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KANSAS GARDEN SHOW 44TH YEAR
Event features seminars, displays and products | 6 Extension seminars | 2 Insect watching | 8 Espalier pruning | 9
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Seminar topics include herbs, protecting bees Gardens from both World War I and II helped our nation during troubled times, providing food for both home and abroad. The gardens and related programs gave Americans an opportunity to show their patriotism though volunteer efforts. Come hear how Victory Gardens have provided a rich heritage that served as the basis for ongoing Extension and community gardening activities that continue to this day.
Ariel Whitely-Noll The 2019 Kansas Garden Show will be held Feb. 8-10 at the Kansas Expocentre. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $8, but children under 12 are free, and on Friday tickets for senior citizens (55 and older) are buy one get one free. Education has been an important part of the Kansas Garden Show since its inception. The educational seminars offered at the show, along with the quality research-based information given at the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener booth, are an essential part of this component. This year, the seminars will be held in the Skate Room in an effort to increase visibility and ease of access for our guests. The door is at the south entrance to Landon Arena. Signs near the area will direct visitors. Friday, Feb. 8 10:30 a.m. "Betting on Bugs: Pesticides and Protecting Bees" Raymond Cloyd, professor of entomology at Kansas State University
This presentation will initially discuss the direct and indirect effects of pesticides
The Kansas Garden Show brings together educational and commercial exhibitors and garden displays, with horticulture and home products for sale. [SUBMITTED]
(insecticides, miticides, and fungicides) on bees, including honey bees and bumblebees. The presentation will address the ways you can protect or avoid exposing bees to pesticides in landscapes and gardens. 11:30 a.m. "Managing and Caring for Urban Wildlife" Charlie Lee, wildlife specialist, Kansas State University
Participants will learn how to recognize common wildlife damage problems and understand which species is responsible for the damage. Solutions to the most common problems include habitat management to create unsuitable habitat if possible. If habitat modification isn't successful, proper exclusion techniques, such as repellents and fences, will be explained. As a last resort, wildlife removal options will be described and discussed.
12:30 p.m. "Game On: Starting Seeds Indoors" Ed Dillingham and Mary Cox, Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners, K-State Research and Extension
This presentation will provide the information needed to successfully start seeds indoors. Included will be reasons to start or not start seeds indoors; what to plant and what not to plant; reading and understanding the seed packet; minimal equipment needs vs. wants; using repurposed items to reduce costs; and a demonstration of the steps to raise healthy plants for transplanting to your garden and flowerbeds at the proper time in Kansas. 1:30 p.m. "Tic Tac Thyme" Cassie Homan, horticulture agent, Post-Rock District, K-State Research and Extension Pallace Messer, horticulture agent; Golden Prairie
District, K-State Research and Extension
Looking for a simple gardening project or interested in growing edibles but don't want to take on a full vegetable garden? Come learn how to start herbs from seed, cuttings and division. We will discuss several herbs that can thrive in our harsh Kansas weather conditions. Herbs can be grown indoors, in pots or in the landscape. Herbs also add an amazing scent and unique texture to any landscape. 2:30 p.m. "Preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer" Kim Bomberger, district community forester, Kansas Forest Service
With the emerald ash borer detected in Shawnee County, now is the time to prepare for the damage that will be caused as the insect population grows and spreads. Homeowners
and landowners will learn how to identify the insect, make decisions about their ash trees and understand their management options. Saturday, Feb. 9 11:30 a.m. "Strategizing for Your Best Vegetable Garden" Ariel Whitely-Noll, horticulture agent, Shawnee County, K-State Research and Extension
Whether you are renovating an older vegetable garden or starting from scratch, you will be most successful if you plan ahead. Planning gives you the opportunity to consider the gardener’s first rule: right plant, right place. 12:30 p.m. "Victorious Victory Gardens" Carol Bragdon, Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener, K-State Research and Extension
War and Victory
1:30 p.m. "Game On: Starting Seeds Indoors" Ed Dillingham and Mary Cox, Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners, K-State Research and Extension
