Gardens Greenhouses and Golf

Golf Course Dream Vacation Destination

2006-07-27T17:34:00.000-04:00

If Visiting world renound Golf Courses
is your idea of a Dream Vacation...

It is that time of year when everyone is traditionally thinking about vacations.
I know that most golfers share a love Nature. Some of the most beautiful Golf Courses are planned and constructed totally environmentally friendly yet have some of the most Gorgeous landscaping imaginable. If your ultimate dream vacation includes golf, either with your spouse or a group of friends you can make that dream a reality. Keep in mind that the 2008 US open is tentatively scheduled for Torrey Pines Golf Course, South Course, La Jolla, CA and the 2007 US open is scheduled for the Oakmont Pennsylvania Country Club PA.

Here is a list of a few of the Golf Courses and the year where the US open's have recently been held in case you want to go and play a round or two, or three:

In 2006 - Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamoroneck, N.Y.
In 2005 - Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, No. 2 Course,Village of Pinehurst, N.C.
In 2004 - Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, N.Y.
In 2003 - Olympia Fields Country Club, North Course, IL.
In 2002 - Bethpage State Park, Black Course, Farmingdale, N.Y.
In 2001 - Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, OK.

If you are passionate about golf there are many vacation packages that feature golf and make popular golf courses affordable destinations. Be sure and contact a local travel agent in your area to see what type of Golf Vacation packages are available. Many times travel packages can save you money !
With what you save you can buy those new clubs you've been wanting.
Can you imagine the adventures golfing at the major courses around the world!
You could play on courses from Florida to Fiji.

Think Green !
Have a Wonderful Vacation whether you are going golfing or visiting National forests, gardens or arboretums or just staying at home and piddling in your greenhouse. The most important thing is do do something that you love and love what you do.

~its not easy being green
Gj

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EPA Become Aware in your Community

2006-07-04T12:09:00.000-04:00

Here is the main address for the Federal EPA website
EPA = Environmental Protection Agency

EPA

There is a searchable database on the front page.
Type in your zip code and any information concerning your community will be listed.

Mission statement from the 'About EPA' section of the website:
quoting -

The EPA is led by the Administrator, who is appointed by the President of the United States.

Our Mission
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. View the Agency's complete strategic plan, annual report, and policy resources.

What We Do
EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts.

end quote-

We can all do better at being more conscious of what we throw away, what we consume, what is going on in our area landfills, community water sheds, upcoming projects, the list goes on and on.
The first step is the easiest.
Make yourself aware.
Believe it or not many people confuse the EPA with the FDA.
Now that you have some basic information, take that first step.

Being aware and getting involved only takes a few moments:
a click of the mouse
an email
quick letter
or a phone call.

What better way to Celebrate our Nation's Birthday!
Happy July 4th

Now that you have the information, what are you going to do about it?

IT is YOUR community too!

~Gj
it's not easy being green...

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FIGHTING CABIN FEVER AND OTHER FEBRUARY GARDENING TIPS

2006-02-22T00:11:00.000-05:00

I am very lucky, I don't suffer from Cabin Fever in the winter season. I enjoy winter more than the summer for going for long walks, taking photos and breathing the clean cool air. I enjoy the walk more because I know I will soon be heading indoors and warming up with a big mug of hot cocoa or cappucino, topped with whipped cream, of course. Here is an interesting article about Fighting Cabin Fever.

~Gj

FIGHTING CABIN FEVER AND
OTHER FEBRUARY GARDENING TIPS

article courtesy of:

Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor
University of Vermont

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it still seems like a long way until spring. But you can make the waiting easier by engaging in some indoor horticultural projects and activities with family and friends.

For the kids, borrow some garden-theme books from your local library to read aloud. Peter Rabbit or The Magic Hill are two fun ones for younger audiences. Your older kids will enjoy The Secret Garden. Your library also should have books on building birdhouses or butterfly abodes for hands-on craft projects.

Sprout some seeds to enjoy on salads this winter. Help your kids plant grass seed in a shallow container as a treat for the family cat, who is also probably anxious for warmer weather to arrive.

For your adult friends, plan a "Think Spring" party to help pass the time. Get together with some fellow gardeners to decorate terra cotta pots for summer container plantings. You should be able to find all the paints and decorating supplies you need at your local craft, art supply, or department store.

Swap extra seeds or put your heads together over one last order from your favorite seed company. Or ask everyone to bring cuttings from their houseplants to share or a small garden-related gift like a pressed flower bookmark, bottle of plant food, or even garden gloves to put in a grab bag.

If you like to read, why not start a book discussion group that focuses on books about plants, flowers, or gardens, such as The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, a collection of fascinating information, both scientific and folklore, on the unseen activities of plants. If you prefer garden mysteries, check out Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage or Nemesis, or the "China Bayles Herbal Mysteries" and other garden-themed books by Susan Wittig Albert.

Ask your librarian for other suggestions, or have each book group member recommend a favorite book. A Web search on the Internet also will yield some interesting possibilities.

February is a good month to fill your house with flowers. You can buy inexpensive bouquets at your florist shop or grocery store to arrange in vases. Just make sure you cover your flowers or wrap them in paper, before you leave the shop or store to prevent injury from wind, cold, and precipitation.

Valentine's Day is the number one excuse to buy flowers, if not for a sweetheart, then for yourself. Carnations, daisies, tulips, and chrysanthemums are a good buy for your money. Or treat yourself or a loved one to long-stemmed red roses, a traditional favorite, or something more exotic like Asiatic lilies or Birds of paradise, an exquisite flower from Hawaii.

Take advantage of midwinter inventory clearance or preseason sales at your local garden center or commercial greenhouse. You may be able to get some good deals on holiday items, foliage plants, pottery, and lawn sculptures and other hardware. Get a sneak preview of new garden gadgets, and either buy them now or put them on your wish list for spring.

If you can't find what you want locally, comparison shop through mail order catalogs or on the Internet, keeping in mind that price is a good indication of quality. Just be sure you figure in the shipping charge and taxes when deciding which product is the best buy for your money!

Don't let February's cold weather prevent you from checking your bird feeders every few days and adding fresh seed. Black oil sunflower seeds are popular with most birds, as is a mix of sunflower hearts, millet, canary seed, and finely cracked corn. And don't forget to hang up a suet cake or two for the finches, chickadees, and woodpeckers.

Other activities for February: tune into your favorite gardening show on television; buy supplies for starting seeds next month; start a garden journal.
^

~Gj
its not easy being green...

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FLOWERS FOR YOUR VALENTINE - ARTICLE

2006-02-14T07:05:00.000-05:00

I have always said I would much rather have a rosebush than a dozen cut roses for Valentines day ! Traditionally I have always given plants, bulbs and seeds for Valentines day to dear friends. Afterall, which is better? a dozen roses that last for a short period of time or a lifetime of roses to cherish and enjoy...

FLOWERS FOR YOUR VALENTINE

article courtesy of:
Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor
University of Vermont

Although traditional, red roses aren't the only way to say "be mine" this February 14. Tulips, carnations, azaleas, and exotic flowers such as cineraria are catching up with roses in popularity as flowers for St. Valentine's Day.

If you want to give roses, but can't afford the high price tag for long-stemmed reds, why not choose sweetheart or miniature roses. They're less expensive, just as lovely, and are available in the same range of colors including red, pale pink, white, lavender, yellow, and peach.

Or select red and white carnations or a mixed bouquet of red, white, and pink flowers. For example, you could ask your florist to make up a bouquet of white tulips, pink carnations, and a few red roses with sprigs of baby's breath for the finishing touch. Or include a few specialty flowers such as red anthurium, ginger, alstroemeria, and freesia.

If you select your own blooms, choose ones that are just beginning to open. Wrap the flowers well to protect them from the cold on your way home. Once you arrive home, recut the stems and immediately place in warm water with floral preservative.

A flowering potted plant will provide enjoyment for many weeks to come. Potted tulips, azaleas, chrysanthemums, and cyclamens are all easy to care for and are available in shades of pink, white, and red.

For something a bit more unusual, choose a kalanchoe with its small clusters of scarlet red flowers set on spikes high above the leaves. Or how about a cineraria with its fuzzy leaves and mound of vivid red, blue, or purple flowers.

When buying a flowering potted plant, look for one with many buds about to open rather than one already in full bloom. Inspect buds, flowers, and undersides of leaves for signs of disease or insect pests.

You may want to enclose a note with your gift to ensure that the plant will be given proper care. Mention that the plant needs to be kept well watered, but not overwatered, and out of drafts. And that the foil or paper covering the pot should be removed to allow adequate drainage.

Tulips, cyclamens, azaleas, cinerarias, and kalanchoes all like it cool at night (45 to 55 degrees F) and warm (70 degrees F) during the day. Finally, don't forget to say "Happy Valentine's Day!"

^

Happy Valentines Day
~Gj
its not easy being green...

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COPING WITH WINTER JANUARY TIPS

2006-01-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

I read somewhere years ago, that every living thing needs to rest in order to survive. That's how I look at Winter. A time of rest. When I go for walks I smile knowingly, because just underneath that frozen ground or that pile of snow-
there are roses and daylilies sleeping...
:)

COPING WITH WINTER AND
OTHER JANUARY GARDENING TIPS

Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor

According to the National Weather Service, January is generally the coldest month of the year ,at least, in northern New England. Although it may not seem like we are getting as much snow as we did in the past, it's not uncommon this time of the year to have heavy snow storms and temperatures below zero.

We can avoid the elements by staying indoors. But shrubs and ornamental plants need protection from inclement weather. You can protect evergreens and other shrubs by erecting wooden tepees over the plants to keep off snow. Or gently sweep off accumulations after each snowfall using a broom in an upward motion to remove snow.

