Here is an interesting article that touches on gardening and our emotions and gives good advice as we move into a new decade.
If we fill our time taking care of plants we can get rid of stress, it is a scientifically proven fact. Taking care of our plants, we will discover new hidden sides of our personality that we never knew before, and can better get to know how to love and care for others, mainly because a plant that is not cared for suffers.
Gardening and accepting a plant makeus us assume a new responsibility, we are adopting a breathing being. This way, we learn just what it means to pay attention to those around us.
We have to concentrate over needs that are exterior to our ego. We become aware of the needs of another being: we know how much water the plant needs, how much light it gets, the intervals it needs to receive water again, and slowly we will transfer these cares and abilities in our social relations. We become more and more aware of others. Visual contact with a beautiful plant makes us realize our own beauty.
Studies show more and more that taking care of plants can be the most efficient method to improve our physical and emotional general condition. They have a serene effect, they can reduce stress and relax muscles and therefore improve the mood people taking care of them are in.
Different studies have demonstrated that the existence of plants reduce mental exhaustion. When we are overwhelmed with work, we just have to look up for a couple of minutes to a plant and we’ll instantly feel more relaxed. In conclusion, plants fascinate and attract people, they break boredom and monotony generated by forced attention. The oxygen generated by plants creates a feeling of mental agility.
Some big plants placed in the right spot will help us insolate ourselves from annoying surrounding noises. The technique is the same as the one of hanging paintings in an empty room to minimize the echo effects. The thick leaves will absorb a part of the noises, including the sound of the phone, printer, coffee maker or any other noise, making these sounds a little bit friendlier.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Planting Zucchini, The Italian Squash
Zucchini is perhaps the best known of the summer squashes. It is interesting to learn how to grow it, companion planting, and its uses in the kitchen.
Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname “Italian Squash,” zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours. Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy and other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens.
Part of the summer squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous. Many of the nutrients have been shown to be helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Summer squash’s magnesium has been shown to be helpful for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer squash, magnesium is also helpful for reducing high blood pressure. All summer squash are perfect diet foods - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and provide a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible.
How To Grow
Zucchini is probably the best known of the summer squashes. It is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either yellow or green in colour and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in colour and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are often used in French and Italian cooking.
Zucchini can be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants that have been started indoors. Seed directly into the ground as soon as the soil reaches temperatures of 60°F/16°C. for vines. Fill the holes with compost and mound slightly. Plant seeds 1in/2.5cm deep.
Zucchini is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes cucumbers, melons, gourds, and squash, all particularly sensitive to frost. Select a sheltered spot, and prepare holes about 12in/30cm in diameter and 12in/30cm deep. Measuring from the centre, space the holes 36in/90cm apart for bush types, 6ft/1.8m apart for vines. To conserve space, squash can be trained over a sturdy trellis, in which case 2ft/60cm between plants is enough.
Zucchini grows best when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular watering is essential for summer squash. Feed the plants with a high-potassium organic liquid feed to produce a higher yield. Thick mulch added after planting will preserve moisture and keep the fruits from touching the ground where they will become soiled and be exposed to insects and diseases.
Harvesting
The flavor of zucchini is best when it is less than six inches long. They should be firm, but not hard. Zucchini are prolific producers and regular harvesting will promote continued yield throughout the growing season. Harvest by cutting the stems from the plants gently with a paring knife. As they are composed mainly of water, summer squashes dehydrate rapidly. Harvest just before cooking and keep in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag until cooking. Don’t forget that squash blossoms are delicious to eat.
Small summer squashes are used skin and all. Larger squash need their skin and seeds removed: slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Wash summer squash under cool running water and then cut off both ends. You can then proceed to cut it into the desired size and shape for the particular recipe.
In the kitchen, zucchini can be steamed, sautéed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, and stuffed. Some ideas include: serve raw as an appetiser with a vegetable dip or salad dressing, grate and sauté with thinly sliced garlic, add to breads, muffins, cakes, stews, casseroles, soups, sprinkle grated zucchini or other summer squash on salads or sandwiches. It can be preserved by canning, freezing, and drying.