This presentation will provide the information needed to successfully start seeds indoors. Included will be reasons to start or not start seeds indoors; what to plant and what not to plant; reading and understanding the seed packet; minimal equipment needs vs. wants; using repurposed items to reduce costs; and a demonstration of the steps to raise healthy plants for transplanting to your garden and flowerbeds at the proper time in Kansas. Sunday, Feb. 10 12:30 p.m. "Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens" Bessie Tolbert, Master Gardener coordinator, Shawnee County, K-State Research and Extension
See SEMINARS, 4
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SEMINARS From Page 2
Each of the eight of our Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener demonstration gardens shows a different style of gardening. Xeriscape, sensory, vegetable, pollinator, shade,
perennials and native gardens each bring a unique list of plants and way to garden. Which one will work for you? 1:30 p.m. "Hide and Seek in the Presidential Gardens" Carol Bragdon, Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener, K-State Research and Extension
Take a walk back in history to visit the gardens of our presidents and first ladies, and learn some interesting facts along the way. What flowers were favored by our first ladies? Did sheep really graze on the White House lawn? Who started the White House Rose Garden? This presentation will feature facts and stories about the
The K-State Research and Extension office will offer several seminars during the Kansas Garden Show, on topics that include how pesticides affect bees and how to grow herbs. The show will be held from Feb. 8-10 at the Kansas Expocentre. [SUBMITTED]
gardening interests of our leaders and the impact their love of gardening has had on our nation. 2:30 p.m. "Game On: Starting Seeds Indoors" Ed Dillingham and Mary Cox, Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners, K-State Research and Extension
This presentation will provide the information needed to successfully start seeds indoors. Included will be the reasons to start or not start seeds indoors; what to plant and what not to plant; reading and understanding the seed packet; minimal equipment needs vs. wants; using repurposed items to reduce
costs; and a demonstration of the steps to raise healthy plants for transplanting to your garden and flowerbeds at the proper time in Kansas. Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.
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Kansas Garden Show offers much to see, learn By Linda Ditch Special to The Capital-Journal
With winter’s chill inhabiting the area, it is difficult to imagine the warmth of spring and summer coming anytime soon. One way to tackle those cold-weather blues is with a visit to this year’s Kansas Garden Show at the Kansas Expocentre from Feb. 8-10. Even if you’re an amateur gardener or have no green thumb at all, there is plenty to enjoy at this annual event. Leland Heifner, longtime promoter of the show, carries on the tradition his father, Bob, established while owning Heifner Nursery and Garden Center. Bob suggested the idea to the Kansas Horticulture Society in the mid-1970s and coordinated the first garden show in 1976. Bob Heifner continued to oversee the show until his death in 2005, when Leland took on its management. He recently answered a few questions about this year’s show. How many years have you held the garden show?
This is our 44th year. We started at the
Municipal Auditorium downtown and then expanded and moved to the Expocentre when it was built. Would beginning gardeners benefit from the show?
Yes. Every level of gardener benefits. Even if you are not a gardener, there is lots to see and learn. Or, hire people here do it for you. Many government and commercial experts are here to answer questions and give advice.
What can attendees expect from this year’s show?
This is a community event that brings together over 120 educational and commercial exhibitors and garden displays to give out information and answer questions, buy new horticulture and home products, or find a group to volunteer with all year in the community. There are horticultural seminars each of the days. There also will be plants, flowers, seeds, gardening equipment, ponds, hot tubs, patios, outdoor living, gazebos, lawn products, mowers, chainsaw carvings and more. Interesting to children and adults, whether you own a home or not.
KANSAS GARDEN SHOW When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 Where: Kansas Expocentre, near S.W. 17th and Topeka Boulevard Cost: $8, includes free parking. Free for children ages 12 and younger. Buy one ticket and get one free on Friday for those ages 55 and older.
Anything different this year from last year?
This year the theme is “Monopolizing on Gardens,” so there will be gardening exhibits with a game theme. Also, there will be the newest horticultural information from Kansas State University research, and all the exhibitors bring their new products and ideas.
