Let's gardening

Shrubs in Tubs

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 21:51:00 -0700

Pieris japonica ‘Katsura’
Stunning mahogany-red new leaves. Sprays of crimson stained flowers in early spring. Plant in lime-free compost. 3ft x 2ft (90cm x 60cm)

By planting up pots and containers with evergreen shrubs, you’ll create longer lasting displays that provide interest all year round.
Many shrubs make wonderful long-term subjects for pots and, unlike seasonal bedding plants they can provide color and interest throughout the year. Although the initial outlay may be more than your usual seasonal selection, in the long term they are better value and far more rewarding. I grow a wide variety of shrubs in pots and use them to bring the garden onto the terrace, driveway and any other paved areas where planting in the ground is not feasible.
They make great focal points, and the wonderful thing about growing in pots is that you can change the planting picture so easily by moving them around, or by grouping them with a pot of bulbs, violas or perhaps a geranium or verbena for summer color.

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’
Dense and bushy with waved, blue-green leaves edged with cream. Good in sun or shade. 4ft x 2ft (1.2m x 60cm)

Growing in pots also enables you to grow those shrubs that you long for, but will not succeed on your soil. For example camellias make wonderful shrubs for pots; you can grow them in this way if you have alkaline soil and cannot grow them in the open ground. I particularly like Camellia ‘Jury’s Yellow’ with its pale outer petals and gorgeous lemon-yellow central ruff.

Colorful foliage

Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’
Orange-red leaves in early spring, turning red, edged gold in summer, flame in late autumn. Bright red berries in winter. Deciduous. 18in x 18in (45cm x 45cm)

As with any planting solution I believe that foliage interest is more important than flowers; it is more enduring and lasts through the seasons. Flower color is easy to add on a temporary basis. If you get the combination of pot and foliage right, the effect can have so much more impact than a plant in an unsuitable container. Fortunately terracotta pots are very forgiving and work well with a wide variety of colors.
However they are perhaps at their best with the warm tones of red leaves and stems. I often use Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter fire’ or Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ in a terracotta pot on the terrace in winter. The latter, known as the coral-bark maple is stunning when the sun catches its red twigs with the warm tones of the clay.

Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’
Pink buds open to delicate white flowers in early spring. Leaves turn scarlet in autumn. Gives the effect of a bonsai grown in a pot. Deciduous. 3ft x 2ft (90cm x 60cm)

Glazed ceramic pots are widely available and are a great way of adding color to your garden. They offer wonderful opportunities to get creative with your planting. Imagine the shimmering silver leaves and white trumpet flowers of Convolvulus cneorum with a blue or black glazed pot, for example.

Fatsia japonica
Large, dark green leaves and striking white flowerheads in winter. Great for a tropical effect in shade. ‘Variegata’ has leaves tipped with creamy white. 4ft x 3ft (1.2m x 90cm)
6. Euonymus japonicas ‘Green Rocket’

Long-term success
When it comes to planting up your container, I recommend that you choose a pot that the shrub is going to be happy in for a few years. If you use the right compost and feed and water regularly, a shrub can be happy in the same pot for five to ten years, or even longer.
The secret of success is to choose nice, big, good quality pots at the outset. I promise you, they always look a lot bigger at the garden center than they will when you get them home.

Euonymus japonicas ‘Green Rocket’
Upright stems packed with rounded dark green shining leaves. Striking and architectural. Ideal for small, modern shady gardens. 3ft x 1ft (90cm x 30cm)

The sizes of plants quoted here are approximate in five years. Eventual size can be larger but can be restricted by pruning or trimming; growing in containers normally restricts the size anyway. All are evergreen unless stated otherwise.

Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’
Compact Japanese maple with narrow fingered red leaves on dark purple stems. Dense, leafy and compact and more weather resistant than other acers. Deciduous. 4ft x 3ft (1.2m x 90cm)

Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’
Variegated box with creamedged small, deep green leaves. Excellent in shade. 2ft x 2ft (60cm x 60cm)

Leucothoe Scarletta ‘Zeblid’
Emerging leaves are dark purple, turning green as they mature, then finally turn bronze and wine-red in winter. Plant in lime-free compost. 18ins x 18ins (45cm x 45cm)

Skimmia x confuse ‘Kew Green’
Green flower buds in winter open to large clusters of lily-of-thevalley scented flowers in spring. 2ft 6ins x 2ft 6ins (75cm x 75cm)

It’s a shore thing

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 20:59:00 -0700

The Sea Garden is a tiny border against the east facing wall of an extension tacked on to our house. There are distant views of the sea and soon after moving in we made it pretty by adding seaside plants, shingle mulches and shells. Two things went wrong. Plants like sea statice, seakale and, to an extent, sea holly need good drainage and on clay soil, during wet winters, they eventually rotted away. Then we had to dig a channel quickly to repair some leaking pipes and the border more or less disappeared.
While working at a gardening show last year I had a mad moment and bought an ornamental octopus made of wire and beads. Everyone else in the family says it’s ghastly, but I like it and will use it to provide a little much-needed inspiration for the resurrection of my Sea Garden.

Getting the all-clear
This is a good time of the year to get the clearing done, so we took down the dead stem from what had been a 20ft (6m) high cordyline, removed old foliage from a montbretia (the robust and fiery Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’) and dealt with the big weeds. I haven’t seen any signs of chalara (ash dieback disease) near the garden and ash seedlings germinate here wherever they can. We weed them out while still small but sometimes miss the awkward ones whose roots find a safe anchor beneath some concrete and are impossible to grub out.
From autumn to winter is ideal for cutting down unwanted saplings and applying a glyphosate-based stump killer to the freshly cut surfaces. (You need to get on with this quickly before sap starts to rise.) The instructions usually tell you to make a cross in the surface, apply the product and then cover with polythene to keep the rain off.
Our enormous and venerable Swiss cheese plant thoroughly enjoyed the house plant programme of the Great British Plant Revival shown on Chanel Four just before Christmas. He(strictly it) loved the orchids and streptocarpus but wondered why no plants were shown growing inside their homes – they were all in greenhouses, polytunnels or even outdoors.
He would like to add how much he likes living in our sitting room listening to conversations, watching TV and hanging out with his pals Medinilla and Adiantum. He’s doing his best to join in with family life and has even sent out aerial roots to act as tiebacks for the curtains.

DEALING WITH LARGE WEEDS

1. ASH SAPLINGS
Grub out unwanted ash saplings or treat freshly cut surfaces with a glyphosate-based stump killer

2. UNWANTED IVY
Ivy can be highly invasive and requires constant pulling back or weeding out to keep it in check

3. BOTHERSOME BRAMBLES

Brambles are removed by
digging their roots out using a
spade with a V-shaped blade

Early Veg Sowing

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 20:23:00 -0700

Tomatoes, peppers, chilies…we can make early sowing of them all

Sowing seeds of tomatoes, peppers and chilies is not difficult – even at this time of year – providing you follow a few simple rules. But is it really worth sowing these tender plants so early? Well, in my view, if you can, you should. Just a couple of plants of each will reward you with plenty of delicious fruits – and by sowing now, and growing the plants in a warm greenhouse, you’ll be picking in early summer, way before the traditional cropping time. There are all kinds of tomatoes to try – from the red varieties, through to green, orange, purple and even striped tomatoes. For shapes and sizes, you can grow the tiniest of cherry types, through to the huge beefsteak varieties. For tomatoes to be cropped under cover you can start sowing seed from mid-January to early February (heated greenhouse), or from late February to mid-March (unheated greenhouse).
For peppers growing under glass, sow from now on wards; for plants to be grown outside, sow from late March.

Quick tip

After they have germinated keep tomato seedlings at 18˚C (64˚F); and peppers at 16-18˚C (60-64˚F)

Temperature gauging
THIS EARLY in the season, with days still dark and cold, getting the temperature right for your tomato and pepper seeds is crucial; later in the spring, when ambient temperatures are warmer and light is more intense, there is greater leeway.
Tomatoes, peppers and chilies, however they are sown (see below) should all be kept at around 21°C (70°F), ideally in a heated propagator, until the seedlings emerge.

3 ways to sow the seeds now

1. Space sowing:
The traditional sowing of tomatoes and peppers is to fill a small pot with a good, damp, multipurpose compost, and to ‘space-sow’ the seeds – so they are about 1in (2.5cm) apart.

2. Jiffy pellets:
These compressed peat pellets hydrate when soaked in tepid tap water for about 20 minutes. The pellets are also fertilized. Lightly press one or two seeds into the center of each pellet.

3. Seed Mats:
These presown biodegradable mats are placed on a small pot of compost. Sutton's Seeds offer tomato and pepper mats (three varieties in each pack) and others.

Feed the Birds in Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 17:53:00 -0700

Well-wooden gardens offer perching places for bird calling in for food or water Seed

As the cold of winter bites and plant growth slows down, the natural food resources for birds diminish. This results in migration and temporary relocations for many of our feathered friends, which means there is always an influx of birds to gardens where artificial feeding and watering stations are kindly provided. Debate always rages on this subject, as to whether it is beneficial or detrimental to the birds in the long run.

Birds visiting an ornate feeding house

Whatever the answer, gardeners continue to provide food and water for birds as the human population expands and diminishes the natural habitats of all forms of wildlife.
A little practical advice on feeding birds in the garden includes positioning feeders where the birds feel safe and comfortable. Also keep them off the ground if domestic pets are a threat. While birds would usually prefer to feed on the floor, this is not always possible. They need twiggy branches in dose proximity to alight upon during arrival and departure. Secluded and protected areas are usually preferred to exposed positions where birds of prey can strike.

There are different types of artificial bird feeders for the various diets that birds require. Seed is the most common and easiest form of garden bird feeding. Fruit, insect and nectar feeders are a little more specialized and required more care and attention than simply scattering some seed or grain in the garden.

Sunbirds flock to flowering aloes, especially during the lean winter months

Seed
Seed-eaters (doves, sparrows, canaries, weavers, manikins, widowbirds, bishops, whydahs, waxbills, firefinches).

These birds visit garden frequently and readily to feed on the different seeds and grains placed in bird feeders or simply sprinkled on the ground.

Large seeds like sunflowers attract thick-billed weavers to the garden, while smaller seed attract a wide variety of smaller birds. Large birds like doves and flocks of weavers oftenchase the smaller species away by simply dominating the feeding territory. The smaller birds therefore often prefer to use smaller feeders that only allow one or two small birds to alight upon the feeding perches at a time. This prevents the larger types from sing the feeding station, and gives the manikins, waxbills and firefinches the chance to feed in peace.

Growing grass seed in a meadow-type planting also assist an attractive habitat for seed eaters, although this may entail sacrificing part of the manicured lawn areas that tend to

be somewhat sterile from a bird’s perspective. The winter annual grass (Poa annua) that

is often viewed as a weed always attract the smaller bird species to the ample seeds that
set the cooler months.

Fruit
Fruit –eaters (bulbuls, mousebirds, barbets)

Fruit feeder are generally simple metal spikes attached to wooden logs or more sophisticated structures in the garden. Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, pears, and orangesegments are skewered onto the spike. Birds feed on the fresh fruit, but usually ignoreolder fruit that has started to shrivel or ferment, so fresh food needs to be set out on a daily basis. Garden that a frequented by monkeys have the fruit pilfered by these scavenging mammals, chasing the birds away.

Fruit and berry-producing plants attract these birds to the garden. However, many exotic plants are spread far and wide by birds that have eaten their fruit, leading to their classification as alien invader species. Be aware of this fact when planting fruiting plants.

Birds visit winter flowering shrubs for nectar

Insect and Nectar
Insect-eaters (thrushes, chats, rock thrushes, robin chat)
Artificial feeders filled with sugar supplement attract birds that feed on nectar. Due care needs to be taken in preparing the ‘sugar water’ and the subject needs to be thoroughly researched to use these feeders effectively.

Certain plants that bloom in winter with nectar rich flower are important for supporting bird life during this time of famine. Aloes are the most significant group of plants in the local garden environment during winter, providing nectar and food to numerous birds including see, fruit, and insect-eater. Often starling, orioles, rock thrushes and weavers are seen feeding on aloe flowers.


Ornate fountains can also serve as practical

Water
Water in the garden
In the summer-rainfall regions a regularly supply of fresh, potable water is vital for garden bird life. Often more birds can be seen at the watering points than at feeding
stations. Fill them up with clean water regularly, almost on a daily basis, and the birds
will reward you with their undivided support. There are numerous bird baths, waterbasins an ponds that fit the bill. Flowing water and artificial water features also serve a practical purpose in supplying drinking water to our feathered friends.
Give thought to lesser life forms during the winter months and provide food, water and shelter for them until spring returns with its bounty.

A rustic bird feeder hangs as a feature from a tree branch

Metal spikes secure fruit o a large log that also sports seeds and grains to attract a wide range of bird.

This wood and Perspex feeder keeps the seed dry, dispensing food as it is consumed to reduce wastage.

An attractive metal bird feeder. You can use old plough for this purpose.

A supply of water is just as important as food

Black-collared barbets visit fruit feeders during winter.