If snow cover is poor, you might need to replenish the layer of straw that you used to mulch your strawberry patch and perennials in the fall. Or cut boughs from your discarded Christmas tree to cover these plants.

Protect trees and shrubs located along roadways and driveways from excess road salt, which results in stunted and yellowed foliage, premature autumn leaf coloration, and twig dieback. To protect plants, erect a screen of burlap between plants and the pavement.

To make walks and driveways safe, use sand, sawdust, or kitty litter for a more environmentally friendly alternative to salt for melting snow and ice. When shoveling snow from walkways and drives, be careful not to pile it near plants or where melting snow will drain. After the snow melts, use fresh water to flush the area around the roots that was exposed to salt.

Because you will be spending more time inside than out this month, you may want to make your living space more enjoyable by adding greenery in the form of houseplants or herbs. If you introduce new plants into your household, be sure to keep them separate from your other plants until you've inspected them to make sure that they aren't bringing in any unwelcome pests.

Or plant an amaryllis bulb. You will find a range of colors at your local full-service garden center or garden service center. These are usually sold in pre-potted kits. Jumpstart the flowering process by placing the bulb in a well-lighted area. Water well initially, but go easy on the water in subsequent waterings until the plant shows signs of growth. If you pot them in January, you should have blooms by Valentine's Day or shortly thereafter.

You can also improve your environment--and the health of your plants--by increasing the humidity level. Place houseplants on shallow trays covered with pebbles. Add water to the trays until it just touches the bottom of each pot. If you use a wood stove, keep a pot of water on the top of the stove to add moisture to the air. Or use a room humidifier. Make sure it
is the right size for the room. Too big and too much humidity may cause mold and ruin furnishings. Too small, and it won't do much good.

If winter arrived before you had time to properly put away your gardening supplies and equipment, deal with it now instead of waiting until spring. Clean and oil tools, hang up rakes and hoes, and wash your gardening gloves. If you have terra cotta pots that are discolored by an ugly crust or mold on the surface, soak the pots in a solution of one cup white vinegar and one cup chlorine bleach to one gallon of warm water. More heavily crusted pots will need to be soaked for several hours before scrubbing with a steel wool pad.

Take an inventory of your fertilizer, garden sprays and products, seeds, and other supplies to see what you will need to buy. This is also a good time to check your seed starting supplies and make a list of what you will require to start vegetable and flower plants indoors for planting outside this spring.

Because you will be inside so much this month, this would be a good time to weed through your gardening magazines to decide which ones to keep or which articles to clip. Recycle what you don't want by passing them along to a gardening friend or dropping them off at your local library, if it offers a magazine exchange as many do nowadays.

Set aside a few hours a week during this "down time" from the garden to expand your knowledge of gardening, either by borrowing books from the library on garden design, new plants, or other topics of horticultural interest or by signing up for a class. Many town recreational departments or community centers offer winter workshops on a number of topics from seed
starting to propagating houseplants and developing a home landscape plan.

Or register to become a Master Gardener and receive training on a variety of horticultural topics including flower and vegetable gardening, insect pests and plant diseases, trees and shrubs, and landscape design, among other areas. Most universities offer Master Gardener courses. In Vermont, weekly classes begin in February and run through May.

Host an indoor garden party, inviting other gardeners to your home for a seed swap or to plan seed orders together. Or watch a garden video or favorite home and garden show, then try some of the indoor gardening projects demonstrated.

Another option is to start a garden book club with friends. You can either all read the same book for discussion, or each read a different one to introduce to the group.

Other activities for January:
check stored produce for signs of wilt or rot;
order some of the All-America Selections Award winners for your garden;
take a winter walk,
cross-country ski, or snowshoe to stay in shape for the gardening season;
or feed the birds.

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WINTER GARDENING TIPS

2006-01-11T22:21:00.000-05:00

One of the most dangerous aspects of winter is ice...
Ice on the sidewalks can cause slip and falls.
Ice on electric lines can cause power outages.
Ice on your trees can cause the tree to collapse from the weight causing potential damage to you, your home, your vehicle and your landscape. I love Winter, I love the Snow, I dislike the Ice-

DE - ICING WALKS AND
OTHER WINTER GARDENING TIPS

Charlie Nardozzi, Horticulturist
National Gardening Association, and
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont

Keeping ice off roads and walks, safely, checking houseplants for spider mites, and picking the best poinsettias, are some of the gardening tips for this month.

Although salt does melt ice, it also can damage plant roots, so substitute sand or kitty litter to provide traction, or use one of the commercially available products made to melt ice without damaging plants. Some combine some deicing salt with sand or kitty litter.

Watch for new agricultural-based deicing products. These are relatively new, and include byproducts of grain, corn, and beet processing. As you might expect, they are much safer for the environment. Often these may be combined with magnesium or calcium chloride, each safer to plants than the common sodium chloride.

When the ground freezes, it's time to mulch tender perennials, newly planted trees and shrubs, roses, and other plants that need protection. Use straw, hay, compost, evergreen boughs, leaves (except for maple which easily compact), bark chips, or whatever else may be available locally that doesn't mat down too much. Certain drought-tolerant perennials, such as agastache and penstemons, are better off with a gravel mulch, which won't hold water. If burrowing rodents are a potential problem, leave a 2-inch gap between the mulch and tree trunks so the critters can't feed under cover all winter.
If your birdbath is within an extension cord's reach of your grounded outdoor outlet, you can provide drinking water for winter birds by using a birdbath heater. It keeps the water slightly above freezing. Just be sure you don't run over the cord with your snowblower.

Snowfalls can be tough on trees and shrubs by weighing down the branches, as many in northern areas found this past year with an early, heavy snow. Gently brush off most of the snow with a broom or by hand. Don't use a shovel, which can injure the branches. If there is ice buildup, it's best to let it melt because it's easy to break off the brittle branches if you try to remove it.

If Mother Nature hasn't blessed you with several inches of snow cover on your lawn, don't walk on the frozen grass. Without the protection of snow, grass blades are easily broken, causing dieback in your lawn that will show up next spring. Put up flagging or stakes in sensitive areas to keep visitors on the path.

Many houseplants, including palms and cyclamen, are attacked by spider mites this time of year. They are microscopic creatures that suck plant juices, causing the leaves to look speckled or silvery. To scout for these pests, mist the plants lightly; if mites are present, the water droplets will cling to the mites' fine webbing. Control them by misting plants daily to keep the humidity high (spider mites love dryness) and by spraying plants with insecticidal soap.

When choosing your poinsettias this holiday season, make sure to pick the best that will last the longest. Check the little yellow flowers in the middle of the red or colored bracts (these are actually leaves that changed color). These tiny, inconspicuous flowers should be present, and unopened. Otherwise plants may be old, or watered improperly.

Keep poinsettias protected from cold—both on the way home from the store, and at home. Keep them away from cold drafts near doors and windows. Wilting leaves may be a sign of cold injury, or too much water. Poinsettias prefer more dry than too wet.

Visit the National Gardening Association’s web site
for more information on gardening and regional reports.

^^

-Gj
its not easy being green...

GREEN NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

2006-01-05T22:35:00.000-05:00

My New Year's Resolution is to never ever make a New Year's Resolution.
Why put that much pressure on yourself? Try every day to do the best you can do, be the kindest you can be and dig in the dirt a little - what more could anyone do...

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

article courtesy:
Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor

Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? If you are like most people, you've probably resolved to lose a few pounds or exercise a bit more or perhaps even cut back on your spending. But this is a good time to resolve to do your part to help protect the environment.

Here are 12 resolutions for the coming year:

1. To put as little as possible into the local landfill by recycling cardboard, cans, and compostable materials.

2. To start a compost pile for grass clippings, dead leaves, plant residues, and other organic matter, including kitchen scraps to be used in the garden as compost and mulch to enrich the soil and improve plant growth.

3. To use biological controls for pests and disease in the garden whenever feasible, including planting disease-resistant varieties and buying organic pesticides.

4. To apply pesticides and other horticultural chemicals only as a last resort and to always use them safely and prudently.

5. To store all garden chemicals in their original containers, out of reach of children and pets, and preferably in a locked storage area.

6. To use fertilizers only as needed, according to soil tests, and use organic forms whenever possible.

7. To mow properly (often, not too high or low), and leave grass clippings to replenish and recycle organic matter and nutrients back into the soil.

8. To make water conservation a high priority by mulching, using efficient watering methods such as drip irrigation systems, and selecting drought-resistant ornamental plants.

9. To develop a landscape plan that works with the environment, for example, ground covers on steep banks to prevent soil erosion and shade trees on the sunny side of a home to act as a natural air conditioner. Landscaping also can help reduce temperature extremes, filter out air pollutants, and stop noise.

10. To create natural wildlife habitats by planting trees and shrubs that provide food or cover or by leaving brush and undergrowth in certain areas for birds, rabbits, and other small animals to use as a protective haven.

11. To provide food and water for the birds and to continue to feed them once they have come to depend on you.

12. To encourage others, whenever possible, to do all they can to help preserve the environment and our natural resources.

~Gj
its not easy being green...

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TENDING HOUSEPLANTS AND OTHER DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS

2005-12-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

Often times December is a whirlwind of shopping, baking, cooking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, sending out cards, shopping, planning, cleaning and shopping. You can easily become overwhelmed and forget what the season is truly about ! Try to take a few minutes each and every day for yourself and reflect on the past year. Do something you enjoy; flip through a garden catalog, make plans for your Spring garden, change out a hanging basket, purchase that Christmas cactus you have always wanted, you may have a chance to go shopping.
;)
Treat yourself, you deserve it !