Anything else you’d like to add?
It is a good place to come to experience the sights and smells of spring weeks before you can outside. Linda A. Ditch is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at lindaaditch@gmail.com.
The theme of this year’s Kansas Garden Show is “Monopolizing on Gardens.” The show will be held from Feb. 8-10 at the Kansas Expocentre. [SUBMITTED] The Kansas Garden Show brings together educational and commercial exhibitors and garden displays, with horticulture and home products for sale. The show will be held from Feb. 8-10 at the Kansas Expocentre. [SUBMITTED]
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Poppies are tougher than they look By Lee Reich The Associated Press
With seeds as fine as dust and flower petals as delicate as fairy shawls, it might seem that poppies are too fragile to have their seeds sown directly on melting snow or frozen ground. But early sowing is a must, because the seedlings thrive during the cool, moist weather of early spring. And because poppies don't transplant well, their seeds are best sown right out in the flower beds. Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is aptly named, for it once dotted the corn fields of Europe with its brilliant red flowers. ("Corn" means "grain" in British English.) This annual's translucent flowers are borne on sprawling stalks 2 feet high. The Flanders variety is named for the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields," by John
McCrae, in which the blood-red flowers symbolize lives lost in war. On Memorial and Veteran's days, red tissue-paper poppies still are distributed in memory of wars' victims. Shirley poppies are a type of corn poppy with white lines along the edges of their petals. Corn and Shirley poppies begin blooming shortly after springflowering bulbs have finished their show and continue blooming through July. California poppy (Eschscholtzis californica) was named in honor of Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, a 19th century ship's surgeon who found these bright orange flowers blanketing California hillsides. Northern winters are too harsh for this perennial, but it can be treated as an annual with the seeds sown yearly. From June to October, the 3to 5-inch blooms of California
poppies stare out above their lacy foliage. New varieties are available in a range of colors — cream, carmine, orange, yellow and red. I plant these flowers in the sunniest spots of the garden because they stay closed at night and even in shade. Iceland poppies (P. nudicaule) have delicately ruffled and sweetly scented flowers, and are borne on slender stalks above rosettes of deeply cut leaves. Like California poppy, Iceland poppy is perennial in its native habitat — in this case, the Arctic. In most other regions, it loses its perennial character to behave like a biennial. Plants from spring sowings bloom from midsummer into fall of their first year. The second year, the luxuriant blossoms unfold shortly after daffodils bloom, then continue throughout the season. The old-fashioned oriental poppy (P. oriental) is the only
garden perennial among the poppies. Propagate it from seed or by root cuttings. With huge, flamboyant, brick-red flowers having purplish-black splotches at the bases of their petals, this poppy has few rivals for intense color in the flower garden. The blossoming period is relatively short, in early summer. Soon after that, the blossoms fade, the leaves die back and the plant enters a period of dormancy until late summer. To mask the dying foliage and carry on a succession of blooms, I plant zinnias and calendulas among the poppies. All these poppies thrive on neglect. Sprinkle the seeds onto well-drained soil — even now, in winter— then forget about them. Poppies are flowers of cottage gardens and meadows, rather than neatly groomed, formal flower beds. Let them sprawl.
