#Maryland vegetable gardening

[harmcityherald]

I ate a wonderful salad today right out of my garden.

I love french dressing.

a little rain and overcast. the garden loves the rain.

Cthulhu seems to be finding a way around his present calamity. plants are amazing.

The little bell purple flowers are so pretty. no idea yet what they are. something to search and read up on later.

I still continue to procrastinate cutting down my sumac. I like anything with large leaves. purely aesthetic. but with artemesha's breathing problems better preventative than palliative, I always say. the last thing she needs is to be breathing poison spores. urban rainforest belladonna garden. some plants help you. some do not.

my little oregano growing nicely.

my little rainforest garden in the middle of harm city.

[inthecityofgoodabode]

July 2024: Mostly Daily Harvests

Monday harvest:

Tuesday harvest:

Wednesday harvest:

Thursday harvest:

Our first cantaloupe of 2024. It is delicious:

We ordered some seafood from Cameron's Seafood in Maryland. UPS manhandled the box in shipping so the styrofoam container had a crack in one corner but everything arrived safely in spite of that. We've only cooked some of the shrimp so far but they were delicious:

Thursday dinner - beef, lemon squash & kohlrabi stir fry over basmati rice with cucumber salad. With the exception of the beef, rice & kohlrabi, everything on the plate was grown in our backyard. We had never had kohlrabi before but wanted to try it to see if it might be a cool season vegetable we want to try growing for the Fall. If you've never had kohlrabi, the flavor & texture is similar to cabbage but it has an unexpected sweetness & a little of that nuttiness that brussels sprouts have without the bitterness. So, yeah, we're going to try growing some this year. Gardening, cooking & life are about trying new things & embracing the things that bring you & the ones you love joy:

Friday harvest:

[thebotanicalarcade]

n89_w1150 by Biodiversity Heritage Library Via Flickr: Market gardeners' catalogue :. Baltimore, Md. :J. Manns,1930.. biodiversitylibrary.org/page/42262038

[cognitivejustice]

Tending a garden is about as hands-on as climate solutions get. On a basic level, putting plants in the ground helps sequester carbon. Vegetation can reduce stress and tension for the humans around it, and it provides habitat and sustenance for pollinators and other wildlife. Gardens can provide spaces for education, and, of course, sources of food. But the act of designing and planting a green space serves another, more metaphorical purpose: It gives the gardener agency over a piece of the world and what they want it to look like — and a role in conveying of all those aforementioned benefits.

That’s the premise behind Wild Visions, a challenge launched in the DMV area (that’s District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, for the uninitiated) in January. The project invited university students to design gardens with all sorts of visions and themes, then bring them to fruition this spring with native seedlings from Garden for Wildlife — an offshoot of the National Wildlife Federation.

For every plant the company sells, it donates one to a community project, said campus engagement lead Rosalie Bull. This spring, around 2,000 went to Wild Visions.

“We’ll be creating in total nearly 6,000 square feet of new wildlife habitat in the DMV,” Bull said. “And that’s just this year. We hope to do it year after year.”

In Bull’s view, this project has a distinctly solarpunk framing — celebrating a literary genre and art movement that conjures visions of a sustainable future, where nature is as central as technology. Although part of the goal was to get more native flowers in the ground, the challenge also hoped to “activate the solarpunk imagination,” and let students offer their perspectives on what the gardens could accomplish.

For instance, a group called Latinos en Acción from American University wanted to focus on monarch butterfly habitat, as a symbol of the migrant justice movement. Others, like the Community Learning Garden at the University of Maryland, were interested in exploring culinary uses of the plants they received, which included sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, milkweed, goldenrod, and aster.

[beardedmrbean]

Schreiber Foods Inc. of Green Bay, WI, is recalling 836,721 units of various cream cheese products because of potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes Dutch Farms, Fareway, Happy Farms, Hy Vee, Kroger, Our Family, Schnuck, Essential Everyday, Dunkin, Piggly Wiggly and Schreiber Foods cream cheeses.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on May 3, 2024, and is ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in California, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The recalled products were also shipped to Puerto Rico.

Recalled products Whipped Cream Cheese Spread. Net Wt 8 oz. (226g) Keep Refrigerated, packaged under the following brands: 

1. Dutch Farms, Net, UPC 0 919145-67990, Distributed By: Dutch Farms, Chicago, IL 60628. — EXP 14 AUG 24, EXP 17 AUG 24. 

2. Fareway, UPC 0 21333-83051 5. Packed for Fareway Store, Inc. Boone, Iowa 50036. — USE BY SEP 03 24, USE BY SEP 13 24, USE BY SEP 21 24.

3. Happy Farms, UPC 4099100101881, Dist & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL 60510. — SELL BY 08/30/2024, SELL BY 08/31/2024, SELL BY 09/01/2024, SELL BY 09/03/2024, SELL BY 09/04/2024.

4. Hy Vee, UPC 0 75450-09613 2. Distributed by Hy-Vee Inc. West Des Moines, IA 50266. — BEST BY 08/07/24, BEST BY 08/14/24.