Rhamnus prinoides produces masses of berries that are feasted upon by fruit-eaters

Additional ornamentation adorns a fruit feeder

A dark-capped bulbul feeding on a banana placed on a metal spike in the garden

A cape white-eye at a nectar dispenser

Weavers on an Aloe ferox

A nectar feeder hangs in a likely spot.

Traditional rock grindstones make perfect, natural bird baths.

A bird bath in a shaded secluded setting

Tropical Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 06:00:00 -0700

To soften the space, the new garden bed was subtly outlined with gently curving aluminium edging

Fresh, funky and family friendly, this rear garden provides a taste of the tropics.
To create a backyard that perfectly captures the personality and lifestyle of
the owners, sometimes you need to think outside the square, or in this case, the rectangle. When presented with a long and narrow rear garden comprised of a new lawn and several existing, highly angular features I will bring everything together through a lush, tropical plantscape, which would “green” the rectangular space and soften the hard lines.

Plants of different heights were used to create the layered effect expected of a tropical garden.

This was made possible through the tropical garden concept, which offered a relaxed and less formal solution for producing a coherent, holistic design. However, this approach was not without its challenges. As the majority of the established trees were to stay, this meant we had to be cautious of potential root competition for new plantings. Also, tropical planting usually requires the creation of deep garden beds to get maximum layering but, in this case, the owners wanted the lawn to be as large as possible.

So the family’s son had somewhere to play, creating as large a lawn as possible was a main priority.

A mix of native and exotic plants with striking foliage, such as cordylines, birds nest fern, golden cane palms, elephant’s ears, turf lily, slender weaver’s bamboo and tiger grass. These were then interspersed with flowering plants, such as white calla lilies, clivias, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ and various gingers, which off er seasonal splashes of color, contrast and interest. As ground cover, mondo grass and native violets were employed. The combination of foliage and floral-centric plants worked together to produce a range of heights, colors and textures, creating a richly layered tropical jungle effect.

Contemporary with a tropical twist, this newly landscaped backyard suits adults and children alike.

The plants wrap around the perimeter of the garden, in the centre of which is a large, level lawn that provides a safe and open space where the owners’ son can play. While the rectilinear shape of the lawn offered some resistance to the creation of a casual tropical ambience, curved aluminium garden edging was incorporated along one side to soften the look and gently contrast the angularity of the deck and timber edging. To turn the deck into a great space for entertaining and bring some of the colors from the garden to the dining space, it was furnished with an urban-grey table made out of glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) and teamed with funky chairs in luscious lime. A contemporary tropical feel was also encouraged into the garden with the potted frangipani and cordyline that flank the dining area and help to define the adult entertaining space.

The deck was furnished with a contemporary table made of GRC and fun dining chairs in lime green.

At the far end of the garden, a stunning laser-cut Corten steel feature screen was installed, providing a focal point that can be enjoyed from the deck or when looking out from inside the two-storey home. The screen, which is backlit for added effect, was also installed to add warmth and textural interest to an otherwise soft-scaped area.

The existing timberedged beds were given a new lease on life with a flourishing new plant palette

We can approach each landscape design holistically and invest time with the homeowners to ensure we create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that reflect their lifestyle, while ensuring the constraints of the site are met. And it seems this is an approach that has reaped rewards in the form of an innovative and inclusive design that meets the family’s every need.

My Garden My Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:12:00 -0700

There are a few gardeners who have the special talent of being able to turn a once decrepit backyard into a magical place filled with drama.

In many small suburban gardens the house divides the plot into two separate gardens, often creating awkward little corners that need special attention. It is some property that first caught.

Utterly Unique in the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 11:00:00 -0700

Transform your garden with exquisitely handcrafted one-of-a-kind artworks

Do you have an outdoor wall that needs brightening? Or perhaps you need something to draw the eye to a particular part of your garden? There are many ways to add interest to an outdoor space — sculpture, murals, decorative gates but if you want to create maximum impact, unique handcrafted pieces are the way to go.

This is a 7 Elements Design creates one off artworks designed for use in the garden or outdoor living spaces. Many of her pieces, which range from pavers and sculptures to gates and works of mosaic art, incorporate glass. This causes them to glisten in natural sunlight or under artificial lighting, adding an extra dimension to your outdoor space.

Each piece is not only unique, it is carefully and skillfully handcrafted. Is constantly evolving with exciting new design concepts always in the pipeline for discerning homeowners and art lovers who want to stand out from the crowd. Although each design is different, the functionality and quality of the artworks remain the same. Gates and pavers, for example, are designed and built to be regularly used, so you can be assured they will last the distance.

Materials for other pieces, such as sculptures, wall art and mosaic murals, are also chosen for their ability to retain their color and integrity in an outdoor environment. The result is a unique piece that will be a feature of your garden for many, many years to come.

Potted Pleasure for Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:00:00 -0700

Pots can be used as decorative elements in their own right, such as this planter from Rock & Stone.

Pots are a great decorating tool … and they don’t always have to be used to hold plants

Growing plants in pots gives you a means of having foliage and flowers in the smallest of spaces. Just as importantly, the pots can form part of an outdoor decorating scheme, adding accents of color and form. Pots can be used as features in their own right and act as focal points; they can be integrated into the background of a garden design or you can go a step further and use them for another purpose altogether, such as a water feature.
If using your pot in the traditional way (as a home for plants), be sure the color of the pot contrasts yet complements the color of the foliage or flowers. Try picking an accent color from the plant and use that. If you have a highly ornamental plant, opt for an unpatterned pot so it doesn’t compete for attention. And don’t forget the pot needs to be in proportion to the plant.

Plethora of pots and planters
There is no shortage of materials to choose between. There is cast concrete, terrazzo (a concrete product ground and polished to expose the colored aggregate), GRC (glassreinforced concrete), stone, plastic, poly-fiber, ceramic and metal. Terracotta is a traditional and timeless choice. You just need to seal the interior to prevent water loss. Glazed ceramic pots come in many shapes, colors and textures, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. For a pot that will last and last, consider concrete. Cast-concrete pots can be painted in the color of your choice.
When choosing a pot, there are many practical considerations, ranging from the eventual size of the plant that will be going into the container to issues of weight and manuevrability. And it should go without saying that a pot must be waterproof.

The glazed ceramic Jarres a huile pot
from Rock & Stone is ideal for
a European-themed garden.

Pot placement and plants
Pots can play a useful role in defining or accenting an outdoor design so their placement is critical. You can place them at entrances, the start of a pathway or in a previously drab and uninteresting corner. For a focal point, place a single pot against a feature wall or to divide a space or create a privacy screen, try a row or large pots with tall plants. When grouping pots, do so in uneven numbers and don’t combine too many different colors or shapes.]
For permanent plantings, choose plants with a long flowering period (fuchsia, kalanchoe, pelargonium/geranium, impatiens, cymbidium orchid etc). Some garden plants, such as gardenias, will actually flower for longer periods in a pot placed in the right position than theydo in the garden. There are also many hardy architectural plants (cordyline, flax, yucca, dracaena and agave), that look amazing year round in a pot as they don’t rely on flowers to make an impact. Just remember, when placing your pot, it needs to be in a spot that meets the plant’s sunlight requirements.

Pebble Panache

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 07:00:00 -0700

Stepping stones lead the way through a vast sea of pebbles

Pebbles can enhance the look of a garden and reduce your maintenance chores

Be it as a landscaping tool, in planter boxes as mulch, in water features, as edging to driveways, in garden beds and ponds... pebbles are nothing if not a versatile option for your outdoor living spaces. With so many different colors and sizes available, using pebbles in your landscape is limited only by the imagination. And while black, grey and white are the most popular pebble colors used in landscaping, there are exotic imported varieties, particularly from Asia, such as spectacular jade ones.
Choosing the right color depends on the look you are going for. Blacks and grey tend to blend in, whereas white stands out and gives striking contrast particularly when teamed with different-colored grasses such as rust colored or silver ones.

The popularity of pebbles
Part of the reason why pebbles are so popular is because of the need to be water wise in most parts of the country. Another major factor in the rise in popularity of pebbles is that people don’t want to put time into mowing lawns, so pebbles provide an excellent decorative alternative that is low cost and low maintenance. Pebbles truly are an inexpensive landscaping option, with prices ranging from between $90 and $300 a cubic meter. Price is often determined simply by freight cost and the distance they have to travel, so using local varieties and local suppliers is often the most budget-friendly option.

Use pebbles as an alternative to organic mulches for planters.

An alternative to mulch
Mulching is essential in the hot Australian climate. Its purpose is to enable soil to retain water and to minimize evaporation. Pebbles are an excellent alternative to traditional mulching products. They allow water to penetrate to the roots of plants, while still enabling the soil beneath them to stay moist. Unlike mulch products, such as bark or woodchips, pebbles don’t ever wear out or break down, which means they are a far more durable and costeffective solution. In addition, whereas some woodchips can change the pH of the soil, pebbles will not. And while woodchips, bark and other organic materials used for mulch will fade, deteriorate and look messy over time, pebbles will continue to look good long after they’ve been laid.

Staying right on trend
Polished pebbles, which mainly come from China, are quite in vogue right now. They are very striking, particularly in planter boxes. The shiny, waxy coating will come off after repeated exposure to sun and rain, so they’re best suited for areas that are undercover — or indoors.
Stark white gives excellent contrast to foliage and can also create a dramatic visual effect, while grey has a look of sophistication about it and creates a more subtle effect in a garden or pot. For native gardens, pebbles in browns and earth tones are the perfect fit. Pebbles are an easy way to enhance your landscape both practically, in terms of maintenance and being a water-wise choice, and aesthetically as a stylish designer option for added color, interest and texture.

You can make good use of pebbles and stones
in water features for added texture and color.

Design ideas

Choose the color of the pebbles to enhance a themed outdoor design, such as white pebbles in a Japanese-style garden.

Place pebbles on the bottom of a pond or at the base of a water feature to add to the natural ambience. You can also place pebbles around stepping stones or along the sides of garden paths to highlight the pavers.

Use pebbles as an alternative to lawn in areas such as small side courtyards or under established trees or shrubs. Pebbles can also be used in mosaic work. You could create a mosaic step or a prettily patterned garden path.

Pebbles of various sizes can be used with larger stones to create an authentic-looking dry creek bed.

Expert tip
You can use pebbles as an alternative to traditional mulch products, such as woodchip sand pea straw, in either gardens beds or planters. Coordinate the color of the pebbles to match your outdoor decorating theme.

Matter of Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:06:00 -0700

A potted desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri) always cuts a striking figure.

High-quality architectural plants from a specialist nursery you can depend on

Plants are critical to the success of any landscape design and they represent a sizeable portion of your budget. To be assured of the best-possible quality, you need a supplier you can trust. Dragon Trees Australia has built a reputation within the landscape design industry for supplying plants of the highest quality and is the trusted name when it comes to dragon trees. As Australia’s leading dragon tree supplier, Dragon Trees Australia has worked with many of this country’s top landscape design firms and is known for its high level of professionalism.

The most eye-catching feature
plant is the dragon tree

Although Dragon Trees Australia has supplied plants for many high-end residential and commercial projects, the company can cater for all landscape styles and budgets. A specialist nursery growing architectural plants from around the world, Dragon Trees Australia has a management team comprised of qualified horticulturalists with more than 40 years combined experience, so they are well placed to recommend the right plants for your project and your price point

The dragon tree
is a very popular architectural plant

As you might expect, the dragon tree (Dracaeno draco) is the most popular tree in stock, with the tree aloe (Aloe barberae) a close second. These two trees are fast becoming the must-haves in modern landscapes, along with blue nolina (Nolina nelsonii), desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri), red hesperaloe (Hesperaloe parviflora) and giant hesperaloe (Hesperaloe funifera).

The tree aloe (Aloe barberae)
looks impressive when uplit

Dragon Trees Australia doesn’t just focus on plants of eye-catching form, its emphasis is on plants that require little maintenance and make a strong visual impact. With the rise in popularity of the outdoor room, the need for plants that will provide a focal point and complement the room’s design and decor has escalated, as has the need for easy care plants.
Dragon Trees Australia provides a door to door delivery service and because the company carefully tapes and shrink-wraps stock onto pallets, you can be assured that plants will leave and arrive in the same condition.

Make Beautiful Garden with Factory finish

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 8 Apr 2017 15:32:00 -0700

Reused materials include a storm drain, corrugated steel panels and crazy paving

Featuring strong lines and exposed finishes, industrial style design makes a statement

Back in the day, industrial style wasn’t classified as a style per se. Rather, the term referred to an everyday workplace aesthetic for locations such as warehouses and factories. Over time, however, an appreciation for the stripped-back and utilitarian look emerged, with the industrial look now a popular style to incorporate into a range of outdoor settings.

Materials from an industrial site get a new lease
of life in this modern landscape design.

Distinguishing features
A space boasting the industrial look can often give the appearance of being unfinished and the materials and fittings employed may have been previously used in another form or for a
different function. Its signature lack of pretence seeks to expose the raw beauty in utility.
It is far from decorative in appearance and often features simple and naturally textured finishes that celebrate the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. Such elements as exposed steel supports and joinery is common, as is mismatching and weathered wood, unpolished steel and decor with rust finishes. Subtle color may be found in multiple layers of stripped-back wall paint or uncovered red brick.
The beauty of this style is often attributed to the natural ageing process seen in the materials something that adds character and a sense of history that many find appealing.