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Apps help track health of insect populations By Katherine Roth The Associated Press
More challenging than birdwatching and not nearly as popular, insectwatching — noting and sharing exactly what one sees and where — is nevertheless on the rise. Concern about dwindling native insect populations is one reason why. And new technology has made it easier to log insect sightings and become part of wide-reaching "citizenscientist" projects. A worldwide project called "Never Home Alone: The Wild Life of Homes," for example, aims to photograph and catalog the insects, spiders and other tiny creatures that share our homes. It was created by Rob Dunn, author of "Never Home Alone: From Microbes to Millipedes, Camel Crickets, and Honeybees, the Natural History of Where We Live" (Basic Books, 2018). In the equally global City Nature Challenge, meanwhile, cities compete for how many sightings residents can log. The idea is to see which city can make the most observations of nature (of any sort, not just insects), find the most species and engage the most people. The first year, it was just San Francisco versus Los Angeles. The second year, 16 cities joined in. Last year, 68 cities around the world took part. Over 100 cities internationally have signed up to participate this year. Both challenges — and many others like them — make use of the ever-evolving iNaturalist
This photo taken April 4, 2018, shows users of the mobile app iNaturalist documenting wildlife on Yerba Buena Island in the San Francisco Bay Area. [KATHRYN WHITNEY/CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES VIA AP]
This photo taken April 4, 2018, shows users of the mobile app iNaturalist documenting wildlife on Yerba Buena Island in the San Francisco Bay Area. [KATHRYN WHITNEY/
This photo provided by the California Academy of Sciences shows users of the mobile app iNaturalist documenting wildlife in Nevada County, Calif. [TONY IWANE/
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES VIA AP]
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES VIA AP]
app and iNaturalist.org, a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. "It gets people and communities to make observing all forms of nature part of their lifestyle," says Scott Loarie,
iNaturalist (without the social networking component), helps identify species on the spot. Both apps, inspired by birdwatching apps, have helped newcomers pay closer attention to insects. "If you think about the
co-director of iNaturalist, based at the California Academy of Sciences. iNaturalist lets you log sightings of all kinds of plants and animals, and confirm other peoples' identifications. A more kid- and novicefriendly version, Seek by
roughly 2 million living things that are named, about half of them are insects. So if we really want to get a handle on the diversity in the world, and changes under way, we need to start paying closer attention to insects," says Loarie.
"When you look at birdwatching, it's super-popular. We asked ourselves why that isn't happening with insects or plants, and what we could do to help the situation," he says. "With birdwatching, one person goes out and says, 'Oh, it's a warbler.' It's really tough for a regular person to just go out and identify insects. iNaturalist uses photosharing and networks to help them tap into that naturalist's sense of curiosity," he says. Loarie says the app has more than a million registered users worldwide, hundreds of thousands of whom are active users. "We get tens of thousands of photos a day," he says. It's a much more detailed and useful tool than the so-called windshield test. Most baby boomers can remember road trips of their childhood when a drive through the countryside resulted in a car windshield or front grille covered in splattered bugs. That happens a lot less these days, a realization that tipped off entomologists early on to what seems a marked decline in insect populations. A number of recent studies have shown precipitous declines in some invertebrate populations. The number of monarch butterflies in the country has declined by 90 percent in the last 20 years, according to one study. Another study found a 76 percent decrease in flying insects in the past few decades in German nature preserves. As alarm over See INSECTS, 9
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Espalier pruning has artistic, practical benefits By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press
Espalier design is an ancient pruning practice that fashions fruit trees, vines or flowering shrubs into artistic, two-dimensional forms. This lateral shaping makes it easier to harvest and mow, maximizes sunlight, and helps trees fit into tight areas. "It's a great way to utilize growing space next to walls and fences while adding ornamental interest," said Harold Taylor, outdoor landscape manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. "It is also used for efficient use of garden space and as a method for creating outdoor rooms in the landscape." To espalier (pronounced ess-PAL-yay) a tree is to train it to grow flat against a support of some kind — a wall, fence or wires, say. Support it with ties or brackets, and prune it to grow sideways by selecting several strong branches from separate levels and eliminating buds shooting toward the front or rear. The horizontal survivors eventually will become the tree's fruiting spurs. A half-dozen or more classic, architectural espalier profiles have evolved over time. Examples include the "Cordon," with its vertical
INSECTS From Page 8
the situation grows, so does the importance and popularity of citizen-scientist projects involving insects.
