul in 1892. He found that precious little plant about an hour from Tanga on the nowadays border of Tanzania and Kenya.
Photo African Violet courtesy of Betsy J...
The baron soon took in that the plant was different. So he decided to send some specimens to his father in Germany. He revealed son's find with a Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-47659287465673401402010-04-24T21:07:00.004-04:002010-04-26T13:19:39.567-04:00My birthday flower bouquetI got up this morning (on my birthday) and walked around the house with my camera. Then I took a photo of every bloom that I was able to find, to capture beauties for my very own birthday flower bouquet - that will last for ever.
Here's a quick tour of the April blossoms from my yard... :)
Photo above: Red Dianthus (smells beautiful!) and blue Petunias. Stunning combination and it took me Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-39422425060723806342010-04-16T18:08:00.001-04:002010-04-16T18:11:25.092-04:00Farmer cheese recipeI bought some farmer cheese and nobody wanted to eat it. I wouldn't be me if I didn't have an idea how to use it, though.
Here's what I made with it.
Ingredients:
about 2 tbs of farmers cheese
about 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil
some powdered paprika
some fresh thyme
some fresh parsley
some fresh chives
Then I mixed all the ingredients up and ate this deliciously tasting spread with home Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-57467978116581033892010-04-15T21:14:00.001-04:002010-04-22T18:09:51.614-04:00Vegetable Gardening With ChildrenHere's a video of a fun vegetable gardening project with children. They sure look like they enjoyed preparing garden beds and planting very much... :)
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-29277937801147838462010-03-26T07:02:00.003-04:002010-03-26T07:02:00.120-04:00Non toxic cleaners vs. toxic cleanerswhen you place food on the countertop, cleaned with surface cleaner that claims to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria, those "killing chemicals" can be absorbed in your food
ammonia from the glass cleaners lingers in the air for a long time after it's been used, irritates the respiratory system and pollutes the air we breathe
moth balls contain registered carcinogen - naphthalene
according to the Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-52998179350671085052010-03-25T11:50:00.004-04:002010-03-25T13:45:19.897-04:00Natural cleaning productsIt's really easy to make your own cleaners with ingredients you might already have in your home. Plus, if you choose to add an essential oil, you can pick your favorite scent and your home will smell pleasantly, matching your own preference instead of smelling of chemicals, found in most commercial cleaners, that are irritating as well as toxic.
• BAKING SODA can be sprinkled to scrub kitchen Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-57490471040884448952010-03-24T12:41:00.002-04:002010-03-25T12:44:31.430-04:00Beautiful skiesMany times I feel So fortunate to live where I live, to be able to admire beautiful trees, native plants and potted beauties all around my home and through every window, even when I'm sitting at my desk and typing these words.
From that same place I can also watch all the stunning sunsets. They make me stop for a moment and breathe-in all the stunning colors that seem to come in different shadesStop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-29022525930335987552010-02-20T11:43:00.000-05:002010-03-25T12:32:35.636-04:00Green-labeled homesHomes with green labels in most cases mean energy efficiency, burning less fossil fuels, low-formaldehyde kitchen cabinets, green carpeting, low or VOC-free (volatile organic chemicals) paints and other materials, "green roofing" etc. Most people simply assume that "green" equals "healthy" and never give a second thought to toxicity that might come with their "green home."
It is true that Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-65110350197821866772010-02-14T14:32:00.005-05:002010-02-14T14:41:40.750-05:00But who alas! can love and then be wise?But who alas! can love and then be wise?
Originally uploaded by aviana2
Valentine Smile
On Valentine's Day we think of thoseWho make our lives worthwhile,Those gracious, friendly people whoWe think of with a smile.I am fortunate to know you,That's why I want to say,To a rare and special person:Happy Valentine's Day!
By Joanna Fuchs
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-1989949042541671972010-01-22T16:37:00.005-05:002010-01-22T17:17:39.932-05:00Thank youThank you for your interest in
best highly scented candles!
Your inquiry has been submitted and you will hear from us shortly.
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Photo "Burning candle in a glass bowl" © Daria
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Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-82697466655716372012009-11-06T14:06:00.004-05:002010-04-22T18:10:36.149-04:00Elderberry Benefits and Uses
elderberry closeup 4
Originally uploaded by oceandesetoiles
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub or small tree, producing large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in late spring and after that clusters of small black, blue-black, or red berries (rarely yellow or white).