TENDING HOUSEPLANTS AND OTHER
DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS

December is a time for holiday get-togethers, shopping, visiting family, gift giving, baking, and decorating the house. This is such a busy time of the year that who has time to garden?

Fortunately, there's not much to do in the way of outdoor gardening this month, and little inside that can't wait until January. However, no matter how busy you are, you will need to pay some attention to your houseplants.

In winter, reduced light and temperature also mean reduced or no growth, so don't fertilize plants this month. Plants still will require watering though be careful not to overwater, as this will cause the roots to rot. Continued drying out of the soil (as evidenced by the soil pulling away from the pot) also damages the roots. Without adequate water, plants will wilt and may die.

As a rule, flowering plants need more water than foliage plants of the same size. To gauge when a plant needs to be watered, check the soil. It will become lighter in color and drier as the soil mass dries out.

Stick your finger in the soil about two inches deep (to the second joint of your finger). If the soil is wet at this depth, don't water. Otherwise, add water until it comes through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. After an hour, discard whatever water is left in the saucer underneath the pot.

You also can water plants from the bottom, ensuring that the roots get proper moisture. Place the pot in a pan or saucer filled with water. Or dip it in a pail of water to just below the rim of the pot. Once the water reaches the top, remove the pot, let it drain, then place it back on its saucer.

Protect houseplants from winter chill by moving them away from windows at night. Or you can place a newspaper between pots and glass panes to protect your plants.

If your house is dry, provide your plants with extra humidity by grouping plants together. Or place pots on trays of moistened pebbles. Rotate pots to make sure plants get enough light without getting leggy.

If you want to cut boughs from evergreen trees for holiday decorations, use sharp pruning shears, and cut about the bud. This leaves no spurs where leaf decay can occur.

For a fun project, make or buy a balsam or grapevine wreath, and decorate with dried fruits and berries; dried or silk flowers; or sprigs of wheat. Add a big decorative bow and hang over the mantle or on the front door.

Or fill a decorative container or large flower vase with sphagnum moss. Moisten well, and stick in some small branches from your fruit trees or dogwood. Decorate with red, silver, or green bows, or wrap some small twinkle lights (or unusual festive lights, like strings of chili peppers) around the branches. Or how about using long, trailing ivy vines? Place pieces of holiday greenery (holly with berries or evergreens, for example) around the base to cover the moss.

When making decorations, take a few minutes to string cranberries, grapes, and popcorn to hang on trees for birds to enjoy. Or stick a piece of apple or orange on a nail on the feeder for an extra treat. And don't forget to keep feeders filled for your winter visitors.

Although many people like to buy potted plants like poinsettias, azaleas, and amaryllis--or the more unusual kalanchoe or cyclamen--for decorations or gifts, bouquets of fresh cut flowers are also ideal for the holidays. Ask your florist to include red carnations and roses, or the more exotic red ginger flower or gold protea, along with other red, green, gold, or silver flowers in the bouquet. Wrap well in paper for the trip home to prevent damage from freezing.

If you buy potted holiday plants, be sure to place them out of reach of pets and small children. Yuletide plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, ivy, and holly berries may cause illness if eaten, as may some houseplants.

Outdoors, if you are overwintering tender perennials, fertilize them lightly in early December. Water if the ground hasn't frozen.

Check your evergreens near the road or driveway. If they have been sprayed with salt spray from the street, wait for a mild day, then gently rinse them with water to prevent foliage damage.

Finally, take a break from the holiday preparations to watch a garden video or read the garden books you didn't have time for earlier this year. Chances are, you'll receive new ones this holiday season.

Other tips for December: strap on your cross-country skis or snowshoes to enjoy the winter landscape; stud a fresh orange with whole cloves to make a pomander; make your own holiday gift wrap using leaf and flower stencils; hang suet outside your window for the birds for wintertime enjoyment for you, your cat, and the birds!

Article courtesy of:
Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor
University of Vermont

**Merry Christmas from our home to yours **

"Nature is the art of God"

~Gg

its not easy being green...

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ARTICLE ON GREENHOUSES AS A BUSINESS VENTURE

2005-12-19T18:23:00.000-05:00

There are a Lot of articles out there about starting home businesses.
The following is the most thought provoking article I have come across re: Greenhouses.
ENJOY !

Greenhouses:
A business venture
American Vegetable Grower
Aug 2002 by O'Keeffe-Swank

The advantages of greenhouse production - growing in a controlled environment 365 days a year with more efficient applications of crop protection materials and improved product consistency - appeal to your entrepreneurial spirit. Now you're ready to do something about it: create a master plan.

"A comprehensive master plan is required to reflect how the owner intends the completed facility to look," says William J. Roberts, professor emeritus and retired director of the Center for Controlled-Environment Agriculture at Rutgers University. Roberts published a guide through Rutgers titled "Creating a Master Plan for Greenhouse Operations." His guide can also be found on the Web at aesop.rutgers.edu/-ccea.

Roberts says important components of a good master plan include a business plan, site evaluation, evaluation of the type of growing structures, equipment required, and the impact the expansion might have on the community at large.

The first step of a business plan is quite obvious, but it's also the most critical:
determining which crops to grow and the intended market destination. Investigating the market will identify the unmet needs and from there will help you choose the appropriate greenhouse structure and accessories for optimal yields, says Amit Zour, director of international sales and marketing for the Israeli-based Azrom Metal Industries.

For 20 years, Zour has helped growers from around the world find solutions for their greenhouse operations.

Site Evaluation And Future Expansion

Zour suggests collecting a list of local data to help determine the appropriate model, materials, and accessories needed for the greenhouse. Local information to collect includes:

* Soil and ground -
analysis of physical conditions and chemical composition.

* Climate conditions -
maximum, minimum, and average temperatures (day and night);
relative humidity (day and night);
wind velocity and direction;
radiation levels (hours and quantities);
annual rainfall;
quantity and loads of snowfall;
hail, and unusual natural phenomena.

* Topographic information -
appropriate planning for drainage, ground sloping, and directions of
planting as per radiation angles.

* Project site foundations -
water sources, electricity, phone lines and communication, and access roads.

In his guide, Roberts recommends putting all this information in a topographical map and says the elevations on the map should have one to two contour intervals. "Locations of streams, ponds, and dedicated wetlands are important for runoff considerations and the permitting process, if applicable," he adds.

Using this collection of local data, Zour says he shows growers the full picture by finding the cheapest option for the first investment and other options that could be more expensive but potentially yield better results. "Start as simple as possible, but as profitable as possible," he says.

Plan Ahead

Zour also considers future expansion in his assessment because planning ahead will avoid costly retrofits. "This is why one of the most important characteristics is for a greenhouse to be modular," he says. "If everything is considered from the beginning of the project, future expansion will just be a matter of buying more structure materials and other components. Everything should fit like a Lego."

Pertinent expansion needs to consider for the master plan include:

* Size of the greenhouse area.
Will you have enough space to expand?

* Water and electricity.
Will your sources handle the increased capacity?
Are you budgeting for increased usage?

* Packing house design.
Is it big enough to handle the extra load?

* Increased drainage.
How will you collect the drainage, and will you have to build a drainage canal?

Structure And Coverings

Determining the type of structure will depend on the growing system, level of automation, the crops to be grown, and overall physical arrangement on the potential site. Once the width of the greenhouse is determined, Zour recommends ensuring that the main poles are stationed every 13 feet to carry the pressure of the structure.

As Roberts points out in his guide, new environmental regulations limiting runoff from greenhouses make it beneficial to construct a solid concrete foundation. He suggests the walls extend below frostline and that they be 8 inches wide. Interior walkways should be 4 inches thick and at least 10 feet wide for vehicle travel.

Referring back to your local data, the structure should be designed to withstand wind gusts in accordance with local standards. The structure must be strong enough to support the load of plant foliage and internal service systems (such as trellising), and it should create minimum shading.

"Normally you'll have problems with shading in the greenhouse because the structure itself creates shade, and then some accessories add to the shade," Zour says. "Since a high percentage of light transmission is needed for photosynthesis, we have to get the maximum of natural light transmission via the different kinds of coverings."

Greenhouse Coverings

There are two families of greenhouse coverings. Hard coverings available include polycarbonate, glass, and in some cases, polyvinyl chloride. Soft coverings include polyethylene film and a combination of additives, such as ethylene vinyl acetate.

Polyethylene and glass block ultra-violet light (UV). Plants don't need the LTV spectrum of light (the group of wavelengths between 0 and 350 nanometers), but insects thrive on it. Plants are very limited on the amount of light they take in, Zour explains. So it's good to filter out what they don't need and to capture more of the spectrums of light needed for photosynthesis. Special glazings, or enhancements added to the covering materials, provide these advantages.

Aside from glazings that limit LTV, other enhancements include infrared radiation absorbency and anti-condensation drip surfaces, as well as unique radiation transmission properties.

Another desired property is a high rate of electricity to repel dust on the exterior of the greenhouse, Zour says. Dust creates more shade on the exterior, but coverings with the added electric properties will not allow the dust to cling.

Ventilation, Heating, Cooling & Accessories

Optimal temperatures for vegetable production vary according to crop, variety, and stage of development. But as a rule for tomatoes, Roberts' colleagues at Rutgers say temperatures are kept between 70 deg F to 80 deg F during the day and 60 deg F to 65 deg F at night.
As a side note, more complex temperature manipulation strategies can be used to further control plant growth.

Whatever the requirements may be, keeping the temperatures out of the danger zone requires proper ventilation, cooling, and heating of the interior.