5. Kroger, UPC 0 11110-58088 7. Distributed By The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH 45202. — BEST IF USED BY AUG 08 24.

6. Our Family, UPC 0 70253-50994 0. Distributed by Pique Brands, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI 49518. — BEST BY 08/08/24.

7. Schnuck, UPC 0 41318-58005 1. Distributed By Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, MO 63146-6928 — BEST BY 08/08/24.

Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread. Net Wt 8 oz. (226g). Keep Refrigerated, packaged under the following brands: 

1. Fareway, UPC 0 21333-83053 9. Packed for Fareway Store, Inc. Boone, Iowa 50036. — USE BY SEP 13 24, USE BY SEP 22 24, USE BY SEP 01 24 

2. Essential Everyday, UPC 0 41303-00625 2. Distributed By Supervalu Inc., Eden Prairie, MN 55344. — BEST BY 09/01/24

3. Schnuck, UPC 0 41318-58005 1. Distributed By Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, MO 63146-6928. — BEST BY 08/08/24

4. Hy Vee, UPC 0 75450-09606 4. Distributed By Hy-Vee Inc. West Des Moines, IA 50266. — BEST BY 09/13/24, BEST BY 09/22/24

5. Our Family, UPC 0 70253-50100 5. Distributed By Pique Brands, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI 49518 — BEST BY 09/01/24

Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g). Keep Refrigerated, packaged under the following brands: 

1. Fareway, UPC 0 21333-83052 2. Packed for Fareway Store, Inc. Boone, Iowa 50036. — USE BY SEP 08 24

2. Happy Farms, UPC 4099100 101744, Dist & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL 60510. — SELL BY 09/08/2024, SELL BY 09/15/2024

3. Hy Vee, UPC 0 75450-09616 3. Distributed by Hy-Vee Inc. West Des Moines, IA 50266. — BEST BY 09/08/24

4. Schnuck, UPC 0 41318-58007 5. Distributed By Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, MO 63146-6928 —  BEST BY 09/08/24

Blueberry Cream Cheese Spread, Net Wt. 8 oz. (226g). Keep Refrigerated, packaged under the brand Essential Everyday. 

UPC 0 41303-04876 4. Distributed By UNFI, Providence, RI 02908. — BEST BY 09/19/24

Variety Tray Chive Onion (UPC 4099100 101751), Strawberry (UPC 4099100 101744), and Plain Cream Cheese Spread (UPC 4099100 101737), each container Net Wt. 8 oz. (226g). Keep Refrigerated.

Packaged under the brand Happy Farms, UPC . Dist & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL 60510.

Warehouse Level Codes only – Not consumer facing SELL BY 07/19/2024CH SELL BY 08/02/2024CH SELL BY 08/04/2024CH SELL BY 08/09/2024CH SELL BY 08/17/2024CH SELL BY 08/23/2024CH¿ SELL BY 08/25/2024CH 

Consumer Facing Codes: Chive & Onion SELL BY 09/13/2024 SELL BY 09/22/2024 Plain SELL BY 09/01/2024 SELL BY 09/08/2024 SELL BY 09/15/2024 Strawberry SELL BY 09/08/2024 SELL BY 09/15/2024

Ranch Garlic Cream Cheese Spread, Net Wt. 5 lbs. 

Manufactured By Schreiber Foods, Inc., Green Bay, WI 54301. —EXP Aug 15 24

Cream Cheese Spread. Keep Refrigerated, packaged under the following brands: 

1. Dunkin, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g), UPC 0 29244-01497 0. Manufactured Exclusively for Dunkin Brands Inc. 130 Royal St. Canton, MA 02021 — USE BY SEP 01 2024, USE BY SEP 15 2024

2. Happy Farms, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g). UPC 4099100101737, Dist & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL 60510. — SELL BY 09/01/2024, SELL BY 09/08/2024, SELL BY 09/15/2024

3. Hy Vee, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g), UPC 0 75450-09610 1. Distributed by Hy-Vee Inc. West Des Moines, IA 50266. — BEST BY 10/01/24

4. Hy Vee, Net Wt 12 oz. (340g), UPC 0 75450-09612 5. Distributed by Hy-Vee Inc. West Des Moines, IA 50266. — BEST BY 10/01/24

5. Piggly Wiggly, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g), UPC 0 41290-1066 9. Distributed by Piggly Wiggly LLC, Keene NH 03431. — BEST BY 10/15/24

6. Schnucks, Net Wt 8 oz. (226g). UPC 0 41318-58023 5. Distributed By Schnuck Markets, Inc. St. Louis, MO 63146-6928 — BEST BY 10/08/24

7. Bulk Culinary Cream Cheese Spread, Net Wt. 30 lbs. Manufactured by Schreiber Foods, Inc., Green Bay, Wi 54301 — PKD ON APR 16 24

Consumers should not use this product. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

[timewasjustadream]

This week is Earth Week at work. As the resident senior Master Gardener, I have a lot do to:

Monday: Vendor fair. I have an "Ask A Master Gardener" mixed with Composting demo table.