Elderberry flowers are used for elderflower cordial. In France and other Central European countries people Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-12928650610496440612009-07-04T02:34:00.000-04:002009-07-04T02:34:55.973-04:00Happy Fourth of JulyWishing you a wonderful Independence Day holiday weekend without storms, yummy BBQ and many beautiful moments to save in your happy heart... :)
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Photo "Fourth of July old glory flag water drops" - courtesy of Steve took it
. .
More related stories on American Independence Day or Fourth of July:
Meaning of Fourth of July
Independence Day around the world
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-80720048296937116682009-07-03T09:55:00.003-04:002010-03-24T07:52:31.709-04:00Lightning thunder storms
Lightning; My First Try
Originally uploaded by Kuzeytac (OUT, till 20.08.09-see profile)For the last few weeks Florida skies have been mostly cloudy, we had lots of rain and thunder storms and lightning. Our grass hardly ever gets a chance to dry out enough so we can mow our lawn.
While all of my plants enjoy the moisture and heat (weeds included) and my banana trees grow faster than ever Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-21585133086352719302009-06-10T20:56:00.000-04:002009-06-10T20:57:00.201-04:00After the rain photosWe had quite a few showers lately. And storms. After each one of them, there came an "after the rain" period, when everything looks clean, the nature more green and the air fresher than ever.I'm happy to share with you two of my recent photos, both taken in my backyard, during that precious time - right after the rain.Blooming Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) after the rainBlooming Barbra Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-73578819392560454222009-05-18T09:30:00.001-04:002010-04-22T18:08:46.682-04:00Attract birds
Transcript of a how to video How To Make Your Backyard a Bird Haven:
Quit hogging our own backyard. Make it a haven for your fine feathered friends!
You will need:
undisturbed trees or shrubs, large enough to provide bird shelter
native plants that provide seeds, berries and nectar
water source such as a stream, pond or bird bath
wildflowers
one of more bird feeders
and bird houses matched Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-21582376209239726772009-05-08T06:00:00.002-04:002009-05-08T06:00:00.785-04:00Nature photosBeautiful collection of photos of nature, pets and wildlife - to sit back, relax, enjoy - and smile... :)
Beautiful nature and wildlife photosView more presentations from sunflower19020.
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-4206665029645146652009-05-07T15:40:00.002-04:002010-04-22T18:10:49.695-04:00How plants are useful to usEvery plant has its role in the chain of natural life on planet Earth. And I'm not talking about cleaning the air, preserving the top soil layer, providing food for humans and animals alike - or anything like that.
This morning, after I was done with watering, I grabbed my grass shears and cut the grass around the round flower beds edgers. The grass grows faster there - than anywhere else on the Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-32691188664968693532009-04-23T22:28:00.000-04:002010-04-22T18:10:49.702-04:00How to keep deer away
Photo "Deer, Oh Deer..." - courtesy of law_keven
Probably everyone agrees that deer is a beautiful animal, a pure joy to see when grazing on the edges of woods and pastures and mountain slopes.
Unfortunately, every home owner's feelings of joy can quickly turn into disappointment if this same graceful visitor of one's yard starts munching on the beautiful plants in our carefully planned and Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-15404249842459856262009-04-15T07:00:00.003-04:002009-04-15T07:49:06.289-04:00New Zealand native birdsEvery nature lover should see the marvelous paintings of birds and botanicals from NZ. They look so real one can almost hear the birds singing... :)
Janet Marshall - New Zealand Native Birds
Janet Marshall is a New Zealand artist specializing in New Zealand native birds, botanical and portrait paintings.
Professionally painting since 1970, she has had her work represented on 13 NZ Post stamps,Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-11835221619940529912009-04-14T09:43:00.001-04:002010-04-22T18:09:51.622-04:00How to attract birds and butterfliesTo make your outdoors even more beautiful and natural, arrange your backyard so it becomes bird and butterfly-friendly. It doesn't take much more than choosing the right plants - and watching the video below. And the results just might astonish you...
Enjoy!
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163389559351792480.post-38300468110012434192009-04-11T18:45:00.001-04:002009-04-11T18:47:43.112-04:00Easter basket
Photo "Easter Basket" - courtesy of misa/neb..
Photo "Happy Easter" - courtesy of Anita Jamal..
Photo "A BASKET FULL OF SPRING" - courtesy of brynmeillion..
Photo "Happy Easter from Roxy and Her Mom!" - courtesy of faith goble
***Stop Energy Drainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626089839723051720noreply@blogger.com4