Monday, May 30, 2016

There is Still Time to Plant Herbs

To the Left: Rosemary, Spearmint and Oregano~
This year consider the legendary uses of herbs and perhaps select a few to include in the scope of your garden. Selection should include herbs for making tea. Tea is second only to water as the most consumed beverage in the world. Herbal teas made from dried fruit, flowers or herbs that have been collected from the garden are lighter and more flavorful than traditional tea.



Legend says the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was boiling drinking water one day in 2737 B.C. when some leaves from a tea plant fell into the water. The emperor drank the mixture and declared it gave one "vigor of body, contentment of mind, and determination of purpose."


In 400 B.C. the Greeks included herbal teas in their regime of wellness. By 50 B.C. the Romans were collecting and cultivating herbs and by 200 A.D., Galen wrote the first classification system that paired common illnesses with their herbal remedy.


By 800 Monks had taken over the care of the sick and had herbal gardens at most monasteries. Herbalists were promoted and supported by Henry VII in the 1500's by the Parliament while apothecaries (drug stores of the time) were accused of giving substandard care. Charles Wesley gave his endorsement in 1700 when he advocated sensible eating, good hygiene and herbal treatments for healthy living.



In 1800 pharmaceuticals become popular and herbal treatments were designated as cures used for the poor. However as the side effects of drugs began to be documented, herbal remedies came into favor again. The National Association of Medical Herbalists was formed, and later renamed the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH.) By 1900 and the first World War pharmaceutical drugs were unavailable so herbal medicines were once again used.


After the war pharmaceutical production increased and penicillin was discovered. Herbal practitioners had their rights to dispense their medications taken away and then reinstated. The British Herbal Medicine Association was founded and produced the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. People began to express the concern over the large number of side effects and environmental impact of the drugs of the 1950s so herbs once again gained importance. Herbs are an outdoor pharmacy provided to us by the Almighty. Simple grow and easy to make, an herbal tea from the garden is a natural health drink.



Spearmint would be a lovely addition to the herb bed. Used in ancient Rome, the ensuing drink made from dried leaves was said the ‘stir up the mind’. Since it is caffeine-free, an afternoon cup could be savored as valuable ‘pick me up’ that has no side effects.



Chamomile is another lovely plant. Originally from the Nile region of Egypt, it was believed to cure almost any ailment. It has remained a favorite as its true properties relieve anxiety and promote calm. It was the tea Mrs. Rabbit made for Peter as she gently tucked him into bed following his harrowing escape from Mr. McGreggor. In these stressful times a sweetly scented evening cup would be a wonderful way to end the day. The list of herbs and their medicinal qualities is endless... and as close as your garden.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

WWI and WWII... Images of my Father from childhood on.


My Daddy in 1918, at age six, in his WWI uniform...
He was destined for the Military



In the field circa 1940's
He is the one with the cigarette

Thank Everyone For Their Service

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The Parakeet and the Frying Pan



Another story: One time when the twins were about 14, meaning Lize was two with everyone else between two years apart, Marshall had trained his parakeet Whitey to do fantastic tricks. As I was frying chicken (!) he brought him in to show me he could do a flip. Well, Whitey took off and landed in the frying pan... with the chicken. I immediately grabbed him and put him in a cup of cold water... he seemed very alert so I thought maybe it was okay however when I checked he was NOT. Everyone was horrified so I made them wait until Michael got home from work so he could check him out. to check him out. He had the kids stay at the house and took him to the barn... he lifted him from the water, noting his legs had fallen off. Whitey 'flew away' down by the barn. Mercifully!


The kids were heartbroken so the next day after Michael left for work I told them to load into the station wagon and we would run to Walmart to get another. Unfortunately, I had not renewed my drivers license for about 6 or 8 years since I never drove... too busy with the 7 kids to drive. It was before seatbelt laws and the mood in the car was excited... Mom was driving!


We were almost to El Reno when I saw the flashing lights of a police car... I was being pulled over. The officer came to my side and asked to see my license because of the 'activity' in the car. The kids looked horrified since they knew I didn't have one, but I persevered grabbing my purse, looking through it, exclaiming, 'Where is my license... did one of you kids take it out of my purse'. I kept looking, under the seat, in the side pocket, in the glove box until he had me get out of the station wagon, now swaying with kids jumping from seat to seat, and come to the cruiser. I got in the cruiser with him, he ran the plates and my name and announced, 'You don't have a license do you? Why did you lie to me'. I told him it seemed the right thing to do at the time.