trunk and multi-tiered horizontal branches; the self-descriptive "Fan," whose branches grow from the trunk at 45 degree angles; the "Candelabra," where vertical branches rise from a single low horizontal limb; and the "Belgian" or "English Fence," where espalier plants are linked in lattice-like fashion to freestanding trellises. The latter often serve as living fences to screen unattractive areas. "Have patience, as it will take a couple growing seasons or more for your espalier to start taking shape, and five to 10 years until at peak form," said Leonard Perry, a horticulture professor emeritus at University of Vermont Extension, in a fact sheet. Almost any woody plant can be espaliered, although some, with sturdy yet supple branches, are more genetically suited than others for this training technique. "Fruit trees are one of the most widely used," Taylor said in an email. That would include apple and pear trees, along with peaches, pomegranates, figs, cherries, plums, nectarines and apricots. Ornamental plants with long, flexible branching also make good espalier candidates. Think camellias, holly, magnolia,
bougainvillea, climbing roses and a host of others. Dwarf, semi-dwarf cultivars and young trees that haven't developed thick branching are easier to train than are standard-size, open-canopy varieties. Young trees also are less expensive, while dwarf trees are less likely to outgrow their shape if not pruned every year. Espalier trees often are used in commercial orchards to boost yields. "Growing fruit trees as a fruiting wall is becoming common with commercial orchards because it takes less labor to prune and harvest," said Renae Moran, a fruit-growing specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. "However, they do not have the look that a home-trained tree would have since commercial growers do not spend any time fussing with the tree's appearance. "To a hobby grower, the formal shape of an espalier tree may be the primary reason for choosing the training system," Moran said. Espalier training usually is done in winter when plants are dormant. "Once a person overcomes the fear of making pruning mistakes, it's easy," Moran said. "Cleaning up the prunings afterward is more work than the pruning itself."
This photograph of a Camellia tree, taken Oct. 10, 2018, growing alongside a house near Langley, Wash., demonstrates using espalier pruning to utilize growing space near walls and fences while adding ornamental interest. Fruit trees are most widely used but almost any woody plant can be espaliered, although some are more genetically suited than others. [DEAN FOSDICK VIA AP]
Other efforts to engage people in insect-watching include National Moth Week, a global event to promote the understanding and enjoyment of moths and raise awareness about biodiversity. It's slated to run from July 20-28 this year.
And there are important local programs, such as the New York Botanical Garden's monthly, city-wide EcoQuest Challenge, part of the New York City EcoFlora Project. Each month, the challenge involves a different plant, often in combination
with an insect. In the first year, 2017, organizers asked participants to look for monarch butterflies on milkweed one month. "We give people links with lots of references," says Brian Boom, vice president for conservation strategy at the Botanical Garden. "It's
been quite successful, and since we've started, we've enrolled over a thousand people who have made 57,000 observations, many of which involve insects." He says there has long been a widespread "invertebrate blindness. Most people probably
don't have a positive relationship with insects. Except for maybe bees, people either see past them or consider them unworthy of notice." He cites the great entomologist Edward O. Wilson, who once called insects "these little things that run the world."
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Gardening styles may reflect personalities By Phil Sell Special to The Capital-Journal
A
few years before I retired as the Extension Horticulture Agent for K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County, I was approached by a reporter from The Topeka Capital-Journal concerning an article he was planning to write about a book that analyzes a person based upon the way they draw a tree. Along with several other people from the Topeka area, I was asked to "draw a tree." Since that seemed innocent enough, I consented to do so — with the understanding that our pictures would then be analyzed by the author of the book ("just for fun"). While the official results of my artistic analysis were positive (broad-minded, spontaneous, fun loving, sentimental, and adaptable), other informal feedback wasn't as favorable. I was told that, because my tree didn't have any roots on it, I wasn't wellgrounded, probably somewhat insecure, and most likely unstable. Coming from friends and family, these observations were a little bit hard to accept (but may explain a lot of things about me). After considering the ways that people may differ in the simple way that they visualize a tree, I got to thinking about other ways that people differ in things they do — and how individual differences might be manifested in gardening practices.