Active Or Passive

There are two types of ventilation: natural (passive), and active (forced) with the use of electric fans. Natural ventilation requires the maximum amount of airflow in the greenhouse using sidewall curtains and roof vents. "We are creating a chimney effect," Zour says. "We give the air enough space to enter through the sides, and then enough space to escape through the roof vents."

Active ventilation requires more accessories and is more expensive. But an added benefit to using active ventilation is creating an evaporative cooling system with the wet pad and electric fan combination, Zour says. This is done by placing an electric fan on the interior of one side of the structure and a wet pad on the opposite exterior wall, which sucks cooler air through the greenhouse.

Since greenhouse models vary around the world according to climate, so too will the HVAC - heating, ventilating, and airconditioning - and other accessories.

In Northern U.S. regions, greenhouses typically require high-tech operations due to extreme temperatures in both winter and summer, Zour says. Good heating systems, mostly using hot water, are needed in the winter, while the pad and fan combination is a typical cooling solution for the summer, he adds.

The Southwest region of the U.S., with its warm and dry climate, makes it more feasible for growers to rely on structures that take advantage of natural ventilation.

With Florida's warm and humid climate, ventilation is key, Zour says. Models are built to use natural ventilation, and with circulation fans, reduce humidity.

"A thermal screen that doubles for summer shading could be one of the best investments a grower can make," Roberts says.

He also refers to proper heating for optimal yield. Before a transportable bench system is considered, there has to be an excellent environmental control system installed. "If you're spending the money, do the environmental control system first," says Roberts. This will ensure uniform growth for easy handling.

Irrigation Growing Media & Temperature Controls

One major benefit of greenhouse production is the ability to control growing conditions around the root system, including irrigation and

nutrition, and with soilless cultures to maintain aerated surroundings.

Irrigation systems vary in design and layout. If automation is a priority, a greenhouse design should allow for future installations of automatic control and equipment, Roberts says. Also, ensure the fertilizer injection system is compatible with the installed irrigation system.

There are several options for growing media. Aside from deciding whether to use local or imported soil, substrates (or soilless beds) are another option from which you could choose rockwool, perlite, coconut fibers, sawdust, or volcanic cinder. Another option is Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), a hydroponic system that allows for even better root control.

Quality analog and computer systems are available to accurately sense and control both aerial and soil temperatures, Roberts says. Computer systems can record data for subsequent use in evaluating plant performance or identifying problems with the growing system.

The list of greenhouse technologies that you can add to your master plan seems endless, but as Zour suggests, keep it simple at the beginning of the project and plan ahead to add more later.

Hope your Holidays are going well...
`Greenjeans
it's not easy being green...

Return to Gardens Greenhouses and Golf Home page

SOUTHEASTERN AGRICULTURE GREENHOUSES GROWING GREEN

2005-12-19T01:34:00.000-05:00

This article reflects agricultural data collected in 2004 and some numbers they had projected for 2005. I believe that every person on the planet should be concerned about the agricultural difficulties facing our farmers. Family Farms are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Southeastern agriculture: citrus squeezed,
greenhouses growing green
EconSouth, published in Winter, 2004

The performance of the Southeastern agriculture sector was mixed in 2004. While domestic and foreign demand for the region's produce was healthy, production of certain crops was affected by four destructive hurricanes. Overall demand conditions should remain positive in 2005, and production in storm-affected crops should recover in the coming year.

Poultry.
The performance and outlook for the Southeast's poultry industry is encouraging. Poultry is the region's leading income-producing agricultural product, accounting for over $7 billion in cash receipts. Domestic market conditions improved markedly in 2004, and the value of the Southeast's exports increased as well. Analysts anticipate continued demand from domestic and foreign markets for poultry products in 2005.

Cotton.
In spite of losses associated with the hurricanes, yields remained high in the Southeast's $1.7 billion cotton industry. Prices declined in 2004, however. Shipments of cotton abroad continued, and analysts anticipate strong demand from China and India in 2005.

Citrus.
Hurricanes also hammered the region's citrus-producing areas, and as a result the outlook for Florida's $1.6 billion citrus industry in 2005 is uncertain. The 2004 orange crop was the smallest in 11 years, an estimated 27 percent lower than 2003 production levels. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the state's 2004 grapefruit crop will be 63 percent less than 2003's production. Unfortunately for domestic growers, citrus juice price increases may be tempered by high current inventory levels and a bumper crop in Brazil. Thus, citrus faces daunting challenges in 2005.

Greenhouse-nursery.
Greenhouse and nursery crops continued to be the fastest-growing segment of Southeastern agriculture, producing about $2.6 billion in cash receipts and accounting for approximately 18 percent of the region's farm income. The 2004 hurricanes hit key production areas in Florida with damages reportedly near $500 million. The outlook for the industry will depend on how quickly affected growers restore production levels.

COPYRIGHT 2004

ARTICLE DISCUSSING WINTER DAMAGE ON GOLF COURSES

2005-12-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Even if you are not a big golfing enthusiast, you have to love the fact that those who love the sport are taking the time and spending the money to keep acres of land- landscaped and well maintained. Many Golf Course planners who enjoy the beauty of nature as much as they do Golf, are remaining Green in the process.

~ Dormant Seeding In the Fall Provides Greater
Insurance Against Winter Damage.
(c)Kevin Ross , 2001

There's been a lot of talk over the past several months concerning winter damage on golf courses. High-profile events, such as the 2001 US Senior Open at Salem Country Club in Massachusetts, (which sustained severe turf loss prior to the event),
has brought this issue front and center.

Winter damage is not a new phenomenon.
Many states throughout the northern United States and in large parts of Canada sustain turf loss every year. Each year, many superintendents experience the same agony that superintendent Yip Tyler did this year at Salem CC. However, the work done at Salem CC has spurred much thought on how to prepare your golf course for the dreaded winter months.

THE DORMANT SOLUTION

Dormant seeding is one technique that has not received much attention. A successful program of dormant seeding can produce spectacular results in the spring, and it is a great insurance policy in the event that any winter damage occurs.

Dormant seeding is done in the fall, after soil temperatures have declined sufficiently, so complete germination will not occur. However, soil temperatures must be sufficient for the initial stages of germination to occur.

The first step in the seed germination process is water absorption. In the second step, the seed undergoes a swelling, which initiates several biochemical and morphological events. This ultimately results in the development of a seedling turfgrass plant.

In dormant seeding, the seed undergoes the initial stages of germination during the late fall and early winter period before entering a frozen state throughoutthe winter. In this period, the enzyme and carbohydrate processes that occur during actual germination become dormant. Because the seed is partially germinated, it is four to six weeks ahead of a spring planted seed.

TIMING IS CRITICAL

I have used this technique successfully for over 15 years in the New England states and presently in Colorado. This work has primarily involved using bentgrass, but Ihave seen it work with all cool-season grasses. Depending on your region, the timing may change slightly.

Establishing test plots is the best way to determine the proper timing in your area. The easiest method can be achieved by using a hex plug cutter, removing the plugs, and using your standard divot/seed mix, seeding these plugs. During the time period you think might work best, you can seed one hole (plug) per day, over a 14 to 21 day period.

I have observed dormant seed germination as early as the first week in April when soil temperatures are in the high 30s to low 40s. This can catch some people by surprise and is a critical time period for the germinated seed because warm and windy spring periods can cause failure. Proper water management of these areas and close monitoring will spell success.

COST

Excluding the cost of fairway seeding,
a typical program with bentgrass for greens,
and divots on tees and fairways is about $2,500.
This is a small price to pay for an insurance policy which can
provide very large dividends in the spring.

~~

OUTDOOR GARDEN FURNITURE SOLAR GARDEN PRODUCTS

2005-12-16T00:52:00.000-05:00

We can only hope that the cost of environmentally friendly items will start to come down soon. After years of being on the market, more efficient light bulbs are finally affordable. As more efficient solar or off-grid items come on the market the prices will start to become more affordable. We can only hope - I have got my eye on solar panel system for generating electricity.

Today's articles courtesy of :
Green Consumer Guide

Outdoor Garden Furniture

When looking for environmentally sound garden furniture, be certain to check the wood type used. Woods such as mahogany are best avoided. This type of wood is not ecologically ideal for garden furniture, and is also very expensive.

In many cases the furniture is marketed on the basis that it is environmentally friendly, however beware of false claims. Labels claim that the timber is taken from sustainable managed resources or from plantation timber.

False statements include;
"For every fallen tree, a new one is planted so no tropical rain forest need to be destroyed"

The reality could not be further from the truth. If the furniture does not have false claims then it is likely to have no labelling at all. If there is no proof of the source of the furniture, for example from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) then it is advisable not to buy. We recommend that you only purchase from timber endorsed by the FSC or a similarly respectable certification organization.

Solar Garden Products - Garden Tools

‘Reel’ lawnmowers are the most ecologically sound way to cut your lawn, as they don’t use any power source. Reel mowers also do a better job, which is why they are used by golf course groundsmen. They are virtually silent and maintenance free. The next best thing to using a reel lawnmower, is using an electric mower. These are small, light and don’t pollute.

Either type of lawnmower is a sound environmentally friendly investment.

Solar Garden Products

Solar radiation is an unlimited source of energy, and is a viable alternative to fossil fuel produced electricity. One use of solar powered energy which is rapidly increasing in popularity is garden lighting.

Solar powered garden lighting can be manually operated, or can come on automatically, and intensity (brightness) is also optional. This form of energy is free, and causes no carbon dioxide emissions, making it 100% environmentally friendly.

Contrary to popular belief, solar energy does not only work on sunny days! The energy is actually derived from solar radiation, which is present every day, all year round. Solar light units charge during the day, and run for around 8 to 12 hours when the sun goes down, pleasantly illuminating your garden.