He told me he could arrest me and put me in jail. I said, 'Officer, do you see that swaying bouncing vehicle with seven crazy children in it? Well, go ahead and send me to jail, that will be fine with me... I could use a rest'. He answered, 'Well I'm not going to arrest you, I'm going to ticket you for no license. Go home now.' (Which I did not!)


As Michael got home from work, the kids rushed to the gate joyfully shouting, Mom almost got sent to the slammer!, the Police are after her, and so forth... over and over again. Michael was in shock... I think maybe he grounded me for a week over that fiasco!
*I had to take a test and get a license the next week.




Update on the story:
Update on the parakeet story: Naturally I defied the officer and went to Walmart to get a new Whitey... who was green! (If I had the guts to drive without a license, I would of course defy the officer.)
I had to see him in Court and present my new license, which was traumatic to get... imagine taking the written/driving test again!

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

More on Pollen... Tips for Survival





More on Pollen

It must be noted that early buds on the trees arrive with considerable pollen. Without going into intricate scientific explanations, it may be simply stated that the pollen of most trees, shrubs, and grasses is lighter than the pollen of flowers. It may be carried by the wind as high as three miles up and as far as 100 miles from the original plant. Easily inhaled, it is the culprit of the condition called hay fever (or allergies) as it may irritate an individual’s throat and nose.
As way of compensation, the pollen on flowers that arrive later in the season is generally much heavier… meaning it does not tend to blow about with such a vengeance. Thus as the season progresses, misery may ease a bit.

Tips to Survive:
*Do not invite pollen inside by opening doors and windows for fresh air on pretty days… there is no fresh air during pollen season.
*A thorough spring cleaning of the house, top to bottom to remove dust.
*Postponing morning coffee in the garden until after ten when overnight pollen has settled.
*Stay inside on hot, dry, windy days if at all possible…
*Do not hang laundry, especially sheets, on the line as allergens collect on them.
*Wash your hands after playing in the yard, wash your hair before bed, and change your pillowcase daily.
*Be aware of high mold spore counts after a heavy rain or in the evening. Dizziness and/or blurry vision are clues the spore count is high.

*Hydration is very necessary... and since allergy compounds tend to dry out the system, an increase in water is a total necessity. I read of an account during the war in Iraq where soldiers were in confinement when one had an allergic reaction and was unable to breathe. Another soldier provided him with water and told him to keep drinking it until he could catch his breath... it worked and he totally recovered in several minutes. If going outside take a glass of water with you and sip it often.

If necessary, take a medication for Allergies: 
For basic relief, take an Antihistamine. There are many kinds of antihistamines, most of which do not require a prescription. The antihistamines that have been around for a long time are called first-generation antihistamines which have been used for many years and are considered safe and effective. Some of the best-known ones are Benadryl, Demeaned, Chlor-Trimeton and Zirtec-D. The main negative to these antihistamines is that they cause most people to become sleepy, however this effect may be modified if one takes a low dose headache remedy containing caffeine, which combats the drowsiness with no ill effects.
A Decongestant such as Sudafed opens up the nose, makes breathing easier, and reduces drainage. The decongestants tend to be a stimulant for many people so when using combination of antihistamine and decongestant, the decongestant helps to counter the sedating characteristic of the antihistamine.
Note:
Second-Generation Antihistamines such as Allegra and Claritin do not cause drowsiness, but are much more expensive with Allegra requiring a prescription.  Loratdine does not require a prescription, is easily available, and the site suggests it as one of the first things to try when having allergy problems.

Scientists assure our species will adapt to the ‘new’ environment and survive. I certainly hope they are correct... if they are not, the plants shall inherit the Earth.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Super Pollen

Last week National Public Radio news reported an incident which occurred at a Western Oklahoma school involving students on a playground suddenly having difficulty breathing. They were of various ages, playing totally different outdoor games so there was no interconnection between them. They began gasping, several collapsed, while others were transported to the hospital on oxygen. After initial investigation by authorities, environmental scientists were called in for an official opinion.




The incident was caused due to a strong wind blowing over an adjacent wheat field causing wheat pollen to be blown to the playground. Experts hurried to explain it was the new and improved 'super pollen'... the wind had provided a pollen tsunami. In 2011 scientific articles on the effects of Global Warming were published by experts who predicted pollen will increase to the status of 'super' in the coming years... and thus it has.