In the garden, some gardeners let the squashes ramble through the corn patch, where their sandpapery leaves deter raccoons. Good companion plants for zucchini are: corn, marjoram, and nasturtium. Don’t grow zucchini and Irish potatoes together as they are incompatible.
Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname “Italian Squash,” zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours. Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy and other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens.
Part of the summer squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous. Many of the nutrients have been shown to be helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Summer squash’s magnesium has been shown to be helpful for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer squash, magnesium is also helpful for reducing high blood pressure. All summer squash are perfect diet foods - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and provide a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible.
How To Grow
Zucchini is probably the best known of the summer squashes. It is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either yellow or green in colour and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in colour and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are often used in French and Italian cooking.
Zucchini can be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants that have been started indoors. Seed directly into the ground as soon as the soil reaches temperatures of 60°F/16°C. for vines. Fill the holes with compost and mound slightly. Plant seeds 1in/2.5cm deep.
Zucchini is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes cucumbers, melons, gourds, and squash, all particularly sensitive to frost. Select a sheltered spot, and prepare holes about 12in/30cm in diameter and 12in/30cm deep. Measuring from the centre, space the holes 36in/90cm apart for bush types, 6ft/1.8m apart for vines. To conserve space, squash can be trained over a sturdy trellis, in which case 2ft/60cm between plants is enough.
Zucchini grows best when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular watering is essential for summer squash. Feed the plants with a high-potassium organic liquid feed to produce a higher yield. Thick mulch added after planting will preserve moisture and keep the fruits from touching the ground where they will become soiled and be exposed to insects and diseases.
Harvesting
The flavor of zucchini is best when it is less than six inches long. They should be firm, but not hard. Zucchini are prolific producers and regular harvesting will promote continued yield throughout the growing season. Harvest by cutting the stems from the plants gently with a paring knife. As they are composed mainly of water, summer squashes dehydrate rapidly. Harvest just before cooking and keep in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag until cooking. Don’t forget that squash blossoms are delicious to eat.
Small summer squashes are used skin and all. Larger squash need their skin and seeds removed: slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Wash summer squash under cool running water and then cut off both ends. You can then proceed to cut it into the desired size and shape for the particular recipe.
In the kitchen, zucchini can be steamed, sautéed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, and stuffed. Some ideas include: serve raw as an appetiser with a vegetable dip or salad dressing, grate and sauté with thinly sliced garlic, add to breads, muffins, cakes, stews, casseroles, soups, sprinkle grated zucchini or other summer squash on salads or sandwiches. It can be preserved by canning, freezing, and drying.
In the garden, some gardeners let the squashes ramble through the corn patch, where their sandpapery leaves deter raccoons. Good companion plants for zucchini are: corn, marjoram, and nasturtium. Don’t grow zucchini and Irish potatoes together as they are incompatible.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Winter Plant Survival
With the onset of winter in North America, gardeners wonder: Which plants are best for the season? The answer are perennial plants. The explanation follows.
One reason why the perennial plant is sought after is because of its remarkable ability to survive year round through most weather conditions. Not unlike your local mail delivery person, perennials lives on through rain, sleet, or snow - perfect for the year round gardener. What is it about perennials that enables it's winter survival abilities, whereas other plants will shrivel up and die as soon as the going get tough? Why can't scientists engineer annuals or biennials to last as long the perennial plant?
As with most things in the natural world, not all plants are created equal, however some biologists have succeeded in re-engineering annual and biennial plants to last longer. To do so, they must examine the perennial plant and find out what allows it to survive in the same environment that causes other to perish. Although stretching the life of a non-perennial would certainly make the plant and floral businesses flourish, marketing isn't the only reason scientists and many others have this question. If we had vast amounts of plants that have medicinal and life saving properties, we could study their curing capabilities at an exponential rate. The longevity of the perennial plant is definitely an exciting curiosity for many people.