~Greenjeans
it's not easy being green...

THE CHRISTMAS SONG & THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT TREE

2005-12-13T18:50:00.000-05:00

One of my all time favorite Christmas Songs !

Thanks to Curt Davis for the information !!
See if you can grown an American Chestnut in your area.
Plant a tree, for our future.

The Christmas Song
Mel Torme (c) 1946

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey
and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys
and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer
really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said
many times, many ways
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
to you.

^^

The American Chestnut Tree
By Curt Davis

The American Chestnut tree was the most valuable and the most useable tree that ever grew in the Eastern United states. Its trunks grew straight and tall towering stately above all other trees. It was a great loss to the area and the nation when a virus began killing the chestnut trees near the beginning of the twentieth century.

I can remember well that all of them were gone by 1927 on the Wells Creek farms in Eastern Kentucky where I was born in 1910. My father owned two other farms nearby. I can remember that the boundaries lines of each and most cross fencing of all three farms were done with chestnut rails. Only the fence in front of our home and the family garden were not rail fencing.

During my early childhood the fencing around the yard and garden was done with chestnut pales and called paling fencing. The pales were set perpendicular on the round with an inch to one and half inches between the pales to keep chickens, turkeys, geese and other animals from eating the seeds or later destroying the
plants inside the garden.

I remember that I was about seven years old when the yard fence was changed to an ornamental wire fencing designed for yards. It was ordered from Montgomery Ward & Co. It was stapled to 6"x6" squared chestnut posts. I thought it looked so much better and as a child I could more easily see the neighbors coming to and from Dad's Country Store. Later a woven wire fence replaced the paling fence around the garden. It was five feet tall using Chestnut posts because of their long lasting and smooth
uniform size.

Today in the first year of the third millennium I am daily using my tool shed that was built of chestnut boards a foot wide and more than two inches thick. I was told by an elderly former resident of the farm in the 1940's, that the tool shed at that time was more than a century old.

When I was a teenager I have helped to split chestnut rails for fence repairs when needed due to fallen trees across the fence or damage from a forest fire. I have used a fro in splitting roof shingles for a barn or house roof repair and made hundreds of tobacco sticks.

In 1898 my father built a party telephone line five miles long from his store on Wells Creek into Sandy Hook the County Seat of Elliott County, Kentucky that he might better keep informed about the markets on bartered items. He specified in the construction of the line that all poles be chestnut that were seven
to eight inches in diameter at the butt and twenty-four feet long. He knew that there would not be more than one inch decrease in the diameter in twenty-four linear feet because they grew straight and tall. He also knew that the poles would be uniform and long lasting.

During the days when all homes were heated by open fireplaces the chestnut wood was a favorite kindling for getting the fires started and the chestnut fore-sticks gave enough light to see throughout the room without lighting the old kerosene wick-lamp. Oak, maple or hickories were best for the back-log but they needed the chestnut to get the back-log burning.

Tending the fire properly required patience, continued attention, skill and work. It gave the master of the house a feeling of control of his responsibilities to properly care for his family. In return the fire-place offered the gathering place for the family to meet nightly and report on their experiences of the day,
share their memories of the past, discuss their thoughts and dreams of tomorrows while they enjoyed it's warmth, dreamy drowsy music and the every changing colors of flames dancing shadows on the walls. The chestnut was a favorite for the cook-stove because of its easy kindling and quick heat.

The chestnut trees bloomed in June and July. There was never a crop failure due to a late frost. The nuts ripened in October and early November in Eastern Kentucky. The nut was a reddish brown wrapped inside a yellowish tan prickly bur. When ripened enough it dropped from the tall trees and most burs burst open
when they hit the ground emitting the ripened nut. If they did not burst open a tap with a stick would open them. Behind our home was a small mountain. Half way up on the side of the mountain was a grove of more than sixty chestnut trees that the people of the community called "Dave's Chestnut Grove".

We usually gathered two or three bushels or three forty-pound lard cans full each fall. We used the lard cans in order to keep mice or any other pilfering animals from helping themselves. Our large family enjoyed them on those long winter nights. The community always helped themselves. The nuts were very tasty raw. On cold winter nights we would sometimes sit around the fireside and eat them. Occasionally we
may roast some. Every one liked them, raw or roasted.
The Chinese chestnut does not taste like the semi-sweet tasteful American chestnut. The Chinese ones taste more like raw lima beans or un-roasted peanuts.

I find in my father's 1898 and 1899 ledgers where chestnuts used in bartering at the Country Stores were traded at twelve to fifteen cents per gallon for baking powder at five cents a pound; Salt at two cents a pound; Soda five cents a pound and sugar at four cents a pound.

It pleases me to read that there is hope of bringing the great American Chestnut tree back to life. Back to it's home in the Eastern United States. Back to adorn the hills of Eastern Kentucky and spread the horn of plenty at it's base. They estimate that it may take a century or more to bring them back in numbers as I knew them during my youth. If and when they return, the trees will majestically stand
straight and tall towering over all other trees in the forest and making their many contributions to the area and their native country.

~Gj
it's not easy being green...

PINE CONES HOLLY BERRIES & GREEN GARDENING

2005-12-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

A great Christmas song that was relatively unknown,
Until now...

Pine Cones And Holly Berries
~unknown author

Pine cones and Holly Berries
Popcorn for you, apples for me
Red striped candy, nut cracker handy
Kettle a-bubbleing hot as can be.
snow clouds hang low and threatening
Maybe in won't, praying it may
the brightest fireplace glows in every face
Waiting for Christmas day.

There'll be walk-a-round songs and
talk-a-round songs
Songs of the inn and stable.
There'll be morning time songs and
evening time songs
And grace at every table.
And Jingle bells will jingle all the way all day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel,
One in the park as well
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.

^^

Gardening

Aspects of ‘green’ gardening include:
composting,
furniture and
lighting.

The choices for environmentally friendly garden furniture are increasing,
however it is important to avoid false claims and statements when
purchasing these products. Many items of garden furniture are
incorrectly labelled as ecologically sound, when in fact they
are damaging to the environment.
Always ensure that materials for garden furniture originate from organic, sustainable woodlands.

Composting bins are a good way to safely biodegrade
organic matter which would otherwise be placed in the
general waste stream.
Compost is greatly beneficial to your soil as an end product.

When installing light fittings in the garden,
various issues need to be considered.
Firstly the surrounding area, and whether the light will cause ‘light pollution’.
Secondly, does the installation perform the required task
without using excessive light?
Also, energy efficiency is as ever, a major consideration.

article courtesy of:
Green consumer's guide

~Gj
it's not easy being green...

It's Not Easy Being Green lyrics, COMPOST RECIPE

2005-12-11T19:12:00.000-05:00

This silly little song says soooooo much.........

It's not easy bein' green
~ Joe Raposo

It's not easy bein' green
Having to spend each day
The color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer
Bein' red or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that.

It's not easy bein' green
It seems you blend in
With so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over
'Cause you're not standing out
Like flashy sparkles on the water,
Or stars in the sky.

But green's the color of spring
And green can be cool and friendly like
And green can be big like a mountain
Or important like a river or tall like a tree.

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why
But, why wonder, why wonder?
I'm green and it'll do fine
It's beautiful
and I think it's what I want to be.

^^

BASIC COMPOSTING ARTICLE

COMPOST
courtesy of :
Green Consumer Guide

Composting is like baking a cake.
Simply add the ingredients, stir, "bake"
and out comes - compost!

Below are a few basic steps to follow, together with the ingredients and general directions for composting.
(Don't forget to add the two secret ingredients: air and moisture).

1. Choose a "pot" for baking your compost in.
Any type of composting bin will do even an old plastic dustbin can be used, just cut the bottom out or use two broken wooden pallets - you should be able to get these from a pallet merchants but you may find that a builder will let you have them free of charge.

Take care when dismantling the pallet and make sure that any sharp staples are cut off to prevent injury. The 2 by 4 inch sections provide good uprights and the pallet platform slats can be nailed up the sides. Leave an inch gap between each side panel.

Make sure your bin has a lid to prevent the compost material from becoming waterlogged and that the base of the compost heap is in a shallow hole to aid stability and ensure that any liquids from the degrading process are contained at its base.

2. Place your "green" waste into the composting bin.
Chop or shred the materials if you want them to compost quickly.

3. Spread a little "already done" compost over the compost pile.
This layer contains the micro-organisms and soil animals that do the work of making the compost. It also helps keep the surface from drying out.

4. Add water to a pile that is too dry, and dry straw or sawdust to soggy materials.
The materials should be damp to the touch, but not so wet that
drops come out when you squeeze it.

5. Allow the pile to "bake".
It should heat up quickly and reach the desired temperature (between 32 and 60°C)
in four to five days.
Larger piles heat up better.
Minimum size 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet.

6. Add air by stirring or turning.

7. The pile will reduce in size, this is a good sign that the compost is baking properly.

8. If you mix or turn your compost pile every week, it should be "done", or ready for use,
in one or two months. If you don't turn it, the compost should be ready in about six to twelve months.

9. Your compost should look like dark crumbly soil mixed with small pieces
of organic material. It should have a sweet, earthy smell.

10. Feed compost to hungry plants by mixing it with the soil.

Merry Christmas,
~Gj
it's not easy being green...

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS LYRICS

2005-12-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

Be sure and keep in mind the article below is an 'Opinion" article.
What do you think, do you believe
Jack Nicklaus is the greatest PGA Championship player ever?

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas
Perry Como & The Fontaine Sisters

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten,
Glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in every store,
But the prettiest sight to see
Is the holly that will be
On your own front door.