In spite of many gardeners (myself included) who resisted the notion of genetically modified seeds with the dramatic increase of world population it has been necessary to improve production of crops lest millions of people starve. However the natural evolution of our scientific efforts to boost production has been that crops are two steps ahead of us. It takes but six generations for wheat to adapt and produce seeds which are unaffected by roundup, a chemical herbicide which should ordinarily kill them. For self preservation, plants have super activated their 'immune system' and are producing pollen which will ensure their survival... this pollen is far more potent than the pollen of yesteryear.


Additionally, experts conclude increased emissions of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by fuel propelled autos, airplanes, and large machinery have aided in plant adaptation. Since plants and grasses utilize carbon dioxide in the production of their food, the theory is that plants and grasses are now receiving the equivalent of daily doses of fertilizer. Gardeners who supply fertilizer in regular intervals know their plant life is rejuvenated by such applications so the theory is not off base.


Government research on Ragweed, the major culprit of allergens in the fall, indicate it produces more pollen and larger pollen as the growing season lengthens and the carbon dioxide levels rise. According to the US Agriculture Research Service, Ragweed already produces 131% more pollen now as opposed to a hundred years ago. Their projection was that by 2050 the percentage number would rise to an alarming 320% however this research has been modified and this percentage number will be reached by 2017.


Research also indicates trees and grasses, the prime sources of allergy misery in the spring and summer, also are in the process of becoming super pollinators.
Information is best utilized to protect our young and elderly who are our most vulnerable... perhaps stay inside during one of our new 'super wind' storms.
Photo: Blowing pollen

Friday, May 13, 2016

My Day in the Garden... where did I leave stuff?

I wrote this a good ten years ago, but it still rings true today... I'm still hanging on!




                                                My day in the Garden


This is how my gardening days usually go lately; I can’t find anything in the yard anymore. I spend all my time looking for lost tools. I’ll prune something, stack it then drop the pruners to carry off debris, planning to return momentarily. I see something else on the way back to the pruners and become distracted from the pruning job.


A large clump of grasses or weeds lurking amongst the flowers catch my eye. I weed a bit then I begin to look for the rake to rake the weeds and grass I’ve just pulled before they can rebound and reroot. On my way to find the rake I see a lily with a heavy head that needs to be staked. I remember a stake is on the spent Iris so I go looking for it. I finally locate it then stake the plant.


Then I remember, as I see the wilting weeds, I am looking for the rake. I finally find it in some obscure place then rake the weeds into a pile. I need my gloves to pick up the pile so I go to the garden table to get them. Not there. I remember I took them to the house so they would not get rain soaked, so I go to get them on the ledge on the porch. Bingo. Gloves on I now pick up the weeds. 


As I am carrying them off I see a six pack of wilting Petunias that desperately need to be put in the ground. I need my trowel. Hmmm? I look for one of my three trowels and finally find one in the herb bed where I was digging grass days ago. I plant the Petunias then notice something that needs to be pruned. I can't remember where I left the pruners, it’s getting hot, I’m beginning to sweat and need a drink of water.  I’ve gone full circle so no wonder I'm tired at night.


Now if I could get an uninterrupted night’s sleep! **Eyes fly open at two in the morning....riddled with guilt. I forgot to water-in the damn petunias!

Monday, May 9, 2016

Majestic Magnolias




 

The weather of late has produced the most beautiful long-lasting flower show we have had in many years. The Redbud bloomed for a full month, followed by the Flowering Quince and various Weigela. The Jonquils and Tulips were spectacular as well with the early and late blooming varieties providing glory to excite us about every aspect of spring. The marvelous iridescent Iris, with their spectacular form and colors are still filling gardens with their sweet scent. The Poppies are swelling and the Larkspur have begun to produce tiny bunny rabbit flowers dancing along their delicate stems.  In spite of the storms, it has truly been a spring to relish!

 

The flowers on the majestic Magnolia have begun to swell and soon their marvelous scent will fill the air. Traditional in the deep South, the marvelous Magnolia is well suited for Oklahoma. Their deep green leathery leaves have a slightly fuzzy taupe underside and remain evergreen all year... as with most hard wood trees, their growth is slow. . The oldest Magnolia on record is 136 years old and lives in Cleveland Ohio.