Relying heavily on disused industrial materials,
this garden won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show

Old becomes new
There are generally two types of industrial styles, according to Aaron Jackson, head of design at Think Outside: industrial and vintage industrial. Vintage industrial can be genuine old industrial furniture often from the ’40s through to the ’60s, or made using original or replica components from this era.
The restoration or repurposing of preused materials adds an eco-conscious edge to the industrial style. Recycling and upcycling previously used local materials means we are cutting down on travel miles and encouraging sustainability. It’s also a durable choice that has the benefit of getting better with age, which means it will require minimal care and upkeep and still look fantastic.

Integrating industrial style
Industrial style is very versatile due to its simple and strong design concepts, and can work with a number of settings and outdoor designs. It can be incorporated as accent pieces in a greater design scheme, such as light fittings or wall art pieces, or it can take on a larger aesthetic, such as wall screening or suites of furniture, such as a dining table and chairs.
The great thing about the industrial look is it can work with ultra-modern looks to create a statement, or with old warehouses and traditional cottages. It generally works best with lots of wood and natural stone. However, if you think creatively, its variety of uses will astound you.
When looking to integrate some industrial style into your outdoor areas, Aaron suggests having a couple of signature pieces, such as a large dining table, for focal points. Don’t be afraid to mix and match chairs, or you might have a bench seat down one side with stools and chairs on the other. There are no rules, so have some fun with this design approach and enjoy its versatility.

From Think Outside, Spindle table set
is made of recycled industrial cable spindles.

Spoiled for choice
The ways in which you can incorporate an industrial-style aesthetic into your outdoor areas are endless. You can use reclaimed materials and fittings from factories or industrial sites in the construction of outdoor structures, or you can buy products made from salvaged industrial materials or materials distressed to look the part. From storage boxes, coffee tables and shelving to lighting, works of art and mirror frames, utilizing this style in your own home is only
limited by the bounds of your imagination.
The most important thing with this type of look is to go as authentic as the budget allows, whether it will be original pieces or good-quality reproductions or, perhaps, a combination of both. The danger is if you go too cheap with bad imitations the whole look can appear very contrived and lose its effect Entirely.

Design tips
1. Raw or aged metals work extremely well with weathered timber finishes. For visual contrast or a design accent, mix neutral industrial palettes with pops of bright color.
2. Add some softening touches to hard surfaces such as a decorative pot plan on an industrial-style table or some vibrant cushions to add texture and create balance on a bench seat.
3. Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting when looking to achieve an industrial look. As the style is quite masculine in nature, tone things down with warm lighting effects such as lamps or down lights.

Expert tip
Concrete surfaces and finishes complement the industrial style and suit contemporary outdoor designs. Consider expose aggregate paving, polished concrete bench or table tops or cast-concrete bowls and pots.

Beautiful Garden with Linger

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 7 Apr 2017 17:13:00 -0700

A Portuguese laurel hedge covers the paling fence and merges the garden with the parkland beyond.

Once you venture into this layered, highly textural garden, you won’t ever want to leave

The brief was to create a lush space that could be viewed from a raised patio and from inside the two-story house, and to change what was initially a rather cheap developer’s garden with some scrappy natives into an urban oasis. The garden also had to feel private when you walked through it the owners definitely didn’t want people in the neighbouring park seeing over the fence.

The paving used in this garden is a mix of pea gravel
and slate, interspersed in places with mondo grass.

It was important that the new garden look as if it had been designed as part of the house, so I had to take the existing soft rendered finish on the walls and the sandstone-paved patio into consideration. Also, each owner liked different types of plants and planting styles, one being more formal than the other, so I needed to combine both preferences within the space.

An S-shaped curve disguises the triangular
shape of the block in a bid to make
the overall space appear larger

Although you can see the native gums in the park, the overall garden has a casual Mediterranean look with semi-formal features, such as hedging, were used to create garden spaces but inside each of those spaces, the look is loose and slightly overgrown, making them soft and inviting. An S-shaped curve, defined by mild steel edging, runs down one side of the garden to disguise the triangular shape of the block. It also means the garden is not seen all at once when you enter through the side gate, which works to make the overall space, which is quite compact, appear larger than it actually is. This “S” bed is quite deep, allowing for layered planting to disguise the fence boundaries, and is bordered by a low buxus hedge.

A circular spiral of stones was set in the area of gravel
towards the rear of the garden to add interest.

On the other side, a Portuguese laurel hedge works as a nice backdrop, covering a plain paling fence and blending the garden into the park on the other side. Along the base of the patio, there is a series of clipped French lavender fins, which echo the privacy screens attached to the house and create a strong graphic element in contrast to the softer elements. Between the lavender fins are tightly clipped buxus balls, which appear to have just rolled off the patio and found a place on the ground at random.

The shape of the clipped lavender fins references
the shape of the privacy screens on the residence.

Other plants in the space include a kalamata olive tree, a lemon tree, mondo grass tuff s through the gravel and a Melianthus major, which attracts birds when in flower, and interesting serrated leaves thereafter. Contributing burgundy-red accents in the largely green planting palette, there is a Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, redstemmed euphorbia and a coral bark maple.

This timber bench is oriented to take in
a leisurely view of the densely planted landscape.

My approach is to design gardens that can be “gardened” and clipped if the owner chooses and has the time to create the semi-formal effect or they can be left for a year and become slightly overgrown and much softer while still looking good. This way the owner has choices and the garden doesn’t always need to look the same. At the end of the day, I always ask myself, would I feel comfortable sitting in this garden having a drink or reading a book. If the answer is yes and I wouldn’t feel like I’m sitting in a display garden or a fancy hotel courtyard, then I have achieved what I set out to do.

Gardenline make Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Thu, 6 Apr 2017 16:36:00 -0700

Long straight lines add drama to the space

Straight, angular or curved … lines can create different effects and moods

Lines in the garden can be used to lead the eye and focus the attention of the viewer, or they can be employed to physically guide people through a space. Lines create focal points and influence the mood of the landscape. Different ways of using lines in a landscape have Different effects on the emotions of the people viewing them. Lines are also critical to creating a sense of structure and developing the aesthetic appeal of a garden.

Boasts straight-lined paving
for a subtle formal touch.

Creating different effects
How can lines be used and what effects do they have in landscape design? Generally, there are straight, angular lines or curved, organic lines. The type of lines used will affect the mood of the people spending time in or viewing the garden and the speed at which they will move through the landscape. Here are some examples of the effect certain types of lines can have:
- Straight lines: These give a structured, ordered and purposeful feeling. On the other end of the spectrum, curved flowing lines throughout a landscape result in a calmer mood, which can feel more natural and soothing; even more welcoming.
-Long straight lines: For a strong impact, use long straight lines. They draw attention directly to the point at the end of the line. Such lines can either be utilized for effect and to introduce a sense of drama or softened with interruptions to the line.
- Lines with sharp angles: Sharp angles, including zigzags, can give an impression of energy and excitement. But in the wrong place, particularly when used in small spaces, they can create tension.
- Crossing lines: To create interest and draw attention to the intersection point, use crossing lines. It resembles the “vanishing point” that is created on the horizon, which is a sight commonly seen when traveling along long straight roads or paths.
-Circular lines: A circle or oval can give the impression of enclosure and a feeling of being embraced or surrounded by the landscape. Circles draw the eye into and around them, like the lines in the center of a flower that direct bees where to land.

The curves and circles create
a relaxed and inviting look.

Designing with lines
Lines can be created with hard landscape elements such as paving, retaining and garden walls, planters, sculpture, water features, ponds and pools, arches and structures such as pergolas. Lines are also formed by soft landscaping, including plants, branches and water, as well as shadow and light.
Lines can be used to attract attention towards a feature or to distract the eye away from an unpleasant element. Lines can be used to take you on a journey from one focal point to the next, either physically or visually. The interior and exterior lines of the house can be considered within the landscape so when viewed through windows, the vista is accentuated within your property to draw attention.
When there are dominant line styles in the existing architecture, or the surrounding buildings, the lines of the landscape need to be integrated harmoniously. This can be done by contrasting the line style or complementing it. Angular architecture can be softened by the style chosen for the landscape, or the sharp angles can be echoed in the lines and surfaces of the landscape.

How many lines?
Man-made structures often have many lines, which can lead to a melange of conflicting angles. Without care, the effect can look haphazard. Nature, on the other hand, tends to blend one object (a boulder, tree, creek) into another and lines only emerge where different natural element start and finish.

If you have multiple lines crowding a space, there will be a sense of movement and busyness. If there are fewer lines in a large space or an area of heavy texture, it can create a calmer feeling and ensure that the lines have a greater design impact. You also need to consider the spacing of lines. Random spacing results in a more relaxed look while regimented lines give a sense of order.

Expert tip
Consider your garden’s viewing points. Where will the landscape be viewed from: a doorway, looking down from above, a deck, the street? Also consider how you might frame these viewing points by using lines.

Tooling For Organic Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 4 Apr 2017 15:35:00 -0700

IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR ORGANIC GARDEN STARTED THE FIRST THINGS YOU NEED ARE A FEW BASIC TOOLS TO GET YOU GOING.

A gardener is only too happy to get their hands dirty but that doesn’t mean you want to tear your hands to shreds to shift mountains of soil bare-handed. You need tools and the tools you choose will become your friends and allies so choose them wisely.

The key with your tools is to buy them with the intent of passing them on to your grandchildren. You plant a tree for the long term so it makes sense to buy your garden implements for the long term too. There is no such thing as a cheap tool. You may not pay a lot of dollars for it but someone else makes up for the true price for your bargain through cheap labor and cheap manufacture standards, and of course terrible environmental consequences.
Tools are an extension of your hands, legs, and mind in the garden. They extend your reach, increase your strength, improve your efficiency and above all else provide assistance for specific tasks, particularly the repetitive ones. Tools do not make the gardener, rattier the gardener makes the tools work for them. If you keep these simple few thoughts in mind, you won’t be needing to build a shed to house every tool known to humankind before you harvest your very first lettuce or tomato or flower.

A Spade
Which comes first, the spade or the secateurs? Probably your spade because you need to work soil and compost before you actually start cutting too much (aside from if you are clearing of course). A good spade is multi-purpose... good for digging, cutting grass and roots, turning soil and mixing compost or potting mix. Buy a good spade and you will have it for many years and that little extra investment will pay for itself hundreds of times over.

Secateurs
Like your spade, go for a top quality brand of secateurs with a replaceable blade. You won’t go out in the garden without them as there is always something to nip. Trim, cut or prune wherever the eye is cast. There are many different types of secateurs but a pair that cuts right through the stem is the best multi-use option to begin with.

A fork
A good Fork is a must in the garden. Ensure that the teeth/tynes are all pressed from one piece as individually welded on teeth will invariably break off in time. Forks are great for loading and shifting materials like woodchip, mulch, straw green waste etc. You can use them to aerate the ground as well as mark lines to sow seeds. There's nothing better than moving a good Fork-load of mulch in one turn, something that a shovel or spade could not do.

A Square-Mouthed Shovel
This is ideal for loading from one area to a barrow and then for pushing it around at your destination. They are also great for sliding along concrete or asphalt/hard surfaces so that you can work from the edge of a pile inwards quite easily and methodically.

A Rake
Rakes come in handy for the dean-up side of your work. A good plastic rake is great for collecting leaves and raking clean grass and pavement areas where there are lots of leaves, grass clippings or debris. A metal rake is great for working the soil. Start with a plastic rake and work up from there as time goes on.

A Wheelbarrow
Depending on the scale of your garden to start with, you can always start with buckets if it is just a raised garden bed and some pots. However, for a bigger backyard, a wheelbarrow is a worthy investment. Lighter weight wheelbarrows can be useful in some instances as they are easy to maneuver. Be careful about getting one with a super-wide front wheel as they are harder to push around and more suited for construction sites and when doing the heavy work of establishing the garden.
Overall, as you tool up For your organic garden remember the simple motto, you don’t need many tools but make sure the ones you have are good quality ones.

Tools Favorite
I have a landscape tool that I can’t live without when working which I call a “wonder level”. For a landscaper's kit bag it is a must and I use it to get soil or gravel areas leveled off as well as leveling sand prior to paving. I love this tool. For gardeners on the early part of their journey it is not really necessary but think about it For when you are ready.

Making up a compost

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 4 Apr 2017 11:30:00 -0700

Making Compost at home

Composting involves you getting in touch with the “waste” from your own life and learning the art of creating a resource that will fuel the nutritious growth of you garden for a lifetime.
Composting is one or the first, if not the first, activities that you need to engage in when getting started with organic growing. Even when you are planning, setting up, setting out and laying down the parameters for what, where and how you are going to grow your organic garden, composting is something that you can start straightaway.
The really inspiring and exciting things is that starting up a compost bin is one way that you can actually change the world, by specifically changing the world that is immediately around you. Composting is something that any gardener worth their weight in humus I doing on an ongoing basis.
Although there is a “yuck” factor to work through as compost can get a little smelly, when done properly composting is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your health and for the planet.

