Northern Landscape Garden In May

by Thomas Fryd

The May garden is a constantly changing picture of new life… bulbs coming into bloom, perennials changing from lifeless looking stumps to healthy green growth, new-sown seeds developing into young plants, and trees in full bloom. All of which means a great variety of jobs must be done this month.

Here are a few “dont forget to” suggestions:

- Feed naturalized bulbs after they finish flowering. Any good garden fertilizer spread through the area will do wonders.

- Stake perennials late during the month of May… before they start to fall over.

- Control thrips on gladiolus and iris by spraying with Malathion weekly.

- Sow biennials such as Sweet William and campanulas in seed beds, in Hats in a coldframe or greenhouse where they can be protected with sash. Transplant when large enough into beds or frameswhere . they will grow until time for transplanting into the garden in the fall.

- Feed leafy vegetables such as lettuce and early cabbage

- Water the strawberry patch if the season is dry. Also feed with any good garden fertilizer working it in around the roots of the plants. Mulch the strawberry bed with straw or hay… the mulch keeps the berries off the ground and clean, helps. prevent rot in wet weather and keeps down weeds.

- Sow winter celery in a coldframe or flat in the greenhouse.

Peonies

Peonies are subject to aphids which can be troublesome around the buds… apply Insecticidal soap, Neem oil or Malathion for control. These are useful for spraying delphiniums and roses. They, too, should be sprayed regularly beginning this month. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations for use of any spray. Large fruit trees should have a regular spray program but, since insects vary in different sections of the country, the time of application and the number of sprayings varies. Therefore, it is best to consult your county agent for local recommendations.

Sow Annuals

A seeds of annuals can be sown directly into the garden this month. Whether in rows in a cutting garden or patches in the brick garden border, the seedling plants will need to be thinned when they have made a few inches of growth.

Leggy Annuals

Annuals which are leggy should be pinched to make them bushy. I prefer to do the pinching a week or two before planting out which is a big enough shock without pinching back at the same time.

Tubers and Dahlia Plants

Dahlia plants and tubers also may go out this month. When planting the large flowering types it is a good plan to dig a hole for each plant. Then, into each hole put a good handful or two of cow manure and a handful of bonemeal. The bonemeal should be worked into the soil as the hole is filled.

Vegetables

Vegetables to start sowing in May, if danger of frost is past, are beans of all types and corn. However, do not sow lima beans until late May, because they rot if sown in cold wet ground. Do not sow peas and onions at this late date.

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Searching for a Home Remedy for Cellulite

by Patricia Hammond

It is not easy to live with a cellulite condition. On the other hand, expensive medical procedures that help reduce cellulite are also not easy to live with financially. Some of these medical procedures may also pose some health risks to some individuals. In a lot of cases therefore, especially for mild cellulite conditions, a basic home remedy for cellulite may be a better option.

Self Detoxification

There are several detoxification clinics that canl help us come up with effective detoxification programs for overall health and to help reduce cellulite. You can however safely come up with your own detoxification program as a home remedy for cellulite.

Detoxification is simply getting rid of body toxin and limiting the entry of more toxins. This is crucial in any home remedy for cellulite since cellulite may be caused to some extent by toxin build up.

As a home remedy for cellulite, detoxification would be to simply keep away from junk food, processed food and high fat food. You could also set a few days or weeks aside as a time for you to increase water, fruits and vegetable intake. These substances have high nutrient and antioxidant contents that can help your body both flush out toxins and rejuvenate your system.

Exercise

Most people would be recommended with a full exercise program including aerobic, muscular and flexibility elements. If you are not a person though who does not have extensive experience with a rigid exercise regimen, you would do well to start slowly. Pick a basic aerobic exercise like jogging as your first home remedy for cellulite. Jog for at least 15 minutes three times a week until your body can adjust to a stricter exercise schedule.

As a home remedy for cellulite, aerobic exercises are especially good since it can both increase oxygen intake and use in the body and improve blood circulation. Proper blood circulation is especially needed for the proper elimination of toxins and excess fats.

Self-Massage

Massage techniques are also known to help break down fat deposits and therefore assist in excess fat elimination. You can easily have your own massage home remedy for cellulite by using a soft brush or bathing mitt on damp cellulite areas. Massaging cellulite cream on affected areas is also a recommended home remedy for cellulite. Pick a massage cream with natural ingredients for optimum results and to reduce the risk of harmful side effects.

Ground Coffee

Caffeinated ground coffee is another home remedy for cellulite that’s fast becoming popular. Topical applications of cellulite creams with coffee can break down fat deposits and increase blood flow.

You can make your own home remedy for cellulite with ground coffee. Get a warm scoop of used ground coffee and mix with a lotion or some olive oil. Apply the mixture on cellulite areas and wrap with the areas with plastic. Wash off the coffee after 20 to 30 minutes. Perform this procedure a couple of times a week for best results.

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Koi Pond Building

by Leslie Patton

Where are you going to place your pond? You want your pond to be close to electricity to run your pumps and for heat in the winter. You don’t want your pond in direct sunlight because it will heat the water too much and your fish don’t like hot water. Shade is an issue because trees shed their leaves and contaminate the pond. The roots from the trees can also grow into your pond.

Now you need to decide what type of fish you want. Koi are very popular, but they can grow to 3 feet long. You would need a pretty large pond. Goldfish are smaller and they are just as hardy as koi.

The depth of the pond also needs to be planned. It should be deep enough to protect them from freezing and protect them from predators. It also need to allow plenty of room for your fish to swim.

You also need some type of ledges and or plants to help provide your fish shelter. Do a little research to figure out what type of plants are best for your area.

Ponds can be built with several types of materials. Concrete can be expensive and you have to test the water because of the lime in concrete. Premolded liners are fast and easy to set up, but are usually too small for koi. Flexible liners are great for different pond designs. It can be a lot of work and it will tear. Rubber liner comes in sheets and is made specifically for pond use. It can also last up to 20 years.

Get your hole dug before you go to get your liner. This way you can be sure that you get enough liner. It wouldn’t hurt to buy a little extra, you can always take it back.

Decorating your pond is the most fun. You can do almost anything. You can have islands, terraces, waterfalls, fountains, different plants, and neat lights.

Plants are important for maintaining a healthy environment. There is several different kinds of plants, floating shallow and submerged. Mix and match them to create a stunning look.

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