A pair of hopalong boots
and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben;

Dolls that will talk
and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen;
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait
For school to start again

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go;
And, there's a tree in the Grand Hotel,
One in the park as well,
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring
is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.

A pair of hopalong boots
and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben;
Dolls that will talk and
will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen;
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait
For school to start again

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring
is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.

Ranking the Greatest Golfers at the PGA Championship
~OPINION ESSAY

Who are the best players in the history of the PGA Championship, those golfers who played the best over the years in this major championship?
Here are our picks for the Top 5 PGA Championship players.

Counting them down to No. 1:

5. Gary Player
This was the toughest call on our list. Player has two PGA Championship wins, but so do many others. We could have picked Ben Hogan or Byron Nelson, who each won twice in limited appearances. We could have picked Nick Price, with two wins and five Top 5 finishes. Or Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh, either of whom will move onto this list with another win.

But ultimately, we chose Player for his long history with this tournament and his consistency over the years. Player won twice, but he also had five Top 3 finishes, 6 Top 5s and 8 Top 10s.

4. Gene Sarazen
Like Player, Sarazen is a career Grand Slam winner. "The Squire" burst onto the golf scene in 1922, winning both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship at age 20. He followed up with another PGA victory in 1923, and his third and final PGA win came in 1933. Sarazen also made it to the championship match in 1930, losing 1-down to Tommy Armour.

3. Sam Snead
Along with Sarazen, Snead is a 3-time winner of the PGA Championship. Snead joined the PGA in 1937, won his first PGA Championship in 1942, and didn't play his last PGA until 1981 at the age of 69.

Snead suffered two losses in the match-play finals (1938, 1940) of the PGA Championship before that first victory in 1942. His other two wins (1949, 1951) also came in the match play era, but Snead was very competitive in the stroke-play era, as well. In fact, from 1958 on Snead posted 8 Top 10 finishes.

Three of those came in consecutive years in the early 1970s, when Snead was in his 60s. In 1972 (age 60), he finished fourth; in 1973 (age 61), ninth; in 1974 (age 62), third.

2. Walter Hagen
Many people consider Hagen the greatest PGA Championship player. After all, he won five times (a shared record), including four in a row (a record all his own). But we have no doubt that Hagen, as great as he was, belongs at No. 2 on this list rather than No. 1. Hagen never faced his greatest rival, Bobby Jones, in the PGA because Jones never turned pro.

Still, five wins are five wins. And four in a row? Amazing.

Hagen's first PGA Championship came in 1921 when he defeated the great Jim Barnes in the match-play final. Gene Sarazen won the next two PGAs, but then in 1924 Hagen beat Barnes again for the title. "The Haig" went on to win the next three PGA Championships to make it four in a row.

1. Jack Nicklaus
And here is the other golfer with five career PGA Championship titles. Nicklaus won in 1963, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1980; he was also runner-up in 1964, 1965, 1974 and 1983 (four times being the record). When he won in 1980, Nicklaus set the record for largest margin of victory (seven strokes).

But Nicklaus' greatness in this event is best illustrated by considering a few other records he holds:

• Most Top 3 finishes, 12 (seven more than the runner-up in this category)
• Most Top 5 finishes, 14 (eight more than second place)
• Most Top 10 finishes, 15 (five more than second place)
• Most Top 25 finishes, 23 (five more than second place)

Jack Nicklaus is the greatest PGA Championship player ever.

article courtesy:
(c) Brent Kelley

Merry Christmas,
Thanks for visiting !
-Gj
it's not easy being green...

A Christmas Story & Hazardous Holiday Plants

2005-12-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful season.
Be sure and read the article about the hazards of Holiday plants.
Merry Christmas & Warm Winter wishes,
~Gj
it's not easy being green...

First Christmas
author: (c) Stan Rogers

This day a year ago, he was rolling in the snow
With a younger brother in his father's yard
Christmas break, a time for touching home,
the heart of all he'd known
And leaving was so hard.

Three thousand miles away,
now he's working Christmas Day
Making double time for the minding of the store
Well he always said, he'd make it on his own
He's spending Christmas Eve alone
First Christmas away from home

She's standing by the train station,
pan-handling for change
Four more dollars buys a decent meal and a room
Looks like the Sally Ann place after all,
in a crowded sleeping hall
That echoes like a tomb

But it's warm and clean and free,
and there are worse places to be
At least it means no beating from her Dad
And if she cries because it's Christmas Day
She hopes that it won't show
First Christmas away from home

In the apartment stands a tree,
and it looks so small and bare
Not like it was meant to be,
Golden angel on the top
It's not that same old silver star,
you wanted for your own
First Christmas away from home

In the morning, they get prayers,
then it's crafts and tea downstairs
Then another meal back in his little room
Hoping maybe that "the boys"
will think to phone before the day is gone
Well, it's best they do it soon.

When the "old girl" passed away,
he fell apart more every day
Each had always kept the other pretty well
But the kids all said the nursing home was best
Cause he couldn't live alone
First Christmas away from home.

In the common room they've got the biggest tree
And it's huge and cold and lifeless
Not like it ought to be,
and the lit-up flashing Santa Claus on top
It's not that same old silver star,
you once made for your own
First Christmas away from home.

HAZARDOUS HOLIDAY PLANTS

The poinsettia, everyone's favorite holiday plant, has gotten a bum rap for a number of years. It's been falsely accused of being poisonous, yet no deaths from this plant have ever been recorded. In fact, research studies at Ohio State University have proven that poinsettias present no health hazard.

The rumors arise from a highly questionable report of a single fatality in Hawaii more than 75 years ago, a child who reportedly died after eating one leaf. However, that doesn't mean the poinsettia doesn't have toxic properties. If ingested, it can irritate the mouth and stomach, sometimes resulting in diarrhea or vomiting.

The sap may cause a poison ivy-like blistering on contact with the skin unless washed off immediately. That's why it's important to place poinsettias, and other holiday plants, out of the reach of children and curious pets.

How safe are other holiday plants? Here's the rundown on plants with toxic properties.

HOLLY: Eating the bright, red berries of this plant will cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

JEQUIRITY BEAN (Indian prayer bean): This black-tipped, scarlet bean is used in many dry arrangements. The seed is poisonous if eaten and can cause death.

JERUSALEM CHERRY: Every part of this plant contains toxic substances. Eating the fruit or foliage will adversely affect the heart.

MISTLETOE: Acute stomach and intestinal disorders result from nibbling on the greenish, white berries.

YEW: The leaves, seeds, bark, and twigs of this evergreen can be toxic, causing breathing difficulties, uncontrollable trembling, and vomiting.

Babies, in particular, seem fascinated by the bright berries and shiny or colorful leaves found on many holiday plants and are often tempted to take a bite. Although few plants cause death, you should contact your local poison control center or poison control unit of your local hospital if you suspect your child has eaten any leaves, berries, or flowers of a plant.

article courtesy of:
Dr. Leonard Perry
Extension Professor

Special Christmas link:

Click Here to see Golf Christmas Cards

MAKING YOUR GREENS GREENER

2005-12-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today we are sharing Information on organic
methods for golf courses and composting.

MORE SUPERINTENDANTS TAKING ORGANIC APPROACH
~Course Maintenance
courtesy of :
Doug Saunders (c)

TRUCKEE, Calif. - The interest in organics has increased this year on many fronts other than in the golf industry. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced new guidelines for the labeling of organic products for the marketplace after years of discussion. More organic products are appearing in stores, which increases public awareness about trends in the agricultural industry. More public awareness leads to more concerns on how to best protect our environment.

But for the golf maintenance industry, the talk of organic methods for the golf course is tempered by several factors. Foremost is the desire to present the best possible conditions in order to attract the playing public. Second are the economic factors that have to be weighed as golf course superintendents are continually juggling their budgets in order to satisfy the needs of their golf course and the demands of their course managers.

Can an organic approach satisfy these two primary demands?

Over the last several years more organic fertilizers and products have been introduced to the golf market but the decision to use them is a difficult one for course managers as there is little track record on their effectiveness.

The bottom line in the discussion about the pros and cons of the use of organics on golf courses is that the turf itself knows no difference in nutrients that come from organics or from synthetic methods," explained USGA Green Section agronomist Patrick Gross.

Still, with all of these variables there are golf course superintendents around the country who have made the philosophical commitment to an organic approach to course maintenance. The choice to use organic methods is driven by same desire to develop the healthiest stand of turf possible in order to make the plant more disease resistant. In theory, a healthier plant has less needs for insecticide and herbicide applications.

The big difference in the organic approach is that the primary drive to stimulate healthier turf begins with the concept of doing all that is possible to alter the chemical structure of the soil itself.

"I look at myself as a dirt farmer," explained Mike Kozak of Lahontan Golf Club in Truckee, Calif. "I believe that the neces- sary nutrients for plants are available in every acre of land. My job is to unlock these nutrients from the soil so that they are available to the plant. Synthetic applications go directly to the plant but can have a detrimental effect on soil structure over time."

Around the country some superintendents have begun to look to organic fertilizers as an alternative because of increased environmental concerns. Dave Laurie is the superintendent at Old Brockway Golf Course, an 85-- year-old nine-hole course located near the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Calif., one of the most scrutinized environmental regions in the nation. The lake's water clarity has become a hot issue in the last 20 years, and Laurie and course owner Lane Lewis decided six years ago to take a more proactive approach to deal with the course's impact on the environment.

"We have undertaken a complete refinement of our facility to control how we affect our ecosystem," said Laurie. "We have developed filtration ponds to capture all of our runoff. We have installed a new irrigation system to reduce our water usage. And we have undertaken a total commitment to an organic fertilization program in order to improve our soil structure."