Interestingly enough, the perennial plant is able to thrive year after year due to a few survival tricks it has up it's sleeve. Take trees and shrubs for example. These drop their leaves and protect their next year's growth with waxy scales. Examine the bud of a perennial plant and you'll see that it covered with a sticky looking waterproof wax.. When the bud begins to bloom, it scars as its scales fall off and the distance between its scars are an indicator of how many times a year that perennial plant grows.
The perennial plant gears up for the winter by draining its own food supply from its leaves down inside its trunk, branches, and twigs. As the weather gets colder, the tissues of the perennial plant will slowly change and become cold resistant in a process called "hardening." During these changes, the chlorophyll of a perennial plant will decompose and lose its propensity to project a green hue - leaving the tree with its trademark red, yellow, orange, and brown autumn leaves.
One reason why the perennial plant is sought after is because of its remarkable ability to survive year round through most weather conditions. Not unlike your local mail delivery person, perennials lives on through rain, sleet, or snow - perfect for the year round gardener. What is it about perennials that enables it's winter survival abilities, whereas other plants will shrivel up and die as soon as the going get tough? Why can't scientists engineer annuals or biennials to last as long the perennial plant?
As with most things in the natural world, not all plants are created equal, however some biologists have succeeded in re-engineering annual and biennial plants to last longer. To do so, they must examine the perennial plant and find out what allows it to survive in the same environment that causes other to perish. Although stretching the life of a non-perennial would certainly make the plant and floral businesses flourish, marketing isn't the only reason scientists and many others have this question. If we had vast amounts of plants that have medicinal and life saving properties, we could study their curing capabilities at an exponential rate. The longevity of the perennial plant is definitely an exciting curiosity for many people.
Interestingly enough, the perennial plant is able to thrive year after year due to a few survival tricks it has up it's sleeve. Take trees and shrubs for example. These drop their leaves and protect their next year's growth with waxy scales. Examine the bud of a perennial plant and you'll see that it covered with a sticky looking waterproof wax.. When the bud begins to bloom, it scars as its scales fall off and the distance between its scars are an indicator of how many times a year that perennial plant grows.
The perennial plant gears up for the winter by draining its own food supply from its leaves down inside its trunk, branches, and twigs. As the weather gets colder, the tissues of the perennial plant will slowly change and become cold resistant in a process called "hardening." During these changes, the chlorophyll of a perennial plant will decompose and lose its propensity to project a green hue - leaving the tree with its trademark red, yellow, orange, and brown autumn leaves.
Accessories and Procedure For Gardening
If you enjoy gardening, you are not alone. Each year, millions of Americans grow a garden. If you are interested in becoming one of those individuals, you may need to purchase some supplies. These gardening accessories may not only make gardening easier, but they may also help to produce better results.
When it comes to gardening accessories, there are a number of different items that are included. To start a garden and maintain it, it is likely that you will need gardening supplies. To grow plants or food, you will need to have seeds. To help your seeds flourish, you may want to have plant food and other feeding supplies. The gardening tools and supplies that you need will all depend on what type of garden you are interested in developing. Despite the difference in supplies, there are many common accessories that you may wish to have.
The first step in starting a garden is to pick a space. Since your plants, flowers, or food will need sunlight, you will want to select an area that receives an adequate amount of it. This area can either be large or small, depending on the size of your garden. You may also want to make sure that this area is not in the way of your other activities. Developing your garden in a fairly secluded area will help to reduce the risk of destruction.
To get started, you will need to have a number of important gardening tools. These tools should be used to dig a hole for your seeds and to create a smooth ground surface. Popular gardening tools include, but should not be limited to, weeding forks, surface rakes, shovels, and hoes. If you do not already have these tools, you will need to purchase them. Most of these garden tools, along with other gardening accessories, can be purchased online or from most department stores or home improvement stores.
Once you have created a safe gardening area, you will then need to start planting your seeds. Your seeds will all depend on which type of garden you plan on having. Many gardeners choose to have a flower garden, plant garden, or a vegetable garden. It addition to having one or the other, you may also want to incorporate plants, vegetables and flowers all into one. You can easily obtain seeds by visiting your local home improvement store, garden store, or department store. For hard to find seeds, you may need to resort to online shopping.