A couple of personal idiosyncrasies I came up with were these (kind of garden related): • Some people eat corn on the cob by chewing off several rows horizontally along the cob — then start again with several other rows, much like a typewriter carriage moves across a page. Other people start at the end and go all around the cob (like a rolling pin) before moving over and starting another ring, working their way to the other end. I have a family member who eats corn on the cob by taking random, indiscriminate bites here and there with no distinguishable pattern at all. • And, since many components of pizza come from a garden, the way people eat pizza might be a good analogy (may depend on the type/style of pizza being consumed). Many people hold a slice of pizza by the crust and start to eat from the pointed end. Some people insist that the pizza slice should be rolled together from corner to corner before it's consumed. Other people even start taking bites from the crust end. And I've heard of people who eat pizza with a fork. I'm not sure eating habits influence gardening practices much, but they do reflect different approaches to a process. Here are some ways that people differ in the way they approach gardening and landscape design that might reflect their personality profile. It might be possible to characterize people based upon their approach to landscape
design. For example, people who try to create a formal, symmetrical/ balanced landscape plan might have a different profile than someone who develops a more freestyle design. Some gardeners adhere strictly to color combinations that complement each other by applying the color wheel to their plant selections. Others create a kaleidoscope of color in their landscape by planting whatever makes them feel good — even if it creates some chaos. Professional landscape designers recommend implementing a landscape plan from a comprehensive design that includes the location of all plant materials. Some people do it that way, but others are more like me, impulsively planting what appeals to them at the nursery, or what is on sale when plant shopping, serendipitously hoping that their unplanned design will work out. I suppose someone could assign behavioral tendencies to someone who insists on shearing their shrubs into geometrical shapes, such as boxes or balls (not a recommended practice), compared to someone who lets their shrubs grow into more natural, unconfined shapes. Even what people wear while they garden might reflect some personality characteristics. In some cultures, and during certain eras, sport coats and other semi-formal clothing was considered to be proper gardening attire. More practical bib overalls are preferred by some gardeners. Jeans
and a T-shirt or sweatshirt are more my style. Shorts are preferred by some gardeners during the summer (but not if applying pesticides). And I understand that some people advocate gardening in the nude, even celebrating a World Naked Gardening Day. A few other gardening related issues that might reflect on a person's psyche include planting by the sign of the moon (or not), organic/nonorganic gardening, use of heirloom versus hybrid varieties, and appreciation of or disdain for “yard art.” While writing about the topic of horticulture behavior, I thought of a friend of mine who graduated from college with a
degree in psychology but whose real interest was working with plants. She now works as a "handson” horticulturist. In that capacity, she has an opportunity to interact with plants in many different settings and under many different circumstances. It occurred to me that perhaps she could combine her interests and hang a shingle out as a "plant psychologist" — after all, some people do talk to their plants, don't they? And, in the context of plant husbandry, I don't want to omit mention of the legitimate science (and art) of horticultural therapy, which uses interaction with plants as a medium to improve the social, educational,
psychological and physical adjustment of an individual, thus improving their mind, body and spirit. In 1971, Kansas State University was the first university in the U.S. to offer an undergraduate, degreegranting horticultural therapy curriculum, in cooperation with the Menninger Foundation. I hope this tonguein-cheek attempt to delve into the mind of a gardener didn't offend anyone's sensibility, because I intended it to be a light-hearted exercise. Enjoy the Garden Show. Phil Sell is a retired extension agent emeritus with K-State Research and Extension.