The commitment is important as it takes years of a concerted effort to realize the benefits of an organic approach. For course manager and owner Lewis, he had to weigh the extra cost with the eventual benefits.

"It is more expensive for us to maintain the course organically and we have to make the golfing public aware of what it is that we do here so that they understand and appreciate our approach," Lewis said. "I feel that over time we will be able to lower our fertilization rates to a point that we will see an economic benefit.

"We have also found golfers who play here regularly because of our no pesticide approach," he continued. "Both Dave and I see this approach as turning back to the roots of course maintenance rather than being on the cutting edge of a new concept."

While these mountain courses have an advantage in that they don't have a large list of pathogens to combat, there are courses in other micro-climates that have begun to find benefits to the use of organic fertilizations. Don Paul, CGCS, at De Laveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz, Calif., maintains an 18-hole course near the coast where he must deal with such pathogens as dollar spot, yellow spot and snow molds.

"I have been creating an intense IPM program over the years and the use of organic fertilizers is a part of that program," said Paul. "I am going to expand my plan by including compost tea, which I will use to try to increase microbial rates to try to control snow mold, which I deal with during the cold foggy mornings in the winter. I think that the industry is going to make a more pronounced turn to organics in the future. It just seems like the right thing to do for me."

O--

COMPOST TEA SHOWS PROMISE
courtesy of:
Andrew Overbeck (c)

WOODBURY, NJ. - As more superintendents study organic golf course maintenance practices, compost tea has emerged as viable alternative to a chemical-only approach.

While the compost tea technique has been around for more than a century, today's higher-tech version "brews" compost to create a concentrated "tea" that delivers beneficial microbes and low levels of nutrients to turfgrass.

Evidence at this point is strictly anecdotal, but superintendents using compost tea report less disease pressure, less need for fertilization and irrigation and all-around healthier turf.

Last February, Golf Course News interviewed Woodbury (NJ.) Country Club superintendent Charles Clarke about the results he had gotten after two years of using compost tea. Clarke stuck with his compost tea regimen this year and recorded a third successful season with his "home brew" despite drought conditions and high disease pressure.

"It was a good year with compost tea," said Clarke. "We bought a bigger brewer and we were able to reduce fungicide use again. We only did five curative sprays for dollar spot control on the fairways as opposed to the usual 11 to 12. We also reduced fertilizer on fairways to two pounds of nitrogen.

"On the greens we had no outbreaks, but we did have dollar spot pressure," he continued. "We sprayed curatively and we were able to increase our spray intervals. Overall we reduced fungicide use by 30 percent."
Clark applies five gallons of tea per acre every seven days, but backed off to every 14 days this fall. He had no anthracnose, very little brown patch and pythium and had no algae on his greens.

"I am still tentative with compost tea," said Clarke, "and we are not chemical-free by any means. But we have been able to truly implement an IPM program and I attribute that to the tea."

Seeing Clarke's success, Todd Struse at LuLu Temple Country Club in North Hills, Pa, started a compost tea program this summer.

"We have a real bad anthracnose problem here and it is because of an imbalance in the soil chemistry," he said. "We want to reduce our budget by reducing use of chemicals, nematicides and fertilizers."

Since he is just beginning the program, Struse is applying compost tea at a 35gallon-per-acre rate every week. While it was too soon to see results this season, Struse did benefit from another of Clarke's techniques - topdressing tees with compost during the winter.

"I put down a heavy layer on the tees in January and let it rain in and then blew off the debris," Struse said. "The compost provided enough nutrients so that I didn't have to fertilize them until September."

Clarke topdressed roughs, six tees and two fairways with compost last winter and noticed that it helped combat drought conditions.

"We have a mixture of bluegrass and ryegrass in the roughs and they went dormant later and bounced back earlier. The areas we didn't get to went dormant right off," he said.

Clarke plans to topdress the whole course this year.

COMPOST TEA CATCHING ON?

If compost tea provides at least some benefits, why aren't more superintendents aren't using it? Clarke said the lack of university research is the biggest problem.

"A lot of guys won't accept it until a Rutgers or a Penn State or an NC State says `Yes this is the way to go.' Unfortunately this is a grass-roots thing and there is no one with the money to pay for a study," said Clarke.

"So far, anecdotal evidence is the only way [information on] compost tea gets out there,"

~Gj
it's not easy being green...

HAVE A MERRY & GREEN CHRISTMAS

2005-12-07T18:57:00.000-05:00

Interesting Golf fact:
Why is there 18 holes ?
Around 1764, St. Andrews converted the course from 22 to 18 holes but
18 holes did not become the standard, until the early 1900's.

I find it fascinating that Golf, as we know it, has been around almost 262 years and the game itself was invented over 550 years ago.

Christmas Dinner
Paul Stookey, 1963

And it came to pass on a Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
Outside standing, lonely boy-child
Cold and shivering in the night

On the street, every window
Save but one, was gleaming bright
And to this window walked the boy-child
Peeking in saw, candle light

Through other windows he had looked at turkeys
Ducks and geese, cherry pies
But through this window saw a grey-haired lady
Table bare and tears in her eyes

Into his coat reached the boy-child
Knowing well there was little there
He took from his pocket,
his own Christmas dinner
A bit of cheese, some bread to share

His outstretched hands
held the food and they trembled
As the door, it opened wide
Said he, Would you share with me Christmas dinner
Gently said she, Come inside

The grey-haired lady brought forth to the table
Glasses two and her last drop of wine
Said she, Here's a toast to everyone's Christmas
and especially, yours and mine

And it came to pass on that Christmas evening
While all the doors were shuttered tight
That in that town, the happiest Christmas
Was shared by candle light

~

Hello Friends,,
Today, I want to share a few excerpts from Brent Kelley's
Where and When Did Golf Begin?

"It's definitely true that golf as we know it emerged in Scotland. The Scots were playing golf in its very basic form - take a club, swing it at a ball, move ball from starting point to finishing hole in as few strokes as possible - by at least the mid-15th Century."

"In fact, the earliest known reference to golf comes from King James II of Scotland, who, in 1457, issued a ban on the playing of golf and football (soccer). Those games, James complained, were keeping his archers from their practice. James III in 1471 and James IV in 1491 each re-issued the ban on golf."

"But the game continued to develop in Scotland over the decades and centuries, until 1744 when the first-known rules of golf were put down in writing in Edinburgh.
Golf as it was then played would be easily recognized by any modern golfer."

~end of excerpt~

Little White Golf Ball
(c) Tom Krause

Little white golf ball please tell me of the trick
to hitting you down the middle with this skinny little stick.

I try to keep my left arm straight - my head is always down -
but still I see my best attempt go dribbling on the ground.

Why do I pull you to the left, or slice you to the right?
What will it take to hit you straight until you're out of sight?

The money spent on lessons - all the practice balls I hit
only adds to my frustration when it doesn't help a bit.

For even when I do things right it only lasts a while.
It never seems like very long before I lose my smile.

Little golf ball please tell me of the trick
to hitting you down the middle with this skinny little stick.

~Gj
it's not easy being green.

DECEMBER TIPS & GOLF GREEN NEWS

2005-12-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Friends,
Today we are sharing an environmental article that
discusses the benefits of using Rubber / Tire Recycling
techniques for the construction of Golf Greens.
Very Interesting Information For the "Green" Golfer.
We also have a December Garden Tips article for you.

~Greenjeans
its not easy being green...

RECYCLED RUBBER AS A DRAINAGE LAYER MEDIUM UNDER GREENS

Research has led to the development of an innovative technology to remove toxic compounds in landfills by replacing gravels in the leachate collection system with shredded tires, which have significant capability to adsorb toxic compounds.

To see if this research could have possible use on golf course greens, confetti-sized pieces of scrap tires (ground rubber) were placed in 4-inch thick layers between the layers of sand, peat root mix and subgrades commonly used beneath golf greens. The greens were then soaked with water spiked with nitrate.

The results showed that fields with a 10-centimeter layer of tire chips released about 58 percent less nitrate than samples without rubber layers (crumb rubber used in the sublayer compared with pea gravel). Nor was pH of infiltrated water altered with the crumb rubber sublayer addition. In addition, the health of the plots suggests the rubber layers did not alter the turfgrass quality or growth in terms of quality, color or density of turfgrass among three configurations.

While the research focused on nitrates, because many golf greens are built near groundwater level or wetlands, it is believed ground rubber would also adsorb a range of pesticides and fertilizers as demonstrated in laboratory-scale experiments. The layer of ground rubber under the greens and fairways in golf courses would also lengthen the playing time due to less freezing and a longer growth period because ground rubber has eight times better insulation value than gravel. Further benefits could include less compaction due to the resilient property of ground tires and easier construction due to the light weight of ground tires in comparison to gravels. Since ground rubber is 1/3 to 1/2 times the weight of soil, it could be used as back-fill material for greens constructed in soft foundations and the construction cost is cheaper, although the cost of the material may be higher than for gravels.

The research indicates that in areas where the sub-grade soils are porous this technology could prevent groundwater from potential contamination. An added environmental benefit could be a useful market for the 280 million scrap tires generated annually in the United States. While the research was not directed at a means to dispose of scrap tires, but rather to make golf courses environmentally safer and friendlier, the researcher estimates that a rubber layer under the greens for just one 18-hole golf course could require up to 72,000 scrap tires and over 1 million tires if also installed in fairways and drainage systems. In addition to this, ground rubber-based products are already being used on golf courses as a topdressing to improve traffic tolerance and as a soil amendment to improve porosity.

article courtesy:
Golf Course News

DECORATING AND OTHER DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS

Most people, gardeners included, would not consider December a month to focus on plants. While it's true that there's little that can be done outdoors in the garden, plants still play a very important role this month, especially in holiday decorating and celebrations.