Tuesday: Nature walk around campus (we have 5 buildings). I've been preparing for the past two weekends. We have a mix of natives, non-natives, and invasive, and maybe one really really bad invasive.

Wednesday: Vegetable garden seed starting workshop with the other resident Master Gardener.

Thursday: Giving a ~1hr talk about gardening with native plants and the soon to be changing law on invasives in Maryland.

Friday: Back to regular work. Likely testing qPCR.

[topcutsplus]

The Benefits of Professional Stump Grinding Service – Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping

After a tree is removed, what remains is often an unsightly stump that detracts from the appearance of your yard. This is where a professional stump grinding service comes into play. At Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping, we provide expert stump grinding to eliminate stumps and restore the beauty of your landscape. In this blog, we’ll explain the benefits of stump grinding and why it’s an essential service for any homeowner looking to maintain a clean and safe yard.

Why You Need Stump Grinding

Improves Aesthetic Appeal Tree stumps can ruin the appearance of an otherwise well-maintained lawn. Stump grinding removes the stump completely, leaving behind smooth, even ground that’s ready for landscaping or new planting. By removing stumps, you’re giving your yard a polished, professional look.

Prevents Unwanted Growth Stumps can sometimes lead to unwanted regrowth in the form of shoots or small trees. These can sap nutrients from the surrounding soil and make it harder to maintain healthy plants. Grinding the stump ensures that it won’t regrow, saving you the hassle of continuous trimming or dealing with invasive plants.

Enhances Safety Leftover stumps can be a tripping hazard, especially if they are hidden by grass or overgrown vegetation. Children, pets, and even guests may stumble over a stump, risking injury. Stump grinding eliminates this hazard, making your yard safer for everyone.

Prevents Pest Infestations Decaying stumps can attract pests like termites, ants, and beetles. These insects may not only damage the stump but could eventually spread to your home or other healthy trees. By removing the stump through grinding, you prevent these pests from setting up residence in your yard.

Maximizes Usable Space Stumps take up valuable yard space that could be used for other purposes, such as installing a garden, patio, or even additional trees. Stump grinding clears that space, giving you more room to design the outdoor area of your dreams.

Why Choose Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping?

At Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping, we are committed to providing efficient, professional stump grinding services that help restore your yard’s functionality and appearance. Here’s why homeowners trust us with their stump removal needs:

State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use advanced stump grinding machinery to ensure the stump is ground down efficiently and safely, leaving your yard in pristine condition.

Experienced Team: Our team of experts has extensive experience in stump grinding, ensuring the job is done right the first time, without damaging surrounding plants or structures.

Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize environmentally friendly practices, using techniques that minimize disruption to your yard and ensure no harmful chemicals are used in the process.

Affordable and Transparent Pricing: At Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping, we believe in providing high-quality service at fair, transparent rates. We offer upfront quotes with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

Whether you want to enhance the beauty of your yard or eliminate safety hazards, stump grinding service is an essential part of maintaining a well-kept landscape. At Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping, we provide reliable and professional stump grinding that helps you reclaim your yard. Contact us today to schedule your stump grinding service and take the first step toward a cleaner, safer outdoor space!

Name — Top Cuts Tree Service & Landscaping

Address — 7301 Bond St, St Leonard, MD 20685, USA

Phone No. — (443) 975–4810

Website — https://topcutsplus.com/stump-grinding-in-southern-maryland/

[boltedgarlic]

taglist~

you’ll have to use the search function unfortunately :( i am no longer linking all my tags. if you’re on desktop, my theme should have a search bar!

dated by year

1980 | - | 1994 | - | 1997 | - | 1999 | - | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | - | 2039

dated by month

january | february | march | april | may | june | july | august | september | october | november | december

holidays/seasons

christmas | easter | fall | halloween | valentines day | winter

locations

australia | belarus | belgium | brazil | bulgaria | canada | china | france | georgia republic | greece | holland | india | ireland | italy | japan | medellín | netherlands | new zealand | palestine | peru | poland | spain | sweeden | switzerland | syria | russia | thailand | uk | ukraine | uae | usa

alabama / alaska / arkansas / california / connecticut / idaho / illinois / indiana / iowa / kansas / kentucky / louisiana / maryland / missouri / new mexico / new york / north carolina / ohio / oregon / pennsylvania / tennessee / texas / utah / west virgina / wisconsin

