Avoiding Plant Stress

Just as with humans, any factor whether external or internal that affects a plant is known as a stressor.  The stressor can be beneficial or harmful or both.  For example, rhinovirus causes the common cold in humans which can be harmful if a secondary infection sets in.  At the same time the common cold helps to strengthen the immune system which is beneficial.  The same is true in plants. 

Using Fertilizers

Yesterday I discussed what fertilizers are and understanding the numbers on the label.  If you recall, fertilizers are either organic or inorganic and are labeled with the N-P-K content but some may also include the S content in the form of N-P-K-S.  It is important to choose a fertilizer based on the plant's needs.  If you want a nice, bushy plant with lush greenery, choose a fertilizer high in

Understanding Fertilizer

Home gardeners at some point will turn to using a fertilizer.  If growing in containers indoors or outdoors, the use of a fertilizer is a must.  The reason being, the nutrients in the soil in the container become depleted by the growing plant so they must be replaced.  There are two main categories of fertilizers: organic and inorganic.  Many home gardeners concerned only with the vegetable/fruit

Tips for Using Self-Watering Planters

Using self-watering planter for houseplants, on the patio or deck and in the garden makes a lot of sense.  They result is healthier, stress-free plants that are better equipped in warding of disease and infestations.  I have been busy repotting all of my houseplants and starting planted pots for outdoors using self-watering planters.  Here's a few tips for using self-watering planters:
size of

Why Use Self-Watering Planters?

There is a wide range of self-watering planters available or you can make your own.  Basically a self-watering planter consists of two chambers.  The upper chamber is the potting chamber.  There is a series of slits in the bottom of the upper chamber allowing water to be drawn from the lower chamber (water reservoir) by the plant roots using capillary action.  There is some type of hole at the

Arboricola Bush in EEZY-GRO Self-Watering Planter

Arboricola Bush(Umbrella Plant)
One of our local grocery stores was selling gorgeous floor plants in 10" pots for $9.99 so I bought a few.  Plants breath life into a room but at the same time help clean the air so they should be included in every room of the house.  Floor plants are wonderful for adding that extra touch without spending a lot of money. Pictured is the Arboricola bush I bought

BLOG loving

Two blogging superstar girlfriends, Debra of Acquired Objects and Barbara of Hampton Hostess

nominated me for the above award. Debra is a leading  expert in antique textiles, lives in New Hampshire in a killer home and setting. All with a great sense of humor. Barbara is chic and sophisticated as she guides us through the Hampton's and her life as a designer and hostess extraordinaire. Thank you ladies!

The Rules;

1) worship at the feet of those that nominated you

2)  share 7 facts about you only your BFF would know

3)  pass on the award to 15 other bloggers

4)  contact your nominees and tell them you have tagged them

OK, Here goes......

I am a spiller. I speak with my arms.

Last weekend a friend insisted I sit on her cream linen sofa, red wine in hand. Despite my protests, she insisted. No, I did not spill because I did not move.

Want a traveling companion? Call me, I can pack my bags in an instant.

I love and collect quotes.

If you are in trouble and need help, I am your person. Human or animal I will mindlessly run in to aid

LOVE chairs, they can be so diverse. A pair is perfect, a single is magical. And all the upholstery options are a delightful challenge. My friend Sylvia in England once owned a posh shop in London, selling only chairs.

Men in kilts send me over the moon. No, my husband refuses to wear a kilt. What's a girl to do, ogle  others.........I must get to Scotland!

And...... if that man in a kilt is making music out of this.........it is guaranteed I will make a spectacle of myself.

I hoard fabrics. One never knows when that great chair appears and needs dressing.

Ridiculously clumsy with bad luck. I possess every one of the attachments shown, multiples of the stylish neck brace.

I am passing this award onto some of my favorite blogs. You are in for a treat if you stop by and visit them

cheers!
Debra
                                                          Divine Theatre
                                                          Urban Cottage
                                                          Providence, Ltd.
                                                          Renae Moore Designs
                                                          Ragland Hill Social
                                                          Wind Lost
                                                          Renee Finberg
                                                          Charlotte Interior Designer Amy Vermillion
                                                          Always, Robins Egg Blue
                                                          House of Edward
                                                          Being Ruby
                                                          Art by Karena
                                                          House of Edward

Stay tuned, next stop............Nashville Garden and Antique show!