What would Christmas be without an evergreen tree, poinsettia, or mistletoe? Kwanzaa, an observance of African heritage and culture in America, also has ties to horticulture. The name is Kiswahili for Afirst fruits of the harvest." It's celebrated in late December and is patterned after traditional celebrations among African agricultural societies at harvest time.

For many Vermonters, Christmas just isn't Christmas without an evergreen tree. But do you know what to look for to make sure the tree is fresh and will last throughout the season?
If you buy your tree from a cut-your-own place, you'll know it's fresh. For precut trees, test for freshness by bending the needles between your fingers. If they don't snap or break, then the tree is fresh. Or bounce the tree on the ground. A shower of falling needles indicates that the tree is too dry.

If possible, wrap the tree for the ride home to keep it from drying out. Once home, keep it in a bucket of warm water in a cool, protected place like the garage. Just before you bring it indoors, cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk to allow better water absorption.

Add tree preservative (available at many hardware and garden stores) to the water in the stand to keep the tree fresher longer. Check the water level often, and replenish as needed.

Boughs of Colorado spruce, balsam, and white pine provide an aromatic decoration for the holidays, or any time during the cold winter months. You can cut your own, or buy boughs at most outlets where Christmas trees are sold, to use on the mantle or as a centerpiece. Or try your hand at making your own wreath.

If you decorate with pinecones, place them on a cookie sheet and "bake" in a 200 F degree-oven for a few hours. Cool before using. This will kill any insect pests that hitched a ride inside.

You also can decorate your home for the holidays or the season with azaleas, cyclamens, Christmas cacti, and, everyone's favorite, poinsettias. Be sure to purchase plants that are disease- and insect-free. Look for lush, green foliage, and avoid cold injury by wrapping well for the trip from store to home.

Once home, remove the decorative foil or punch a small hole in the foil to allow water to drain freely out of the bottom holes. Place your holiday plants away from drafts and heating sources.

If giving a plant as a holiday gift, try to match the plant with the environment of the recipient's home or office. For locations with plenty of light, poinsettias, chrysanthemums, or other flowering plants are ideal gift choices. Many of these plants require warmer room temperatures to thrive. A few exceptions are cyclamens and azaleas, which like bright light and cooler temperatures. Choose foliage plants for low-light locations.

For apartment dwellers and others with limited space, a hanging plant may be a more welcome choice than a large potted plant. Terrariums make an excellent gift for people with small children or pets.

Gardening books and magazines, tools, and landscape ornaments also make great gifts for friends and family members at Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. December is also a good time to write to seed companies to get on the mailing list for next years catalogs. Having several different catalogs allows you to compare not only varieties, but prices, too.

Outdoors, prevent salt damage to plants and trees by using environmentally friendly salts, kitty litter, plant fertilizer, or sand on icy walks and driveways. Protect shrubs growing under the eaves of your house by wrapping them with burlap to protect them from ice falling from the roof.

Ice and heavy snows sometimes damage branches of trees and shrubs. But don't be too quick to act if ice causes drooping limbs. Wait until the ice melts before deciding to stake or prune. Often, the plant will straighten up on its own. If you do need to prune, be sure your pruning shears are sharp.

If you have a greenhouse or other indoor growing area, remove all plant material that has "gone by," throw out old potting soil, and sterilize pots and trays prior to reusing them. Maintaining a greenhouse free of plant material for several weeks or months will help avoid pest problems next year.

Other activities for December: grow your own sprouts; check stored produce for spoilage; repot root-bound houseplants; take a gardening course or attend a professional horticulture meeting.

By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
Dr. Vern Grubinger, Extension Associate Professor
University of Vermont

WELCOME to GARDENS GREENHOUSES & GOLF

2005-12-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

ORANGERIES AND GREENHOUSES

Did you know that the modern day greenhouse had its origins in the 1600s? The purpose was the same--to protect plants during winter and to grow plants outside of their native environments.

The first known greenhouses were constructed by the northern Europeans to grow oranges, a fruit exotic to their area. They called the structures "orangeries" and built them of glass and masonry and heated them with stoves.

Peasants could not afford to have greenhouses, given the high cost of materials. Thus, it became a status symbol, especially among the aristocracy, to own an orangery.

Alexander I, the Russian czar, had three. An enormous one was built at the Palace of Versailles in France, measuring 500 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 700 feet high! Even the father of our country, George Washington, had a greenhouse constructed at Mount Vernon, his home. It was called a pinery, since he built it to grow pineapples, his favorite fruit.

By the middle of the 19th century, the popularity of greenhouses had peaked. What's more, materials became less expensive and more readily available, so greenhouses and growing plants under glass were no longer a pastime only of the wealthy.

There was also competition by cities and countries to build conservatories. These housed exotic, non-native plants as well as common varieties, and were open to the public. One of the most famous was the Crystal Palace in London, which was built in 1851.

Today, greenhouses are common everywhere, used both by commercial businesses and homeowners to start plants, grow plants out of season, and display heat-loving tropicals and exotics. Greenhouses come in all sizes and forms from large, freestanding structures to ones that fit in an apartment window. Attached greenhouses are popular with homeowners, as they can be added to a house to form another room, which also can be used as a sun room.

At the University of Vermont (UVM) we have 11 interconnected greenhouses, each with its own individual environmental controls. These are used for research projects, undergraduate and graduate teaching, and to house many different varieties of interesting plants. These state-of-the-art greenhouses are open to the public, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

article courtesy of
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont

~~~

HOLIDAY GREENS AND THEIR TRADITIONS

The holly and the ivy, mistletoe, and laurel are greens (plants or plant leaves) we see everywhere over the holidays. Their use, and traditions associated with their use, dates back hundreds of years. All were signs in winter of hope and rebirth to come.

The laurel with its wide, dark green leaves that are spicy-fragrant when crushed, is native to the Mediterranean. Before cut greens began to be used, the Romans would bring potted laurel trees indoors during winter. More important than their value for decorating was the belief that these plants sheltered gods of growth and rejuvenation. By having laurel indoors, it was believed one could tap into these godly powers.

The Romans first, and later the Christians, began to deck their halls with boughs of holly as it was believed to have protective powers. It was often hung on doors to chase away evil sprits, or else to catch them with the prickly leaves. The Romans also considered holly sacred, a good omen, representing immortality, and sheltering elves and faeries. This latter belief may have come even earlier from the Teutonic tribes to the north. Romans gave holly for gifts during the festival of Saturnalia-- a week-long party based partly on earlier Greek and Egyptian solstice festivals.

The early Christians in Rome decorated their homes with holly as well, and it gradually became a Christmas symbol as Christianity became the main religion. To the Christians, the holly with its prickly leaves represented the crown of thorns on Jesus, and their red berries the blood he shed.

The song "The Holly and the Ivy" has its roots in an English tradition from the Middle Ages. The soft ivy was twined around the more prickly holly in arrangements. Not only was this for aesthetic purposes, but the holly symbolized males and the ivy females, and their combination a good-natured rivalry between the two.

The use of ivy as a decoration once again dates back to Roman times, when it became associated with Bacchus--the god of good times and revelry. It symbolized prosperity and charity, and so for early Christians was used during Christmas-- a time to celebrate good times and to provide for the less fortunate. If ivy was growing on the outside of houses, it was thought to prevent misfortune. If it died, though, this was a sign of approaching financial problems.

Mistletoe occupies a fascinating place in the folklore of many early culture, especially those of northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the British Isles. A botanical curiosity, mistletoe is the only complete plant that is a true parasite, often killing the hardwood tree it infests. For this reason, it was credited with magical properties by ancient societies and held sacred.
The Druids made great use of the plant in celebrations. In a ceremony held five days past the New Moon following the winter solstice, Druid priests would climb an oak tree and cut down the mistletoe. Crowds below would catch it in outstretched robes, as even a single sprig hitting the ground would bring bad luck. Catching it, on the other hand, was believed to bring fertility for animals.

In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was believed to symbolize peace. If enemies happened to meet under trees with mistletoe, they would disarm and call a truce for the day. With our images of rough Norse soldiers, this paints an interesting and seemingly unlikely picture!
Mistletoe also grows in the warmer climates of this country, and was used as medicine by the native Americans. Also known as "allheal", they used it to treat dog bites, toothache and measles.

So where does the custom of kissing under the mistletoe come from? Many believe it is an English custom, which dictates that after each kiss, one of its white berries must be plucked from the bunch and discarded. When the berries are all gone, the kissing must stop. Needless to say, bunches with many berries were highly sought.

The custom of kissing dates back much further though, once again to Scandinavian mythology. An arrow made of mistletoe killed Balder, the son of Frigga who was the Norse goddess of love. Her tears, falling on the mistletoe, turned into white berries. In her sorrow she decreed that mistletoe would never again be used for death, but rather for love. Whomever should stand beneath it should receive a kiss.

It was perhaps during the Victorian era in America that the fir and pine we commonly use today became popular. These, together with hemlock, yew, bay, and the more historic greens, were made into lavish arrangements. Another tradition of the 19th century was to use these to form wreaths, stars, and crosses to decorate graves at Christmas. These greens were later brought home to enjoy through the rest of the winter, just as we do now during the holidays.

article courtesy of:
Dr. Leonard Perry,
Extension Professor
University of Vermont

Wishing a very Happy Holiday Season to you, your family and friends.

~Greenjeans
it's not easy being green...