Jumping Into the Compost Bin of Life
So where do you technically get started with composting? The first point on your composting journey is simply “awareness”. The easiest way to become aware of your composting possibilities is to start thinking about your waste, the outputs that you generate as human every single day. One way you can do it is to carry a bag around with you and to put everything that you go to throw out into this bag. The best part of doing this is that carrying this waste around makes you aware of it in all of its dimensions. If you feel a bit self-conscious carry it around in a non-transparent bag, but if you are not self-conscious carry it around in a clear bag so that others can see what in it and hopefully ask you questions. That way you are also actually composting the minds of others in the process.
The idea behind this is that you can then look inside your bag and start to determine what are the things that are compostable and which are recyclable. This is the best way to get connected to compost in is its true context. That context just happens to be every minute of your day, every human activity develops some of sort of output. Without getting into the intricacies of entropy, if you can appreciate the cyclical nature of resource you are halfway towards dealing with the problems that our consumption-based economy has created.
Once you have established in your own mind what it means to be composting you are ready to get started with the practicalities. Set up two containers in your kitchen where you can separate you food scraps ready for composting. On top of that, recognize and act on the “recyclables”. Auditing the average garbage bin in Australia shows that more than half of the material consigned to landfill is compostable scraps and paper. When you consider that of all the garbage going out every week, half of it is a resource, then putting a bin out could be seen as a crime against the environment if you don’t take the time to separate your waste.
Composting puts value in garbage. When things are mixed you have a red bin, and it may be called mixed waste but in effect it is garbage. When it is separated into the distinct categories of waste that “garbage” bin becomes a resource receptacle. It is this change of thinking that is the basis of composting. To those who look at it from a financial point of view, composting is a resource simply awaiting transformation into a state where it can be taken up by nature’s systems and reused. This is where you have a chance to support nurture and regenerate not only nature and nature’s health and the health of our produce but, naturally enough, your own health.

Creating Your Composting Bin
Two simple definitions that you need to take on board in terms of your composting are “green” and “brown”, or “nitrogen” and “carbon”. It is probably easier to think of it in terms of living things are “green” (nitrogen providing), and dead things are “brown” (carbon providing). Green living thins include recent cuttings from trees, green waste such as recent lawn clipping, and food scraps. Brown, or carbon, includes dry grass clipping, dry leaves, twigs and shredded paper. Whit these definition in mind you are ready to set up your compost bin;

Step 1 Find a position for your compost bin where it can sit on the ground. Place compost bin of rabbit proof fence or chicken where on ground. This prevents any visits or intrusions by unwanted visitors.

Step 2 Put your bin on the wire

Step 3 Put a layer of dry mixed leaves from your garden or your local park. This is a “brown” or carbon layer

Step 4 Put your first layer of green waste in, which should be from your garden, including off-cuts and fresh grass clipping, to about 150-200mm thick. Water this layer in with half a watering can of water

Step 5 Put in your first layer of composting food scraps.

Step 6 From this point alternate layers of brown and green waste as per the “compost recipe”. Ensure that each time you add material you water it in. Each time you water it in turn your compost, either with a corkscrew turner or a fork. Once your, compost is sitting for its maturation period, make sure that once week you add water and turn it.

Once the bin is full it has to be left and can be used after eight to ten week. So to do composting properly you actually need two bins. One bin will be your working bin that you are adding to, the other will be breaking down, ready to be used. This way you have an ongoing supply of compost.

Creating a Family Heirloom
Your compost, and the recipe for it, will become a family heirloom. You will learn all the intricacies and how to adjust. When you compost gets too wet, add some dry material (your brown matter). If it’s too dry make sure to add some additional water and green material. Just like all of your favorite recipes, creating family heirlooms takes time. The best way to learn about composting is through observation of your won compost bin. Composting is an activity that you will constantly develop and refine. Ultimately you can pass on your discovered compost wisdom to family and friends, and what a gift your are giving them and the planet at the same time.

Compost Recipe
Always add the same amount of brown waste as green waste. So if you add the equivalent of a shoe box full of food scraps from your kitchen then add a shoe box full of brown waste to cover it.
Remember that to be prepared, so next to your compost bin you need to have the other ingredients that you will need. Cooking up a compost bin is like cooking to any other recipe; you need to have all the other ingredients ready so that you can add these as you go along.
Have two bins next to your compost bin. One bin can be full of twigs. The other bin can be full of grass that you have allowed to dry out with some paper added. That way every time that you add some green waste to the bin you can add the equivalent in brown waste.
Other ingredients that you can have to hand are chicken pellets, or scratching from you chicken pen, that you can add between layers every now and then. You can also have a bag full or rock dust so that you can add a dusting over the top of your compost every couple of weeks, to add more minerals to your overall complete compost.
So each time you add a layer, make sure to add the equivalent in opposite material. Think of your compost as an alternating green with a few additions like chicken pellets and rock dust thrown in.

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa )

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 3 Apr 2017 18:17:00 -0700

Sweet Strawberry

The cultivated strawberry plant (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), is a member of the rose Family Rosaccaes. Prior to the relatively recent development of F x ananassa in the last couple of centuries, the more common strawberries were wood strawberries (F. vesca) and musky strawberries (F moschata), which were cultivated in Europe and Russia for centuries. These species were largely supplanted by cultivation of F x ananassa over the past 250 years.
Strawberry plants are perennial, "stoloniferous" plants, meaning that they spread via stolons or “runners". The runners produce "daughter” plants at every other node. Flowers of the plant are white, with 25-30yellow stamens and the center flower opens first and is largest, producing the largest fruit. They are self-fruitful and therefore do not need cross-pollination for fruiting although bee activity is beneficial in transferring pollen to stigmas in an individual flower.
The strawberry is actually an accessory fruit, since the part that we eat does not originate from the ovary of the plant The true "fruits” are actually the numerous, tiny specks that cover what we call the strawberry.

Your healing strawberries
Strawberries, like all berries, are an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols. Strawberries also contain a range of nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, B vitamins and potassium. It is the powerful polyphenols, however, that have been shown in recent times to be mighty healthy for us.

Berry young brains
One of the factors involved in ageing is a steady decline in your body’s defences against things like inflammation and free radical damage. As a result diseases of the joints, heart disease, cancer, and degeneration of your brain can occur. There is also another defensive mechanism in your brain that drops off as you age. Your brain has a range of natural self-deaning processes. The cells that do this housekeeping are called microglia and they remove the by- products of the chemical processes in your brain. "Autophagy" is the name given to this cleaning process that microglia perform. If autophagy did not happen the biochemical by-products would clog up your brain circuitry and interfere with the way your brain functions. As you age, this is exactly what happens; your microglia don't work as efficiently and debris builds up choking your mental processes. If that piece of news has ruined your morning coffee then perk up because the good news is that berries have been shown to help boost the actions of microglia in your brain.
Polyphenols are the antioxidant molecules in berries that give them their various lustrous colours and also provide their healing power. What these polyphenols have been shown to do is block the action of a protein that shuts down the process of autophagy. So by blocking this protein, berries allow the cleansing process in your brain to go on as close to normal as possible.
Berries also offer another way to keep your brain young. Since inflammation and stress are thought to play a major role in cognitive decline as you age, researchers wanted to see whether eating these anti-inflammatory berries might correlate to a slower rate of brain deterioration. To examine this they used data from the Nurses Health Study which draws on data from 121.700 nurses and published their findings in the Annals of Neurology. The study began in 1976 and the nurses were all aged between 30 and 55 when they were examined. Between 1995 and 2001,16.000of them, by then aged at least 70. had their cognitive function assessed at two-year intervals and their results were matched against their diet. It was found that those who ate more strawberries and blueberries had slower rates of cognitive decline. that meant their brains were effectively 2.5 years younger than their non-berry eating counterparts.

UV protection
You might not think of strawberries as sun protection but research suggests they very well could be.
Researchers from Spain and Italy prepared human skin cell cultures and added strawberry extracts to the cultures at concentrations of 0.05mg/ml, 0.25mg/ml, and 0.5mg/ml. These skin cells were then exposed to UV light equivalent to 90 minutes of midday summer sun on the French Riviera. The strawberry protected cells were compared to cells that had no strawberry but an equal UV exposure. The results showed that cells immersed in strawberry extract survived better and had reduced DNA damage. The protection also increased as the concentration increased with 0.5mg/ml extracts giving the best protection.
This study is showing that the antioxidant anthocyanin compounds from strawberries have anti-inflammatory and enzyme modifying effects that reduce the chances of developing skin cancer and skin damage. Further research will have to be done to see how well strawberry anthocyanins are absorbed through the skin but the suggested ability of strawberries to protect against radiation is not new. Earlier research done at the University of Maryland lias shown that eating strawberries could protect astronauts against the negative effects of cosmic radiation.

Alcohol protection
Most of us know that alcohol beyond one or two glasses a day is not a good thing. It is treated as a poison by the body and even its breakdown produces some nasty by- products. It seems though that strawberries might offer protection against this.
In a new study, researchers gave strawberry extract to rats at the rate of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for 10 days. Other rats were not given the strawberries. After 10 days the rats were given alcohol in their drinking water. Those rats who had been given strawberry extract suffered significantly less damage to the stomach lining than did other rats. It is important to note though, that while strawberries will protect the stomach lining, they will not stop, or slow, you getting drunk.

An organic must
Strawberries are part of the "Dirty Dozen", the 12 fruits and vegetables most likely to be contaminated with pesticides and herbicides. The difference between organic and commercially grown strawberries is significant.
In a recent study (PLUS ONE) researchers found that organic strawberries have higher levels of vitamin C and also antioxidant polyphenols than non-organic strawberries. However, non organic strawberries had higher levels of potassium and phosphorous probably because these two nutrients feature heavily in non-organic fertilizers. Additionally, organic strawberries had a longer shelf-life and were more dense with greater dry matter (as opposed to fluid). Taste was broadly comparable between the two strawberry types.
In all, the researchers concluded that organic strawberries were a higher quality fruit. That is even before you consider the contaminants that commercially grown non-organic strawberries are likely to carry.

Grow Your Strawberries

When to plant: Planting time varies, depending on location and variety.

Climate: Suits most Australian zones, but do some research on the variety best suited to your climate.

Aspect/placement: Likes fertile, sunny well-drained position and slightly acidic soil.

Specific needs: Prepare the soil with manure and compost before planting your seedlings or runners. Leave room between plants to improve ventilation. Water root zone regularly during fruiting and apply liquid seaweed fertilizer fortnightly. Mulch with pea straw to keep fruit off the ground and snails at bay. Strawberries send out runners. Remove so the plant focuses its energy on growth and fruit production.
Strawberries produce well for about three years, but are prone to viral diseases. It’s best to replace them after three seasons with new virus-free plants or runners and prepare a new garden area. Good for pots and hanging baskets.

Companion planting: Members of the onion family.

Harvesting: Eat sun-ripened strawberries straight from the bush. Fruit production can take about 3 weeks from flowering depending on the conditions. Consider netting your crop if birds are a problem.

Pumpkin, Squash & Zucchini (Curcubita spp.)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 1 Apr 2017 16:05:00 -0700

Pumpkin

It makes sense to group these three plants together since they all belong to same Family, the Curcubitaceae family, and they are able to cross-fertilize. It can all get a bit confusing when it comes to naming but we’ll have a go. What we call pumpkin, the Americans call winter squash. The small yellow- and green-colored squash called “sunburst squash” or “white squash” in Australia are called “scallop squash” in America and are grouped with zucchini as “summer squash”. Both zucchini and yellow (scallop) squash belong to the species Curcubita pepo. Then there are the myriad of other “squashes” available that are too numerous to account for here.
Pumpkins also have many varieties and can belong to the species C. pepo or C. moschate or C. maxima. Butternut (C. moschata) and Jap (also C. moschata) are the two most common pumpkins that are

Consumed in Australia.
Whatever you call them, the thing these Curcubita species share in common that they grow as a rambling vine over a large area. These plants were domesticated in Central America as far back as 10,000years ago and were taken by Portuguese and Spanish explorers to many parts of the world, where they have remained popular ever since. Interestingly, while pumpkin has been consumed for over 10,000 years, it was First cultivated specifically For its seeds since earlier squash did not contain much Flesh, and what they did contain was very bitter and unpalatable.

Your healing Curcubita
Zucchini and sunburst squash are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C and antioxidant nutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin. They also provide a range of B vitamins.
The very color of a pumpkin is a pointer to its rich carotenoid content. In Fact, one cup of pumpkin contains more than 10,000 IU (international units) of vitamin A and also has around 20mg of vitamin C. That cup of pumpkin will also provide you with approximately 340 milligrams oFomega-3 Fats in the form of alpha-linoienic acid. So pumpkin is quite a good nutritional Food although in recent times its reputation has been tarnished somewhat You might have heard that pumpkin is a high “glycaemic index food”. The glycaemic index (GI) describes a Food's ability to raise blood glucose levels relative to glucose itself. Glucose has a Gl
of 100 and pumpkin has a high Gl of 75. People wanting to lose weight and manage blood sugar levels have been wary of pumpkin For this reason but that fear appears to have been unwarranted. What the Gl does not take into account is how much carbohydrate a normal serve of any given Food contains. A Food may contain carbohydrates that will raise blood glucose levels but a normal serve of that food may only contain small quantities of carbohydrates and such is the case with pumpkin. The figure that has been developed to allow For this is "glycaemic load” (GL). So while pumpkin has a Gl of 75 a normal serving size of pumpkin is 80g, making the available carbohydrate per serve only 4g. GL is calculated as the Gl multiplied by the amount of carbohydrate per serve in grams and then divided by 100. This gives a GL score for pumpkin of 3 which is very low.