Depending on the type of flowers, plants, or vegetables you planted, you should begin to see results in a few weeks. Plant food and special soil may help to increase the appearance of your garden. While most gardeners prefer to use plant food, it is optional. In some cases, you may find that your plants, flowers, or vegetables will grow just as well on their own. Plant food and premixed food soils can be purchased for an affordable price at most retail stores.
Gardening is a backyard activity that many enjoy themselves. If you are a parent, you may also want to include your child. Depending on their age, age appropriate gardening tools can be purchased. These tools are similar to most traditional tools, but they tend to be safer. In fact, most play gardening tools are made of plastic and have dull edges. To purchase these gardening supplies for your child, you will want to visit your local retail store or shop online.
When it comes to gardening accessories, there are a number of different items that are included. To start a garden and maintain it, it is likely that you will need gardening supplies. To grow plants or food, you will need to have seeds. To help your seeds flourish, you may want to have plant food and other feeding supplies. The gardening tools and supplies that you need will all depend on what type of garden you are interested in developing. Despite the difference in supplies, there are many common accessories that you may wish to have.
The first step in starting a garden is to pick a space. Since your plants, flowers, or food will need sunlight, you will want to select an area that receives an adequate amount of it. This area can either be large or small, depending on the size of your garden. You may also want to make sure that this area is not in the way of your other activities. Developing your garden in a fairly secluded area will help to reduce the risk of destruction.
To get started, you will need to have a number of important gardening tools. These tools should be used to dig a hole for your seeds and to create a smooth ground surface. Popular gardening tools include, but should not be limited to, weeding forks, surface rakes, shovels, and hoes. If you do not already have these tools, you will need to purchase them. Most of these garden tools, along with other gardening accessories, can be purchased online or from most department stores or home improvement stores.
Once you have created a safe gardening area, you will then need to start planting your seeds. Your seeds will all depend on which type of garden you plan on having. Many gardeners choose to have a flower garden, plant garden, or a vegetable garden. It addition to having one or the other, you may also want to incorporate plants, vegetables and flowers all into one. You can easily obtain seeds by visiting your local home improvement store, garden store, or department store. For hard to find seeds, you may need to resort to online shopping.
Depending on the type of flowers, plants, or vegetables you planted, you should begin to see results in a few weeks. Plant food and special soil may help to increase the appearance of your garden. While most gardeners prefer to use plant food, it is optional. In some cases, you may find that your plants, flowers, or vegetables will grow just as well on their own. Plant food and premixed food soils can be purchased for an affordable price at most retail stores.
Gardening is a backyard activity that many enjoy themselves. If you are a parent, you may also want to include your child. Depending on their age, age appropriate gardening tools can be purchased. These tools are similar to most traditional tools, but they tend to be safer. In fact, most play gardening tools are made of plastic and have dull edges. To purchase these gardening supplies for your child, you will want to visit your local retail store or shop online.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Make Your Own Garden
In the new year, it's important to improve our gardening skills. For beginners this can be a challenge. Let's have a look at making our garden from the ground up.
A look at Plants and the colorful flowers on it at the garden or backyard calls for creativity. The plants to live for a long time require beautiful planter boxes with concrete structure or wooden structure. Planter boxes are available in different styles and shapes and colors. Planter box is a functional exterior décor that adores the patio. Planter boxes are portable. Different kinds of materials are used to make Planter boxes such as terracotta, plastic, teak or cedar wood and concrete blocks. Planter boxes can be filled with beautiful flowers according to the choice of individual. Planter boxes help to make the patio as paradise.
Even people who do not have much space for a vast garden can create small flower garden or vegetable garden in the balcony area or roof top with the help of planter boxes. Small trees can also be raised in planter boxes to keep them indoor. Recycled plastic is also used to make planter boxes.
So, if you live in the city and think that it is impossible to bring a little green into your outdoor space that is made of concrete, think again. All you have to do is purchase some lovely planter boxes. An ideal option for planting almost anything, they are exactly what you have been looking for and would be a wonderful addition to any outdoor area. Remember, that includes that twelfth story balcony.
