For Its Poisonousness The Scotch Broom Should Be Under Control

The Scotch Broom (Scoparius) is generally described as a perennial shrub. This is not native to the U.S. (United States) and has its most active growth period in the spring and summer . The Scotch Broom (Scoparius) has green foliage and inconspicuous yellow flowers, with an abuncance of conspicuous black fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the spring and continuing until summer. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Scotch Broom (Scoparius) has a moderate life span relative to most other plant species and a rapid growth rate. At maturity, the typical Scotch Broom (Scoparius) will reach up to 7 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 7 feet.

There are several methods of controlling Scotch broom and most are suitable for agricultural situations.

Herbicides are effective but expensive and only provide short-term control. Grazing by sheep and goats can prevent further spread, but this type of control is inappropriate for conservation and forestry areas.

This species is intensely beautiful in bloom but is nearly leafless on green stems the rest of the year. The tiny leaves are borne on stiff straight sticks that make wonderful brooms. But it was a hand-held whisk broom known as a "bisom" that made the plants essential to the baker's craft. In the days of brick ovens, the cooking surface had to be swept out between bread bakings. Dry broom would ignite immediately. Green broom bisom dipped in water resisted burning long enough to do the job. Clearly a baker required a good deal of living broom growing nearby to ensure a plentiful supply. So did the whiskey shipper.

Mature Scotch broom produces a large, upright shrub. (SHNS photo by Maureen Gilmer / Do It Yourself)Today there is a great struggle to stop the steady advance of broom. Aided by runoff, animals and even insects, broom's encroachment is alarmingly rapid where conditions are right. For homeowners in these areas, broom can disfigure surrounding wild lands, resulting in a monoculture. Wild plants distributing seed into the cultivated landscapes make it a pernicious weed.

The Magnolia Flower Has Been Associated With Beauty And Perseverance

The magnolia flower has been associated with beauty and perseverance, as well as dignity and nobility. The symbolic meaning of flower species has been passed down from generation to generation and arose from fables and legends connected to the flower. Unfortunately many of the origins of these meanings have been lost over time and such is the case with the magnolia. The magnolia has also been said to symbolize sweetness and a love for nature.

Typically grown as an ornamental tree because of the attractiveness of the foliage, flowers, fruits and bark, sweetbay magnolia adds a natural beauty to the surroundings. This semi-evergreen is native to the United States and grows best in partly shaded areas with moist and acidic soil. Caring for a sweetbay magnolia tree calls for annual pruning after the flowers have faded in the summer, since the buds emerge on growth that occurred last season. Does this Spark an idea?

Magnolia flower The Magnolia grandiflora flower starts out as a small bud at the tip of a branch, which often becomes a meal for squirrels, who love the taste of them. It is enveloped in a brownish sheath which will fall away and reveal a blossom with as many as 14 petals. The magnolia petals will open in layers, shaped like a cup, and they are white with a yellow stamen in the center. As they age they slowly turn brown before falling away.

Despite the fact that today these blooms have become very popular all over the world, the magnolia tree flower is one of the few plants that actually originated in the United States. Their roots also extend to parts of Asia; however, their earliest distribution to other parts of the world – such as Europe – began in America. In 1688 the first live magnolia was introduced to Britain by the clergyman John Banister – who was an avid student of botany. By 1737, the growth of magnolia grandiflora was in full swing, and the well known botanical artist Georg Ehret became a magnolia enthusiast – walking three miles every morning just to study the buds blooming. As well as having a long and interesting history, the magnolia tree flower is also said to be very useful. The bark of the tree is most commonly used – generally for curing skin conditions, but also for heart and respiration ailments – however, the flowers themselves are frequently used as a rejuvenating essential oil for baths, soaps and candles; they may be pickled and eaten or dried and used as a spice, and they may also be seen as the strong floral note of many perfumes.

To some, the magnolia tree flower is considered the “symbol of the South.” To others, though, they represent perseverance, sweetness and nobility – while the magnolia tree as a whole is considered to be an emblem of dignity. As a gift, these flowers are often given to represent a struggle that has been overcome, poise in the face of adversity, or as a simple token of respect and admiration. Although these flowers may be given in classic bouquets, they may also be presented as single cut pieces, or – for the gardening fanatic – as young, potted plants that may planted into the ground at a later date.

Calendula Has A Wide Range Of Medicinal Uses

Calendula,(calendula officinalis) is both beautiful and easy to grow, Calendula should be included in any herb gardener's list of must haves. Also known as pot marigold, this is a wonderful plant for the cooler regions as it tolerates lower temperatures well. Calendula is an annual. It must be grown every year but easily reseeds so this may be taken into account when planning a garden. I find calendula does the best when I let a few plants go to seed and reseed the area themselves vs planting individual plants every year. This does increase the chances of strays getting out of the area you wanted calendula to grow but these are easily pulled up if necessary.