Snack Food heaven
One of the best things about pumpkins is that you have virtually no waste and are able to use most of the plant because pumpkin seeds are a very healthy snack.
Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as a special source of the mineral zinc, and the World Health Organization recommends their consumption as a good way of obtaining this nutrient. Under the seed coat or husk is a very thin layer called the endosperm envelope, and it is often pressed up very tightly against the seed coat. Zinc is especially concentrated in this endosperm envelope so it is best to leave the husk on when roasting your pumpkin seeds. Whole roasted, unshelled pumpkin seeds contain about 10 milligrams of zinc per 100 grams.
To roast your pumpkin seeds just scoop the pulp and seeds from inside the pumpkin and separate out the seeds. Put the seeds on a single layer cooking pan and roast them at a low temperature of about 75°C in the oven for 15-20 minutes. By roasting them For a relatively short time at a low temperature you minimize damage to the healthy oils in the seeds. Linoleic acid (the polyunsaturated omega-6 Fatty acid) and oleic acid (the same monounsaturated fatty acid that is plentiful in olive oil) account for about 75 per cent of the fat found in the seeds.

Pumpkin Soil Detox
Research published in the International Journal of Phytoremediation has shown that pumpkin can be an effective crop for use in remediation of contaminated soils. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including pyrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(a)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene are unwanted contaminants. PAHs are among the contaminants that can be effectively pulled up out of the soil by pumpkin plants. You definitely do not want to transfer soil contaminants like PAHs up into your food, so we are not suggesting that you plant a pumpkin crop in contaminated soil and then eat the pumpkins! However, this does illustrate that pumpkin might be a useful way to remediate damaged soil beyond home gardens.

Grow Your Curcubita

When to plant: Sow pumpkins when soil temperatures are above 18°C. In cooler areas start seedlings in warm position and plant out after frost danger has passed. Plant zucchini and squash in spring and summer.

Climate: Pumpkins grows across a range of climates throughout Australia, but they don't like high humidity. Squash and zucchini require similar climates.

Aspect/placement: Likes full sun. and plenty of room, or grow on a trellis.

Specific needs: Plant pumpkin, squash and zucchini in rich, free-draining soil. Prepare well with well-rotted manure and compost. Mulch with pea straw or lucerne to help soil retain moisture and to keep fruit off the ground. Keep water up to plants when fruiting. Plants bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant and are insect-pollinated. Pumpkins sometimes need hand pollination. Pick male flowers identified as being the ones with smaller stems -and brush inside female Rowers that have just started opening.

Companion planting: Sweetcorn.

Harvesting: Zucchinis are prolific fruiters so pick regularly before the fruits grow to become large, tasteless and tough
Squash are also yummy when they are picked young and tender. Most pumpkins need at least = 12 weeks of warm conditions to mature. Harvest when the stalk becomes woody, and be sure to cut them from the vine, leaving as long a stalk as possible so they keep longer. Try cooking the flowers too.

Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 16:19:00 -0700

Passionfruit - Granadilla

As wonderful as passionfruit is both from an aesthetic and culinary point of view, it does not, as some sources will tell you, offer sedative and anxiety reducing effects.

Passionfruit, also known as Granadilla, is a delicious fruit to grow in your organic garden. It is native to subtropical wild regions of South America and probably originated in Paraguay. Botanically the purple passionfruit that you know and love belongs to the family of Passifloraceae, and has the species name Passi flora edulis.
There are a some golden or yellow varieties of passionfruit available these days that go by the botanical name Passiflora edulis flavicarpa (Panama Gold passionfruit). Just to confuse the issue further there are also some purple varieties of the P. edulis flavicarpa (known as Panama Red) that are now available. The two latter varieties are favored by some people as they produce larger and juicier fruit than the traditional passionfruit.
The passionfruit plant is an avid climber that grows on anything it can get its tendrils through and around. Passionfruit grow upwards so you get lots of fruit for little space and in hot areas you can even grow them up trees. They also grow in large pots on a balcony.

Passionfruit - Granadilla

Your healing passionfruit
Perhaps the greatest gift that passionfruit has to give you is its taste but that does not mean that it is without nutritional value. Around 100 grams of passionfruit pulp contains about 400 kilojoules and is also a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fiber.
Passionfruit is a good fibre source, with 100 grams of frut pulp providing around 10 grams of fiber. Fiber in your diet helps balance cholesterol as well as acting as a bulk laxative. Passionfruit is also a good source of vitamin C. providing about 30mg per 100g. It is not a massive dose but certainly a useful one and as well as all the actions of vitamin C for immunity there is another benefit as well. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron and this is especially relevant since passionfruit also contains iron.
Passionfruit also contains vitamin A at around 1274IU per 10Og. Both vitamin A and vitamin C are antioxidants and the antioxidant effects of passionfruit are boosted even further by the flavonoids beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin- beta. As well as being antioxidants, these flavonoids, along with vitamin A, are useful insupporting good eyesight.
Potassium is an important mineral for many functions throughout your body, including muscle function, and 100 grams of passionfruit pulp contains about 348mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids, and helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Passionfruit is also a good source of copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Don’t be fooled
As wonderful as passionfruit is both from an aesthetic and culinary point of view, it does not, as some sources will tell you. Offer sedative and anxiety reducing effects.
What these sources are doing is confusing the plant that is widely used in herbal medicine for these purposes and which is known as Passion Flower. The botanical name for Passion Flower is Passiflora incarnata, so it is certainly of the same family but the fruits of Passion Flower (also known as Maypop)are yellowish to orange and about the size of a chicken's egg.
While the use of the leaves of Passion Flower to make a tea to reduce anxiety and improve sleep goes back to Aztec times there is no evidence that passionfruit offers any of these benefits.

Grow Your Passionfruit

When to plant: Plant vines from early From September to December. After the frosts have passed in cooler regions.

Climate: PassionFruits grow throughout Australia. Check at your local nursery to find the best variety for your area.

Aspect/placement: Likes Full sun and plenty of room. Frost sensitive.

Specific needs: Grow your passionfruit vine on a structure, such as a trellis. Likes well-drained soil, but not wet Feet. Keep the water up to your vine, particularly during Fruiting periods and when it's dry. Vigorous growers, so keep in check with regular pruning of the old. Woody growth in late winter, early spring. This will encourage new growth and flowers. Passionfruit are heavy Feeders so add plenty of composted chook manure twice a year in autumn and spring. Mulch around the roots with pea straw to protect From the sun. Some passionfruits are grown as grafted plants, so remove suckers that grow From beneath the graft.

Harvesting: Vines usually crop within at least 18 months of planting in cooler temperate zones, but in hot and subtropical climates expect Fruit within six to eight months. Fruit drops when ripe, taste it, or watch For when it changes color usually From green to black.

Silverbeet (Beta vulgaris)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:01:00 -0700

If there is any plant that you want to grow in your garden silver beet may be it. That’s not because of any magical properties it has but because it is highly perishable and is best eaten 10 minutes after it is harvested. IP you wrap it tightly in an airtight bag and keep it refrigerated, it might keep for five days but it is best eaten fresh.
There has been confusion in Australia between silver beet and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) but. as their species names tell you, they are two quite distinct plants although they do belong to the same Family along with beets. As we shall see later there are some significant nutritional differences between spinach and silver beet.
Silver beet is also known as Swiss chard in places like America, despite the Fact that it did not originate in Switzerland. In Fact, silver beet began in the Mediterranean and as Far back as the 4th century the Greek Aristotle was lauding its healthy properties.

Your healing silver beet
Silver beet is a great dietary source of fiber, iron, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and beta-carotene. In addition it contains a range of antioxidant flavonoids. In Fact, it might be that one of these flavonoids could help with blood sugar control because it reduces the action of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbohydrates intosimple sugars. If this enzyme is blocked fewer carbohydrates get broken down and blood sugar is able to stay more steady, this is especially useful after a meal. Add this to the high fiber content of silver beet and the potential benefits for blood sugar are many.
Silver beet is also a useful Food For your bones. It contains reasonable amounts of calcium and importantly contains vitamin K as well. Vitamin K does a couple of things to support your bones. Firstly it stops excessive activation of cells called osteoclasts whose job it is to big up bone. On top of vitamin activates osteocalcin which anchors calcium molecules inside bones. While there are oxalates present in silver beet and they do reduce calcium absorption to a small degree, the evidence is that there is more than enough calcium present in silver beet to make up For that.
So with vitamin K and calcium, silver beet is a great bone food.

Silver beet vs Spinach
In the section on spinach we will spell out the many benefits of that particular leafy green vegetable, but since Australians can sometimes use the names silver beet and spinach interchangeably, it is worth a quick look at the nutritional differences. Spinach has almost double the fiber content of silver beet. A100 gram serve of cooked spinach contains around 6.3g of fiber while silver beet contains around 3.3g.That same 100g serving of spinach contains 2190 micrograms of betacarotene compared to 41Omcg in silver beet.
In addition, spinach contains around three grams of iron and three grams of protein per 100g, compared to 2.2 grams of iron and 1.9 grains of protein in silver beet Spinach also has around 1.5 times the vitamin K content of silver beet. In one cup of spinach you get around 244mg of calcium compared to around 1OOmg from silver beet.
Silver beet contains 108mcg of folate compared to 90mcg in spinach per 1OOg. Silver beet has almost twice the vitamin C content of spinach.
Silver beet contains less of the undesirable oxalates only having 645mg per 100g compared to 750mg in spinach. On the other hand, spinach has less sodium (which can increase blood pressure), only having 2Qmg per 100y compared to 185mg in silver beet.
Overall, particularly since a lot of people eat these foods thinking that they will get an iron boost, spinach comes out ahead of silver beet Of course, that doesn't mean that silver beet is not a wonderful and nutritious food (because it most certainly is). It just means that spinach is even better.

Grow Your Silver beet

When to plant: Soak seeds, contained in a cork-like coating, overnight to help with germination. Sow directly into the ground or in trays and transplant. Plant throughout the year in Frost-free areas. In cooler regions plant in spring through to autumn.

Climate: Tolerates a range of climates. Watch For Fungal diseases in the humidity.

Aspect/placement: Grows in a sunny but well-drained position.

Specific needs: Likes plenty of nitrogen, potassium and water to ensure plants grow quickly and produce large, tasty green leaves. Prepare soil by adding manure and compost. Liquid Feed with seaweed solution and mulch with pea straw to retain moisture. Grows well in a pot.

Companion planting: Onions, beetroot.

Harvesting: Start picking the outer leaves as soon as they are big enough this usually takes about six weeks Cut them or break them with a downward action. Remove flower stalks.

Herbs

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 18:45:00 -0700

(Perenials – mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme)
(Annuals – basil, coriander, parsley)

Defining a herb is a tricky business. Technically, a herb is a plant whose stem does not produce woody, persistent tissue and generally dies back at the end of each growing season. By that definition, rosemary is not really a herb but we would all think of it as such. So perhaps a herb in modern usage has become something that does not form a main part of a meal but which is used to add flavor or for medicinal effect. You can find your own satisfactory definition of “herb” somewhere within that but by any definition there are hundreds of herbs. The ones that we have chosen here are the favorites and the most useful ones that you can plan to include in your organic garden from a culinary and a medicinal point of view.