Chuck E Cheese | Dongdaemun Market | Hershey Park | Moody Gardens | NASA | Rocky Mountain National Park | Treasure Island Beach | Walmart

animals

anemone | birds | bees | bugs | bunnies | cats | chickens | cicadas | cows | crabs | deer | dogs | ducks | ferrets | fish | goats | goldfish | guinea pigs | horses | kittens | sheep | snakes | swans

pets

Abby | Augustine | Azuki | Bert | Bob | Mr. Boot | Bruce | Cupid | Donna | Dusty | Ellsie | Fiona | Fudge | Gizzy | Huckleberry | Itzl | Kiwi | Mattie | Mookie | Muffy | Newt | Noose | Ollie | Pepe | Mr. Punky | Ramses | Shika | Smokey | Tamako | Tucker | Xoco | Ziggy | Zoey

art/mediums

art car | ceramics | collage | crayons | crochet | drawings | food art | glass art | installation | knitting | miniatures | mural | oil pastels | origami | ornaments | paint | painting | paper crafts | patchwork | quilt | sculpture | tapestry | tiles | yarn

artists

Anne-Sophie Landou | Enrico Delponte | Jen | Keith Haring | Mark Schaer | Ryan Gander | Terry Ravan

Ween

colors

red | orange | yellow | green | blue | purple | pink | brown | black | gray | white | silver | gold | multicolor

food & drink

baking | batter | bento | birthday cake | bread | breakfast | cake | candy | cereal | cheese | coffee | cookies | cooking | curry | dessert | drinks | fake food | fruit | hot pot | ice cream | meat | onigiri | pancakes | pastries | pie | potluck | pumpkins | salad | sashimi | smores | soup | sushi | tea | torte | vegetables | wine

characters/licenses/media

animal crossing | anpanman | boognish | candy land | dora | doraemon | evangelion | garfield | giant microbes | hannah montana | hello kitty | hoops & yoyo | joe cool | miffy | moomin | moppy | muppets | nasa | powerpuff girls | sanrio | sesame street | snoopy | sonic (the hedgehog) | spongebob | texas chainsaw | universal studios japan | wallace and gromit | winne the pooh | yotsuba | yugioh

interior

apartment | attic | bar | basement | bathroom | bedroom | cabin | chandelier | dining room | dorm | foyer | hallway | home | hostel | hotel | kid’s room | kitchen | library | living room | mall | playroom | shelves | stairs | studio | unfurnished | window

bead curtains | beds | bookshelf | computer | crt monitor | chairs | curtains | desk | fishtank | fridge | furniture | kitchenware | lamp | laptop | lava lamp | salt lamp | sewing machine | stove | tablecloth | tables | tv | vase | whiteboard | wood paneling | wood stove

exterior/outside

backyard | balcony | beach | bridge | building | canal | car show | cemetery | chapel | chicken coop | church | city | clothesline | dam | fair | fence | ferris wheel | gate | highway | hills | house | iron gate | mailbox | neighborhood | park | patio | picnic tables | plants | pool | porch | road | street | tables | train | train station | tunnel | wind chimes | wreath | yard

clouds | creek | dirt | field | flowers | fog | forest | frost | garden | mountains | mushrooms | nest | night | lake | lawn | ocean | path | plants | rain | rainbow | sky | snow | snowman | sunset | topiary | trail | trees | waterfall | woods

miscellaneous tags

altar | angel | antlers | astrology | beekeeping | baby shower | bamboo | basket | bicycle | birthday | birthday cake | blankets | books | brick | bowling | camera | candles | chain | cherub | chess | clock | clothing | car | card game | cards | chess | cigarettes | collection | construction | decor | desk | dollhouse | dolls | dusty | figure | figurines | flowers | fortune telling | gift | globe | gloves | hay | installation | karaoke | kite | knife | knives | lace | landmark | lanterns | leak | lock | machinery | mannequins | market | moving | nursery | objects | orbs | party | pearls | people | piano | pillows | plane | playing cards | plush | polaroid | posters | preschool | pyrex | rail | remodel | religion | retail | roadtrip | school | school bus | sculpture | seashells | shoes | sign | silverware | smoke | spirits | suburbia | sunlight | stained glass | swords | tech | toys | trinkets | vehicle | vhs | video games | visual clutter | water | wedding | window

blur | edit | fisheye | flash | frame | glow | low quality | panorama | photo collage | text | timestamp | video | vignette | watermark

my tags

11:11 | baby tag | birthday tag | fav | grandmas house | magic tag | personal | thank you post

updated: 09/13/2024

[sandyhookhistory]

~ William Alexander ~

We have a belated #harbordefensehappybirthday to celebrate!

Today, we honor Continental (U.S.) Army Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling who was born (most likely) on (Wed) December 4th, 1726 in New York City.

By all accounts, he was quite intelligent and well educated. He was the son of Scottish immigrants who fled Scotland after the Jacobite Rebellion. There was ancestral royal blood in the family, and he sought and held a highly controversial title of Lord Stirling. He lived a life befitting the title - and racked up the bill to go with it. Living in New Jersey and deeply in debt by the time the Revolutionary War broke out, the conflict provided a timely interruption to offload his monetary problems.

He became a Colonel in the New Jersey Militia, using his personal funds to outfit the 1st NJ Regiment; he was promoted to Brigadier General in March, 1776.

