Monthly Archives: April 2012
Garden 2012: Part Three
More. Seeds.
We decided the front area where the bushes once lived…will be our herb garden.
I decided I shall wear the red gingham bonnet whenever I garden.
I worked indoors on the tedious transplanting of our seedlings.
While HWMMS started tilling the garden plot…
Of course it is going to be approximately 8 times larger than last year. Ok, maybe 10 times. Seriously, I have 42 little cabbage plants growing from one small seed package. What on earth does one do with that much cabbage?
I love this life…couldn’t be happier if I tried.
R-I-D-E
Henri the Doggie knows this word well.
Wanna go for a ride?
Heck yes!
Even better, the ride today took Henri to Petsmart to pick out a new toy and bone.
Oh the simple life of a doggie, dog.
Willow Tree
I need to learn basket weaving…our willow tree is calling out to me!
While looking up Willow Tree Basket Weaving on the interwebs, I found so much more interesting information I never knew.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Willow bark is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Researchers believe that the chemical salicin, found in willow bark, is responsible for these effects. However, studies have identified several other components of willow bark that have antioxidant, fever reducing, antiseptic, and immune boosting properties. Some studies show willow is as effective as aspirin for reducing pain and inflammation (but not fever), and at a much lower dose.
Willow Tree Natural Plant Growth Hormone
But some of the willow tree’s most magical features are its auxins, or natural plant growth hormones. Indolebutyric acid (IBA) and salicylic acid (SA) are highly concentrated in the tips of willow branches. When applied to newly propagated plants, transferred plants or young seedlings, IBA and SA can stimulate root growth and strengthen the overall health of the budding plant.
1. Collect a handful of willow branch twigs, preferably the tips of branches where the highest concentrations of IBA and SA are found.
2. Remove all leaves from the twigs, and cut the twigs into short pieces.
3. Boil a gallon of water.
4. Put the twigs into a one-gallon jar and pour the hot water into the jar. Seal the jar.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature. The tea should be used within two months of brewing.
6. To use for propagated plants, pour the willow water into a vase or jar, and place fresh plant cuttings in it like flowers in a vase. Or, pour the water directly onto the soil of a potted plant or in your garden bed. Watering cuttings or young plants a couple of times should be sufficient, and within a couple of weeks you should notice substantial root growth.
How cool is that? How did I never know this before? Anyone want a willow tree? I’ll start creating little baby ones for anyone interested!
Tulips
From the amazing Heather on my last day of work. Heather-She Who Made Awesome Weber Wedding Weekend Invitation Graphic Designer.
Thank you Heather, they are BEAUTIFUL.
Catnip = Mosquito Repellent?
Happy Cats AND Happy Jenny!
5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Catnip is a natural mosquito repellent. In August 2010, entomologists at Iowa State University reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents.
Bring on the bat houses and the mosquito dunks and the CATNIP!
Almost 27 Days!
Tomorrow will be 27 days until Weber Wedding.
Ya’all know I LOVE the number 27 right?
Two Things I Hate: Stupid People and Litigious Society that Allows Stupid People to Sue
In Nutella lawsuit over false health claims, a two-fold lesson
File me under TEAM NUTELLA.
Dani Cat on Poncho
I have a serious llama affliction…
I want one. Ok, that’s a lie. At least one.
HWMMS: Whatcha doin?
Me: Researching llama raising on the interwebs.
HWMMS: Well, research horses, cause I’d rather have one of those instead of a llama.
(Getting closer…)