Flavonoids, found in high amounts in calendula, are thought to account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity. Other potentially important constituents include the triterpene saponins andcarotenoids.

Investigations into anticancer and antiviral actions of calendula are continuing. At this time, insufficient evidence exists to recommend the use of calendula for cancer. Nevertheless, test tube studies have found antiviral activity for calendula. The constituents responsible for these actions are not clear, however, and the relevance of these actions for human health care has not been established.

How to Use It

A tea of calendula can be made by pouring 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the flowers; the tea is then steeped, covered for ten to fifteen minutes, strained, and drunk. At least 3 cups of tea are recommended per day. Tincture is similarly used three times a day, at 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 ml) each time. The tincture can be taken in water or tea. In addition, prepared ointments can be used topically for skin problems, although wet dressings made by dipping a cloth into the cooled tea are also effective. Topical treatment for eye conditions is not recommended, as absolute sterility must be maintained.

Calendula has been used for medicinal purposes since the 12th century. It was used historically to treat upset stomachs, ulcers and menstrual cramps, although no clinical evidence has proven its effectiveness for these conditions. It was also used to relieve fevers and treat cancer. The flowers have also been used as a pesticide. This plant is not taken orally for any conditions, except in homeopathic preparations, in which it is extremely diluted.

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Ear infections, or otitis media, can be painful for children; by the age of seven, 93 percent of children have experienced at least one ear infection, according to a 2003 article written by Sarrell, Cohen and Kahan in the "Journal of Family Practice." The University of Maryland states that ear drops that contain calendula may be used to help treat pain related to ear infections in children. Sarrell et al write that the main goal for treating otitis media if there is no systemic infection is to alleviate pain. Calendula may be an effective treatment for some children.

Calendula has a wide range of medicinal uses. It is a soothing tea for gastrointestinal problems, healing wash for skin wounds, easily infused into oil for a healing salve or balm. Great for baby diaper area.

Calendula also has the rare quality of keeping its color during soapmaking. Unlike most herbal additives, calendula will not turn brown or black in a bar of herbal soap. Add 1 tablespoon of petals to just enough oil to cover. After your soap reaches trace, stir in the oil and petal mixture throughout your soap batch. The bright orange petals will remain bright and offer even soothing properties to the finished soap. For soapmaking information, find someone knowledgeable in the craft before undertaking it yourself.

Radiation-Induced Dermatitis

Radiation therapy for cancer can cause dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin that may be accompanied by a rash or itching. A 2009 meta-analysis published in the "Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery" found that application of topical calendula prevented dermatitis caused by radiation. If you are receiving radiation, ask your oncologist or treatment team if calendula is safe for you to use.

Skin Injuries

Burns, cuts and bruises may be treated with calendula preparations. Tinctures, ointments and washes made with calendula have been used to encourage wound healing, ease bruising and also treat infections associated with wounds. Though the exact mechanism of action is not clear, it is thought that calendula helps blood circulation and encourages collagen production to heal the skin.

Potpourri Just Like Drugs To Some Extend

Potpourri seized from a Pascagoula convenience store in September was deemed to be illegal Friday, according to tests performed by the state crime laboratory.

The product was billed as the new Spice, a chemically laced incense that mirrored the effects of smoking marijuana but was banned by a new state law.

Lt. Curtis Spiers, commander of the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County, said BJ's Market on Market Street in Pascagoula was raided Sept. 20.

Drug agents collected numerous packages of Nola Diamond potpourri, crack pipes, handheld and digital scales, and flavored tobacco leaves used to roll marijuana or incense, Spiers said.

At least one cashier was booked for possession of drug paraphernalia following the September raid and Spiers said Friday that clerk and the storeowner would each face charges on sale and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

"We'd like for them to turn themselves in," Spiers said, as he was busy obtaining a warrant for their arrest.

Gov. Haley Barbour on Sept. 4 signed a law that targeted smokable incense products that were being sold in many coastal convenience stories.

Handle your herbs and flowers carefully to avoid bruising them. Once the have been bruised you will have lost any value in them for their essential oils.

The best time to collect leaves, roots, flowers and seeds is in the early morning after the dew has evaporated.

Choose plants that are clean, free of any pests or diseases. Choose flowers that are newly opened.

Always collect 4 times the amount you will need for the final potpourri mix as flowers, leaves etc will shrink when dried.

Drying Methods

The drying process usually takes up to 2 weeks in general. There are two processes for drying flowers and herbs. Keep in a warm dark place that has good air circulation.

Air Drying: Using a window screen works quite well. It allows air circulation around the plant material. Place the flowers and or herbs on a single layer. Do not pack them tightly together or on top of each other or they will decompose. Takes about one week to be completely dried out.

Hanging: Fasten together several small bunches, tie the stems off with elastics or string. Hang them upside down to dry out.

Storing The Potpourri

Store your "New" potpourri in airtight containers or plastic bags. Store in a cool dark place until needed.