At the Battle of Long Island in August, the Patriots were quickly outflanked by the Redcoats. Seeing the disaster unfold, Stirling organized troops from Maryland into a well-executed, collapsing rear-guard action that allowed the majority of the American Army to escape. Scattering his men at the very end, he himself remained to be captured. The action was so successful, even the British acknowledged his gallantry.

Released in a prisoner exchange, Stirling was decisively engaged at Trenton that December. He was defeated at Short Hills, NJ in June of 1777, but won at Brandywine and Germantown, both in Pennsylvania. That winter, by accident, he was able to expose, and stop, a planned coup by General Horatio Gates to take command from George Washington. He’s forever part of New Jersey’s legacy for his part in the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse on June 28th, 1778. The fight was savage and he took heavy casualties, but his troops held their ground.

By 1781, Stirling was assigned to command the forces in the northern frontier as the Continentals moved south to Yorktown. With the war all but over, Stirling, in poor health, died on active duty on January 15th, 1783, age 56. He was buried in famed Trinity Church in New York City.

However, his legacy of service would not be allowed to end there. With War Department General Order No. 194 on December 27th, 1904, he became the namesake to “Battery Alexander,” a two-gun 12-inch caliber disappearing battery at Fort Hancock, NJ. Construction began in 1898, and it was accelerated for the outbreak of the Spanish American War. Completion and transfer to the Coast Artillery was in July, 1899.

Battery Alexander is unique, as it is the two northern emplacements of what is called “9-Gun Battery” at Ft. Hancock. A total of six 12-inch guns and three 10-inch guns were emplaced there between 1896 and 1902. Battery Alexander’s guns face due north, and cover the west into Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay, as well as the approaches to the harbor from the southeast. The Battery enjoyed an exceptionally long service life of 43 years. The guns were finally salvaged for a scrap drive in early 1943. During the Cold War, the vacant emplacement was used as ammunition storage for 90-mm Anti-Aircraft guns until the Nike missiles came online in 1954.

Today, the Battery is in poor shape, with trees and vegetation growing through the concrete. The National Park Service has classified Battery Alexander as a “ruin,” meaning it will never, ever be restored or even preserved.

Although the emplacement may be vanishing, the incredible legacy of General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, the Battery that carries his name, and the service of the US Army Coast Artillerymen that manned it across four decades is in the safest of hands, here.

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲

#visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #williamalexander #williamalexanderlordstirling #revolutionarywar #majorgeneral #continentalarmy #battleofmonmouth #monmouthcountyhistory #newjerseyhistory #namesake #whatsinaname #12inch #americanrevolution #scottishlord #americanrevolutionarywar

[moyerslawnservice]

Landscaping Service in Bethesda and Silver Spring, MD for Small Spaces: Making the Most of Outdoor Areas

Having a small outdoor space in Bethesda and Silver Spring, Maryland, doesn't mean one has to sacrifice the beauty and functionality of their property's landscape. With some creativity and thoughtful design, one can turn even the tiniest outdoor areas into inviting and visually appealing spaces. There are several ideas and tips for homeowners with limited outdoor space to make the most of their landscapes through professional landscaping services in Bethesda and Silver Spring, MD.   1. Vertical Gardens: When ground space is limited, think vertically. Vertical gardens allow one to grow plants and herbs on walls, trellises, or shelving units. This not only adds greenery but also serves as a decorative element.   2. Container Gardening: Utilize containers and pots to grow flowers, herbs, and small shrubs. Container gardens are flexible and can be moved to different spots, maximizing the available sunlight throughout the day.   3. Multifunctional Furniture: Invest in outdoor furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, one can choose a bench with built-in storage or a coffee table that doubles as a planter.   4. Miniature Gardens: Create miniature landscapes in small areas. Consider fairy gardens, rock gardens, or succulent gardens, which are perfect for adding charm to small spaces.   5. Space-Efficient Plant Selection: Choose compact and dwarf plant varieties. These plants occupy less space and can be grouped together to create a lush garden without overcrowding.   6. Raised Beds: Raised garden beds provide defined planting areas while adding a touch of elevation to the landscape. They're perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers in a small space.   7. Patio Gardens: If one has a small patio or balcony, consider container gardening or vertical gardening to make the most of this space. One can also use hanging planters to free up floor space.   8. Built-In Seating: Incorporate built-in benches or seating into the landscaping in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, MD. These features not only provide a place to relax but also save space that would otherwise be occupied by separate seating.   9. Compact Outdoor Kitchens: If one is passionate about outdoor cooking, even a small outdoor kitchen can be created with compact grills, countertops, and storage solutions.   10. Garden Pathways: Create pathways with stepping stones, gravel, or pavers to lead the eye through the landscape and give the illusion of depth.   11. Water Features: Small fountains, birdbaths, or miniature ponds can be added to create a sense of tranquility and make the most of limited outdoor space.   12. Focal Points: Incorporate a single eye-catching element, such as a sculpture, ornamental tree, or unique plant, to draw attention and divert focus from the limited space.   13. Use Color Wisely: Select a consistent color palette for the plantings and outdoor décor. This creates a cohesive look that makes the small space feel larger.   14. Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly prune and maintain the plants to prevent overcrowding. Proper maintenance keeps the small space looking well-organized and visually appealing.   15. Evening Ambiance: Add outdoor lighting to extend the usability of the small space into the evening. String lights, lanterns, and small LED fixtures can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.   16. Minimalist Design: Embrace a minimalist approach to the small landscape. Less can be more, and a clean and uncluttered design can make the outdoor area feel more open.   Remember that every small space has unique characteristics, and the landscaping plan should be tailored to suit specific needs and preferences. By employing these ideas and tips, one can transform the limited outdoor space in Bethesda and Silver Spring into a charming oasis that reflects the owner's style and offers a delightful outdoor experience.