Your healing herbs
PERENNIALS

Mint is a useful herb for soothing
the digestion the breath

Mint (Mentha spp.)
Perhaps the most ubiquitous herb today, the power of mint to soothe digestion and sweeten breath is attested by the many mint products available. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a mild mental stimulant, a decongestant and a digestive relaxant. Peppermint oil has been used with success in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This success has come mostly when using enteric-coated peppermint capsules. Spearmint (Mentha cardiaca) has similar properties but is believed not to be quite as strong or effective as its peppery cousin. All mint is carminative, meaning that it will relax intestinal smooth muscle.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano is primarily a culinary spice. It is fantastic as a strong flavoring agent for all sorts of stews, gravies, and cheese sauces. It is closely related to marjoram and is a member of the mint family and so offers the same benefits of mint although to a lesser degree because it contains less essential oil. However, it does offer culinary benefits and in one study was part of a herb mix that helped deal with fatty meals. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, was designed to test the effect of herbs on the response to fatty food. The researchers prepared meals on two separate days for their test subjects. The meal was a chicken curry with Italian herb bread and followed by cinnamon biscuits. It might not sound like the most synchronous combination of foods but it allowed them to test a range of spices. On one occasion the men
were given the meal without spices but on the other occasion they had two tablespoons of spices added to the meal. The spices included rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic and paprika. These spices were chosen as they all have proven antioxidant qualities. Blood tests showed that after the meals with the spices added antioxidant activity in the blood increased by 13 per cent, insulin response decreased by 20 per cent, and triglyceride response decreased by 30 percent.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The name rosemary derives from the Latin ros meaning dew, and marinus meaning sea, hence one of its common names is dew of the sea. Whatever you call it, this herb has been revered by cultures throughout history.
In ancient Greece, rosemary was burnt at shrines to drive away evil spirits and illnesses. It was believed that a fresh twig beneath your pillow could ward off nightmares. A necklace made from rosemary was also believed to preserve your youth and growing rosemary was thought to attract elves to your garden.
Throughout Europe during the Middle ages rosemary was one of the herbs used to flavor beer and wine. In Spain and Italy it was considered a safeguard against witches and evil influences generally. The Sicilians believed that young Fairies, taking the Form of snakes, would lie among its branches. Across the world it has also had a reputation For enhancing memory which is why we still use it as an emblem of remembrance and the evidence is quite strong that this belief in rosemary's effect on memory has a strong basis in fact.
One of the main components of the essentialoil contained in rosemary is 1,8-cineole. It is the aroma of rosemary that is held to impact memory so researchers tested this (Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacologrf by exposing subjects to varying evels of rosemary essential oil aroma and then measuring blood levels of cineole. The subjects were then given tests to measure the speed and accuracy of their cognitive Function. The higher the concentration of 1,8-cineole in the blood, the greater the speed and accuracy for all subjects. The fact that both speed and accuracy improved showed that overall cognitive function was improved by exposure to rosemary aroma and that there was no “trade off” between speed and accuracy.
This may all be happening because of 1,8-cineole which is a “terpene" and is Fat soluble. It can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream via the nasal or lung mucosa and since it is Fat soluble can cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain. Previous research has shown that 1,8-cineole will stop the breakdown of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Although less pronounced the aroma also had an effect on mood. People were more content when smelling rosemary than when not smelling it.

Mix herb pot

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
A European proverb states, "Who has sage in May, shall live for aye". Indeed sage does seem
to help some of the infirmities that come with age. Sage may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and the oestrogenic activity of sage has been Found beneficial for menopausal symptoms. It is also a great antiseptic and astringent which is why sage is
so good as a mouthwash to cure sore throats, mouth ulcers and sore gums. Just pick a few
leaves, add them to a cup of boiling water, let it stand for five minutes and you have a great home-made herbal gargle.

Thyme was praised by the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper in
the mid-17th century as a notable strengthener of the lungs

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme was praised by the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper in the mid-17th century as “a notable strengthener of the lungs”. Thyme is an excellent antiseptic and is still used to treat respiratory problems. It is useful for bronchitis and other respiratory infections as well as being a handy treatment For intestinal worms.
When you rub thyme between your fingers you will smell the delicious essential oil of the plant. Research published in the Journal of Lipid Research has found that thyme essential oil, along with the oils of clove, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot. reduces the production of the inflammatory enzyme COX-2 in cells by at least 25 per cent. The greatest effect was from thyme oil which reduced COX-2 levels by almost 75 percent. The major ingredient in thyme oil responsible for the effect was carvacrol which when used on its own cut COX-2 by o/er 80 per cent.
A surprising new use for thyme may be in treating acne. Researchers (Society for General Microbiology have tested extracts of thyme, mangold, and myrrh on the bacterium that is involved in the skin pores of acne sufferers, Propiombacterium acnes. The results of the trial were that all three herbal preparations were able most effective of the three. Additionally, thyme was found to be more effective than benzoyl peroxidewhch is the active ingredient in many anti -acne preparations. To make the preparations used in this trial the researchers steeped thyme in alcohol for three weeks and then used the alcoholic extract which had drawn the active ingredients from the thyme plant

ANNUALS

Harvest basil leaves often, and remove flowers so plant
don't put energy into seed production

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
In Tudor England, basil represented affection and respect and was given to departing guests. In India, it meant sacredness. In Italy it stood for love, and Hindus still plant it to protect both the living and the dead. In Italy and England, they say the seeds need to be sown accompanied by curses and profanity, so next time you inadvertently let fly with an expletive just explain to the neighbors that you were planting basil.
Basil is strongly aromatic, a quality that derives from its volatile ol content Medicinally it acts mainly on the digestive and nervous systems to relieve flatulence, stomach cramps, indigestion and colic. Applied externally basil acts as an insect repellent or the juice of the plant rubbed onto insect bites will bring relief.

Coriander (Coriander sativum)
Coriander gets its name from "coris”, an ill- smelling bug that reminded people of the unusually scented leaves, and is though to have grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Coriander was certainly mentioned in the Ebers papyrus dating back to 150DBC and the Chinese have also used it for centuries. Hippocrates, father of modem medicine, was also a big fan.
Today, coriander is primarily used for its taste and mild digestive actions. There is also another somewhat specie use for coriander in your cocking: it can reduce the smell produced when cooking chitterlings.
On the fourth Thursday of every November is the American celebration of Thanksgiving. This is a holiday express gratitude to God, family, and friends for all the blessings of this life. Inexplicably, this often celebrated by the consumption of chitterlings, sometimes known as ‘chitlins’-. No name however, can conceal the fact that what is being consumed is pig intestines The word “chitterling” dates back to the Middle Ages and chitlins have been consumed around the world for hundreds of years. Usually the pig intestine is boiled or stewed and on some occasions it is deep fried and then served with cider vinegar and sauces; presumably lots of sauces.
Even If your soul is at peace with the concept of chitlins as a food there is a drawback to the preparation: Stewin' up some chitlins can release a stench reminiscent of their original contents. Onions are sometimes used in the stewing process to ameliorate this but they are not apparently; entirely effective. Researchers however, may have come up with an answer to this particular challenge to chitlin consumption.
The researchers (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry) reasoned that s nee coriander is used in other cuisines to reduce unpleasant smells as well as add flavor, perhaps it might lend its aromatic powers to the chitlin-cookin' dilemma. They treated samples of pig large intestine with various extracts of coriander and asked a lucky panel of human sniffers to rate how badly the intestines smelled. Several substances in coriander were able to reduce the foul odour of chitlins but one substance. (E.E)- 2-4- Undecadienal had a flowery fragrance that could suppress the smell at concentrations as low as 10partspe'billion (that is, 10drops in an Olympic-sized swimming pool).
You dont have to embrace chitlins but if you do have a dish that you love the taste of but the
family, or the neighbors, can’t stand the smell then perhaps you- home-grown coriander may be the culinary deodorizer that you need.

Parsley was used medicinally befor it became
popular as a food, most likely during
the Middle Ages.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is native to the Mediterranean and has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. Initially .t was used medicinally before it became popular as a food (probably during the Middle Ages) and like most herbs parsley has a colorful past Eating parsley has been said to entrance lust and lovemaking. Wearing a wreath of it is said to prevent drunkenness. Folklore aside, the fresh leaves of parsley are highly nutritious and are virtually a natural vitamin and mineral supplement in their own right they contain flavonoids, vitamins A. C and E and good levels of Iron Parsley also contains a compound called apigenin n that has been the subject of promising research.
In research published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research rats that had breast cancer were exposed to apigenin, a component of parsley and also celery. The rats that were exposed to apigenin developed fewer tumors and showed a significant delay in tumor formation compaec to rats not exposed to apigenin. One of the things that we know about breast cancer is that some synthetic hormones used in hormone replacement therapy (HR T) can accelerate breast tumor development. For instance medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) supports breast cancer progression by encouraging blood vessels to grow into tumors giving them the nutrients they need to grow. What these researches also found is that apigenin blocked new blood vessel formation within tumors therefore delaying and sometimes stopping the development of tumors. The exact dosage of apigenin required for humans remains to be found but its another reason to enjoy the delights of your home grown organ c parsley .

ANNUALS
BASIL: Grow From seed when temperatures warm and Frosts have passed. In cooler areas treat as an annual. Likes warm, moist conditions and humus-rich soil. Plant in full sun with good drainage. Protect From Frost. Needs regular water, but constant dampness encourages Fungal disease. Excellent in pots. Harvest leaves often, and remove Flowers so plants don’t put energy into seed production.
Companion plant: Tomatoes.

CORIANDER: Sow seed during the cooler months—autumn, winter and spring — otherwise it tends to bolt to Flower and seed. Likes a sunny, well-drained spot, with high soil Fertility. Keep up the water and Fertilize with liquid seaweed. Will grow in a pot. Pick leaves continuously to encourage new growth but also use stems and roots in cooking.
Companion plant: Radishes, spinach.

PARSLEY: Plant seed directly in spring, summer and autumn. Seed can take time to germinate. Likes a humus rich, moist spot and appreciates some shade. Pick to promote growth and allow it to flower and self-seed in the garden. Usually lasts between one and two years, depending upon where it’s grown.
Companion plant: Asparagus.

INVITE ROSEMARY TO THE BARBECUE
Heterocydic amines (HCAs) are compounds that cause mutations in cells that can lead to cancer. They form when meat and fish are cooked at high temperatures, especially when the meats are grilled, pan-fried or barbecued. The US Department of Health classifies HCAs as carcinogens that can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Hence, there is always investigation into how to reduce HCA content in food. In this study(Journal of food Science) rosemary extracts were added directly onto ground beef patties and cooked at two different temperatures; 204 or 190 degrees Celsius for six minutes each side. All of the rosemary extracts used were effective at reducing HCA content in the beef. So next barbeue, throw some rosemary on with the beef.

MAKING HERB TEAS
Your organic herbs do not only have to be food for you, they can be drinks as well. Since all of the herbs we have covered here are comprised of the soft aerial parts of the plants (except for woody rosemary and you are using the Softer leaves anyway) you can make an in fusion rather than a decoction. This means you just need to take the freshly picked leaves, cover them in boiling water and let them stand for at least five minutes. If you want to dry your herbs to have tea on hand when your plants are not flowering the drying process is quite simple. You can hang bunches of the herbs on your clothesline or string them up on your verandah. Equally you can by them out in trays, preferably ventilated trays, and dry them in the shed or garage. Once the herbs arc crispy just put them in an air-tight container and store them away from light until you fed ready for a herbal tea; then just treat them like any loose-leaf tea and infuse them in boiling water. Don’t fed restricted, experiment with combining your herbs and find taste combinations that work for you. Your garden teas will be a delightful creative, caffeine-free, part of your day.

Grow Your Herbs
PERENNIALS
Can be grown from seed, cuttings, or for thyme and oregano division provides good results too. These are hardy plants that are best suited to a Mediterranean climate. Choose a sunny spot with excellent drainage — they don’t like wet feet. They like slightly alkaline soil and you should avoid over watering and humidity.

MINT: Is best grown in pot or container because it’s prone to run wild. Plant seed in spring and summer; take cuttings; or propagate by root division. Likes moist soils, grows best in the shade. Tip prune or harvest regularly to ensure new growth.
Companion plant: Broccoli.

OREGANO: Makes a great groundcover. Harvest as needed or prune to the ground. Stems can be dried in bunches.
Companion plant: Beans.

ROSEMARY: Regular harvesting helps prune to shape. Grows well in pots. Many forms including dwarf, and prostrate available. Plant a hedge of larger growing varieties.
Companion plant: Cabbages, beans.

SAGE: Harvest leaves as needed. Has pretty mauve flowers. Grow around the vegetable patch to attract bees and repel pests.
Companion plant: Cabbages, beans.

THYME: Leaves and flowers can be harvested.
Companion plant: Cabbages.

Rhubarb

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0700

(Rheum rhaponticum, Rheum officinale, Rheum palmatun)

If you are considering growing rhubarb in your garden you are probably thinking of the lovely desserts that you will have when you bake up the luminous, long, red, snappy stems. This is a perfectly understandable ambition but the added bonus for you is that you will be growing a plant that is part of a family that has been part of the medicinal horde of herbalists for millennia.
Rheum rhaponticurn is the garden rhubarb that you will grow. It is related to R. pomatum and R. officinale which have been Favorites of Chinese herbalists for more than 2000 years but it is the root of the plant that they use. Not the stems. In recent times Western herbalism has also embraced rhubarb root as a powerful medicine. While your garden rhubarb (R. rhaponticuni is not as powerful in its medicinal effects as the other rhubarbs, it does still possess them to a lesser degree.
One thing to be aware of with rhubarb is that you should beware of the leaves. While the roots are medicinal and the stems are a food, the leaves can be poisonous due to high levels of oxalic acid, so don’t get carried away and eat the whole thing.