When choosing the planter boxes, the principal of feng shui i.e., simplicity must be kept in mind. Planter boxes made up of natural materials like terracotta or wood is better than plastic material. These add good appearance to the garden or patio.
The boring front porch area can be converted into a beautiful place by placing planter boxes with bunch of flowers. Planter boxes made up of redwood or cedar will please anybody in the porch area. These planter boxes are very strong and durable Planter boxes are available in rectangle, hexagon and square shapes also. Planter Boxes provide safety, beauty and security to the street or entrance and can also serve as safety barriers. There is also drainage facility inside the planter box. Road side lawns, parks, corporate lawns also use planter boxes. Planter boxes are also used indoor and outdoor for waste water management.
In many countries separate programs are charted for beautifying the cities by using planter boxes filled with beautiful plants and small trees around the cities. Planter boxes are the best way to display the beautiful flowers and plants and create interest among who visit the garden.
Planter boxes made up of teak or cedar wood is an ideal investment for a long time. Wooden planter boxes is perfect fit to all weather and act as insulators and also protects the plants from winter and summer. Wooden planter boxes painted or varnished with natural colors appears fantastic. Wooden Planter boxes definitely makes the porch area very decorative and attracts those who walk through the area.
A look at Plants and the colorful flowers on it at the garden or backyard calls for creativity. The plants to live for a long time require beautiful planter boxes with concrete structure or wooden structure. Planter boxes are available in different styles and shapes and colors. Planter box is a functional exterior décor that adores the patio. Planter boxes are portable. Different kinds of materials are used to make Planter boxes such as terracotta, plastic, teak or cedar wood and concrete blocks. Planter boxes can be filled with beautiful flowers according to the choice of individual. Planter boxes help to make the patio as paradise.
Even people who do not have much space for a vast garden can create small flower garden or vegetable garden in the balcony area or roof top with the help of planter boxes. Small trees can also be raised in planter boxes to keep them indoor. Recycled plastic is also used to make planter boxes.
So, if you live in the city and think that it is impossible to bring a little green into your outdoor space that is made of concrete, think again. All you have to do is purchase some lovely planter boxes. An ideal option for planting almost anything, they are exactly what you have been looking for and would be a wonderful addition to any outdoor area. Remember, that includes that twelfth story balcony.
When choosing the planter boxes, the principal of feng shui i.e., simplicity must be kept in mind. Planter boxes made up of natural materials like terracotta or wood is better than plastic material. These add good appearance to the garden or patio.
The boring front porch area can be converted into a beautiful place by placing planter boxes with bunch of flowers. Planter boxes made up of redwood or cedar will please anybody in the porch area. These planter boxes are very strong and durable Planter boxes are available in rectangle, hexagon and square shapes also. Planter Boxes provide safety, beauty and security to the street or entrance and can also serve as safety barriers. There is also drainage facility inside the planter box. Road side lawns, parks, corporate lawns also use planter boxes. Planter boxes are also used indoor and outdoor for waste water management.
In many countries separate programs are charted for beautifying the cities by using planter boxes filled with beautiful plants and small trees around the cities. Planter boxes are the best way to display the beautiful flowers and plants and create interest among who visit the garden.
Planter boxes made up of teak or cedar wood is an ideal investment for a long time. Wooden planter boxes is perfect fit to all weather and act as insulators and also protects the plants from winter and summer. Wooden planter boxes painted or varnished with natural colors appears fantastic. Wooden Planter boxes definitely makes the porch area very decorative and attracts those who walk through the area.
Gardening Insight: Chinese Tea and Its Production
As an added insight into Gardening, we would like to explore the Chinese culture and their production of tea.
Chinese has been drinking tea for approximately 4,000 years. Along with firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar, the Chinese considered tea as one of the seven necessities to begin a day.
Types of Tea
The Chinese tea may be classified into five types according to the different methods by which it is processed. Here are the classifications:
• Green Tea – is the variety which keeps the original color of the tea leaves without fermentation during processing.
• Black Tea – This is known as “red Chinese tea”, the type which is fermented before baking. Note also that black tea is a later variety developed on the basis of the green tea.