[indiantraveltales]

My travel diary of a bus trip from Delhi to Shimla, detailing the scenic routes, and how's my experience.

Travelling from Delhi to Shimla by bus has always been a soul-satisfying journey. The spellbinding scenic views of nature in the Delhi to Shimla bus route is like the cherry on top, considering the dreamy vegetation of Shimla. There has not been a single time when I wasn't excited about the Delhi to Shimla bus journey! It takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach Shimla by bus as the Delhi to Shimla distance is approximately 405.0 kilometres. Zingbus, HRTC, HPTDC, Laxmi Holidays, and ISBT bus operators offer the most comfortable buses for Delhi to Shimla route. Roads from the routes of Shimla are well maintained but still, road safety measures need to be taken at all costs. You need to be prepared for any situation life throws at you! 

Delhi to Shimla bus tips are for the people who can't handle longer bus journeys and have the worst kind of motion sickness like me! They need to take all the preventive measures for putting an end to the symptoms as there are a lot of twists and turns while crossing the hilly region. It is best to not consume any food before the journey and carry chewing gum to reduce the effects of motion sickness. 

There are a lot of Delhi to Shimla tourist places that can instantly put you in vacation mode. Some of them are Purana Quila, Sheikh Chilli Tomb, Rock Gardens of Chandigarh,  Sukhna Lake, Sarkaria Cactus Garden, and sunset point. Don't forget to gorge on mouth-watering street food and diverse cuisines whenever you pass by these routes. You can enjoy the best lip-smacking flavors of India such as Mannat Dhaba (Murthal, Haryana), Haveli Multi Cuisine restaurant (Karnal), Best Western Maryland (Ambala Road, Zirakpur), and Pal Dhaba Chandigarh (Chandigarh). Delhi is popularly known for its heavenly food experience; hence, it would be unjust to leave Delhi without trying the things that make Delhi special!

[jmreyes9]

REFLECTIONS ON THE YEAR 2014

By Jesse Reyes

As the waning moments of 2014 come to an end, like the dying embers in a fireplace, and the promise of a bright and prosperous New Year looms in the horizon, my thoughts wander back to the beginning of this year.  It started out as being uneventful in the first four months but then it gathered steam, as a locomotive engine would, after that and ended with a loud bang near its end.

Two beautiful garden weddings, where my wife and I were sponsors, transpired this year—the first in May, where Alfredo Esguerra and Mariezel Lorenzo exchanged wedding vows beneath two large oak trees, surrounded by lush vegetation, sun shining brightly at Orchard Ridge Farms near Rockford, IL, a two-hour drive from Chicago; the other garden wedding in July, that of Ryan Baluyot and Kristen Damron’s, who “tied the knot” under a large oak tree with grapevines all around, hills and mountains in a distance, sun almost setting in the west, near the Damron residence in Sta. Rosa, CA near San Francisco.  The latter wedding allowed us to go for a one-day visit to the Castello di Amorosa Winery in Napa Valley after the wedding.

My son Mark and Elaine Abasolo had an unforgettable destination wedding in Maui, Hawaii, in the island they call “Paradise” at the end of August.  It was a romantic setting where they were joined in wedlock--in Haiku Mill, one of the most unique and sought-after wedding and private event venues in the world.  Steeped in history, it was a processing factory for sugarcane from 1861 to 1879.  The front part of the venue had the appearance of the ruins of an old cathedral with vines growing on its walls.  

Many friends and relatives from the US and the Philippines graced the occasion with their presence.  My wife’s sister Becky, and her husband Raffy Castillo, and their daughter, Shelly, all three of them doctors from the Philippines, and Jun, my wife’s brother from Texas as well as my two sisters, Adel and daughter Raenelle and husband Kris, and Gwen and her daughter Jenny from California, came.  Relatives of the Abasolos were also present.  We stayed for about 8 days in Hawaii, allowing us to “go on vacation” and enjoy the beauty of Maui after the wedding.

On October 6, my twin grandchildren, Colin and Brianna (they had names picked out even before their birth!) “first saw the light of day” at Central Dupage Hospital in Winfield, IL.  They have been the object of much attention by both relatives and friends, to the detriment of their older brother, Devon, who saw and felt his popularity declining! We assured him, however, that he would always remain number one in our book.