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Easy and attractive ways to live green By Jenna Schuster HomeAdvisor
Don't let visions of clunky solar panels and backbreaking work make you shy away from sustainable living. Recent innovations make it easier than ever to live a green lifestyle without sacrificing style. Check out some of the new, beautiful and trendy ways you can create an environmentally friendly home. Reduce your carbon footprint with green walls Also known as "living walls," green walls are trending because of their numerous health benefits and interior functionality. Basically, these walls are vertical indoor gardens covered with living greenery. Green walls
filter harmful toxins from the air and produce oxygen. They help cool the air in the summer, keep it warm during the winter, aid with noise reduction and even help with fire-proofing. Though a green wall does require more maintenance than a regular one, it isn't much more trouble than looking after a potted plant. After the initial cost to install, a living wall pays for itself in style and function. Lower greenhouse gas emissions with a green roof Green roofs are similar to green walls but offer even more benefits to your home. Let a professional install a protective layer and some low-lying greenery on a flat portion of your roof and reap
the rewards. Green roofs come with all of the perks that green walls offer, and they act as a great insulator for your home. They can reduce cooling costs by up to 75 percent. Plus, a green roof is easier to care for than a green wall. Since it is located outside, the roof gets most of its nutrients from the rain and sun. You will need to inspect the roof annually to check for leaks, but it is otherwise low-maintenance. Save the honeybees with urban beekeeping Does your yard need a facelift? Become an urban beekeeper and give endangered honeybees a home. This cheap hobby is a great conversation starter and an easy way to enhance your greenery. All you have to do is purchase the necessary
equipment — a beekeeping suit, beehive and harvesting materials — and the bees will do the rest. If you're worried about the visual appeal of a small wooden box on the edge of your property, try painting the hive a neutral color so it blends in. Or, better yet, take the opportunity to decorate it with floral designs. More bees mean more pollination, so expect your yard to thank you for your efforts with larger vegetables and more plentiful flowers. The best part? Free honey. Embrace renewable energy with solar shingles Many people love the idea of solar power but shy away from the idea of unattractive solar panels cluttering the roof. Thankfully, recent innovation has led to the creation of
A green wall is a beautiful design trend and a great way to help the environment. [DREAMSTIME]
solar shingles. Solar shingles come in the form of tiles and can either fit over your existing roof, or act as the roof itself depending on the brand. Either way, they're a simple, attractive and seamless way to get solar energy into your home. Be warned: The upfront cost for these roof tiles is formidable. However, they are known to be as durable as or stronger than regular shingles, and they'll save you a ton of money on electric bills.
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Make your own potting mix By Lee Reich The Associated Press
My gardening season begins on my garage floor. Here, I mix potting soil that will nourish this season's seedlings and replace wornout soil around the roots of houseplants. The three basic ingredients in my mix are garden soil, mineral aggregate and organic matter. Used alone, garden soil is too dense for containers. The mineral aggregate loosens up the mix to let water flow readily into and through it. Vermiculite and perlite are two lightweight aggregates, the first made from heated mica and the second from heated volcanic rock. Sand and calcined clay ("kitty litter") are heavier aggregates, useful for top-heavy plants, such as cacti. Organic matter in potting soils acts like a sponge to absorb water, which plants can then draw on between waterings. Organic matter also buffers soils against drastic changes in acidity,
and keeps nutrients from washing out through the bottom of seedling flats and flower pots. Peat moss, sphagnum moss and coir (a byproduct of coconut processing) are organic materials you can buy. Compost and leafmold are two organic materials you can brew up yourself and, in contrast to the previously mentioned materials, also offer nutrients to plants. Some people pasteurize their potting soil to reduce the threat of pests. The key is to avoid too much heat, which can bring its own problems. Bake the potting soil in the oven along with an embedded potato, and when the potato is done, so is the potting soil. Most commercial potting mixes are made without any real soil at all, with only mineral aggregate and organic matter. You can make such a mix yourself by sieving together equal volumes of peat moss and perlite. This mix has no nutrients, so stir in a starter feed of one-half cup of dolomitic limestone
and some fertilizer whose nutrient ratio is about 5-10-5. Real soil does add nutrients and other good things to a potting mix, so I favor traditional potting mixes, which contain real garden soil. Even if you buy potting soil, keep a few bags of some type of mineral aggregate and organic material on hand. No one potting mix can suit the needs of every plant. Add extra aggregate to any mix used for cacti or succulents, and extra organic matter to any mix for such plants as African violets and begonias that like consistently moist soils. For the ritual opening of the garden season, I give my garage floor a clean sweep, then make a pile of 2 gallons each of garden soil, peat moss, perlite and compost. On top of this, I sprinkle a cup of lime and a half-cup each of soybean meal and powdered kelp. I thoroughly mix the whole mass, moistening it slightly if it seems dry. Finally, I rub the mix through a half-inch sieve.
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