• Wulong Tea – Also known as Oolong Chinese tea, this category represents a variety half way between the green and the black teas. This is being made after partial fermentation.
• Compressed Tea – is the kind of Chinese tea which is compressed and hardened into a certain shape. Many people considered this as good for transport and storage and are mainly supplied to the ethnic minorities living in the border areas of the country.
• Scented Tea – This kind of Chinese tea is known as “scented” because it is made by mixing fragrant flowers in the tea leaves in the course of processing. The flowers that are commonly used for this purpose include the jasmine and magnolia, among others.
The Tea Production
Chinese has maintained that a new tea plant must grow for five years before its leaves can be picked. The trunk of the old plant must then be cut off to force new stems to grow out of the roots in the following year. This sort of rehabilitation must be repeated as this allows the tea plant to serve for about a hundred years.
The season of tea picking generally depends on the local climate and it varies from area to area. As you all know, China is the homeland of tea. It has tea shrubs as early as five to six thousand years ago, and human cultivation of these plants dates back two thousand years. Today, it was reported that tea is produced in vast areas of China from Hainan Island down in the extreme south to Shandong Province in the north, from Tibet in the southwest to Taiwan across the Straits. To sum up, the Chinese tea grows at more than 20 provinces.
On the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, where the famous green tea Longjing comes from, it was reported that the picking starts from the end of March and lasts through October. A skilled woman picker can only gather 600 grams of these green tea leaves in a day.
After the harvest, the new leaves must be parched in tea cauldrons. Accordingly, this work has now been largely mechanized, although the top grade Longjing tea still has to be stir-parched by hand, doing only 250 grams every half hour. Then, the tea cauldrons are heated electrically to a temperature of about 25 degree centigrade or 74 degree Fahrenheit. It then takes four pounds of fresh Chinese tea leaves to produce one pound of parched Chinese tea.
For the processes of grinding, parching, rolling, shaping and drying, different kinds of machines have been developed and built. This work turned out about 100 kilograms of finished Chinese tea an hour, relieving the workers from much of their drudgery.
Chinese has been drinking tea for approximately 4,000 years. Along with firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar, the Chinese considered tea as one of the seven necessities to begin a day.
Types of Tea
The Chinese tea may be classified into five types according to the different methods by which it is processed. Here are the classifications:
• Green Tea – is the variety which keeps the original color of the tea leaves without fermentation during processing.
• Black Tea – This is known as “red Chinese tea”, the type which is fermented before baking. Note also that black tea is a later variety developed on the basis of the green tea.
• Wulong Tea – Also known as Oolong Chinese tea, this category represents a variety half way between the green and the black teas. This is being made after partial fermentation.
• Compressed Tea – is the kind of Chinese tea which is compressed and hardened into a certain shape. Many people considered this as good for transport and storage and are mainly supplied to the ethnic minorities living in the border areas of the country.
• Scented Tea – This kind of Chinese tea is known as “scented” because it is made by mixing fragrant flowers in the tea leaves in the course of processing. The flowers that are commonly used for this purpose include the jasmine and magnolia, among others.
The Tea Production
Chinese has maintained that a new tea plant must grow for five years before its leaves can be picked. The trunk of the old plant must then be cut off to force new stems to grow out of the roots in the following year. This sort of rehabilitation must be repeated as this allows the tea plant to serve for about a hundred years.
The season of tea picking generally depends on the local climate and it varies from area to area. As you all know, China is the homeland of tea. It has tea shrubs as early as five to six thousand years ago, and human cultivation of these plants dates back two thousand years. Today, it was reported that tea is produced in vast areas of China from Hainan Island down in the extreme south to Shandong Province in the north, from Tibet in the southwest to Taiwan across the Straits. To sum up, the Chinese tea grows at more than 20 provinces.
On the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, where the famous green tea Longjing comes from, it was reported that the picking starts from the end of March and lasts through October. A skilled woman picker can only gather 600 grams of these green tea leaves in a day.