My daughter Michelle and Brian Kelley promised to love each other “till death do us part” on Dec. 14 in a wedding ceremony held at Salvage One in Chicago on a relatively “warm” day, the temperatures in the low 50’s with lots of sun to boot.  The venue was replete with Greek or Romanesque pillars and several chandeliers, the backdrop of the altar made up of four Corinthian style pillars and chandeliers hanging in front.  Everything worked out perfectly, and there was a lot of fun and laughter, especially during the reception.

It turned out to be a family reunion of sorts for my wife’s siblings—Becky Castillo and her daughter, Shelly, from the Philippines, and her other daughter, Abbie and her husband, Glenn Orion from Maryland, David Lorenzo and his family from Virginia and Jun Lorenzo from Texas and also for me--my two sisters, Adel Tauro, and daughter Raenelle and her husband Kris Ramirez, and Gwen Odell, all from California flew to Chicago for the grand occasion. Many of Brian and Michelle’s relatives and friends came from far and near to witness the nuptials.

These jubilant events, along with Mother Nature’s majestic displays, gave me adequate material for my essays and photos, to be posted on Facebook.

I thank God, who in His infinite wisdom and limitless grace allowed all the above happy and memorable events to transpire this year.  All the glory and honor belongs to Him.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28 NIV.

Written in Burr Ridge, IL on Dec. 31, 2014. Posted in FB in 2014 and reposted in 2023.

[thebotanicalarcade]

n73_w1150 by Biodiversity Heritage Library Via Flickr: Manns' superior seeds :. Baltimore, Md. :J. Manns,1934.. biodiversitylibrary.org/page/42236653

[christinahobbsofc]

Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Garden Tips

Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Garden Tips Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Garden. You can now grow leafy greens, vegetables, herbs, and fruits in your living room, kitchen, or even tiny studio apartment thanks to intelligent indoor gardening systems. April Rolle suffered from a leafy green issue. The busy doctor loved salads, but her outdoor container garden had not been successful in producing lettuce or other salad-related ingredients. In addition, due to her busy schedule, she never managed to consume all of the greens she purchased before they went bad. She later learned about Gardyn, a sophisticated hydroponic indoor garden that enables home gardeners to grow up to 30 different varieties of vegetables and salad greens year-round. When you're ready, you can choose a fresh salad with the Gardyn, according to Rolle, who began using the gadget in June. image of Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Garden Introduction to Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Gardens In the sixteen million people who took up gardening during the pandemic, 67 percent were either growing or intended to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in 2021, according to the National Gardening Association. However, not all of those people cultivate food outside. To grow food in living rooms, kitchens, and even tiny studio apartments, some people, like Rolle, are using systems like Gardyn, Lettuce Grow, or Click and Grow, among others. The companies ship seed pods that customers place in mini-farms that include a water tank, grow lights, and, depending on the model, even WiFi. These companies use soilless farming techniques, primarily hydroponic growing systems. They also aid in bringing people closer to their food because they are made to provide all the advantages of a garden without the majority of the work. Gardyn CEO and founder FX Rouxel was surrounded by fresh produce and local markets while growing up in Provence, France. Years later, when he was an adult living in Maryland, he began to examine our food system more closely. A head of lettuce traveling three weeks to reach your table was unthinkable, according to Rouxel. Rouxel created Gardyn's fully automated smart vertical growing system using his background in computer science, technology, and engineering. The system was released last year. Large-scale indoor smart gardens have existed for many years. Dickson Despommier, a professor of microbiology at Columbia University, and his students popularized the concept of vertical indoor farms in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were looking for solutions to one of the biggest issues facing the world today: how to feed an expanding global population, especially one that is increasingly concentrated in urban areas, while also increasing the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Today, businesses like Gotham Greens, Bowery Farming, AeroFarms, Forward Greens, and Upward Farms grow produce that is sold in supermarkets using some type of indoor vertical farm. Such greens can also be obtained through CSA-like memberships like Willo. However, these enormous farms have only recently started to be made on a smaller scale accessible to the general public. And more and more people are learning how rewarding it is to grow their own food thanks to this new trend of indoor mini-farms. That is true in my house. My toddler regularly checks on the plants in our kitchen's Click and Grow system as soon as she wakes up in the morning. And I've found that the only way to get her to eat things like tomatoes and kale is to let her go to the garden and choose them for herself. Emma Sophie, the company's founder, uses the EVE Small Easy Indoor Garden to grow more than 200 different plants because "it's simple and useful." It produces up to seven pounds of greens for me each month, which is more than enough. With automated lighting and watering, I use an app to manage the growth of my plants. One of its best features is that no soil is required, so there is no mess! There are no pesticides on the plant, and gardening is done all year long. I occasionally grow flowers to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. The systems don't come cheap. One of the more affordable options is the Click and Grow indoor garden, which starts at $99.95. Some of the more sophisticated systems can cost as much as $1,000 plus the cost of the seed pods. But for a lot of people, the advantages of the user-friendly systems far outweigh the price. Since the Gardyn runs itself, Rolle claims that using it has been very simple. I've been primarily growing the system's included varieties of lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes. She then intends to try growing some of her own seeds. The ease of the indoor grow system is a great way for my toddler and I to transition into and out of the chilly New England months. All year long, both indoors and outdoors, my daughter can taste tomatoes and watch them grow. How to create a home grown hydroponic mini garden With the Home Grown Hydronic Mini Garden, you can give your small herbs, vegetables, or plants the best possible start in life. The tiny 8.2 x 22.5cm mini garden has four different "grow baskets" so you can simultaneously grow a number of your favorite greens. You can fit 2 into the Home Grown Indoor Grow Light for carefree sunlight thanks to the mini garden's convenient size (sold separately). Tips for successful home grown hydroponic mini garden Hydroponic systems are great for small spaces and are ideal for those who want to grow their own food. A hydroponic system uses water instead of soil to nourish the plants. There are many different types of hydroponic systems, including aeroponic, aquaponics, and deep-water culture. - Aeroponic systems use air pressure to move water through the roots of the plants. These systems are best suited for smaller spaces and are often used indoors. - Aquaponics combines both hydroponic and fish farming systems. Fish excrete ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, and other nutrients into the water. Plants then take these nutrients back into themselves. - Deep-water culture uses a reservoir filled with water and planted with aquatic plants. Water circulates throughout the reservoir via pumps. - Grow lights are necessary for any type of hydroponic system. Grow lights provide the plants with the right amount of light at the right time. - Growing space should be kept clean and free of debris. Cleaning out the area helps prevent disease and keeps the plants healthy. - When choosing a hydroponic system, consider the size of the space you have available. If you have a small space, choose a compact system. Compact systems are easier to maintain and tend to be less expensive than larger systems. - You may need to purchase additional equipment if you plan on using a hydroponic system. Consider purchasing a pump, timer, filter, and other items before starting your project. - Once you have purchased everything you need, set up your system. Make sure you know how to operate each piece of equipment properly. - Keep your system clean! Dirty filters and reservoirs can cause problems with your plants. - Be patient! Your plants will require some time to adjust to their new environment. Give them plenty of room to grow and don't overfeed them. - Enjoy your new hobby! Homegrown vegetables taste much better than FAQ Home Grown Hydroponic Mini Garden What is a hydroponic mini garden? What is a hydroponic mini garden?The newest addition to the Home Grown range, is the Hydroponic Mini Garden. Grow anything that is suited to a small pot on your bench top for easy access during your meal preparation. We will gladly assist with returns and exchanges of this product in accordance with our returns and exchanges policy. What are the best indoor hydroponic gardening options? What are the best indoor hydroponic gardening options?A simple jar garden is great for starting out, though, as doesn’t require much. This works well for both herbs and smaller veggie crops, like lettuce. Regardless of the type of indoor hydroponic garden selected, you will need to remain observant for issues such as mold, stunted plant growth, and/or water imbalances. What can you grow hydroponically in a soda bottle? What can you grow hydroponically in a soda bottle?Hydroponic Wick System Design a cheap hydroponic system using soda bottles for growing herbs and lettuces. Click here for the directions. 15. Single Plant Hydroponic System Perfect for those who need single plant hydroponic systems made up of simple household items. What do you need to grow hydroponics at home? What do you need to grow hydroponics at home?Small Homemade Hydroponic System You can grow plants without dirt in your home with the help of this hydroponic system. The most essential items you’ll need are PVC pipes, submersible pump, and a few other supplies. Learn everything here in this detailed tutorial. Read the full article

[alienxboiii]

So, I decided to try growing a garden (even tho it's late in the season lol) 😗

After a failed attempt to grow carrots in a mason jar - bc why not - i wanted to redeem myself. Dad had an old box garden setup from years ago, which had been mostly used to dump excess soil from planting stuff, burning leaves... etc. He said the soil was prob super rich, so I just cleaned up the space and got to planting.

Last 7 pics are from July 27 (day 14). Left/back row are some mystery plants that were already growing in the box garden. They look like tomatoe plants and our neighbors have gardens, so who knows? 🤷🏾‍♂️ Let's see how this turns out! 💚💙✌🏾☮

[venusinorbit]

here has been a lot of talk about eating healthy, especially for young people.

In Baltimore, there is a new partnership that is teaching young people about the importance of nutritional choices.

Algernon Campbell directs the Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (BUGS) after-school program; a program which has a new partner.

“We have cooking, gardening, STEM; as well as creative arts,” Campbell said. “With all of those components, students are learning by doing so they can improve their test scores.”

Medifast will invest $1 million in the non-profit over the next five years.

“We are looking to improve healthy habits for all, especially in underserved communities, really to expand our message,” said Medifast Director of Clinical Nutrition Jennifer Christman.

The message is resonating with youngsters in the program.