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Nasa & Houseplants - Who knew? |
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In the early 1980's, when NASA researchers were looking for ways to purify the air inside the space pods of the future, they didn't just look to engineer a pricey, high-tech filtering system. They also turned to the humble houseplant. As the months grow colder and darker, driving you indoors, take a cue from NASA and put your plants to work absorbing the air pollutants lurking in your home or office.
Bill Wolverton, PHD, who helped pioneer the NASA studies, selected a trio of potted powerhouses. (For freshest results, Wolverton recommends covering soil with a one-inch layer of pebbles or decorative gravel, which cuts the risk of mold and bacteria and keeps kids and pets from playing where they shouldn't. Arizona Pottery sells a colorful and stunning polished glass that not only looks elegant but is very functional for this purpose. click here to see. |
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| Palms not only are top performers in removing airborne toxins but can add up to a liter of moisture to the air per day - perfect for counteracting the desert-dry effects of indoor heating systems. |
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| This thirsty, shiny mainstay is ideal for rooms that don't receive much sunlight (and aren't most rooms like that in November?) It's particularly adept at filtering formaldehyde, which is found in many adhesives and floor coverings. |
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| In cheeerful reds, pinks, and yellows, this flowering fall plant is an excellent filter of airborne chemicals such as benzene (emitted by gasoline, ink, paint, and pesticides) and ammonia (common in cleaning supplies). |
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"Just because you've only got houseplants doesn't mean you don't have the gardening spirit - I look upon myself as an indoor gardener". - Sara Moss-Wolfe
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:49:26 PM |
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Top 10 remedies for the container blues |
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| If you've killed enough outdoor container plants to fill a small forest, you're not alone. To figure out what went wrong and avoid making the same mistakes next time, take a look at the top 10 most common remedies for container plants in decline: |
 More plants die from too much water than any other cause. While it may seem counterintuitive to let plants dry out, it actually benefits plants by allowing oxygen to pass into the soil. So let your plants take in a breath of fresh air once in a while. Use your finger to test whether the soil is dry 2 to 3 inches below the surface-that's when you should water. Also, when in doubt, check your plant's roots by gently lifting it out with the tip of a spade. Look for black or mushy tips, which indicate rot. |
 Try to avoid going to the opposite extreme and letting your plants dry out. Unless you're growing a cactus or succulent, it's not going to appreciate being thrown into the desert. To help find the right balance between too wet and bone-dry, consider buying a moisture meter. These inexpensive little gadgets take the guesswork out of watering by telling you when the soil is nearly dry, which is the right time to water. |
 All plants need light to survive. You probably knew that already but did you know that the most commmon cause of lack of blooms is insufficient light? In general, low-light plants such as impatients don't need direct sun. Part-sun or medium-light plants such as violas do best with three to four hours of direct morning sun and some dappled afternoon sun - light that's filtered through a nearby tree, for example. Zinnias, petunias, and other full-sun plants generally need size hours or more of direct mid-day or afternoon sun per day to do their best. |
 Believe it or not, plants can get sunburned, too. And until someone invents a sunscreen lotion for plants, it's important to avoid putting medium-or-low-light plants in too much scalding afternoon sun. Different seasons can also mean fluctuations in light intensity, so while a plant might have been happy with a few hours of direct sun in early spring, it may be getting too much sun once the dog days of summer roll around. One advantage container plants have over garden plants is that you can move them around as the seasons change. A good rule of thumb for low-light plants is to put them in dappled shade or a place where they will get early morning or late afternoon sun. |
 Plants in containers need to be fed more often than plants in the garden. Frequent watering causes nutrients to leach out of the soil over time, leaving impoverished soil. The solution is to feed all of your foliage plants about once a month during periods of growth. Feed blooming plants more often, since they require more energy for flower production-about once every two weeks while in flower. The rest of the time, you can treat them like foliage plants. If you're planning to overwinter your container plants, stop fertilizing completely by September so plants go dormant in time for winter. |
 Prevent pest and disease problems from rearing their ugly little heads by practicing good hygiene. This means disinfecting your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution after each use, rinising out old containters with soap and water, and throwing out potting soil if it was previously home to diseased plants. You can nip most insect problems in the bud if you catch them early enough. Start by spraying plants with a strong stream of water and wiping the insects off with a damp paper towel. Disease pathogens thrive in wet conditions, so keep leaves dry and soil slightly dry. |
 Choosing the right container for your plant is almost as important as putting it in good soil. Since most flowering annuals don't have very deep root systems, they'll do well in containers that are wider than they are deep. If, however, you fall in love with a tall container and want to use it, fill the bottom half with a filler material such as packing peanuts or broken up shards of pottery, then add potting mix on top. This helps provide better drainage and prevent root rot. Use a container that is no more than 2 to 3 inches larger than the roots of the plant, so the plant doesn't drown in excess soil & water. |
 The soil around a plant's roots is its house, and  just like the houses we live in, the soil in containers could use a little spring-cleaning every year. A potted perennial may live several years in the same potting soil. To keep that soil healthy,it's important to revitalize it every year. Take the rootball out of the pot and carefully remove some of the old potting mix from the sides and bottom of the rootball, then add new potting mix to the container and replant. |
 Look at a plant's place of origin to see if your conditions will be a good match for it. For example, violas and other woodland plants love shady, moist, humus-rich conditions resembling those found in their native environments. Plants from arid regions, such as many ornamental grasses and bulbs, prefer dry conditions and well-drained soils. Choose the right plant for the right place and you can avoid many ailments. |
 Annuals will die when freezing weather comes, and you can choose new ones next spring. But if you plant perennials in containers and want them to last through winter, check each plant's hardiness zone to make sure it will survive in your region. Plants in containers tend to be more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, so it's wise to buy plants that are hardy to at least one hardiness zone colder than the one you're in. For borderline plants, provide extra mulch or move them into an unheated garage in winter to keep them safe. |
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By Amber Freda
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:48:50 PM |
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Who is the Greenman? |
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 A Greenman is a sculpture of a mans face surrounded by or made from leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. Commonly used as a decorative architectural ornament, they are being adapted to many garden and landscape uses.
Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities. Primarily it is interrpreted as as symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring.
 The simpliest form depict a man's face peering out of dense foliage. Some may have leaves for hair, perhaps with a leafy beard. Often leaves or leafy shoots are shown growing from his open mouth and sometimes even from the nose and eyes as well. Usually the face is happy and whimisical but occasionally it can appear strange and scary.
A Greenman has been used in many different rites or pageants but we like them used as a embellishment for your home or garden area where it blends in nicely with the garden foliage. The symbol of regeration as part of the life-cycle or the traditional rebirth of every year at the beginning of Spring are all tied into their history.
Take architecture, anthropology, mythology and folklore and mix them all together. They spin a century old tale of history and mystery that every seductive garden should possess.
We sell these beautiful and detailed wall plaques as triangles, rectangles and other unusual shapes. Each is cast in plaster and hand stained to give is an aged "terracotta' colored finish that is both durable and elegant. Place on on a garden fence post, ivy covered garden wall or a garden tree that needs a bit of whimsy. You can find them on our website under "Garden Items" "Wall Items" or you can click on any of the photos in this blog.
Add charm, character or mystery to any garden area. Invest in your Green Man Today! |
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:48:12 PM |
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Clay Pot Irrigation |
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| Many years ago Spanish settlers brought to the American Southwest the fruits of their homeland, and with them, the ancient practice of clay pot irrigation. These pots, called "ollas" were soon recongnized by the indigenous people of the Southwest for their water conserving qualities and adopted into native gardens. By combining the design of native produce and traditional styles with the age old practice of clay pot irrigation, Agua de Vida is preserving our rich heritage. |
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| Over time, modern systems were adopted, but these modern systems are not as efficient as irrigation by seepage by buried ollas. Modern systems, even surface drip irrigation systems loose more water to evaporation and are more likely to clog than this olla system. When they are used properly, plant roots will proliferate around the moist clay jar, intercepting water before it can move through the soil by capillary action. This water intercepted by roots will then be used in the plant transpiration stream. The results are 100% of applied irrigation water being absorbed by the plants. |
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Our future is tied to the availability of water. Recognizing this fact, many cities within the United States have recently placed strict regulations on private and commercial water usage in attempts to slow the depletion of our limited water sources. Ollas put water where the plants need ti most-at the roots, virtually eliminating evaporation, ollas are one of the most efficient ways of irrigation. Discovering new ways of saving out water has never been more critcal.
Conserving our water means conserving our future. |
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Applications:
Containers application: Bury Olla halfway in center of pot. Place plants requiring the most water against the olla, low water plants towards the edges of the container. Additional surface water may be needed to establish new plants. Once plants are established, the olla should be refilled regularly based on the moisture content of the soil, NOT on the amount of water in the olla. To minimize evaporation, cap the olla with a stopper or saucer. Watering times will vary based on olla size, soil type, & application.
Ground application: Although ollas can be used in flat ground, it is not recommened. If you choose to do so, follow the same directions for containers.
Mound application: One of the most efficient means is within a mound or raised bed. Because the olla irrigates from the inside out, a mound maximizes the planting area and assures that the maximum amount of applied water goes directly to the plant roots. Mounds can be shaped to accomodate multiple ollas. |
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:47:33 PM |
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 | Comments (6) | | Last comment made | | 7/24/2012 4:17:03 PM |
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pam |
7/24/2012 4:17:03 PM |
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mercedes - i am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. i wasn't notified that your comment was made. anyway, unfortunately we only carry the two styles even thought they come in different types. the bottle and the pumpkin are all that we carry in the different sizes.
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mercedes |
7/9/2012 2:18:49 AM |
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can you please post pictures of each "olla" type/model/size, as well as their approximate dimensions? this information is not displayed on the purchasing page, and the unlabelled pictures posted there show these pieces as having quite a number of shapes and sizes. some of them, for example, have longer and wider necks, others shorter and narrower. another piece looks like an elongated squash, not like a bottle or pumpkin. it would be nice to know what each type/model/size looks like and its dimensions before ordering.