After the harvest, the new leaves must be parched in tea cauldrons. Accordingly, this work has now been largely mechanized, although the top grade Longjing tea still has to be stir-parched by hand, doing only 250 grams every half hour. Then, the tea cauldrons are heated electrically to a temperature of about 25 degree centigrade or 74 degree Fahrenheit. It then takes four pounds of fresh Chinese tea leaves to produce one pound of parched Chinese tea.
For the processes of grinding, parching, rolling, shaping and drying, different kinds of machines have been developed and built. This work turned out about 100 kilograms of finished Chinese tea an hour, relieving the workers from much of their drudgery.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Gardening in The New Year
With 2010 approaching, it is important that we understand the new trends we have in gardening.
Spring will soon be here and another exciting season of gardening will be upon us! Gardening has made a huge resurgence in recent years, as the hobby of choice for thousands of homeowners across this great country of ours. Our task, in this article, is to document some of the hottest trends in yard and garden décor for 2010.
One thing we have noted over the years is the increasing use of yard space as an extension of one's home. With each passing season, more and more homeowners are treating their patios and decks as yet another room.
With the ever decreasing amount of land available for housing development, it would appear that the pleasure of having an extensive backyard space is becoming a thing of the past. So what is a homeowner to do? You have to make the best of the space you have available.
The whole notion of creating a backyard that is but an extension of one's home can be challenging to comprehend. In essence, this is a way to create a livable space that is both comfortable and low-maintenance. One of this year's biggest trends is to move towards these low-maintenance, attractive spaces. The best place to start, if you are considering this sort of backyard transformation, is to give some thought to "hardscaping".
Hardscaping (or hard landscaping) can be defined as creating the skeleton of your yard through the use of physical elements such as pathways, patios, and decks. To give yourself some idea of what the end result might look like, consider spending some time producing some sketches.
After the fixed elements are in place, it is simply a matter of accessorizing your new "room". You can approach this the same way you would approach interior decorating. Wicker and rattan furniture continues to be extremely popular, as it is both versatile and stands up well to the elements of nature. For an extremely fair price, you can find quality wicker or rattan furniture to meet your every need.
On the gardening side of things, the use of planters and pots has reached fever pitch. The wonderful thing about using planters and pots is that you can move them whenever the need arises. Another recent trend we have spotted this year is the creation of vertical gardens, employing the use of lattice and other materials. These garden types are especially useful when you have limited space to work with. Happy Gardening!
Spring will soon be here and another exciting season of gardening will be upon us! Gardening has made a huge resurgence in recent years, as the hobby of choice for thousands of homeowners across this great country of ours. Our task, in this article, is to document some of the hottest trends in yard and garden décor for 2010.
One thing we have noted over the years is the increasing use of yard space as an extension of one's home. With each passing season, more and more homeowners are treating their patios and decks as yet another room.
With the ever decreasing amount of land available for housing development, it would appear that the pleasure of having an extensive backyard space is becoming a thing of the past. So what is a homeowner to do? You have to make the best of the space you have available.
The whole notion of creating a backyard that is but an extension of one's home can be challenging to comprehend. In essence, this is a way to create a livable space that is both comfortable and low-maintenance. One of this year's biggest trends is to move towards these low-maintenance, attractive spaces. The best place to start, if you are considering this sort of backyard transformation, is to give some thought to "hardscaping".
Hardscaping (or hard landscaping) can be defined as creating the skeleton of your yard through the use of physical elements such as pathways, patios, and decks. To give yourself some idea of what the end result might look like, consider spending some time producing some sketches.
After the fixed elements are in place, it is simply a matter of accessorizing your new "room". You can approach this the same way you would approach interior decorating. Wicker and rattan furniture continues to be extremely popular, as it is both versatile and stands up well to the elements of nature. For an extremely fair price, you can find quality wicker or rattan furniture to meet your every need.
On the gardening side of things, the use of planters and pots has reached fever pitch. The wonderful thing about using planters and pots is that you can move them whenever the need arises. Another recent trend we have spotted this year is the creation of vertical gardens, employing the use of lattice and other materials. These garden types are especially useful when you have limited space to work with. Happy Gardening!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Garden Invasion - Prevention
I never really thought of weeds as being evil, but occasionally a plant finds its way into your garden and refuses to leave. It turns into a stubborn house guest, spreading its roots through every available patch of dirt, and paying no heed to existing plants in their quest for dominance. You'll spend an entire season pulling and possibly even spraying, but eventually you'll see them rearing their ugly heads, almost in defiance.