And then promptly goes on to blame women for not sorting their lives out. I do not debate the fact that my generation of women drives itself hard – God knows this is true, as I sit up at 1.33am rushing this post to get back to YET another case competition during my MBA which is littered with numerous examples of me taking on way more than I need to. What I do take offense to is that we get no credit for it, and are instead punished for it. Has the author considered the fact that there could be larger forces at play here, possibly even the same ones which have kept women out of boardrooms and executive management since time immemorial? It’s hardly like women were placed equally with men and then the Millennial women came along and spoilt it all!

Honestly, some days, I wonder if I should myself all this angst and turn housewife and watch daytime TV. But I’m too much of a Millennial woman and Type A for that. I’m seeing this fight through, and making my best attempt at breaking that ceiling – wish me luck! The ceiling is yet to be fully defined, but I’ll get there…

Hibiscus Flowers Are Generally Used For Ornamental Or Landscaping Purposes

Rosella is also referred to as Hibiscus sabdariffa and it has many uses. There is a substance in the flower that fights hypertension. The stem of hibiscus may be used for making bast fiber that can be used for making burlap. Nerve diseases, cancer, cardiac diseases are a few examples of the illnesses said to be treated by hibiscus. Hibiscus can be used to alleviate constipation and difficulties with urination.
　　
All across the globe, rosella is widely used in producing tea. Herbal tea made from the hibiscus plant is usually sold in Africa. It is also quite typical in Italy to make tea out of rosella flowers. In Trinidad and Tobago, they mix rosella tea with beer to produce Shandy Sorrel. To lessen cholesterol in their bodies, Thai's enjoy rosella tea.
　　
The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is closely associated with the state of Hawaii. In fact, it is known as Hawai's State Flower. While there are over 200 distinct species of this floral plant, only seven of them grow natively in the state of Hawaii. Tourists to the islands today may see many varieties of the hibiscus, but few of these are actually native plants. Other varieties have actually been brought to Hawaii from other tropical and subtropical climates around the world, where they grow as both annuals and perennials.
　　
Hibiscus flowers are quite large, and are generally used for ornamental or landscaping purposes, either using cut flowers or the entire plant. These iconic flowers are often used in flower leis, though other flowers, particularly the orchid or plumeria, are also popular for this purpose. The cut flowers are often found decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink.
　　
There are many unique uses for the hibiscus, too. The strong fibers of hibiscus bark can be used to make grass skirts or paper. This plant has also been used for teas (known as karkady) and jams. Some people believe that hibiscus extract will relieve constipation or nausea. The flowers are used in shampoos, where they are said to prevent dandruff. The seed of the hibiscus is used in South America and in the West Indies as a remedy for snakebite wounds, while the Xhosa in South Africa use the leaf to dress wounds, and the Zulu use hibiscus lotion to treat skin ailments. Hibiscus juice can be found throughout Malaysia, where the hibiscus is the national flower.
　　
Do not to use any fertilizer high in nitrogen when fertilizing. This results in lots of vegetation growth, but hardly any flowers. Your plants will benefit tremendously from regular foliar feeding. It is important to spray both sides of the leaves. It is also very helpful to add a surfactant to your spraying solution. This will prevent the solution from running off the leaves.
　　
When your hibiscus plant grows out of shape, it can be pruned to the desired shape. You need to be careful that all danger of frost has passed. New growth can be easily damaged by a late frost.The hibiscus is a tropical plant that needs a warm climate and high humidity to thrive. If you plan to grow a hibiscus indoors to complement your tropical or tiki d�cor, they must be kept in temperatures between seventy and eight five degrees Fahrenheit, and you must never let the soil dry completely. In Hawaii, dozens of hibiscus gardens have been planted with both native and imported varieties, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
　　
Unfortunately, insects like to feast on hibiscus leaves. The insects include aphids, mealy bugs, scales, thrips, and whiteflies. If this is the case a good spraying with insecticidal soap a few times or one application of a systemic insecticide should take care of the problem.
　　
Thailand and China handles the worldwide supply of hibiscus flowers. It is no mystery because these two countries are also the providers the biggest amount of hibiscus flowers. Thailand enjoys a better reputation for high quality because of their more strict quality control procedures. If you're trying to find the perfect rosella, you'll need to look at Sudan although their insufficient production and lack of processing technology can be an issue. Isn't it amazing how one can enjoy something and even make yourself healthier? Do not hesitate about drinking this beneficial and pleasurable flower tea.
　　
You can easily raise your very own roselle specifically if you are living in a sunny area. One benefit of raising your own roselle is the fact that you'll be sure that the hibisbus drink you'll be drinking does not come with any inorganic pesticides or other harmful nasty chemicals. The rosella bouquets are charming and you'll definitely enjoy cultivating them. As a bonus, you can enjoy a healthy physique at the same time.