Your healing rhubarb
Rhubarb contains vitamin A, vitamin C. calcium, and potassium. It is other substances though that attract all the attention to rhubarb. notably anthraquinones and anthocyanins. The major healing effect that herbalists use rhubarb for is that it is a laxative. It contains substances called anthraquinones that irritate nerve bundles in the colon and as a consequence get things moving. If you want to use your rhubarb root in this way you can make yourself a decoction by chopping up between 20 and 40 grams of the root and covering it in around 750ml of water. Bring it to the boiI and let it simmer until you have reduced the liquid to about 500ml. Strain it offand you have three to four doses of rhubarb tea.
Of course, when it comes to the stem the rich color tells you that your eating rhubarb is loaded with antioxidants. In Fact, analysis has shown that rhubarb contains more than 40 antioxidants including powerful anthocyanins. The question is of course whether these antioxidants survive the cooking process.
In a study published in the journal Food Chemistry this question of how the various cooking methods affect the antioxidant effect of rhubarb was addressed. They found that fast stewing, slow stewing and baking all increased the total polyphenol content and overall antioxidant capacity of rhubarb compared to raw. uncooked rhubarb. The patterns of anthocyanin content and total polyphenol content between the different cooking methods suggests that there is a balancing act going when you cook rhubarb. On the one hand cooking facilitates the release of polyphenol compounds from the rhubarb but at the same time it initiates the breakdown of those released compounds.
Baking and slow stewing were found to offer the best maintenance of color through preservation of anthocyanin and the highest antioxidant capacity. In feet, baking for 20 minutes provided well-cooked rhubarb with the highest antioxidant capacity and the highest anthocyanin content.
Interestingly, whereas baking caused an increase in antioxidant anthocyanins. There was a greater decrease in anthraquinone content the longer cooking time progressed. For antioxidant bang for your buck though, bring on the rhubarb crumble, because baked rhubarb is the hot item on the menu.

A word of caution
Anthraquinones are very effective laxatives but this strong effect may not suit everyone. Pregnant women, people with gastrointestinal complaints, and people taking other laxatives should not use rhubarb root. Pregnant women in particular should avoid rhubarb because anthraquinones can cause contractions of the uterus. You should also not use rhubarb root for long periods since long-term use of anthraquinones can eventually lead to the bowel becoming non-responsive.

Grow Your Rhubarb

When to plant: Best grown from crowns, usually available in winter. Can be grown from seed, but it takes longer to produce edible stalks.

Climate: Adaptable but grows best in cool to warm conditions, quality is said to decrease as the temperature rises above 27°C.

Aspect/placement: Likes an open sunny position, but also tolerates some shade and will withstand some frosts.

Specific needs: Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that grows to about 1m by 1m in well-drained soil. Before planting prepare soil with well-rotted manure, compost and blood and bone. Keep plants watered and mulched. Apply well-rotted manure annually for continued leaf growth.
Remove flower stems as they appear. Grows well in a pot. The leaves are poisonous, containing high levels of oxalic acid. These can be added to the compost heap. Rhubarb is a perennial that happily grows in the same spot for about three to four years. Then divide it and replant the crowns.

Harvesting: To harvest, pull the outermost stalks in a downward motion away from the crown (don’t cut the stems because this may cause rotting). Don’t over- harvest. be sure that more than half the stems remain on the plant.

Radish (Raphanus sativus)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0700

The radish is one of the first recorded cultivated vegetables. In China there are records of radishes being grown as early as 700 BCE and these humble little root crops were also favorites of the Egyptian pharaohs.
The name "radish” comes from the Latin, radix, which means a root. The first portion of their species name, Raphanus, in Greek translates to "quickly appearing”, which you will find is very apt once you start to grow these delightful vegetables. Indeed the very rapidity of their growth makes radishes a wonderful way to get children involved in gardening because the rewards for their efforts are almost instantaneous.
Radishes are not exactly nutritional powerhouses but they are a good source of vitamin C, and make a tasty appetizer or salad ingredient. Used in succession planting, radishes are very easy to cultivate and can be grown i n any part of the country if planted at the proper time. They are frequently used to mark rows in the garden because of their quick germination and rapid growth. Radish seed is often mixed with slow-germinating beet seed so that the radishes will mark the beet row.
The most popular part for eating is the root, although the entire plant is edible and the tops can be used as a leaf vegetable. The bulb of the radish is usually eaten raw. Most often in salads but tougher specimens can be steamed. The raw Flesh has a crisp texture and a pungent, peppery Flavor that is caused by chewing this action combines substances called glucosinolates in the radish with the enzyme myrosinase. which when brought together Form allyl -isothiocyanates, also present in mustard, horseradish and wasabi.

Your healing radish
Radishes (the root) are rich in ascorbic acid. Folic acid and potassium. They are a goodsource of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and calcium. In addition, they are very low in calories. One cup of sliced radish bulbs provides approximately 20 calories or less, coming largely From carbohydrates, making radishes, relative to their size, an extremely filling food for their caloric value. The fact that you can fill up on radish without consuming too many calories has led to them being recommended for weight- loss programs.
While radish has not been extensively studied in recent times it does have a traditional reputation as being able to treat liver disorders. It does this primarily by stimulating the Row of bile and because of this action it also has a reputation as a "detoxifier" In Europe there has been a long-standing use for radish juice. This is simply the juice that is expressed from fresh chopped radish and it has been used for centuries to treat cough, arthritis and gall bladder problems. The method of taking it has been to combine the juice in equal parts with honey. There is no hard, dinicalevidence that radish will work in this way but years and years of use suggest there may be something to it.
When it comes to eating, if your radish lacks a bit of zing you can make it crisper by soaking it in ice-water for a couple of hours. The young, green radish seed pods may be used for pickling, alone or with other vegetables, and are considered a fair substitute for capers.

SUSTAINABLE SEED FUEL
The seeds of the radish can be pressed to extract seed oil. Wild radish seeds contain up to 48 per cent oil content, and while not suitable for human consumption the oil has promise as a source of biofuel. There could be a big future for the humble radish

Grow Your Radish

When to plant: Seeds can be planted pretty much all year. Sow directly and thin as appropriate.

Climate: Grows in all climatic conditions.

Aspect/placement: Sunny well-drained position.

Specific needs: Radishes are a hardy crop that suit most climates, soil types and even tolerate light frosts. In very hot conditions they are prone to bolting to Rower and seed. Select season appropriate varieties and sow small lots every few weeks to ensure a successive harvest. Keep them well-watered to prevent roots splitting and to improve the taste. Try in pots too.

Companion planting: Lettuce, carrot.

Harvesting: Radishes are quick growers and can be ready for harvest in just three weeks. Thinning crop — to about 3-5cm spacing — is a good way to start harvest and allows room for the others to grow. They taste better when young and tender. Pick the young leaves, Rowers and pods for salads too.

Corn (Zea Mays)

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0700

“Corn" is a term that has been used to describe whatever is the leading cereal grain in a given area. In England for many centuries “com" referred to wheat In Ireland and Scotland “corn” was oats. It is all very confusing and makes it virtually impossible for marketers to come up with snappy names for their breakfast cereals. In Australia today the term "corn”, or "sweetcorn” refers to Zea mays, the plant that produces delicious golden com cobs and this is the plant that we are talking about here. Around the world this plant has often been referred to as "maize" and it has a long history of use.

The first domestication of corn in Mexico and Central America actually dates to somewhere between 9000 and 8000 BCE. By the time of the Mayan and the Olmec civilisations, around 2000 to 1500 BCE, com had been adopted as a staple food but also played a role in everyday rituals and religious ceremonies. Today com is still a popular food although no longer quite so sacred since a lot of it in the world today has been genetically modified.

While com is regarded as a grain the sweet com kernels are actually tine fruit of Zea mays.
Typically we think of corn as the golden yellow variety with which we are familiar but there are more than 100 varieties of Zea mays and some can come in red. pink, blue or purple. While com occupies loads of your garden space out of all proportion to its yield, the sheer delight of its taste may make you want to grow it and as we shall see, there are some surprising benefits you can find from parts of the plant that you might normally throw away.

Your healing corn
As a food corn provides fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Corn contains around 10-11 per cent protein which is low compared to other grains but still useful, although of course the protein is not "complete". Yellow corn varieties provide good amounts of the antioxidant nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin.

Eye health

Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls, which are yellow pigments that occur naturally in many plants and vegetables. In nature, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to absorb excess light energy to prevent damage to plants from too much sunlight, especially from high energy light rays called blue light. In addition to being found in plants lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye, giving the macula its yellowish color. In fact, the macula also is called the “macula lutea” (from the Latin macula, meaning "spot," and lutea, meaning "yellow"). It is believed that lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula block blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, thereby reducing the risk of light- induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration (AMD). They are also believed to help reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Be GM aware

In 1994. no Farm acreage in the United States had been planted with genetically modified (GM) corn plants, but today more than 70 per cent of all 91 million acres of corn in the United States are planted with genetically modified varieties. For instance, some corn has been modified to become more insect- resistant by transferring a gene from the soil bacterium. Bacillus thuringiensis, into the corn (this is known as Bt corn). A protein toxin produced by this bacterium helps to kill certain insects that might otherwise eat the corn. There is no substantial research in the health impact of GM corn but inserting novel proteins into food does raise the risk of adverse reactions. Organic foods of course, are non-genetically modified. In Australia genetically modified corn is currently not allowed (although GM corn ingredients can be imported in some foods). Any seed you seek in this country should be non-GM but in case seed somehow comes from another source it helps to be aware of what is happening overseas.

CORN SILK TEA

While you will get a lot of Food value From your corn crop, you can also get some medicinal qualities From a Frequently disregarded part of the corn plant. Corn silk can be used to make a healing tea that has a range of benefits. Corn silk tea is diuretic but it also has a soothing effect on the urinary tract. Herbalists use corn silk in combination with other herbs to treat problems like cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis. To make a cup of the tea you need two teaspoons full of Fresh or dried corn silk. Pour a cup of boiling water onto it and leave it to in fuse for 10-15 minutes. The fresh form is best but if your crop is not producing when you need the tea then dried corn silk will do. Ideally you should have the tea three times a day if you want a medicinal effect.

POPCORN

Zea mays averta is the variety of com specifically bred for popping. Research from the American Chemical Society has found that if the dried kernels are "air popped" rather than popped in oil or butter, the antioxidant polyphenol content of the corn remains largely intact yielding around 300mg of polyphenols per 10g of corn kernels.

Grow Your Corn

When to plant: Sow fresh seed directly into the patch in blocks rather than long rows. This helps with wind pollination later. Wait until the soil warms, frosts have passed, and temperatures are above 16°. In humid and tropical areas it’s best to avoid the wet season with its heavy rainfall and humidity.

Climate: Grows in all climatic zones in Australia.

Aspect/placement: Full sun, but provide some protection from wind.

Specific needs: Needs a nutrient-rich soil, so try planting after peas or beans and add plenty of manure because corn are heavy feeders. fertilize with seaweed solution. Hill up soil around the stems when plants are about 30cm high to encourage stability and root growth. Mulch with pea straw or lucerne.

Companion planting: Pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, beans.

Harvesting: Corn is usually ready to harvest at between 12-14 weeks. Test your cobs by piercing a kernel, if it gives out a milky substance and is soft then it’s ready for picking. When the silk withers it is another telltale sign of readiness. Twist the cob with your hand and pull down to pick.

Garlic, Onions & Chives

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0700

(Allium Sativum, Allium Cepa and Allium Schoenoprasum)

Although two of these plants (garlic and chives) are herbs and could have been included in the “herbs" section, onion is certainly a vegetable and these Allium genus plants are so delicious and yet healing that they deserve a section of their own. These plants are popular today and have been so for centuries.
Garlic, or rather the lack of it. caused the first strike in history. It is said that slaves building the pyramids dawned tools after the garlic ran out. Egyptian papyri list 22 prescriptions using garlic and Pliny, in 1st-century Rome, prescribed it for 61 maladies. Around the same time in India, it was thought to prevent heart disease and rheumatism. Mohammed believed it cured snakebite, and by Shakespeare’s time it had graduated to being regarded as an aphrodisiac. Much later, in World War II, it was used medicinally as an antiseptic on wounds.
Onions have been cultivated for 6000years. When the slaves building the pyramids were not eating garlic, they ate onions. Hippocrates thought onions were good for sight, and that a slice tied on a bee sting should reduce the swelling or pain. An old wives' tale is that snakes are frightened away by onions. Their main use in cooking is to add flavor and for centuries they have been favorites among the less well off because they are an accessible food that can add flavor to any dish.
Chives are perhaps the least celebrated of this trio but they are also believed to be the oldest: they grew wild across the Americas. Europe and Asia. As well as being a delightful addition to cooking and having abundant healing properties, they also add a splash of color and life to your garden with their delightful purple Rowers. These blossoms can be used to make an infused oil.

Garlic
Garlic is the best known and best researched of these three Allium plants for its healing qualities. Perhaps the best known of these qualities is its capacity as an antibiotic. It has been shown to reduce the duration of colds and also to reduce the likelihood of catching colds. Chemicals known as disulfides that give garlic its smell are known to be active against fungus and bacteria. As well as acting as an antibiotic and directly killing a variety of bugs, garlic also stimulates your own immunity. This means that it helps your body fight the infection at the same time as directly acting against the infectious agent. Chewing on a garlic bulb fresh from your garden is a great way to fight off the beginnings of a cold.
Less widely known but equally as dramatic are garlic's heart benefits. It has a beneficial effect on blood fats, blood pressure and blood clotting. Garlic lowers overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The added bonus is that garlic increases good HDL cholesterol levels while lowering bad LDL cholesterol. There is also evidence that garlic lowers blood pressure and keeps blood thin. Thus garlic has great potential to lower your overall cardiac risk.
Immune-boosting effects also mean that garlic may protect against cancer. Studies do suggest that cancer rates are lowest where garlic consumption is highest. A report published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed that garlic (along with onions and chives) has been shown to be protective against stomach and colon cancer. Although the exact mechanism of the protective effect is not clear, it appears to be related to the sulfur compounds these plants contain.