Ridding your garden of these invasive plants is not just a personal peeve; these pests can smother native plants that provide food and habitats for birds and insects. There are approximately 50,000 non-indigenous species in the United States that have created damage and losses totaling about $137 billion per year. This has become a genuine concern in the State of Oregon, so much so that The Oregon Zoo and the Three Rivers Land Conservancy are publicly campaigning to remove certain invasive plants.
The Oregon Zoo has pledged to remove 20 percent of six of the invasive plants on their property, with a goal of removing 90 percent within 10 years. The culprits they are focusing on include English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, butterfly bush, traveler's clematis, Japanese knotweed and drooping sedge.
The Three Rivers Land Conservancy in conjunction with the West Willamette Restoration Partnership, local businesses, government organizations and 15 neighborhood associations is working to create a Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Their intention is to educate and provide incentives to homeowners to rid their yards of ivy, blackberry, knotweed and traveler's clematis, along with garlic mustard and periwinkle.
Part of their program will involve home visits, handouts, workshops and a three-part certification program that provides signs, gift certificates and event tickets. Incentives are increased based on the percentage of invasive plants removed by homeowners, and the amount of re-planting of native plants. Their goal is to remove ivy from trees in 300 acres and 90 percent of the six plants in 50 acres.
Although a labor intensive solution, the best fight against invasive plants is to pull them out, and keep on pulling until they stop coming up. They need sunlight to survive, the less they get, the harder it is to perpetuate.
Ridding your garden of these invasive plants is not just a personal peeve; these pests can smother native plants that provide food and habitats for birds and insects. There are approximately 50,000 non-indigenous species in the United States that have created damage and losses totaling about $137 billion per year. This has become a genuine concern in the State of Oregon, so much so that The Oregon Zoo and the Three Rivers Land Conservancy are publicly campaigning to remove certain invasive plants.
The Oregon Zoo has pledged to remove 20 percent of six of the invasive plants on their property, with a goal of removing 90 percent within 10 years. The culprits they are focusing on include English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, butterfly bush, traveler's clematis, Japanese knotweed and drooping sedge.
The Three Rivers Land Conservancy in conjunction with the West Willamette Restoration Partnership, local businesses, government organizations and 15 neighborhood associations is working to create a Backyard Habitat Certification Program. Their intention is to educate and provide incentives to homeowners to rid their yards of ivy, blackberry, knotweed and traveler's clematis, along with garlic mustard and periwinkle.
Part of their program will involve home visits, handouts, workshops and a three-part certification program that provides signs, gift certificates and event tickets. Incentives are increased based on the percentage of invasive plants removed by homeowners, and the amount of re-planting of native plants. Their goal is to remove ivy from trees in 300 acres and 90 percent of the six plants in 50 acres.
Although a labor intensive solution, the best fight against invasive plants is to pull them out, and keep on pulling until they stop coming up. They need sunlight to survive, the less they get, the harder it is to perpetuate.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Leading By Example - First Family Vegetable Garden
In an effort to promote healthier living. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, will plant an organic vegetable garden at the white house. The garden will not only provide food for the First family, but will also serve as an educational example for children around the country to learn about the health benefits of growing their own fruit and vegetables. This comes at a time when obesity, diabetes, and a poor nutrition is a national concern.
Organic vegetable gardens are becoming extremely popular in the gardening world. Organic gardening is gardening in harmony with nature, without using artificial chemicals such as pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic gardeners instead emphasise the importance of "feeding the soil, not the plant".
Read More Here
Organic Vegetable Garden
Organic vegetable gardens are becoming extremely popular in the gardening world. Organic gardening is gardening in harmony with nature, without using artificial chemicals such as pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic gardeners instead emphasise the importance of "feeding the soil, not the plant".
Read More Here
Organic Vegetable Garden
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