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mori kimmel |
5/16/2012 9:02:41 AM |
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hello, i am interested in purchasing some ollas to use in wine crates that have herbs in them. how many ollas would you recommend in a crate - and which size? thank you! mori
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pam |
5/4/2012 2:26:24 PM |
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darlene, these don't have a drain hole. the water does seep through the clay. we sell alot of them and people really like them so if you try one - please let us know what you think. thanks
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darlene |
4/29/2012 3:22:16 PM |
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pictures will not enlarge. how many holes are in the ollas for the water to get out or does the water just seep out through the clay?
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tayten |
1/7/2012 12:55:57 PM |
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i actually found this more entertaining.
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Take it Outside. |
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The latest trend if you haven't noticed is to take your indoor living areas and duplicate them outdoors. That way you expand your living areas, continue with the things you like only outside instead of inside and stretch your creative juices when it comes to designing a second living area. When you "think outside the box" you can create a space that is stunning and will not break your bank account in the process.
In todays decorating climate, manufacturers are competing with each other to see who can provide products that lend detail and function - all at a reasonable price. From lighting, furniture, kitchens, fire pits and decorative items like pottery & statuary, the idea of taking your entertaining outdoors is fun & exciting. People are cooking in outdoor kitchens, conducting business in outdoor office space, grooming in outdoor showers & entertaining in outdoor living rooms.
Homeowners are pushing their exterior spaces to levels unimaginable just a few years ago.
Remember when you just placed a couple of lawn chairs on a wood deck or concrete patio and were perfectly content? Well - those days are long gone! People desire space that is focused on living, literally in the great outdoors. Will you be cooking? do you need a shower? are chairs enough or do you need lounges to sun bathe? will you need lighting for reading or nighttime entertaining? tables for craft or painting projects? All these questions point to the one main considerdation......"What will you be doing in this outdoor space?"
When looking at your options don't just stand at the door from the house to the backyard. Go out and look back at the home, take into consideration the side yards, look at the slopes or sunken areas. Plan functional spaces that make the most out of what you have to work with.
Then proceed to the fun stuff: Furnishings! Think about size when selecting furniture. Is a seating area more fitting then a lounging area? Do you entertain large groups or will it mostly be just your immediate family? Do you want a fire pit or would a built in fireplace be perfect? Once you make these major decisions - move on to the accent items. Outdoor rugs, artwork, lamps, cushions and luxurious fabrics are all now available. Think color, size and function. Add colorful umbrellas in fun colors.
Place large decorative pots around the border of the seating area to add character and function. Fill them with sweet smelling annuals and lush green palms. They help to compartmentalize the area and create a comfortable, cozy feeling. Use plants that attract butterflies or birds and help create a wildlife area.
Get really exotic and add a flat-panel TV, lush drapes and a stereo sound system. From James Bond-like gadgets to the comfiest sofa on which to catch a snooze, products to enhance outdoor lving continue to floor the market.
We all keep waiting to go on a great vacation so we can finally relax. But if we can create that vacation getaway in our own backyards, then the place to recharge is only 5 minues away!
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:46:49 PM |
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Growing "Chile Peppers" in Pots |
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 Never start peppers off in pots; instead start plants from seed, sown in the ground. If you are unable to start seeds, then purchase transplants at your local garden center. Either way peppers that spend their first growing season in the ground rather than in a garden pot increases there vigor.
At the end of the first growing season, water the ground thoroughly and dig up the healthy plants. Remove excess soil and give the root system a light pruning before planting them in a terra-cotta or glazed clay garden pot. Light colored pots help to reflect the sun and tend to keep the soil from drying out to quickly but any garden pot will work- so pick something you like. Use a good potting soil with additional perlite, vermiculite, or sand and add a slow release fertilizer to the mix. Water well and place in a shady spot to recover.
Once inside, potted peppers are treated to the same conditions they have in their native habitat. Temps between 60 & 75 degrees, and generous light, which can come from grow lights if necessary. Make sure you have good drainage, low humidity and adequate air circulation.
Sometimes in late winter they may drop their leaves and go into dormancy. When the foliage falls, give plants a radical pruning which invorigates their growth.
Refer to the photo.
In April or May - the plants will begin to produce foliage again and will often flower. When the weather warms up - move them outside and wait for another crop of chiles in August or September. EASY & FUN!
The best peppers for home & garden pots have a compact habit, attractive foliage, and an abundance of small, colorful fruits. These ornamental types often lack the subtle flavors, but not the fire, of larger-podded types. |
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Compact ornamental pepper varieties, growing 6 to 20 inches high and 6 to 18 inches wide, are ideal for small garden, hanging baskets, or pottery containers. Unlike, their kin, which hang beneath foliage, ornamental plants produce upright clusters of peppers that face the sky.
Sow seeds in fertile, well-draining soil anf full-sun location about 1/4" deep and 1" apart. As they ripen, a single plant may sport three or four different peppers shading from yellow to orange, red, purple or brown. Pick often; the more you harvest, the more peppers will grow! |
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By Pam Brooks
Post Last Updated: 1/14/2013 3:46:14 PM |
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