 

Asian species were introduced to the Americas in 1780 where they were carefully cultivated to produce superior creamy white flowers with a deep lemony scent. In spite of their sturdy appearance, the showy flowers are quite fussy and must be handled without touching the petals to avoid discolored bruising that will inevitably occur. For this reason they do not fare well in arrangements but are rather cut with a short stem and ’floated’ as a single specimen in a large shallow bowl or vase.

 

The leaves of the Magnolia are prized as no other species of tree. They are traditionally used decoratively... most importantly during December festivities. The large leathery leaves may be cut at their peak and perfectly preserved with glycerin. Glycerin is an organic emollient that may be absorbed through the stems of the leaves to preserve their freshness.


 I remember my Mother going on quests for perfect leaves… driving about neighborhoods then politely asking complete strangers if she could have ‘a few leaves from their lovely tree‘. Perhaps it was her sweet low-country Carolina drawl or her charm that made people pleased and even flattered to gift her batches of their leaves!

 

To preserve the leaves use one part glycerin to two parts very hot water. Put the glycerin solution in a short plastic wastebasket, cut the magnolia leaves with suitably long stems and pound the bottom of them to open the major artery before submerging the stems in the liquid.

 

The Magnolia leaves will ‘drink’ the glycerin and slowly change from green to a gorgeous chestnut color. It takes three to five weeks for the leaves to absorb the glycerin and when the leaves begin to feel flexible it is time to remove them. They must be hung upside and allowed to dry completely before use.

The stunning painting by American artist Martin Johnson Heade is titled 'Magnolia on Red Velvet' circa 1885

Monday, May 2, 2016

Ladybugs and Aphids




Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Aphids...and Ladybugs

Happy May! The lovely spring weather has been absolutely perfect this year with 'April showers bring May flowers' as our motto. The cool mornings with the nice slow warm-up throughout the day has been the gardeners dream!

 Unfortunately the cloudy days have been the impetus for rapid aphid reproduction... bright daylight tends to impede it. Aphids are known throughout the world as perhaps the single most destructive pest known to both farmers and gardeners alike. They arrive in the spring and with the damp and favorable conditions this year they seem to be in great abundance, making their presence known throughout all of central and western Oklahoma.
Known as plant lice, greenflies, or blackflies they are small sap-sucking insects who will literally suck the life out of plants. A little known species of the aphid family is the white or wooly fly, that tiny dab of white thread-like fluff that jumps when you jiggle the plant they are resting upon. Fossils indicate that Aphids have been present for 280 million years and today there are approximately 4,000 aphid species found throughout the world. These monsters can migrate great distances by riding on winds looking for a fresh food source... one of our lettuce aphids arrived on the wind from Australia.

As with most invasive garden pests, aphids are extremely adaptable to ever-changing conditions. In fact if a host plant becomes ill or conditions become overly crowded, some aphids are able to spontaneously sprout wings to fly to a new food source. They have specialized mouth parts that enable them to stick a straw-like mouth piece into a plant stem and begin sucking the protein from it, therefore making it ill. They secrete a chemical that allows for free flowing fluid from the plant while exuding droplets of a quick-hardening fluid that surrounds their body with a shell for protection.


During feeding Aphids also produce a fluid called 'honeydew' which is a sticky goo which may be found on any surface where aphids have resided. An unusual side effect of this substance is that when it hardens it turns black creating a sooty mold fungus... roses are the most frequent victims.
This honeydew is a food source for several  species of ants who actually 'farm' the aphids, causing them to produce honeydew by a process of 'milking' by a stroke of their antennae. These ants manage thousands of aphids which are called herds and to assure survival of their food source, the ants gather aphid eggs and protectively store them for the winter. In the spring, the ants carry the newly hatched aphids back to the plants to settle in and once again become their grocery store. (*Sarcastic note: 'Thanks ants'.)

Heavy aphid infestations will cause leaves to curl, wilt or yellow with stunted plant growth and  aphids can actually cause a plant to die a slow death of dehydration, since liquids have either been drained or compromised. Aphids are simply not allowed in the garden as they provide nothing but destruction... unless you are an ant.


Therefore they must be exterminated and instead of spraying a pesticide which will kill beneficial bees, butterflies, Praying Mantis, beetles and everything else, purchase a flat of lady bugs. Each Ladybug will eat over 75 aphids a day and are able to discover them in their secret hiding places... plus discovering ladybugs in the garden is a delight every child as well as those of us who still retain childish joys!
Photo: Just released Lady bugs here on May Day... they are getting to work!
*They may be ordered online for as little as $12 for 1,200 voracious ladybugs... get some this week.