RECENT RESEARCH ON GARLIC
Garlic and arthritis
Comparison of twins showed that those who consumed high levels of garlic had significantly less evidence of early arthritis of the hip joint. The researchers found that diallyl-sulfide from garlic stops the release of enzymes that damage the cartilage in joints (BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders).

Garlic kills food bacteria
A bacterium called Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of food- related illness. Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. A biofilm is a collection of bacteria in which the organisms adhere to each other on a surface.
When researchers tested a Campylobacter biofilm they found that it was 1000 times more resistant to antibiotics than free Floating bacterial cells. Diallyl sulphide however, was able to penetrate the biofilm and was found to be 100 times as effective as the antibiotics erythromycin and ciprofloxacin and also worked much faster {Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

Garlic cuts nitrosamines
Nitrosamines are found in food and some nitrosamines are carcinogenic. They are made when you consume nitrates, commonly from processed meats, high heat processed foods, or water contaminated by industry run-off. About 20 per cent of nitrates are converted to nitrites and these can be converted into nitrosamines. Vegetables also contain nitrates but the vitamin C in vegetables lowers the risk that they will turn into something toxic.
Researchers gave subjects a dose of sodium nitrate and then garlic capsules, or vitamin C or nothing for seven days. The garlic lowered nitrosamine Formation as did vitamin C (Analytical Biochemistry).

Onions
Like all Allium plants, onions are a wonderful source of sulfur and this means that like garlic they are good For your heart and have antibiotics properties. A great healing home-made remedy is to cover chopped onions in honey (preferably Manuka) and place the mixture in the Fridge overnight. By morning you will have a throat soothing decongestant that even the kids will take.
Onions are an outstanding source of antioxidant polyphenols, including the flavonoid polyphenols. Within this Flavonoid category, onions are a standout source of quercetin. Unfortunately many of the polyphenols are Found in the outer layers of the onion and end up being in your compost So save as many of those outer layers as you can for your cooking.

Chives
Chives have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to promote sweating probably due to the stimulatory properties of the sulfides they contain. Chives also contain high levels of iron and calcium and antioxidants like beta- carotene and quercetin. The green shoots of chives offer a delicate flavor for almost any meal and their flowers can be made into a delicious dressing. Just start snipping blossoms as they open and pop them into a glass container keeping them covered in vinegar. If you continue to cut and remove all the blossoms, this will force the plant to keep making flowers. Once you have as many as you can muster cover and let steep in a dark cupboard for at least two weeks. The delicate taste of chive blossom vinegar will blow you away.

Grow Your Garlic, Onion and Chives

When to plant: Plant individual cloves of garlic pointy end up from autumn through to winter in cool climates. But for temperate areas plant in autumn and harvest before the wet in November or December. Most onions are difficult to grow in subtropical climates and not suited for tropical areas. Sow chive seeds directly in the patch all year in tropical regions, but from spring to autumn in other zones.

Climate: Onions are best suited to cooler climates, but there are some varieties suited to warmer areas. Garlic is also more productive in cooler, dry regions. Chives are suited to most climates.

Aspect/placement: Full sun, chives also tolerate some shade.

Specific needs: Onions and other alliums like well drained friable soil but don’t overfeed with nitrogen. Add some lime before planting. Mulch with pea straw or lucerne. Water garlic well during the growing season, but withhold before harvest so bulbs don't rot. Garlic grows well in pots as do chives

Companion planting: Carrots.

Harvesting: Onions ready to harvest once the tops start to die off. but it can take six months to produce mature bulbs. Harvest garlic after flowering and when foliage begins to yellow and die off. Hang in a warm, dark place to mature and dry. Cut chives when ready, but leave abut 5cm on the plant. Just keep snipping for better production.

Legumes Peas & Green Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Andy) — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 07:00:00 -0700

(Pisum Sativum and Phaseolus vugaris)

Legumes are among the earliest of cultivated plants. The Fossil record suggests that even before written records human beings were deliberately growing them for food. There are around 13,000 species of legumes including popular lentils and chickpeas but here we will be concentrating on two species that you arc most likely to grow; peas and green beans. In general, legumes are a very healthy Food and one that gives back to your garden. They are a wonderful ‘'Fallow” crop to grow as they give nitrogen back to your soil. As Far as your health goes legumes lower cholesterol, improve blood glucose control, and have many heart protective properties.
The modern garden pea is thought to have originated from the Field pea that was native to central as a and the Middle East Centuries of cultivation and selection for certain characteristics have resulted n the pea that we know and love today. Since t$ cultivation dates back thousands of years, the pea is widely regarded as one of the first food crops to be cultivated by humans Peas were apparently consumed in dry form throughout much of their early history, and did not become widely popular as a fresh food until changes in cultivation led in cues that took place in Europe in the 16th century.
Green beans and or her beans, such as kidney beans, navy beans and black beans, are a I known botanically as Phaseolus vulgaris. They are all referred to as “common Jeans' because they all derived from a common bean ancestor that originated in Peru. From there they spread throughout South and Central America and then were introduced to Europe around the 16th century by Spanish explorers returning from their voyages to the New World. In your garden if you can make them work for you, you will never regret having legumes on hand.

Your healing peas and beans
Both peas and beans contain protein. B vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and they are high insoluble fiber. Iegumes have a low glycaemic index (Gl) meaning that they are broken down more slowly so you feel Fuller for longer making them a particularly good food for preventing and managing diabetes. One study (Archives of Internal Medicine) has emphasized the benefit of legumes .n diabetes by showing that legumes have a favorable effect on a blood sugar measure known as HbA1c.
HbA1c is a molecule used to measure what has been happening will 1 your blood sugar levels over the past Few months. I n your blood are red blood cells that include the molecule haemoglobin. Glucose sticks to the haemogoblin to make a "glycosylated haemoglobin' molecule, called haemoglobin A1C or HbA1c The more glucose n the blood, the more HbA‘c will be present in the brood. Roc cells live for 8-12 weeks before they are replaced so by measuring HbAlc you can tell you how high you' blood glucose has been on average over the last 8-12 weeks. A normal non-diabetic HbA1C is less than57 percent, pre-diabetes is 5 7 per cent to6.4 percent, and diabetes is 6.5 per cent or higher.
In this new study patients with type 2 diabetes were put into one of two groups. One group were for three months. The other group was asked to eat more insduble Fiber like wholegrain wheat for three months. At the end of the three months 11bAlc values in the legume group had cropped by an average O.5 per cent and n the insoluble fiber group by an average 0.3 per cent Blood pressure aIso dropped much more in the legume group. The researchers said that these results emphasise the importance of reintroducing legumes into the Western diet.

Beans
A lot of the positive publicity these days goes to "rainbow” colored foods because we now know that the pigments that give plants their yellow, orange, red and purple colors are also very healthy antioxidants. So the humble green bean has been left in the multi-hued shade, but you make a mistake if you underestimate the green bean. Studies have confirmed the presence of lutein. beta-carotene, volaxanthin and neoxanthin in green beans. In some cases, the presence of these carotenoids in green beans is comparable to their presence in other antioxidant-rich vegetables like carrots and tomatoes.
The reason green beans are not a showy yellow or red is due to the high levels of chlorophyll they contain which gives the deep green color we love. The great news is that chlorophyll itself is a very healthy, cleansing nutrient so with beans you get antioxidant protection plus chlorophyll cleansing (if that doesn’t sound too much like a laundry powder commercial).
You would expect the antioxidant actions of beans to provide you with some direct heart benefits Animal studies do show that beans lead to improvement in levels of blood fat and better protection of these fats from oxygen damage.
It is the green bean pod (the main portion of tire green beans that you eat. which provides the covering for the beans inside) that appears to be more closely related to these cardio benefits than the young, immature beans that are found inside.
The strong carotenoid and flavonoid content of green beans also appears to yield some anti- inflammatory effects. Some research shows decreased activity of certain inflammatory enzymes after taking bean extracts. This may be partly why beans are effective n type 2 diabetes because a component of the onset of this disease is chronic inflammation.

Peas
Like beans, green peas are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, and these health-supportive nutrients are provided in a wide range of nutrient categories, in fact one of these nutrients may surprise you because peas are a good source of omega-3 Fatty acids.
Peas area reliable source of omega-3 fat in the fomofabha-linolenicacid. or ALA. One cup of green peas provides you approximately 30 milligrams of ALA. It needs to be said that ALA still needs to be converted in your bocy to the forms that your body can use (eicosapentaenoic acid—EPA, and docosliexaenoicacid—DHA). Both FPA and DHA are supplied in their finished form by fish oil which is why it is such a good source of omega-3. In plants though you most often get ALA and this requires conversion by an enzyme to yield EPA and DHA. If you are deficient in this enzyme for whatever reason conversion won’t happen, but for most people the ALA in peas will offer many of the benefits that omega-3 fats offer. That means reduced inflammation and improved blood low all good news for your heart.
The additional good heart news is peas are a good soiree of vitamin B1. Folate. vitamin B2. vitamin B3. and vitamin B6. These B vitamins lower levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that has been shown to damage arteries end allow attachment of cholesterol plaques. Add the fact that they are a good fiber source and peas are a very good heart Food.

“Airing” concerns
If we are going to talk legumes then we just have to talk flatulence. Most humans pass gas around 14 times every day with the total amount of gas passed being around half a liter. If you are going to increase your legume intake that amount will almost certainly rise, at least initially. This is because legumes contain oligosaccharides that are broken down by bacteria in your gut and a by-product of this is gas. The thing is, the bacteria that do this are the good bacteria that you want to have in you' digestive tract. In time, as you consume legumes regularly, the gas produced by bacterial breakdown of the oligosaccharides will reduce. Given that legumes arc healthy Foods and that the bacteria that act on them to produce gas are also healthy, you've just got to love that flatulence that results.

Mind Your Peas and Beans
It is always best to eat your produce Freshly picked if you can. However, you might have a bumper crop and want to store some of your peas and beans For later use. IF you do the best idea is to steam them for just three minutes and then pop them into the freezer. All fruits and vegetables contain enzymes and bacteria that will breakdown the nutrients and alter the flavor and texture of Food during Frozen storage. The evidence is that Freezing does a pretty good job of keeping the nutrients in beans and peas intact although the levels do decrease with time, so try to eat your produce within three months of picking.

Poor Man's Meat
In some places and publications, legumes have been dubbed “poor man’s meat”, this is because they are a good source of protein. It is not the complete amino acid profile that you find in meat but legume protein does contain many of the amino acids that humans need. However, for optimal utilization the amino acids in legumes need to be combined with the missing amino acids From another food (protein combining).
In the case of legumes, grains are a good companion food and the classic dish from a protein combining view is beans on whole meal toast. The availability and health benefits of legumes mean that perhaps it would be better to call them “any person’s meat" or, even better still, given the sustainability issues around meat production, maybe meat should be called “poor person's legume”.

Legumes As Green Manure
If you grow the same crop in a piece of your garden year after year then you increase the chances of pests becoming entrenched and of damaging the soil. You can leave the soil Fallow for a growing season but that increases chances of erosion which is where your legumes come in.
Growing your peas or beans in a patch of garden means that you are actually enhancing the nitrogen levels in that soil because that is what legumes do: give nitrogen back. You also get the bonus of a delicious legume harvest knowing that you have replenished your soil ready for your next crop into the bargain.
Many studies have shown that legumes enrich a soil however, as one article in the Agronomy Journal that reported on trials in Uganda found, if you let soil become too degraded it might be a couple of planting cycles before legumes can work their restorative powers. So make legumes a part of your organic garden crop rotation from year one.

Grow Your Peas & Beans

When to plant: Plant pea seeds in the ground when conditions are cooler, so winter and spring in cool frost-free conditions; and winter in warmer, subtropical zones. Temperatures ever 25°C reduce flowering. Plant seeds every three weeks for successive crops. Plant beans in spring, summer and autumn in cooler temperate areas, and all year except summer in warm northern areas. If it’s too hot at flowering time, it may stop pods forming.

Climate: Peas grow better in cool, frost-free regions; not the tropics. Beans grow in most climates, just time planting according to variety.

Aspect/placement: Sunny position.

Specific needs: Plant peas in well-drained soil, prepared with chook manure and some added lime. Prepare rows or trenches about 5cm deep and about 10cm apart. Leave about 45cm between each row. Usually need some support, but particularly the taller growing varieties. Protect seedlings from birds with covers of netting or black cotton. Keep well-watered once seeds have sprouted. Try growing in pots.
Peas and beans can help fix nitrogen into the soil. Use as a green manure crop.
Dwarf or bush bean varieties don't usually need supporting, but climbers will need a trellis or supporting structure. Plant directly either side about 25mm 30mm deep and at least 100mm apart. Keep well watered and add some liquid potash before flowering to ensure good pod set.

Companion planting: Potatoes.

Harvesting: Peas are ready about 11 weeks from sowing. Continue picking once pods have formed. Shoots, pods and peas are edible. Once crop is finished, cut stems at the base for the compost heap or dig back into the soil. Bean crops are ready to harvest in about 8-10 weeks from sowing. Young, tender beans that snap easily when bent are the yummiest. Keep picking once pods form or they stop producing.